Thursday, February 28, 2019

Crawfish Boil 2019: Band Bios

          So the Crawfish Boil is obviously about the crawfish. But it's also about the music. And if you know anything about us, it's that we take our music very seriously. So for this year's Boil we're proud to welcome an old friend, Benny Turner, and a band who thrilled us last year, The Storyville Stompers. Let's start with Benny Turner

            For the sixth year in a row, we’re proud to welcome back Benny Turner and the Real Blues with Sam Joyner to the 12th Annual DGA Family and Friends Crawfish Boil.   

Benny in action

Benny Turner is a veteran of the New Orleans, Chicago, and Texas blues scenes. His connections to the history of the blues in America run deep. His brother was legendary blues artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Freddie King. Born in Gilmer, Texas, Benny and Freddie learned guitar from their mother and uncles. Freddie gravitated towards the guitar and performing while Benny enjoyed music and spending time with the brother he admired. The family moved to Chicago in the early 1950s and as Freddie’s fame and prowess with the guitar grew, his brother soon joined his band as a bass player. By the late 1950s, Benny had toured across the United States with R&B singer Dee Clark at venues like the Apollo Theater in New York City, the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia, the Howard Theater in Washington D.C., and the Regal Theater in Chicago. Benny also enjoyed a stint in the Soul Stirrers, a touring gospel music band, and introduced the bass to gospel music, laying the groundwork for modern gospel music which is heavily reliant on the bass. 

By the late 1960s, Benny returned to Chicago, playing in local bands and recording songs for the Leaner Brothers’ One-Derful and M-Pac! labels. He soon rejoined his brother, Freddie King, on the touring circuit. Alongside his brother, Benny performed with artists like Dionne Warwick, Memphis Slim, BB King, Solomon Burke, Eric Clapton, and Grand Funk Railroad. In December 1976, Freddie King passed away at the age of 42. Having lost his best friend, brother, and band mate all at the same time left Benny unable to perform. After two years away from music, famed Chicago blues artist Mighty Joe Young convinced Benny to join him on stage. Over the next few years, the two men travelled and performed together as Benny rejoined the blues scene.  



By the 1980s, Mighty Joe Young had retired from touring and Benny took another big step: moving to New Orleans and becoming the bass player and band leader for blues singer Marva Wright. Wright, known locally as the “Blues Queen of New Orleans,” toured all over the world and was a staple of the French Quarter music scene. After Wright died, Benny struck out on his own. In 2011, he released, “A Tribute to my Brother Freddie King” a collection of some of his brother’s most famous songs. In 2014, he released “Journey” playing homage to his history with the blues. His latest album, “When She’s Gone” mixes some of Benny’s original songs with old blues classics. He dedicated the album to his mother, Ella, the woman responsible for his and Freddie’s love of music.

            So come see this great blues artist perform next Saturday at Maison Lafitte, Mandeville, Louisiana. In the meantime, go to Benny’s website, read about his life, listen to some of his music, and buy an album or two in support of this legendary blues artist.

The Storyville Stompers

            In 1981, a group of friends who loved traditional, New Orleans brass band music joined together to create the Storyville Stompers. Since their founding, the Stompers have toured across the world while maintaining their roots in New Orleans, performing at weddings, parades, second lines (Yes, there will be one next Saturday), festivals—including Jazz Fest—and even funerals. 


            The Stompers are named after the famed Storyville neighborhood of New Orleans. From 1897-1917, Storyville was the city’s red-light district. It was created by New Orleans city council to isolate and regulate the city’s drug and prostitution industries. Councilman Sydney Story, who wrote the ordinance creating the neighborhood, unintentionally loaned his name to the community. 

            Shortly after its creation and thanks to the train station located in the neighborhood, Storyville became a cultural hotspot. The area’s numerous brothels hosted up and coming jazz artists, introducing the fledging music to visitors. It soon became the city’s most profitable neighborhood. 



            Storyville didn’t last, however, at least physically. With the U.S. entry into World War 1, the Federal government pressured the city to close the district, lest visiting sailors and soldiers find themselves driven to sin and vice. As a result, the city recriminalized prostitution and shut down Storyville. By 1940, much of the former neighborhood had been transformed into the Iberville housing projects. 

            Despite its brief history, Storyville wove itself into the fabric of New Orleans history. Bands like the Storyville Stompers honor the neighborhood’s legacy as a hotbed of music and New Orleans culture. Come see them for yourself next Saturday!  

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Crawfish Boil 2019: Stuff to Do in New Orleans

With the 2019 DGA Family and Friends Crawfish Boil just over a week away, we thought we'd offer some suggestions for things to do for our out of town guests in New Orleans. 

Frenchman Street/Three Muses: If you want a taste of real New Orleans culture (and to avoid the touristy traps of Bourbon Street) head over to Frenchman Street. Jamie highly recommends going to the Three Muses, a bar/music hall. In the years since Hurricane Katrina, Frenchman Street has become the center of musical culture in the city. Go in to Three Muses, order some food (the food is as good as the music), and listen to some of the best music New Orleans has to offer. Remember to tip the band.  

