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Celebrating the Craft: The Patty Friedmann Writing Competition Reading

New Orleans has always been a city of stories—a place where voices, traditions, and creativity come together to create magic. On Friday, November 22, the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice will host an event that embodies this spirit: The Patty Friedmann Writing Competition Reading. Presented in partnership with LMNL, this event features the winners and runners-up of…

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Kalamu ya Salaam Brings Robert Johnson’s Legend to Life with Walkin’ Blues

New Orleans is a city where history, culture, and music intertwine, and few capture that essence better than Kalamu ya Salaam. The celebrated writer, activist, and cultural griot has added another milestone to his illustrious career with the release of Walkin’ Blues: A Speculation and Meditation on the Life and Legend of Robert Johnson. This event, hosted at the André Cailloux Center for…

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Celebrating the Literary Lineage of Kalamu ya Salaam

New Orleans has long been a city of storytellers, a cultural mecca where words are woven as vibrantly as its music and cuisine. On Wednesday, November 20, the city gathers at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice to honor one of its most esteemed literary giants, Kalamu ya Salaam. This special event, “The Literary Lineage of Kalamu ya Salaam,” is more than a…

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Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Shines Bright at Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Lounge

New Orleans, a city synonymous with music and culture, was treated to an unforgettable evening as Adam Blackstone brought The Legacy Experience to the legendary Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Lounge. Known for his Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated talents, Blackstone transformed the intimate space into a musical haven, seamlessly blending legacy and innovation. Sweet Lorraine’s, located in the heart of…

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Second Line-Poem

Through the streets, feeling so aliveThe beat, the rhythm, it’s like a natural highIt’s a celebration of life, a joyful paradeWhere troubles and worries just fade away We walk through the gallery, hand in handAs I admire the artwork, I understandThe power of expression, the stories it tellsAisha’s mural captures the heart and the spells In the heart of the 3rd Ward, a social club’s nameWhere…

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Celebration of Music, Culture, and Cuisine at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

The Genesis of Jazz Fest The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, conceptualized by George Wein in 1970 and brought to its esteemed prominence by Quint Davis, represents much more than a mere festival—it stands as a cultural pilgrimage, emblematic of New Orleans’ vibrant spirit and its deep-rooted musical and cultural heritage. This beloved event annually attracts nearly half a million…

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Title: "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" - NOLA's Vibrant NYE Soul

Forget those tired, tinsel-strewn snoozefests, y’all. This New Year’s Eve, New Orleans ain’t just ringin’ in the new year, it’s throwin’ a full-blown soul shakedown. Think gumbo pot overflowin’ with fireworks, funky beats so contagious you’ll tap your toes in your sleep, and Crescent City magic thicker than a second line strut. So grab your dancin’ shoes and listen up, ’cause I’m your insider…

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"City of the Dead" Museum: A Haunting Crossroads for New Orleans' History and Culture

Introduction to the Controversy Iberville Projects In the vibrant embrace of New Orleans, where jazz melodies dance on the breeze and Mardi Gras beads shimmer like confetti, looms a chilling question: where does respect for cultural heritage end and commercial exploitation begin? The ambitious “City of the Dead” museum, planned for the remnants of the demolished Iberville Public Housing…

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The Authentic Vibe of New Orleans: A Local's Guide

New Orleans isn’t just a city; it’s a vibe, a living tapestry of culture, history, and an unmistakable passion for life. This place, with its rhythmic streetcars and the spicy aromas from its kitchens, isn’t just alive; it breathes stories at every corner. As a local, let me take you on a journey through the heart of my city, showing you the spots that we, the people who call New Orleans home,…

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New Orleans Embraces the Spirit of Giving with Multiple Christmas Toy Giveaways

New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and strong community spirit, is once again lighting up the holiday season with a series of toy giveaways. These events embody the city’s warmth and generosity, ensuring every child experiences the joy of Christmas. Christmas Joy in the Heart of New Orleans: Toy Giveaways Bringing Smiles to Children Big Toy Giveaway: A Victory Church & Toys for…

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A personal review of Crack: Rock Cocaine, Street Capitalism, and the Decade of Greed by David Farber

I received “Crack: Rock Cocaine, Street Capitalism, and the Decade of Greed” by David Farber for review, courtesy of Cambridge University Press. Unlike others who have reviewed this book, my loved ones’ stories and my own experiences are interwoven within its pages. For days, even weeks, the book sat on my living room coffee table. Its bold, white letters spelling out “CRACK” seemed to mock my…

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ODD BIRDS NOLA AT SELINA HOSTS TALES OF THE COCKTAIL EVENTS

Odd Birds celebrates one-year anniversary while offering an array of exciting industry eventsNEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (July 22, 2023) – This week, thousands of drinks industry professionals from bartenders to distillers will descend upon The Big Easy for Tales of the Cocktail, the industry’s annual meeting place for exchanging new ideas, products, and techniques with hundreds of events and…

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Essence Fest Swag Bag Craze

Join me and my New Orleans All Female Krewe as we eagerly gather, ready to embrace the exhilarating atmosphere of Essence Festival. With anticipation in the air, we stand united, eagerly awaiting the opening of the doors, poised to embark on a thrilling adventure to secure the most coveted Swag Bags. In the heart of the city that beats with culture and soul, our Krewe brings together women of all…

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First Day of the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture™ Presented by Coca-Cola®

THE 29TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL KICKED OFF HIP-HOP 50 CELEBRATIONS WITH ESSENCE VENTURES EXECUTIVES, REMARKS FROM VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AT THE GLOBAL BLACK ECONOMIC FORUM™, AND THE FIRST-EVER AFROPUNK KREWE BALL New Orleans, Louisiana — June 29, 2023 — Day One of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® kicked off in its forever home of New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell of…

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"Back That Essence Up" Juvenile's Call for Authentic Inclusion at Essence Festival

For years, the people of New Orleans have embraced Essence Festival, eagerly anticipating its arrival as a celebration of black culture and empowerment. However, beneath the excitement lies a growing sense of disillusionment and feeling forgotten. It is a sentiment that has been magnified by recent incidents, shedding light on the deep-seated concern among New Orleanians that their voices and…

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Weathering the Storm: Our Continued Journey Beyond the Cult and Reconnecting Our Family Bonds

“Welcome to the continuing saga of a family’s journey towards healing and reconciliation. This story picks up from where we left off in ‘Escaping the Clutches of a Cult: My Journey to Reunite with My Daughter’. It is a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable trials. To protect the privacy and safety of the individuals involved, names and…

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Local Thursdays: Celebrating NOLA's Rich Musical Heritage at the Jazz Festival

Hey, y’all! It’s Dat NOLA Chic, your go-to gal for all things New Orleans. You know I’m a huge fan of our city’s rich musical culture, and today, I want to talk about the most exciting day of the week at the New Orleans Jazz Festival: Local Thursdays! This is when the heart and soul of our city takes center stage. If you’re ready to experience the true essence of NOLA, grab your festival hat and…