Beyond Bourbon Street - An Insider's Guide To New Orleans

NOTE: Today’s discussion involves some gruesome descriptions of what happened on the night of Sunday, June 24, 1973. You may wish to listen to this one when your little ones are not around. On June 24, 1973 an arsonist set fire to a gay bar in New Orleans called the Up Stairs Lounge. Within moments fire engulfed the bar, and ultimately claimed the lives of 32 people. It was the largest massacre of LGBTQ individuals in the United States until the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016. My guests today are Robert “Bobby” Fieseler, and Clayton Delery. Bobby authored a new book about the fire entitled, Tinderbox, the Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation. Clayton Delery is a native of Metairie, LA just outside of New Orleans. Clayton’s 2015 book about the fire, The Upstairs Lounge Arson: 32 Deaths in a Gay Bar, was recognized by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities with a Book of the Year Award. Join us as we talk about the fire, about life in New Orleans during that time, and a

In today's episode, we explore the history of the New Orleans poor boy. We trace the birth of the poor boy from the streetcar motormen strike of 1929 through today.  You’ll be introduced to Benny & Clovis Martin, former motormen themselves who created the first poor boy. You’ll also learn how the name poor boy came into being, and why the term po-boy is not quite correct! Along the way, we’ll explore the restaurants and people that helped the poor boy become the New Orleans icon it is today.  We’ll stop in at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Domilise’s, Johnny’s Po-Boys and Mother’s Restaurant. You also get to hear from my Dad – he and my Mom owned Teddy’s Grill, a neighborhood po-boy place, for 36 years. All this and more on today's show! NOTE: This show is being released just before Father’s Day 2018. Because of this, I’ve decided to replay an early discussion I had with my Dad about the history of the po-boy in New Orleans. Most of today’s episode was previously released back in episode #6, but it does inc

In today’s episode, we explore New Orleans through the lens of architecture and time. Leading our expedition is Katrina Horning, founder of New Orleans Architecture Tours (nolatours.com). We'll explore Faubourg Marigny and the French Quarter, then head uptown to the Garden District and beyond. At the same time, we'll hop in the wayback machine and travel from the earliest days of New Orleans, through the French and Spanish periods. We'll see the impact of the new Americans after the Louisiana Purchase, and learn about the Haitian refugees and their contributions to New Orleans architecture. All this and more on today's episode of Beyond Bourbon Street! Resources For information about Katrina's tours, be sure to check out New Orleans Architecture Tours (nolatours.com). While you're there, take a look at the blog page and read the entry about the De La Torre house! If you want to see beautiful images of New Orleans architecture, be sure to follow both me (@beyondbourbonst) and Katrina (@nolaarchitecturetours) o

Summer Festivals in New Orleans In today’s episode, we jump into the warm weather and help prepare you for Summer festivals in New Orleans! I am joined for the first time by my wife Marie Bologna. Together, we'll walk you through nearly two dozen Summer festivals and events in New Orleans. You'll learn about Bayou Boogaloo, the Creole Tomato Festival, Essence Fest, and many more. We give you all the details you need, including dates, locations, things that make the event special, and our own experiences. We'll talk about what to expect, and how to beat the heat. By the end of the show, you'll be ready to pack your bags and join us in New Orleans! Festivals from May through Labor Day For today's discussion, we focused on the time period from the middle of May (just after Jazz Fest) through Labor Day. Click on the links to go to the event's webpage. May Wednesdays at the Square  March - May, 5-8 pm Jazz in the Park Late April - June 7th (this year) & again in the Fall Bayou Boogaloo  May 18-20th (Fri-

In today’s episode, we visit with author and snowball aficionado Megan Braden-Perry. Her book, Crescent City Snow, the Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Snowball Stands is our roadmap as we explore snowball stands across New Orleans. Learn about what to expect and what to order - from unique flavors to the snowball combo meal, and more! Do you know the difference between a snow cone and a snowball? Ever hear of a stuffed snowball? Want to know where to get terrific seafood and an awesome snowball, in one stop? By the end of this episode, you'll want to hop in the car and wander from place to place. Below, you'll see a list of places we discussed, but if you want to be an insider, purchase a copy of Megan's book and keep it with you at all times! This is a fun discussion. If you are listening in New Orleans, you'll have some great new places to try. If you're planning a visit, you're sure to find a snowball stand close to where you'll be staying. And if you are living vicariously through us, you'll enjoy the sto

