Celebrating National Gumbo Day!

October 12th is National Gumbo Day! Originating in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, Gumbo typically consists of strongly-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a thickener, and seasoned vegetables. The seasoned vegetables may include celery, bell peppers, and onions. In the Cajun cuisine, the trio is known as the “holy trinity. Most people serve Gumbo over rice. Gumbo is also usually categorized by one of the following types of thickener used: the African vegetable okra, the Choctaw spice filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves), or roux (the French base made of flour and fat). The word “Gumbo” arose from a West African word for okra, forever linking the name of the dish with the ingredient. Whatever recipe you use, enjoy some delicious gumbo today … and tomorrow …. and the day after that … and the day after that …

Photo: Amadscientist

Happy Birthday, Cyril Neville!

Singer songwriter and percussionist Cyril Neville was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1948, to a family of musical royalty. He was a member of the legendary NOLA funk band The Meters, along with his brother Art Neville, and later became a member of the Neville Brothers band along with his older brothers Aaron, Charles and Art. Neville has collaborated with numerous artists including Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Willie Nelson, and Dr. John. In 2005, Neville joined up with Tab Benoit, Waylon Thibodeaux, Johnny Sansone, Anders Osborne, Monk Boudreaux, George Porter, Jr., Johnny Vidacovich, and Dr. John to form the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, bringing awareness to the loss of wetlands along the Gulf Coast. In 2010, Neville toured with New Orleans funk band Galactic, and in 2012, he formed blues-rock supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood along with Devon Allman, Mike Zito, Charlie Wooton, and Yonrico Scott. Whether performing solo or with collaborators, Cyril Neville always leaves his audiences wanting more. Happy birthday, Cyril!

Photo by: Bruce Tuten

Gentilly Fest - 10/8 - 9/2022

Gentilly Fest celebrates all things "Gentilly," including continuous live music on the main stage and gospel tent. Local restaurants and caterers sell sumptuous food and an Arts and Crafts area featuring original works from a variety of craft merchants. The festival also offers children’s activities including pony rides, a kid’s village, and a variety of practical recovery information offered by local business and non-profit organizations. The Gentilly Fest is a 501c3 organization that provides monetary support to the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments that serve the Gentilly community. We also contribute to organizations that provide a recreational or cultural enrichment to our children. This year, Gentilly Fest will also donate funds to Pontchartrain Park and Milne Playground sports programs as well as The Roots of Music.

Carnaval Latino - 10/8/2022

Carnaval Latino is a celebration of Latin music, food, art and culture. Musical artists from several Latin American countries reflect the rich cultural diversity of Carnaval Latino and offer attendees a musical tour without ever leaving New Orleans. Several popular local bands also perform during the fest.

Oktoberfest - 10/7 - 8, 10/14 - 15, & 10/21 - 22

Join Deutsches Haus across from City Park in New Orleans for three weekends of German food, music, and beer! Enjoy brats, sauerkraut, German cheeses, large Bavarian-style pretzels, German desserts, over 20 different German beers, about 9 different wines, over 20 different schnapps, Oompah Music, Special Dance Performances, Dancing Chicken, Oktoberfest 2 Mile Run/Walk hosted by NOTC, Dachshund Races, Masskrugstemmen – Beer Stein Holding Contest! Come out and celebrate October 7-8, 14-15,  and 21-22, 2022, Fridays 4 pm–11 pm – Saturdays 1 pm–11 pm. Prost, y’all!

Celebrating the Birthday of Chris Owens

Performer, club owner and entrepreneur Chris Owens was born Christine Joetta Shaw in rural Texas on October 5, 1932, studied to be a nurse, and later married car dealer Sol Owens in 1956, and opened a nightclub on St. Louis Street in the French Quarter. Originally intended to be low-key, Owens' performance numbers became so popular that the "Chris Owens Review" became a must-see act in town and they purchased the building on the corner of St. Louis and Bourbon in 1977. Tourists visiting Bourbon Street could not miss huge posters of her wearing costumes as they walked by her nightclub. Chris hosted a yearly Easter Parade that rolls throughout the French Quarter. And, in 2006, she was inducted into the New Orleans Musical Legends Park with a statue created in her likeness. Sadly, Chris passed away on April 5, 2022, in her French Quarter home. Chris Owens was a French Quarter fixture and celebrity, and on this day, we fondly remember and celebrate the life of the “Queen of the Vieux Carré.”

Photo: Infrogmation