Obligations at the Lounge

Jennifer pops into the King Room to let us know the details about the upcoming community Friendsgiving!!!

Brian joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to the discuss the beauty of the public bathroom.  His book of photography "Occupied" (published by New Heroes and Pioneers Press) captures the unique and unexpectedly compelling images of dive bar toilets including that of BJ's, J&J's, Ms. Mae's and Poor Boy's.  He discusses how he came up with idea, how his editor's mother hated the idea but how they collaborated to create something appreciated by both the dive bar lowlife and high brows of the museum. 

Scully's band Rough Seven provides two raucous live tracks from its 11/2/24 show BJ's

Alton and Chaya come to the King Room to drop some baker's knowledge.  They discuss the impact of Whole Foods decision to change the recipe of the Chantilly cake, why the public went crazy,  and how the New York Times highlighted Chaya's role in the creation of the original recipe.  Alton describes growing up in the 7th Ward and how he couldn't wait to get back after his family moved when he was ten. They share stories of getting married during Hurricane Nate, having to get advanced payment for dick cakes, and how they came to bake Taylor Swift's birthday cake, what's in it, and how everybody wants one.  

Cuba Heat provides two hot live tracks!!!

Sunpie joins Howie and Scully in the King Room to talk about music, nature, Creole culture, photography, neighborhood history, sports, and the spirit world.  He describe how playing with Kansas City Chiefs was cool, but not his dream, how eating songbirds helped him ace ornithology, getting lost on his first day in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day, going to the hardware store with Fats Domino to buy nothing,  his decision to get his musical eduction from the street rather than the university, how he shares the gift of premonition with his grandmother, and how his visions have predicted events like the shooting at Joe's Cozy Corner that resulted in Papa Joe's imprisonment.  

He provides us with two hot tracks!!!

Howie and Scully return for the first episode of their second season with Mik Grantham co-owner of Ninth Ward community hub, Low Point. They discuss coffee, books, wine, music and more.  She tells of how she self published her first book of poems which led to the founding of Disorder Press - her own fearless publishing co., the pleasure of curating Low Point's book selection, how she and Scully were surprised to have a mutual friend in the underground publishing world, the Challenges of expanding from a coffee shop into a coffee shop/bookstore into a coffee shop/bookstore/wine bar, and ultimately the joy of pursing a life as a small business owner in New Orleans Ninth Ward.   

Her husband and good friend of the Lounge Max Bien-Kahn provides two new releases from his upcoming album.  

For our one year anniversary we welcome the powerful, patient and beloved owner of Parkview Tavern, Kathy.  She shares with us the good news that the tavern's 30 years in business has been extended (at least for a bit).  She describes the real power of compromise and exhibits a sense of magnanimity that we all should strive for. There are stories of how her regulars ended up with their own engraved bar stools,  how a car once plowed into the front of Parkview on what could of been a Saints Sunday,  and how scuba diving takes the edge off...unless there are sharks!!!

Action Lady provides two hot live tracks from their May 31 show at BJ's 

Howie and Scully talk with HBO’s The Deuce star Jamie Neuman about growing up in New Orleans, how working at a bar can be an in road to opportunities, the joys of cabbage ball, what separates working on an HBO series vs. neighborhood stage productions, how important it is to not wait for your big break, but to make your own shit happen, not about her new secret big time project, and how fucking cool the staff is at BJ’s Lounge.

Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars provide two live tracks from their April 28 performance at the Lounge

Howie and Scully interview John Stanton about life at Gambit Weekly.  They discuss how he once had his collarbone broken by Rudy Gulliani’s goons, the importance of reporting on New Orleans as a resident vs as a visitor,  the joys of an occasional day drink,  how urban alt-weekly’s have changed over the years, the connections between Journalism and barrooms, Jeff Landry’s war on public records, and how gosh darn old them Morning 40’s have gotten.

One of his favorite local bands, Silver Synthetic provides two hot live tracks from their January 26 performance at Bj’s for the Lesseps Street Block Party.

Howie and Scully head over to Dr. Bob's compound to chat with the legendary folk artist.  They find out about his time working at Hubig's Pies in his teens,  how one piece of art inspired him to quit his job and become an artist, why his gallery is a "Simon free zone," how he saved Josh Cohen from being shot by Gatemouth Brown,  and his affection for pre-rolled joints.

Coleman's Swing Set Septet provides two live tracks from their show at BJ's April 4, 2024.  

Howie and Scully  set up in the middle of the Music Box for an interview  with Executive  Director Leah Hennessy about it's past, present and future.  They discuss the collaborative nature of everything they do, some of the epic performances over the years, how the Meridian Brothers brought BJ's and Music Box together, and, yes, the recent dust up with comedian Eric Andre.   Leah also releases some big news!!! Tif Lamson drops in for an important public service announcement.  

The Mike Dillon and James Singleton Duo provide to live tracks from their December 29, 2023 show at Bj's.