Krewes of Freret & Themis Parades

The Krewe of Freret is fast becoming one of my favorites of the season. The Krewe paraded for 40 years until the 90’s then was reborn in 2011. Some members of the new Krewe are the children of the previous membership. Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty rode on his Trombone Shorty float with the super-long trombone prop.

The goddess, Themis, represents order and justice and is a perfect match to follow the diversity-and-activism-driven Krewe of Freret. Locals know the story

Dirty Dozen Plays the Square

It was unseasonably cold for YLC’s Wednesday at the Square featuring the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Even in my knit cap and many layers, I envied the people who thought to wear gloves. Louisiana Spice was onstage playing fun covers of popular radio tunes when I arrived but the first thing I noticed was the new jumbo-screen broadcasting images to the furthest corners of Lafayette Square.

Happy Thanksgiving, Darlin’

Just after Thanksgiving two years ago this week, I moved from Los Angeles, my city of nearly 18 years, and came to New Orleans. I spent last year’s Thanksgiving in L.A. with the same friends I was lucky enough to see again a week ago. So, this year I opted to share supper with my family across the lake. I started the day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade doesn’t normally make my to-do list but I wasn’t about to miss the “Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Moves” of the 610 Stompers, New Orleans first all male dance troupe.

Treme – Home for Mardi Gras

After a week of Treme withdrawal, the show returned with its Mardi Gras episode. Looks like the rumor the finale would take place at Mardi Gras must have been a misunderstanding, I’m guessing the finale takes place on St. Joseph’s Day, Super Sunday – the day of the almighty Mardi Gras Indians. I can’t wait!

Jazz Fest 101

Finally made it to my first ever Jazz Fest. The festival was something I’d heard about my whole life, something I missed every year as it conflicted with “pilot season” in L.A., the time of year when most new television shows are cast – those that will make it onto the air and those who will only shoot a “pilot” episode (a first episode, often a test episode to show the networks) and disappear forever. I can now say with authority that Jazz Fest may not lead to a career in television, but it’s WAY more fun.