The Riverwalk 

Aquarium/Riverwalk: Located at the foot of Canal Street, the Aquarium features a 400,000 gallon tank filled with coral reefs, sharks, and other aquatic life that populates the Gulf of Mexico. After touring the exhibits, take a few minutes and watch the sharks and turtles swim by. It’s a cool sight to see and well worth your time. The aquarium also has a stingray touch pool, sea otters, and a replica Amazon rainforest. Additionally you can walk along the Riverwalk to get to the Aquarium and watch the ships sail past the city. 

Jackson Square: If you’re in the French Quarter it’s impossible not to walk around Jackson Square at some point. The square is named for Andrew Jackson, who famously defended New Orleans from the English during the War of 1812 (even though the battle took place in Chalmette and the war had ended two weeks earlier). At almost any time of day, you'll see artists selling their wares and there will be a band or two playing in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. If you want a great view of the river and the Square go across Decatur Street and climb to the stairs to the top of the little platform. It's a great place to snap a picture and enjoy the view.

The World War Two Museum 

World War 2 Museum: During World War II, New Orleans was the home of the construction of the "Higgins Boat" an amphibious landing craft used in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Thanks to the efforts of Stephen Ambrose, the popular historian and University of New Orleans professor, and New Orleans business leaders, the museum, located in the Central Business District, opened in 2000 as a way to celebrate and study American involvement in World War 2. It is a must-visit for anyone interested learning more about this crucial period in American history. Read more about the museum here

Mardi Gras World: Since 1947, the folks at Mardi Gras World have designed and built the oldest and biggest floats for every Mardi Gras season. Each year they build and decorate over 500 of them. The museum offers tours that include a history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and then take visitors to see the entire construction process. The museum is open year round as Mardi Gras in New Orleans never stops. 

The white alligator 

Audubon Nature Institute: The Audubon Nature Institute includes a variety of museums and facilities including the Aquarium of the Americas (discussed above), as well as Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo. Located uptown--away from the Quarter and other tourist areas, Audubon Park has over 1.8 miles of jogging paths, ancient live oak trees, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The Zoo, located within a section of the park, houses over 2,000 animals including gorillas, oranguatans, and a rare white alligator with blue eyes. 

Cemetery/Swamp Tours: Due to its low elevation, New Orleans cemeteries are unique in that they generally bury their bodies above ground. Inside the famed St. Louis Cemetery you can find the tomb of Marie Laveau, a famed 19th century Voodoo priestess. You can also see the future tomb of actor Nicholas Cage. If cemeteries aren't your thing, then try a swamp tour. A number of different companies offer tours of the famed Louisiana bayous. Riding in a swamp boat or even an airboat. You'll get to see cypress tress covered in Spanish moss, alligators, pelicans, and other wildlife unique to southern Louisiana. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Crawfish Boil 2019: Restaurants!

New Orleans is known for many things: Mardi Gras, voodoo, its rich history, and perhaps most importantly--food. Like any other major city, New Orleans has its share of tourist traps and great restaurants. The recommendations below will steer you towards the the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. 



Café Du Monde: We’re starting off with the obvious, but sometimes what’s obvious is best. It’s New Orleans, it’s beignets, don’t overthink it. Stroll on down Decatur Street and stop when you see the famous exterior. Go in, order the beignets, and blow powdered sugar on your friends and family. Enjoy a café au laut and watch the world go by. If you walk out of there and you’re not covered in powdered sugar, you’ve done it wrong.

Killer Poboys: Nestled in the back of the Erin Rose Bar is one of the best kept secrets of the New Orleans culinary scene, Killer Poboys. The Poboy is a traditional New Orleans sandwich consisting of some kind of protein, generally roast beef or fried seafood served on New Orleans style French bread (there’s an entire festival devoted to them). Done right, the poboy is a blank canvas for culinary innovation. And Killer Poboys does them right.

Toups Meatery Board 

Toups' Meatery: Located in Mid-City near City Park, Toups Meatery is one of the city's standout cajun restaurants. It's a meat-friendly menu includes duck breast, lamb neck, quail, and venison. Chef Isaac Toups, who appeared on the 13th season of Top Chef, really shines with his cured meats and charcuterie. If you're going to order one thing at Toups, make sure you get the Meatery Board which features head cheese, chicken liver mousse, cracklings, boudin balls, and homemade sausage. We recommend splitting it with another person. 

Peche: New Orleans chef and restaurateur Donald Link has been on a roll these past few years. In 2006, he opened Cochon, an ode to Cajun cooking, located in the Central Business District. In 2013, Link decided to conquer the New Orleans seafood scene with Peche. The James Beard Foundation named Peche the Best New Restaurant in America in 2014. We've eaten there several times and the menu highlights Gulf seafood at its absolute best. 