Hansen's Sno-Bliz and the Story of the New Orleans Snowball In today’s episode, we head over to Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street, in uptown New Orleans. We visit with Ashley Hansen, granddaughter of Ernest and Mary Hansen, and the current owner of Hansen's Sno-Bliz. Hansen's is the oldest snowball stand in the United States, and is currently open for its 79th season in 2018. In the 1930s, Ernest Hansen created the first machine to shave ice into the snowy powder essential for a terrific New Orleans snowball. That machine is still put to daily use in the shop today! Mary Hansen ran the business, while Ernest was working as a machinist on the ships docked along the Mississippi. In their later years, the Hansen's ran the snowball stand together. As they got older, their granddaughter Ashley was their to assist, and ultimately to continue the tradition. "There are no shortcuts to quality” - Mary Hansen Mary Hansen uttered these words frequently, and ran her business by this code. Today, Ashley continues

In today’s episode, we head over to the Historic New Orleans Collection in the French Quarter, and explore their newest exhibit, titled, New Orleans, the Founding Era. The exhibit is part of the tricentennial of New Orleans celebration and is a great way to envision what the city was like at the very beginning. It brings together a vast array of rare artifacts from the Historic New Orleans Collections holdings, and from institutions across Europe and North America to tell the stories of the city’s early days. To help us explore the exhibit, I am joined by the exhibition curator, Erin M. Greenwald. Erin is currently the Curator of Programs at the New Orleans Museum of Art, but was previously the Senior Curator and Historian at the Historic New Orleans Collection. She was the lead curator in putting New Orleans, the Founding Era together and shares her stories and insights about what you'll see when you visit the exhibit. The Historic New Orleans Collection The Historic New Orleans Collection is open Tuesday-Sa

John Thomas Griffith, Rock n Roll Guitarist Born in Texas, John Thomas Griffith lived in a handful of places before he landed in New Orleans. The son of an engineer, Griff fell in love with music at an early age. He was part of the 1980s punk band Red Rockers who had a hit with the single "China," before teaming up with Fred Leblanc, Paul Sanchez, and Paul Clement to form Cowboy Mouth. Today, John, Fred, Matt Jones, and Brian Broussard are Cowboy Mouth. As Fred likes to proclaim, "the name of the band is Cowboy Mouth, and we are from New Orleans, Louisiana." In this episode, Mark sits down with John Thomas Griffith (or JTG or Griff) to talk about his life in music. The two wander through an incredible history of music influences, from a man his parents invited over to dinner when Griff was a child to playing alongside Chuck Barry and Bo Diddley. Along the way, we learn about the various influences and how they affect Griff and the band today. If you are a fan of rock n roll music, you'll love this trip throug

The Myrtles Plantation In this episode, Mark talks with Morgan Moss and Miss Hester Eby about the Myrtles Plantation. The Myrtles Plantation is said to be one of the most haunted homes in America. It has been featured on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the Travel Channel and many others.   Listen in as Mark, Morgan, and Miss Eby talk about General Bradford and the Whiskey Rebellion. You'll also learn about Cloe, the slave girl whose spirit roams the grounds even today. Along the way, you'll hear about the history of the Myrtles and what an overnight stay at the Myrtles is like!   Morgan and Mark also talk about the many things to do and see in the St. Francisville area, including the Angola State Prison (no, really you want to visit!), Tunica Falls, and more.   Resources For information about a visit or an overnight stay at the Myrtles Plantation, visit their website. Thank You Thanks to Morgan Moss and Miss Eby for coming on the podcast. Morgan was also our host as we explored St. Francisville. O

Cemeteries & Traditions in New Orleans In this episode, Mark talks with Sally Asher, author of The St Louis Cemeteries of New Orleans.  Sally's book is a fascinating exploration into the lives of the people buried in some of New Orleans' most historic cemeteries.   Listen in as Mark and Sally talk about why New Orleanians bury their deceased above ground.  The two discuss the history behind the St. Louis cemeteries and describe what a second line is really about, plus the history of All Saints Day in the Crescent City.   Along the way, you'll learn about a premier architect, a black officer in the Union Army, a religious order of Catholic nuns, a chess master, and many more.   By the end of this discussion, you'll be booking a ticket to come to New Orleans and explore the cemeteries to see the architecture and learn about the people who now call them home! If you’re already a New Orleanian, go check out some of the sites and people you’ll hear about.     All this and more on episode #57 of Beyond Bourbon

