Today’s episode is a question and answer show where I answer questions from listeners like you. These are always fun and cover a wide range of topics.

I like to do Q&A shows about once a quarter. We get so many new listeners, as well as members of our Facebook group and Patreon community, that it is a good chance to get you involved. I also find them challenging, and sometimes, they result in ideas for future episodes.

As always, one perk of being a Patron is that your questions come first on these episodes.

Today’s episode is all about a new exhibit at the Historic New Orleans Collection. The exhibit is titled Spanish New Orleans and the Caribbean and highlights Spain’s impact in Louisiana.

Starting on October 20, 2022 and running through January 22, 2023 the Historic New Orleans Collection will present an exhibit entitled Spanish New Orleans and the Caribbean.

While we call the original city the French Quarter, there is an amazing amount of Spanish influence here. The exhibit includes more than 125 pieces from THNOC's own collection as well as from other museums in the United States and Spain.

To discuss the Spanish and Caribbeans influences on New Orleans, I am joined by Mr. Alfred Lemmon, Director of the Williams Research Center at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Today, we’re headed across Lake Pontchartrain to the town of Abita Springs where we’ll discover some history, places to eat and drink, and a wonderful Fall Festival.

Joining me to discuss all things Abita Springs is Anthony Essaied, owner of the Abita Brew Pub and co-founder and President of the Abita Fall Fest. Jamie Foster is a volunteer with Abita Fall Fest and the owner of Solid Web Service. Evette Randolph is a Councilwoman in Abita Springs and a local actress.

Together, they'll help us learn about Abita Springs and the Fall Fest.

Today’s episode is all about a family owned Italian roadhouse on the West Bank of New Orleans. We’re joined by Lisa Mosca, who along with her mom, keeps the family tradition alive at Mosca’s.

Founded in 1946 in Avondale, Louisiana on the West Bank of New Orleans, Mosca’s has been serving a blend of New Orleans and Italian food, family style, for decades.

Those in the know expect to walk into a dining room filled with music from the jukebox, raucous energy from the crowds of people, and tables full of dishes like Oysters Mosca and Chicken a la Grande.

Join us as we relive the past, dive into platters of food, and talk about why Mosca’s should be on your list of places to visit Beyond Bourbon Street!

Today, we’re going to learn about the American Italian Cultural Center, and the history and impact of Italians on New Orleans. I’m joined by the Chairman of the Cultural Center, Mr. Frank Maselli.

Today’s episode is about the largest event in the spirits and cocktail industry, Tales of the Cocktail. We’ll learn about its 20 year history, what the event is all about and more.

Our guest is Neal Bodenheimer, one of the co-chairs of Tales of the Cocktail and also the owner and/or partner of several local establishments. Join us as we discuss his unique places as well as Tales.

Today’s episode is about black owned restaurants in New Orleans. I’m joined by the founder of a Facebook group called Where Black NOLA Eats. Join Jalence Isles and me as we talk about lots of great places to eat, as well as the reason for the group's creation, and the economics of being a black-owned small business.

You'll want to have a notepad and pen ready to capture lots of new places to discover!

Today's episode is a question and answer show, where we answer questions from listeners like you!

05:42 - What is your favorite, casual restaurant right now? Narrow it to the Garden District?

06:48 - I’m hoping to visit New Orleans during the Christmas season. Are Reveillon dinners only offered on Christmas Eve or is typically the entire month of December?

08:32 - My question is, what are some things you are your family do to cope with the brutal heat of the summer months?

12:08 - How do locals feel about all of their “hidden gems” not being so hidden anymore?

15:08 - Has there been any update on the opening of the Backstreet Cultural Museum?

17:17 - Which swamp tours do you recommend?

18:46 - There’s always lots of chatter online about increased crime. What’s it like on the ground - are people feeling anxious about this, or is it status quo?

25:34 - I think it would be interesting if you mentioned some of your favorite books (fiction and non-fiction) about New Orleans. Books that really capture the city.

35:11 - A buddy and I are considering riding in this year’s Krewe of Boo Halloween parade. Wondering if you might have any helpful tips for first-time, out-of-town float riders? Also, any favorite costume shops you can recommend in or around the French Quarter?

38:31 - My husband and I will be returning with our son (9) in mid-October. Anything specific to that time of the year that is great for families that love to have fun?

41:55 - If you ever want to talk mirliton I’m happy to help.

42:33 - Have you interviewed Jalence Isles? She is the founder of Where Black NOLA Eats and a serious champion of black owned restaurants in the city.

45:40 - I am an alum of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and would love to know more about the Gentilly Neighborhood and how it have changed over the years.

47:01 - My daughter and I love New Orleans. She loves New Orleans so much that she is starting at Tulane as a freshman this year! She moves in August 15th. My husband has never been to New Orleans!! I’m looking for suggestions of things to do that will show him how awesome the city is - while simultaneously escaping the heat.

