Every year, we prepare by decking out our doors, devouring king cake, costuming, crafting and crawfish. Parades are coming. We only got a taste of the delicious morsel of marching madness last week. But what an appetizer it was! Krewe du Vieux was as spicy as ever, and now we’re ready for the main course of Carnival. We have some picks to for your parade-perusing preparations. And in between the brass bands and bead begging, here’s some things to know on how to fill out the week.
#TromboneShorter
Less than three years ago, Jaedon Simmons wasn’t even playing the trombone. Now, if you search #TromboneShorter on Instagram and Facebook, at least 60 pictures come up showing him with St. Augustine’s Marching 100 Band. Here’s how his move to New Orleans inspired him to pick up the brass.
If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me. Thai after Thai
When you’re lying in your bed and you hear the clock tick and think of food, specifically Thai food, we got caught up in the circles to clear the confusion on where to get some of the delicious dishes from the Silk Road. Here’s where to stuff your face.
Maybe the most important app on your phone for crawfish season
When you get the urge to twist and pinch some crawfish, an app will help you find the nearest joint to satisfy your crustacean cravings. By location, boiled, live, price and size – this app will make sure your table will overfloweth with mudbugs. We talk to the couple who made this beautiful boil brained piece of technology.
Historic mansion, Carnival icon lost in fire
A historic house that Rex, the King of Carnival, has stopped and made a toast for over 100 years was destroyed in a 7-alarm fire. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in the incident. But chances are that if you were in the city, you could smell the smoke billowing into the sky. Here’s what we know happened.
This Weekend (PARADES)
Friday
Krewe of Cork | 3 p.m. | French Quarter | FREE
As the name suggests, this wine-themed krewe takes to the streets of the Quarter “to serve and pour.” Signature throws include beads strung with wine corks.
Saturday
Krewe of Pygmalion | 6:15 p.m. | Uptown | FREE
Pygmalion, started in 2000, like many night parades has wow factor with its lighted floats. Its signature throws include hand-decorated pigs. Pygmalion is the last of the Uptown parades Saturday, which start at 1 p.m. with the Krewe of Pontchartrain, followed by Choctaw, Freret and Sparta.
Krewe of Barkus | 2 p.m. | French Quarter | FREE
It’s the only krewe where the members are animals, and this year, the theme is “Barkus Goes To Comic Con.” Humans and their pups dress up in costume, and if you’re a good boy, signature throws are usually treats.