Who Invented Mardi Gras? In today's episode, we tackle a controversial subject - who invented Mardi Gras? Mobile or New Orleans? My guest is Ted Flotte, with the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and Joe Cain Marching Society. Ted and I explore the history of Carnival and Mardi Gras in both Mobile and New Orleans.   On today’s show, you’ll learn... About the many things Mobile and New Orleans share in common, including their founders The history of Carnival and Mardi Gras in both places, and How to look for the tell tale signs someone walking down the street may be a member of one of Carnival's most secret organizations! All this and more on today's episode of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast! Resources Recommended Reading Ann Pond: Cowbellion; Masons and Mardi Gras; and Cain.  Ann Pond is originally from New Orleans, got her BA/MA from U.N.O. and PhD from U.S.M. Former Assistant Diector of the Gallier House.  These three books are well-researched and sourced to give an accurate account of the begin

Louisiana Plantation Country - a Trip Along River Road In today's episode, we visit Louisiana plantation country. We'll travel along the stretch of river road from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Along the way, we'll visit twelve plantations. On today's show, you'll get... An overview of each plantation, and an idea of what to expect. Pointers for how you might approach the trip, depending on the amount of time you have to explore and what you hope to get out of your visit along the Mississippi River. All the ins and outs of where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Time Stamps 4:08     All the details of planning your visit to New Orleans Plantation Country 10:21    Should I bring children to visit the plantations? 12:38    Getting there 14:34    Where is New Orleans plantation country? 15:06    Early plantation life along the Mississippi River 18:13    Notes about the drive along river road 22:51    Specifics about the plantations 23:04    Group 1: Ormond and Destrehan (pick one for a half day trip) 24:

Slavery in Louisiana - a Visit to Whitney Plantation In today's episode, we learn about slavery in Louisiana. We visit Whitney Plantation, located in Wallace, LA 40 miles West of New Orleans. The Whitney is the only plantation whose primary focus is on the slaves who worked, lived, and died along this stretch of the Mississippi River. My guest today is Joy Banner, Director of Marketing at Whitney. Joy is also a native of the nearby community and is a descendant of the slaves at Whitney. On today’s show, you’ll learn... About the people who were kidnapped, sold into slavery, and came to work at the Whitney and other plantations along River Road. You’ll meet some of the slaves and hear their surprising connections to modern day New Orleanians. You’ll gain insight into the conditions they endured, and what plantation life was like for the enslaved. Most plantations along River Road were sugar plantations, so you’ll also learn about the process of making granulated sugar on a plantation. "We ask African America

Bienville's Dilemma and the Founding of New Orleans In the Spring of 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville presided over a small ceremony on the banks of the Mississippi River and officially founded what we know today as the City of New Orleans. How did Bienville come to choose this site for New Orleans? What were the other options and how do those decisions impact New Orleanians today? In today's episode we explore Bienville's Dilemma with noted author and geographer Richard Campanella. In Richard's book, Bienville's Dilemma, he explains the factors that led to the decision to place New Orleans at its present site, rather than at the mouth of the Mississippi River. You'll learn the important differences between a good site and a good situation, and why that mattered to the French. We also settle the question of whether New Orleans is predominantly above or below sea level. As we move forward in time, Richard and I discuss how decisions made at the very beginning of New Orleans continue to impact the city

Since 1961, Preservation Hall has been the epicenter of traditional jazz music in New Orleans. In today's episode, we visit with Ben Jaffe, the band leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. After a visit to New Orleans on their honeymoon in 1961, Ben's parents Allan and Sandra Jaffe created Preservation Hall. Along the way, they helped ensure this original American music form would have a place to be celebrated and honored. Ben and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band carry on that tradition, while also helping spread the celebration of jazz music worldwide. In today's show, we talk about the musicians, the music, the art scene in New Orleans in the early 1960s and more. You'll hear about artists from Buddy Bolden and Sweet Emma to recent collaborations with Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters. We also talk about the Preservation Hall Foundation, and the work they do to help kids learn about jazz. All this and more on today's show! Resources Preservation Hall |726 St. Peter St - live shows offered nightly, seven da