Rabbit Curry at Bywater American Bistro

Compere Lapin: After participating in Top Chef: New Orleans, St. Lucia native Nina Compton relocated to the Crescent City and opened Compere Lapin (Brother Rabbit) in 2015 in the Warehouse District. The result, which we've reviewed here, was a stunning meal that fused New Orleans with the Caribbean, culminating in a curried goat dish that you'll never forget. 

Bywater American BistroLast year, Compton opened a more casual neighborhood spot in the Bywater. Bywater American Bistro has some truly standout dishes like rabbit curry and smoked ricotta angolotti as well as a strong cocktail menu. Either of one of these restaurants are worth a visit.  


Small plates at Saba 

Saba: First at Shaya and now at Saba, chef Alon Shaya has brought upscale Israeli food to New Orleans. The hummus is delicious, you won't stop eating the pita, the cocktails are well-done, and the lamb kabobs are rich in flavor. Saba is a ways up Magazine Street, but well-worth a visit. 

Next week we'll be back with some stuff to do when you're in New Orleans. 

Just a reminder: the 11th Annual DGA Crawfish Boil is March 9, 2019 at Maison Lafitte in Mandeville, Louisiana. We hope to see you there! 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Crawfish Boil 2019: Hotels

Just a reminder, the crawfish boil is being held at Maison Lafitte in Mandeville, Louisiana on Saturday March 9, 2019. Mandeville is on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. So we'll divide the recommendations depending on if you want to stay near the boil or in New Orleans. For anyone unfamiliar with the Greater New Orleans area, getting across the lake is a breeze thanks to the Causeway that cuts right across the lake.  




On the South Shore, New Orleans boasts a bevy of great places to stay. We recommend that visitors make their accommodations in the city as much of the trip to Covington is on the Causeway. And if you’re going to stay in New Orleans, you may as well stay in the French Quarter (especially if you’ve never been to New Orleans before). Staying in the Quarter is a unique experience and puts you right into the action. Most of the city's tourist attractions are easily accessible and there’s always something going on nearby.

The interior of the Sazerac Bar 

Currently, our favorite hotel in the city is the Roosevelt. It's part of the Hilton-Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel chain and about 10 years ago it underwent a complete renovation that modernized the interior but kept its New Orleans charm. The renovation restored the hotel's iconic Sazerac Bar to its original 1940s decor. The Sazerac excels at cocktails in a historic New Orleans space where Huey "Kingfish" Long used to drink and meet with constituents. If you want a comfortable hotel that also exudes old school New Orleans, the Roosevelt is the place to stay. 


Interior of the Roosevelt 

W New Orleans - French Quarter hotel. The hotel is in a quieter part of the Quarter down on Chartres Street, but still only a couple of blocks from Bourbon.

The Royal Sonesta 

The JW Marriott is on Canal Street, and is very close to the Quarter. Here you can be within easy walking distance of the Quarter without being surrounded by it.

If you're looking for an AirBnB, there are plenty available inside and outside the Quarter. Prices will be lower than they would be in the previous weeks because the Boil is coming after Mardi Gras. Currently, the average price per night for an apartment/house on AirBnB is $259 per night. Right around what you'd spend on a nice hotel room. 


Inside the Southern Hotel 
Now, we'll cover some accommodations in the Mandeville/Covington area. Covington has the standard range of visitors' hotels, but we thought it would be better to recommend some places for guests who prefer a quiet location close to the boil. 

There's also the Southern Hotel in Covington.  It's located in the heart of downtown Covington and houses one of our favorite local restaurants, Ox Lot 9.  The restaurant also has a great bar that makes fantastic cocktails. The rooms are spacious and there's a spa located within the hotel. 

Covington also has a Courtyard by Marriott and Annadele's B&B. Annadele's is a lovely plantation home near Old Covington. The grounds and rooms are charming and the restaurant is generally pretty good, especially for breakfast.

We'll be back next week with restaurant recommendations. Because if you're coming to New Orleans, there's no excuse not to eat well. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

DGA Crawfish Boil 2019: Announcement!

It's time for a big announcement---this year's DGA Crawfish Boil!



We're excited to be back at Maison Lafitte for the fourth straight year.  We're excited to welcome back Benny Turner and the Storyville Stompers as our musical entertainment.

We'll have tons of crawfish to go along with beer, jambalaya, cupcakes, oysters and more!

Once again this year, we're teaming up with the New Orleans-based Dirty Coast company for our crawfish boil theme shirts. We've been getting them from Dirty Coast for years and they're pretty awesome.  Past themes have included:

Po-Boy Patent
Listen To Your City
Soul Is Waterproof
Strange Things Happen Below Sea Level
I Know What it Means
God Bless the Bottom Feeders

Check back here in the coming days and weeks as we'll have hotel and restaurant recommendations, band profiles, and all the information you'll need to be eating crawfish like a local by the time March 9th rolls around. 

Line up! We'll see you at the Crawfish Boil!