Get ready to groove with Big Sam, the renowned trombonist and bandleader of Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Join him as he shares his insights on the importance of putting on a show and preserving New Orleans’ musical heritage. Big Sam Williams, the renowned New Orleans musician, has always had a deep passion for music. From a young age, he knew he wanted to do something extraordinary with his talent. His journey began in middle school when he joined the marching band, seeking an outlet for his...

Get ready to groove with Big Sam, the renowned trombonist and bandleader of Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Join him as he shares his insights on the importance of putting on a show and preserving New Orleans’ musical heritage. Big Sam Williams, the renowned New Orleans musician, has always had a deep passion for music. From a young age, he knew he wanted to do something extraordinary with his talent. His journey began in middle school when he joined the marching band, seeking an outlet for his...

Louisiana Lens: A Visual Journey  Louisiana with John Lawrence Discover the captivating history of Louisiana through a lens in John Lawrence's new book. From the elegant autochrome process to the timeless allure of Mardi Gras, these photographs transport you to a bygone era. Now, after four decades of curating historic New Orleans photographs, he unveils Louisiana Lens, a captivating book that takes you on an immersive journey through time. In this episode of Final Cuts, host Mark...

Absinthe Resurgence: From Ban to Boom - A Conversation with Marielle Songy Have you ever heard the myths surrounding absinthe? Myth #1: Absinthe can make you hallucinate. Myth #2: It was banned for being a dangerous drug. Myth #3: The Green Fairy was a mystical presence associated with absinthe. In this episode, our guest Marielle Songy will reveal the truth behind these intriguing tales and unravel the fascinating history and culture of absinthe. Step into the captivating...

Honoring Musical Legends: Curtis Doucette and the Restoration of the Dew Drop Inn Does the story of a forgotten cultural landmark, at the crossroads of history and music, resonate with you? Preservationist developer Curtis Doucette breathes life into the historic Dew Drop Inn, fighting to restore its musical legacy and create a space that honors the past while embracing a diverse future. In this episode, you will be able to: Unearth the transformative journey of the Dew Drop...

Questions and Answers about New Orleans In this episode, Mark is enjoyed by guest Chris Masrhsall. Together, they answer listener questions about New Orleans. Timestamps 05:05 - Top 5 Restaurants in Bywater/French Quarter or walking distance? 07:50 - Advance ticket sales for New Orleans Museum of Art? 09:25 - Connection between New Orleans and French Wine? 12:15 - Where do you beat the heat in CBD/Marigny for a drink or bite to eat? 14:05 - Do you see New Orleans population...

Piecing It Back Together: Drew and Kathleen Ramsey's Unwavering Dedication to Rebuilding Hubig's Pies Discover the incredible story of Drew and Kathleen Ramsey as they face unimaginable challenges in their mission to revive Hubig's Pies. From surviving Hurricane Katrina to rebuilding after a devastating fire, their determination and resilience will inspire you. But will they be able to overcome their latest obstacle and bring back the iconic dessert? Find out in this gripping podcast...

Draining New Orleans, with Richard Campanella Discover the hidden tale of New Orleans' battle against water, where an unexpected twist shaped the city's destiny. Journey alongside Richard Campanella as he unravels the secrets of its transformative drainage system, revealing a startling revelation. Brace yourself for a revelation that challenges everything we thought we knew about this historic city. This captivating exploration will leave you questioning the past, present, and future...

Jan Bologna, a lifelong New Orleans resident, reflects on the city's growth and changes while sharing her love for the unique culture, discussing the challenges of raising a family, and revealing her favorite local experiences in this captivating episode of Beyond Bourbon Street. In this episode host Mark Bologna interviews his mother, Jan Bologna, who shares her experiences and insights growing up in New Orleans and raising a family there. Jan discusses various topics such as the...

In this episode, you will be able to: Immerse yourself in the vibrant rugby culture growing in New Orleans, and find out why it's quickly turning heads. Unveil the links and disparities between rugby and its American counterpart, football, from strategy to spirit. Dive into the historical ties between rugby and American football that have shaped their evolutions. Discover how inclusivity and community are integral to the expanding prevalence of rugby in New Orleans.

Uncover New Orleans’ Classic Restaurants and Hidden Gems with Ian McNulty Join food and culture writer Ian McNulty as he takes us on a journey through New Orleans’ classic restaurants and hidden gems.  From Antoine’s to Liuzza’s by the Track, discover the city’s most authentic culinary experiences. But be warned, McNulty’s recommendations may leave you with a difficult choice and a craving for more. In this episode, you will be able to: Hear inspiring stories of survival from New...

Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing fight for women’s suffrage? Do you want to learn about the progress and setbacks that have shaped this movement and its impact on modern-day society? Today’s Guest Join me as I speak with guest expert and curator Libby Neidenbach, who will be sharing her knowledge and insights on this crucial topic. Together, we will explore the nuanced struggles and triumphs of women’s suffrage, and gain a greater appreciation...

Exploring Hidden New Orleans Are you an urban exploration enthusiast? Do you want to uncover lesser-known New Orleans treasures while also preserving their historical significance through respectful exploration? Meet Nathan Norsworthy and Kris Norsworthy, a fearless pair of urban explorers who love to uncover the mysteries of New Orleans’ forgotten spaces. With Nathan’s passion for unearthing the stories behind these hidden spots, and Kris’ talent for photography, they’ve managed to...

Are you ready to explore the vibrant streets of New Orleans by bike, but worried about your safety? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Join Allene La Spina and Chris Parker as they reveal the truth (good and bad) about exploring New Orleans by bike and staying safe in a city where biking is a way of life for many. Allene and Chris have dedicated themselves to advocating for safe and accessible biking for all. But as they reveal, progress is slow and challenges persist, leaving them with a...

What if I told you there was a way to fall in love with New Orleans without breaking the bank?  From the sounds of local music in Lafayette Square to the delicious cannolis at Angelo Brocato’s, I’ll reveal the unexpected and affordable ways to experience the magic of the city - so get ready for an adventure! In this episode of my podcast, I dive into the fantastic world of budget-friendly activities in New Orleans.  As a local, I’ve discovered many hidden treasures and affordable...

Vance Vaucresson's story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience - no matter the odds, he stayed true to his roots and overcame incredible adversity to reinvent the family business. Little did he know, his journey would take a surprise turn, leading him to contribute to the revitalization of his local community... Vance Vaucresson, a third-generation entrepreneur and CEO of Vaucresson Sausage, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Southern culture, history, and food....

Welcome to episode #180 of Beyond Bourbon Street. In today’s episode, we have a special guest, the creator of a new podcast that delves deep into the Flavor Down South. Host Rudy Rayfield Jr. explains the concept of this new venture and how he hopes to bring attention black owned restaurants and hospitality businesses throughout the Southern United States. Connect with Rudy and the Flavor Down South Podcast FACEBOOK  https://www.facebook.com/flavordownsouth/ INSTAGRAM  ...

Today's episode is all about the differences between French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. We'll give you the ins and outs, the good and bad, and help you decide which is best for you. For more about French Quarter Fest, check out episode #8. While it's many years old, it still covers the basics and will help you plan. For Jazz Fest, you're going to want to listen to our essential guide. NOTE: New for Jazz Fest 2023, all vendors will be cashless. There will be places on the grounds where you...

Today’s episode is a Q&A show with questions from listeners like you. As always questions from our Patreon supporters go to the top of the list, followed by those from our Facebook community. Timestamps Patron Questions 4:38 - What are your favorite venues on Frenchman st. and which are your favorite artists to see in those venues? 7:58 - Where do you recommend to go for a great breakfast in the Quarter and why? Any must-have breakfast menu selections that are classic NOLA? 9:15 - I...

Today’s episode is all about riding in a Mardi Gras parade. As we close out Carnival 2023, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this topic. Today, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of it. We'll cover how parades are put on, how you join, what to expect, costs, and more!

Today’s episode is all about King Cake. Think you’ve eaten a lot? Wait until you har about the experiences of my guest. We’ll dive into that, the history of king cakes, and the variety on the market today.

Today’s episode is all about burlesque in New Orleans. We’ll explore a bit of the history and the current scene. The art of burlesque has a storied history in New Orleans, and thanks in large part to my guest today, has undergone a resurgence in the years since Katrina. Trixie Minx has been a part of multiple productions, created her own company, and now teaches others how to perform burlesque. Join us for a titillating discussion!

Today’s episode is all about the experiences of people that have chosen to make New Orleans their home. Questions about moving here are among the most frequent I get, so I thought we’d talk to three people who’ve done just that, and have been here long enough to share their experiences.

Today's episode is our annual discussion of Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Arthur Hardy, publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide. We discuss history, what's new in 2023, and more. To purchase the 47th annual edition of the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras guide, click here.

Today’s episode is a bit unique. As you probably know the New Orleans economy is heavily focused on tourism and hospitality. Today, I wanted to dive into a question I sometimes get about entrepreneurship and the tech community in New Orleans. To do that, we’re going to talk about something called The Idea Village as well as an annual event called New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.