Jul
23
By Marica Mackenroth
One of the greatest things about living in New Orleans is the abundance of celebration and events. Residents see each and every event as a chance to celebrate their heritage and come together as people.
This year, the city celebrated Independence Day with true New Orleans grace and style.
Each year, the Riverfront Marketing Group throws its annual “Go 4th on the River” Fourth of July Event. If you have never heard of it, let us tell you it is truly a sight to see. Ranked 5th “must see” fireworks display in the US by the American Pyrotechnic Association, the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza draws hundreds to the New Orleans Riverfront. Set to patriotic tunes simulcast on local radio stations, barges painted the sky with gorgeous fireworks, dubbed “A Symphony in the Sky.”
Crowds gathered all along the Mississippi River and filled local hotels and balconies to take in the display. You could catch sight of the red, white and blue everywhere, and groups of friends and families alike took part in the fun filled event.
As New Orleanians are so proud of their city, the greatest time was had celebrating both New Orleans and our nation.
Jul
8
Plan to be in New Orleans for Satchmo Summerfest…the premier American jazz festival dedicated to the life, music and legacy of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. This free community event is produced by the same great organization that produces French Quarter Festival and Christmas New Orleans Style!
The event features live, local music on four stages; fascinating speakers, seminars and discusssions, special events such as Louis Armstrong Birthday Party, Satchmo Art Show, Kids’ activities, Jazz Mass, second line parade, ‘Red Beans & Ricely Yours’ luncheon, Trumpet Tribute, Satchmo Club Strut, and more!
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without fabulous food and drinks! Great New Orleans restaurants will be serving all of Satchmo’s favorite dishes and lots of Abita beer and Plum St. Snowballs will be on hand.
For more information, go to www.fqfi.org.
Jun
19
Looking for a great place to spend the July 4th holiday…well look no further and plan to come to the New Orleans Riverfront for the annual “Go 4th on the River” celebration.
After a full day of entertainment and events at all the attractions along the riverfront, the excitement is focused on the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 pm…ranked 5th “must see” fireworks display in the United States by the American Pyrotechnic Association.
This unique salute to America’s independence will feature a ” Symphony in the Sky” from barges over the Mighty Mississippi. Choreographed to stirring patriotic classics and simulcast on WWL 870 AM and Magic 101.9 FM, Classic Fireworks by Pyrotecnico paints beautiful strokes of radiant light with the sky as a canvas and color as the palette.
Participating riverfront attractions include:
Harrah’s Casino
French Market
Steamboat NATCHEZ
Riverwalk
Paddlewheeler CREOLE QUEEN
JAX Brewery
Pat O’s on the River
Hard Rock Cafe
The Shops at Canal Place
The Westin Hotel
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant at the Hilton
Mardi Gras World
For more details, click on www.go4thontheriver.com
May
23
by Shawn Plep
Every man should experience a real barber shop at least once in his life. I’m not talking about a hair stylist, and I’m not referring to a salon - or even a “men’s salon” (whatever that is). I am talking about a genuine barber shop. That’s right: a barber shop. The sort of place that’s becoming harder to find these days.
I’m talking about a place with the classic red-and-white barber pole. A place that offers shaves with straight-razors and hot towels. A place that has men’s magazines in the waiting area (Popular Mechanics and Playboy instead of People and Oprah). A place that looks like a real barber shop should look: leather and dark wood everywhere, old-style barber chairs, vintage pinups on the walls, a bottle of Barbasol and a shave brush among the barber’s tools.
Aiden Gill for Men is a true enclave for men, located on Magazine Street in New Orleans (there’s also a newer Uptown location). From the moment you walk in, you know you’ve arrived at the right place. (Assuming you’re a man who wants a great haircut or shave.) The front (retail) area of the shop displays an overwhelming array of barbershop memorabilia as well as a fine selection of products for purchase (such as soaps, razors, and even cufflinks and desk accessories). But a truly wonderful experience waits past the partitions as you walk into the barbershop proper.
Throughout my life, as a guy getting a haircut at most small-town barbershops my reception usually has involved a gruff guy with a Marines tattoo on his forearm saying, “Neeext.” Not at Aiden Gill: a pretty (and very polite) hostess asked me to sit in any of the antique chairs, and then she offered me a drink. (Hey, as long as the person with the scissors isn’t drinking…I’m totally O.K. with a beer before a haircut.) At this point they could do no wrong as far as I was concerned.
Within a few minutes it was showtime, and I got a shampoo and cut that matched the attention to detail and luxury that’s apparent throughout Aiden Gill. They do a great job of not only providing the service they advertise (haircuts), but of going above and beyond what is to be expected. (Maybe that’s why Aiden Gill has received recommendations in such publications as GQ and Esquire.)
So if you’re a guy in need of a haircut, I have to recommend Aiden Gill for Men. It’s a truly world-class barbershop and one of New Orleans’ most unique and pleasant places to experience.
May
19
Make plans now to be in New Orleans June 13-June15 to experience three different great festivals all happening nearby each other on the same weekend! “A New Orleans Vieux-To-Do” showcases the New Orleans Seafood Festival and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival (both at the Old U.S. Mint) and the Great Creole Tomato Festival (a few steps away at the Historic French Market).
The entire weekend will offer great food, music, dancing and fun for all!
For more information on the Creole Tomato Festival, call (504) 522-2621 or visit www.frenchmarket.org. Information on the New Orleans Seafood Festival can be found at www.neworleansseafoodfestival.com and for more on the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, call (504) 558-6100 or visit www.jazzandheritage.org.
