News

Go 4th On the River!

We celebrate a lot of things here in Louisiana, from antiques and alligators to wooden boats and zydeco. So it’s nice when the rest of the country gets to join in! On Wednesday, July 4, the Crescent City--and every other American city--celebrates freedom. In 1776, America declared her independence from Britain; New Orleans had been around for over fifty years already, and Louisiana wouldn’t become part of the United States… Read More »

Celebrating Plantations

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine you’re sitting on a wide wooden porch, crisp breeze blowing through the wooden railing. Maybe you’re sipping a cool mint julep. The porch overlooks a grand vista: twin lines of majestic oaks disappearing into the distance, gardens fading into fields on either side. This was plantation life for some in the early 19th century. For others, it was decidedly less comfortable. These were… Read More »

What’s the Point?

For some New Orleanians, visiting the West Bank is like crossing the Atlantic. It’s a whole different world, especially in the historic community of Algiers, which is almost as old as New Orleans’ French Quarter! Here’s a bit of info on an often-overlooked area of New Orleans. Originally founded in 1719 as a slaughterhouse location and powder storage site, Algiers is said to get its name from its proximity to… Read More »

New Orleans Fun & Free, Part 1

New Orleans is a great place to find entertainment of any kind. It could be live music, a cooking demonstration, an enterprising street performer, a play or, of course, a parade. Often, though, we may find ourselves spending a bit more than we’d like on these diversions.  We want to help you Experience New Orleans without experiencing wallet burnout, so we rounded up our favorite free activities, venues and events… Read More »

Jazz Fest Highlights: Second Weekend

The best of the Fest, day by day. Thursday, May 3 The second weekend of Jazz Fest started off with a talent-packed Thursday lineup. Flow Tribe, the Dukes of Dixieland, Ani DiFranco, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more highly anticipated acts performed for eager crowds–and all before 6PM. After the early-bird dinner hour came and went, stages across the Fair Grounds were shaken by sets from the mesmerizing Florence +… Read More »

Theater Thursday: Kids Edition!

  (Image via JPAS.org) During festival season in New Orleans, it can be easy to forget that there are kid-friendly events going on, too. For a change of pace, try this upcoming children's show in Covington! How I Became a Pirate May 4 at 9:45AM, 11:15AM and 7:30PM May 5 at 11AM and 2PM May 6 at 2PM $20; $15 kids Greater Covington Center's Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave.,… Read More »

Jazz Fest Highlights: First Weekend

Last weekend, local and national acts tore it up at the 2012 New Orleans Jazz Fest. As usual, this year's Fest features a huge range of music, from the melancholy guitar of Bon Iver to the West African rhythms of Seguenon Kone and L'Ivoire Spectacle. Festivalgoers were treated to fair weather--though hot--and they packed the Fairgrounds in record numbers. Kicking off seven days of music on Friday were local acts… Read More »

French Quarter Wine Fest Puts a Cork in It

After two months of anticipated wine tastings, thoughtfully paired with cuisine by chef Michael Farrell of Le Meritage Restaurant, the French Quarter Wine Festival will come to its close this Friday. Maison Dupuy Hotel, which houses Le Meritage, hosts New Orleans’ yearly celebration of wines from all over the world. This year’s festival offered eager oenophiles the chance to taste a range of vintages and blends, including Darioush’s signature Bordeaux-style estate wines,… Read More »

A Fest to Impress

This year’s French Quarter Festival is bigger than ever, with twenty-two stages, more than 250 hours of music, and over 800 local musicians set to play at the four-day fest. That’s not to mention the 70 restaurants that will participate in the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” Knock knock! Who’s there? DELICIOUS. What began as a one-time event in 1984 has grown into Louisiana’s second-largest festival (please don’t ask what the… Read More »

Tonight in New Orleans: April 10, 2012

  Happy Tuesday! If the midweek doldrums are beginning to take hold, banish them with an uplifting trip to the theater tonight. If you haven't seen The Lion King yet, you should-- it's garnering rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Raves one viewer, "The costumes, singing, and flow of the story were all amazing!" The show's creative lighting, impressive sets and athletic cast put a fresh spin on this Disney favorite,… Read More »