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When the Courtroom Cheered: A Mid-Century Miscarriage of Justice
New Orleans’ acceptance of the LGBT+ community has radically changed since 1958 – as illustrated by the tragic murder of Fernando Rios.
– by Frank Perez
The Last Forgerons
In 1920, the last in a line of French Quarter forgerons put down their hammers, never again to create the wonderfully detailed wrought iron fences and balconies of New Orleans.
– by Michael Warner
New in the French Quarter: A Camera on Every Corner
While the new “public safety” cameras may lend a dismaying dystopian look to the city’s oldest neighborhood, Vieux Carré residents and businesses are hopeful they’ll help deter crime.
- by Frank Perez and Ellis Anderson
Drain the Swamp: The Definitive Account
A new book by Richard Campanella details the soggy saga of a city built on a deltaic plain, sandwiched between the continent’s largest river on one side and a 1.5 trillion-gallon lake on the other.
– by John S. Sledge
25th Anniversary VOODOOFEST on Dumaine
Temperature drops and a restrained midweek Halloween date didn’t deter throngs of people from gathering for the 25th annual VOODOOFEST, a free day-long event offering an educational entree into the Voodoo religion.
- photos by Ellis Anderson
Drum Roles: Glen Finister Andrews
Brought up with the traditions of his musical family, drummer Glen Finister Andrews is equally at home playing in the French Quarter streets and iconic venues like Preservation Hall.
– by Karen Lozinski
Giving the Dead Their Due: The Abandoned Tomb Initiative
Marie Laveau’s tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was one of the first to be restored in a unique initiative that cares for New Orleans’ fabled Cities of the Dead.
– by Reda Wigle
Confessions of a Recalcitrant Declutterer
Stuff + lack of closet space = the French Quarter dilemma. But once you’ve committed to downsizing your wardrobe, what’s the best way to be rid of your cast-offs?
– by Bethany Ewald Bultman
Krewe of Boo Parade 2023
Krewe of Boo parade kicks off what’s become an actual season in New Orleans – Halloween. And when local imaginations lend themselves to the macabre, the result is spell-binding.
- photos by Melanie Cole
Something Wild With Jimmy Buffett
A smoking volcano ignites at a concert, proving the old adage: If at first you don’t succeed, throw away all the evidence that you tried.
– by Nan Parati
– photos by Scott Saltzman
Dodwell House and Anna’s Place: Tremé Touchstones of Possibility
Voodoo on rue Dumaine: Connecting with the Invisible
VOODOOFEST celebrates its 25th anniversary this Halloween, welcoming all-comers to learn and experience some of the many facets of this ancient religion – for free.
– by Melanie Cole
Revisiting the Civil Rights Movement in “The Trail They Blazed”
A new traveling exhibit, currently at the TEP Center through November 12th, brings on both memories and reflections for a New Orleans writer. Photo of Doratha "Dodie" Smith Simmons above by Melanie Cole.
– by Juyanne James
Saving the Sounds of New Orleans
The New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation’s new program Save Sounds renews efforts to prevent and treat hearing loss among music lovers and musicians.
– by Kim Ranjbar
Bill Rushton: Journalist and Activist, Part Two
In the ‘70s, a young journalist writing for a small French Quarter newspaper broke one of the city’s most startling stories and helped organize one of the first gay protests in the South. This story includes a series of never-before-published images of the 1977 rally by Owen Murphy.
– by Frank Perez
Behind the Scenes at Bayona
When she was only 19, Christiane Engeran began her culinary career with Susan Spicer at Bayona. Now, nearly three decades later, she’s creating her own specialties and leading the kitchen as Chef de cuisine.
-By Kim Ranjbar
The Return of the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Festival
After a three-year pandemic-related hiatus, one of the city’s favorite literary events makes a September comeback – with a series of author presentations and concerts slated for 2024.
- by Michael Warner
Southern Decadence Parade 2023: Hot Stuff
Despite the oppressive heat, the show did go on, gyrating through the Quarter to cheering crowds who were wowed by the marchers’ stamina, bright spirits – and minimalist costumes.
- photos by Melanie Cole
A Gay Couple’s Notable Influence on the French Quarter
Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain – founders of Ambush Magazine – both died in 2017, yet the annual Southern Decadence celebration proves their legacy is very much alive.
-By Frank Perez
The First Mermaid Parade
On September 2nd, Krewe Du Fool – which puts on the annual April Fools parade – branched out this year with a new Mermaid-themed parade along the Mississippi.
- photos by Ellis Anderson