Small Business Spotlight Today's episode of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast is all about shopping local in New Orleans. It was inspired by Small Business Saturday and a desire to support some of the wonderful makers and business owners in the New Orleans. Have you ever wanted to purchase something to remind you of your visit to New Orleans? Are you looking for a gift for the holidays? Do you live in New Orleans and simply want to 'buy local?' In today's episode, we highlight three New Orleans small business owners.  Join me as I sit down with Liz Maute Cook of Lionheart Prints, Kristin Malone of Home Malone, and Patti Dunn of Tchoup Industries. We learn their stories and listen as they share their view of New Orleans. Along the way, you'll not only meet three wonderful people, but you'll get a great list of New Orleans businesses to support during Small Business Saturday and beyond! Get your pen and paper, or your electronic notepad ready..... All this and more on today's show!   Resources Lionheart Prints

Moving to New Orleans Have you ever thought about moving to New Orleans, but didn't know where to start? We're here for you!   This is the 2nd of our two part series all about moving to New Orleans! If you missed the first part back in episode 48, check it out on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.   In today's show, I sit down with Chris Smith, one of the top realtors in New Orleans. Chris helped my wife and I find the perfect home for us when we decided to come back home to New Orleans in 2011. In today's episode, Chris will help you get started finding the home that's right for you.     You'll hear us talk about: how to choose a neighborhood figuring out what's really important to you safety the definition of anchors and why they matter We cover New Orleans from Uptown to Downtown, from Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi River and beyond. By the end of today's show, you'll have enough information to get you on the right track.   All this and more on today's show!   Time Stamps for Today's Epis

Drink Dat - Where and What to Drink in New Orleans Do you ever wonder where the locals go for a cocktail in New Orleans? On today's show, my guest, Elizabeth Pearce, helps answer that question for you!   Elizabeth is a storyteller, a cocktail historian, and a New Orleanian. She is the presenter of the Drink and Learn Tour, and the author of two books about drinking in New Orleans.   On today's episode, we explore New Orleans through its bars and its cocktails. We not only cover where to get the best drinks, but we skim through nearly 300 years of New Orleans history along the way.   You'll find lots of great places to visit, the history of some of the most famous drinks in New Orleans, and the importance of the go cup.   All this and more on today's show!   Time Stamps for Today's Episode 1:20    Meet Elizabeth Pearce 1:45    Markey’s Bar in the Bywater 2:00    Two books and a tour 2:45    Not ‘just’ a New Orleanian (shout out to Elizabeth’s Mom!) 4:15    Elizabeth answers the question: how did I start doing

Moving to New Orleans Have you ever wanted to move to New Orleans? Wonder where to start and what you need to consider? This is the episode for you!   In today's show, I sit down with three people who made the leap and moved to New Orleans.   Jennifer is a married mother of two young boys. She and her husband Andrew made the move in 2016 and are enjoying raising their kids as New Orleanians.   Terry and his wife Deah could have moved anywhere they wanted. After a bit of reflection, they packed their bags and moved from California to the Crescent City in early 2017.   Lara Beth and Gary fell in love with New Orleans as visitors. Almost on a whim she applied for a job in New Orleans, and two months later, they were New Orleanians. They arrived just a few months ago, in the summer of 2017.   You'll hear their stories, including: how they picked a neighborhood what life has been like since the move the things they enjoy, and the challenges We discuss schools, taxes, headaches, and only-in-New-Orleans experienc

Halloween in New Orleans What better place to enjoy Halloween than in America's most haunted city? Today, we'll be talking about the many fun ways to enjoy Halloween in New Orleans. On today's episode Mark is joined by Brian Kern, who puts on the Carnival-style Krewe of Boo, and by Sidney Smith, owner of Haunted History Tours. You'll learn all about the Krewe of Boo, including how you can take part as a rider, enjoy the parade along the route, or attend the after-party in your favorite spooky costume?  Don't have a costume? We'll help you find one! Are you interested in vampires, Voodoo, and haunted tales? You might want to check out a Haunted History Tour. We're also joined by a special guest who fills us in on the most haunted of New Orleans locations, the LaLaurie Mansion. All this and more on today's show! Things to Do The Krewe of Boo rolls on Saturday, October 21, 2017. The Zombie Run will take place that same day at 9AM. Get all the details about riding in the parade, attending one of the special event