The announcement on January 12 that Matassa’s would be closing sent a shock wave through the French Quarter. The place had been around for nearly 100 years, after all. For a century, Matassa’s was an anchor in the lives of French Quarter residents, serving the two fundamental needs of Quarter Rats: cheap booze and food (usually in that order). But more than that, Matassa’s had … [Read more...] about Matassa’s Close Call
News
A Commentary by Larry Bagneris
Are you thinking of skipping the Sat., Mar. 20, election for U.S. Congress? I hope not! I hope you’re carefully considering the candidates vying to represent us in the U.S. House as our representative. More so, I hope that you’ll consider voting for our friend Troy Carter. To explain why, let me take you way, way back to a lost age known as the 1990s. I want to introduce … [Read more...] about A Commentary by Larry Bagneris
Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?
For the last year and half, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell managed to rouse the ire of French Quarter residents and business owners. Her proposal to pedestrianize the neighborhood sparked immediate protests and her handling of the pandemic, while generally praised, has not been without its critics. Detractors point to inconsistencies in COVID regulations and an utter lack of … [Read more...] about Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?
Trodding the Boards February 23, 2021
The Glass Menagerie at Playmakers Theater through March 14 According to Tennessee Williams, “Time is the longest distance between two places.” When a play is done as superbly as Playmakers Theater’s current production of The Glass Menagerie, however, the distance between “Lights up” and “The curtain falls” feels less like two plus hours than a blink of the eye, a … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 23, 2021
Mardi Gras 2021: A Lesson In Pivoting and Partying
Having lived in New Orleans my entire life, I have discovered two very important things about our city and its citizens. We love to party. And we are resilient beyond all expectations. Like the old Air Supply song, we New Orleanians know about “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” So when the COVID threat forced parades, balls and parties to shut down completely during Mardi … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras 2021: A Lesson In Pivoting and Partying
Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review
Dear Ambush Nation, With 2020 in the rearview mirror and we look forward to better times in 2021, it's important to reflect on the last twelve months. I’ve tried to write this column several times, but for some reason, I just couldn’t do it–in part because I’ve been busy, but also I didn’t know exactly what to say. The year 2020 has been unlike any year any of us has ever … [Read more...] about Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review
New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Orleans Parish reverted back to a modified Phase One on Friday, January 8. The return to Phase One, which will last at least three weeks, was triggered by increasing COVID-19 positivity rates. The positivity rate in New Orleans doubled in one week, going from 5.5% to 10.4%. The new restrictions began at 6:00am on Friday and … [Read more...] about New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
The 2020 Holiday Season promises to be like none we have ever experienced. Many of us are trying to figure out how we’re going to get through it safely, and maybe even find a bit of holiday spirit along the way. This guide includes information on upcoming (safe) events, open-air markets, staying connected, volunteer opportunities, and various other resources. I hope you find it … [Read more...] about Holiday Survival Guide: 2020 Edition
22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Friday, November 20, marks the 22nd annual Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The annual memorial was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a way to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman who was murdered in 1998. Smith recalls, "Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no … [Read more...] about 22nd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
Obituary: Rodney Dean Workman
Rodney Dean Workman March 3, 1953–July 20, 2020 Rodney Workman passed away at his home in New Orleans on July 20, 2020. He was born and raised in New Orleans and lived here most of his life. He worked for many years as a printer. He printed the K&B flyers and would come home with purple ink on his hands and arms. Later in life, Rodney worked at the Folgers Coffee … [Read more...] about Obituary: Rodney Dean Workman