48:33 - What if you covered a topic that’s been done, like Mardi Gras - but from a different perspective? Have someone on from a krewe, and they can explain what it’s like, how to join (can we live out of state?), what it means to be a part of their krewe. Even a few different people from different krewes…

49:40 – What about someone like Mason Hereford from Turkey and the Wolf. His cookbook just came out (just and he recently competed on Iron Chef? Not just him but Isaac Toups too. They worked together for raising funds for Ukranian refugees.

51:33 - I think a great topic for a future show would be uniquely New Orleans charities and non-profits. Bridge House Grace House comes to mind and so many others would be great to highlight and celebrate. There is so much good being done in our city

53:04 - Perhaps you could interview someone from the Krewe of Red Beans about their community work.

53:54 - What are a couple food/drink, New Orleans History and Voodoo/Ghost tours you would recommend?

56:43 - I’ve heard that taking a ferry ride to Algiers and walking the bank is a good way to spend an hour or two seeing New Orleans from a different point of view, but I’ve also read that the ferry schedule can be inconsistent and somewhat unreliable to plan a day around. What are your thoughts?

58:53 - I am a big planner- planning is part of the fun for me, even if we don’t stick to all my plans. Many others, however, believe the best way to enjoy a few days in New Orleans is to go light on the planning and just let the trip happen on its own. What are your thoughts?

1:02:57 - Have you interviewed Sam Malvaney? He lives in the FQ and his home is called the Museum of Bad Taste.

1:03:20 - How did you start your podcast and what has been the best and worst things about it that you didn’t expect?

1:07:49 - Is there TV or local icons that are New Orleans Legends ? Such as kids show hosts or guys that did local tv variety shows or similar? Who are celebrities that claim New Orleans as home that might surprise us ?

1:13:52 What’s the deal with BIG SHOT soda? Was a New Orleans based soda company with flavors including grape, pineapple, strawberry, black cherry, root beer, creme soda and more. Now owned by a national company

1:15:25 - Is there something happening in town that’s causing businesses to close besides the current economy?

1:19:43 - Been a yearly visitor since Mardi Gras 1990. Just got your book this week. It’s a definite thumbs up!

1:19:52 - Someone in here asked about the history of the fleur de Lis in New Orleans. French, Italian, Catholic, French Canadian? I’d love to hear an episode on that.

1:20:13 - How easy/hard is it to get into Kermit Ruffin’s Mother-In-Law-Lounge? Is it safe to travel to and more importantly from?

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 about the impact of the fire on New Orleans and its citizens in the 45 years since.

Tinderbox, the Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, by Robert Fieseler, is available on Amazon and at local bookstores, including Garden District Book Shop and Octavia Books. You can also follow Robert Fieseler on Twitter (@wordbobby).

The Upstairs Lounge Arson: 32 Deaths in a Gay Bar, by Clayton Delery is available on Amazon.

Johnny Townsend's book Let the Faggots Burn was the first book published about the Up Stairs Lounge fire. His book is a great source of information about the men (and women) who lost their lives in this tragedy. You can purchase Johnny's book at Amazon.

Robert Camina produced an award-winning and moving documentary about the fire called Upstairs Inferno. You can purchase it directly from his website. 

I first learned about the Up Stairs Lounge massacre many years ago.

Its been on my list of topics for the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast since we launched in December 2016, but I hesitated to tackle it. I wanted to make sure I had the interview skills to do it justice. I also wanted to find the right person or people to talk to. Thanks to my friend James Tardie I connected with Robert, and through Robert, with Clayton.

Words cannot express how appreciative I am to Robert Fieseler and to Clayton Delery for opening up to me. While I understand they have books to promote, it is obvious how personal the story is to both of them. Our discussion was difficult, but I hope it conveys to you the listener at least a sense of the tragedy itself, as well as the times.

I am also hopeful by sharing this story, it helps us all be mindful of the work we still have to do in today's world to ensure everyone is treated as equals.

I also owe a word of thanks to John Price and the Old 77 Hotel. When John heard about this topic, he quickly offered a space for us to record. The Old 77 actively supports all members of our community, and I am honored to have them as a partner.

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay. The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play Music or wherever you get your podcasts. If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

We have a free Facebook group where you can ask questions, share your New Orleans experiences and engage with others who love all things New Orleans! It is also where you can get Marie's advice and see the articles she shares about fun things to do in the Crescent City. Join us by going to beyondbourbonst.com/facebook.

Got an idea for an episode, have some feedback or just want to say hi?

Leave us a message at 504-475-7632 or send an email to [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

Mark

Today’s episode is a discussion about a project and a podcast called Louisiana Anthology. I’m joined by one of the two men behind it, Bruce  Magee. We discuss the anthology and what's in it, as well as their podcast. If you are interested in going deeper into Louisiana history and written artifacts from letters to books to cooking recipes, you'll enjoy this episode!