Neutral Ground exiled after 40 years on Danneel Street

New Orleans’ oldest coffeehouse and longest running open mic night is looking for a new location. After more than 40 years on Danneel Street, the building has been sold to new owners and the Neutral Ground Coffee House has lost its lease. At the end of April, the coffeehouse and entertainment venue will be without a home. The owners of the nonprofit will continue their Sunday open mic night with the help of NOLA Spaces on Toledano Street near St. Charles Avenue but are actively looking for a new building.

No-fee Jazz Fest tickets available for one day at Tipitina’s

 

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is holding a one-day sale of no-fee tickets at Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave., on Saturday (April 8) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Announced Monday (April 4) on the WWOZ website, this opportunity for locals gives Jazz Fest fans a chance to purchase tickets in person, without online processing fees. Only the $85 single-day advance tickets will be sold. Weekend passes, VIP options and other packages will not be available at this venue. And in line with Jazz Fest’s new cashless policy, payment must be with a credit card. WWOZ 90.7 FM, a community radio station, is owned by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, according to the Jazz Fest website.

Renegade Artists Collective pops up on Oretha Castle Haley

The Renegade Artists Collective will open their fourth exhibition, “Traditions and Transformations,” on Friday (March 10) at The Building on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. The exhibit will also be open throughout the weekend (March 11-12). The 15 artists, nationally and internationally known, who make up the Renegade Artists Collective, are all based in Louisiana. Erin Lee Antonak, former multidisciplinary arts curator at the Contemporary Arts Center is a guest artist for this show. The opening evening will also include live music performed by Raphael Bas & Harmonouche and a cash bar.

Neutral Ground Coffee House owners prepare for a potential ‘exile’

Caroline Williams, known by most as Phant, broke down in tears at the front door of Neutral Ground Coffeehouse. Someone waiting at the door mistook the Neutral Ground co-owner for a Realtor looking to sell the building where the coffee shop lives. That’s how Williams and James Naylor learned their coffeehouse could lose its longtime home. They don’t know when they will have to go, Williams said, but they’ve already begun preparing for Neutral Ground to be in “exile” if the building sells. Neutral Ground Coffee House is a “community space, part gallery, half stage,” often referred to as a safe third place for patrons.

Mart for Art’s Sake: ‘Direct sales to art lovers are such a benefit’

Uptown resident and artist Emma Fick will be showing her work at the two-day holiday Arts Market on Saturday (Dec. 17) and Sunday (Dec. 18) in Marsalis Harmony Park. 

These holiday markets are special, said Fick, a veteran of the Arts Markets scene. There are usually many more artists participating, so it feels like a village. And because they run for two days instead of just Saturday, the booths do not have to be broken down at the end of the first day, so the artists take more time and effort to create their own atmosphere and a look that is not feasible for a one-day, six hour market.

Find gifts, hear music and enjoy community spirit at holiday markets

Christmas shoppers have a choice of holiday markets Uptown, where they can find that perfect gift while supporting local artists and organizations. Among the top choices this weekend are Le Marché d’Hiver at Lyceé Français in Leonidas on Saturday (Dec. 10) and the Where Black NOLA Eats Holiday Marketplace at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Saturday and Sunday. Le Marché d’Hiver

In the French tradition of the winter market, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans will be transformed into Le Marché d’Hiver — a festive experience for shoppers, foodies and families. Marché d’Hiver will feature local artisans showcasing art and other hand-made and thoughtfully curated items including jewelry, apparel and decor.

Mart for art’s sake: Wax print creations featured at holiday Arts Market

Uptown resident Adriane Butler was first introduced to the Arts Market as a customer. “I attended one of the Arts Markets and thought it was a excellent way to support local creators,” Butler said. She began making her own fabric creations about three years ago and, early on in the pandemic, she became a participant in the Arts Market. “I got great feedback about my design work, and have been doing it ever since,” she said. The Arts Markets, produced by Arts New Orleans, take place two Saturdays a month, once on City Park’s Great Lawn and once in Marsalis Harmony Park (formerly Palmer Park).

City seizes the blighted Buddy Bolden house, NOLA.com reports

The city seized the blighted Central City shotgun where legendary jazz pioneer Buddy Bolden once lived, stating the owner, Greater St. Stephen Ministries, let fines for minimum property maintenance pile up unpaid, Doug MacCash reports on NOLA.com. Grammy winning musician PJ Morton, the son of the St. Stephen pastors, announced plans in 2019 to renovate the Bolden house at 2309-11 First St. and a twin shotgun double next door into a museum and community recording studio, but has allowed it to deteriorate for years.