Obligations at the Lounge

BONUS!!! FRIENDSGIVING W/ JENNIFER CALLAN Nov 14, 2024

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

Episode 27: Dive Bar Bathrooms w/ Brian Fouhy Live Music from Rough Seven Nov 08, 2024

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

Episode 26: Bywater Bakery's Alton and Chaya!!! Live Music by Cuba Heat! Oct 20, 2024

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!!!

Episode 25: Bruce Sunpie Barnes!!!! Oct 05, 2024

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!!!

Episode 24 - Low Point's Mik Grantham!!! New Release Music by Max Bien-Kahn! Sep 19, 2024

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.

Episode 23 - Parkview Lives!!! Kathy's Back!!! Live Music from Action Lady! Jun 19, 2024

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

Episode 22 -- Actor Jamie Neumann!!! Live Music from Sally Baby's Silver Dollars May 31, 2024

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

Episode 21: Gambit Weekly Editor John Stanton!!! Live Music from Silver Synthetic!!! May 09, 2024

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.

Episode 20: "Be Nice or Leave!!!" w/ Dr. Bob - Live Music from Coleman's Swing Set Septet Apr 09, 2024

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.

Episode 19 - Music Box's Leah Hennessy!!! Live Music from Mike Dillon and James Singleton Mar 17, 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.

Episode 18: Devin De Wulf of Krewe of Red Beans!!! New Music from Whip Appeal! Mar 05, 2024

Howie and Scully discuss working in Commander's Palace vs Doggie Daycare, the grand opening of BJ's Ninth Ward Backyard, and the great new record from Whip Appeal.
They interview Krewe of Red Beans' Devin De wulf about the origins of the Krewe, how beans once burned down Beanlandia, the evolution of the krewe from parade into social aid, how skills learned from teaching continue to benefit him in his current endeavors, why some rules aren't really rules and the value of a good hard ponder.
Devin explains Bean Coin, Feed the Secondline (and Frontline), Get Lit Stay Lit, and how he deals with trials that come with being a public person trying make a positive impact on the community.
Whip Appeal provides three songs from their new record, Shimmering Seed!!!

Episode 17: Libraries Rule!!! With Brittany Silva - Music by Night Medicine Feb 21, 2024

Howie and Scully discuss purification through illness or DMT, how its hard to get anything done from the outside, the difference between sober and drunken Mardi Gras, and release some big news about the future of the podcast.
They interview the multi-talented Brittany Silva about her job as archivist at the main branch of the New Orleans Library, how Sister Street got its name, whether Mid-City is the 7th best neighborhood in the world, and whether she will join Obligations at the Lounge as our new head of research.
New music from Brittany's own band, Night Medicine!!!

Episode 16: Bailey Smith and Josh Cohen of Morning 40 Federation!!! New Music by Morning 40 Federation! Jan 30, 2024

Howie and Scully interview Bailey and Josh about upcoming Mardi Gras shows, the band's origins, songwriting in bars, love of the 9th Ward, why you shouldn't let the 40's stay at your house when on tour, using an answering machine to write songs, energy v. virtuosity when performing, and their upcoming new release!!!
They provide three new studio recordings!!!

Episode 15: Cindy Wood of Vaughan's Lounge!!! Live Music from Miss Martha and Her Goodtime Gang! Jan 15, 2024

Howie and Scully go to Vaughan's and interview the matriarch of the neighborhood about 42 years of bar ownership at Dauphine and Lesseps. They discuss the upcoming Lesseps Street Block Party, how a banana tree became a bar, antics from navy chiefs, the plus's and pitfalls of barroom romances, and how Thursdays at Vaughan's became the hottest in the city.
Miss Martha and Her Goodtime Gang provide two hot live at BJ's tracks!!!

Episode 14: The Saving of Sister Street with Johnny Loretta!!! Live Music from Chris Acker and We Hate Lindsay Jan 01, 2024

Scully and Howie conduct their first remote interview from the fabled Sister Street House. They interview Johnny Loretta about having just recently acquired the house (Like the day before!!!) and discuss how the space became central to the rise of the ever expanding Holy Cross Music scene. Its huge!!!
Chris Acker and We Hate Lindsay provide two hot live at BJ's tracks!!!

Episode 13: What is the Barmuda Triangle? Jane McBride & Jennifer Callan!!! Live Music from Jackson and the Janks! Dec 19, 2023

TWO INTERVIEWS!!! First, Howie and Scully discuss their field trip to a City Planning Commission meeting on Blue Oak — What fun!!! Then back to the Lounge they interview Jane about how it feels to be the reigning BJ's Bye Week Cook off Champion for two out of the last three years and how we'll need an extradition treaty to get that trophy back. We also discuss the role community food plays in a neighborhood bar.
In our second interview we take a deep dive into the immediate neighborhood by calling on Jennifer Callan to provide a tutorial on the "Barmuda triangle" explaining the characteristics of BJ's, Vaughan's, and J&J's. They come to the conclusion that each bar is unique, but when one is hit with trouble, the others are there to help.
We dedicate this episode to the memory of Jim Nevius — The Jim in J&J's — You were always the "Catalyst for a fun."

Episode 12: DBA's Tom Thayer!!! & Live Music from Max and the Martians Dec 07, 2023

AFTER 23 YEARS, DBA HAS CHANGED HANDS!!! Howie and Scully talk to the great Tom Thayer about why he sold the business, how Frenchman Street has changed over the years, what it takes to book great bands, the importance of a solid staff, and how to get a puking Scully of his hand and knees and back on stage.
Max and the Martians provide two hot live tracks!!!

Episode 11: John "Rebel" Carr & Live Music from Daiquiri Queens Nov 14, 2023

In this giving thanks episode, Howie and Scully discuss a successful Americana Fest, the upcoming Palestinian fundraiser, the desire to Cajun two-step, and some of the visual art that lives at the Lounge. They interview Rebel Carr about coming to BJ's in 1981, neighborhood broom factories, helping Scully during the aftermath of Katrina, and his life as a deckhand, truck driver, and folk artist.
We hear two live at BJ's cuts from the Daiquiri Queens!!!

Episode 10: Little Freddie King!!! Live Music from the man himself! Oct 30, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss the uproar over the previous episode's interview with Kathy from Parkview Tavern and Blue Oak's response to the attention. They also discuss the burglary of BJ's and how the community has stepped up to help in the recovery.
They celebrate the 10th episode with an interview of the one and only Little Freddie King!!!
We here two live at BJ's tracks from the King.

Episode 9: Kathy of Parkview Tavern!!! Live Music from Greazy Alice! Oct 12, 2023

WHY IS PARKVIEW CLOSING? Scully and Howie interview Kathy, owner of Parkview Tavern, about the 30-year history of the beloved neighborhood tavern and its unfortunate forthcoming closure due to Blue Oak Barbecue's "hostile takeover."
We play two live at BJ's tracks from Parkview and BJ's regulars Greazy Alice and outline the upcoming calendar.

Episode 8: Joe Andrews!!! Live Music from Julie Odell! Oct 02, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss the filling of a famous pothole, a new sponsor, BJ's being honored by Saveur Magazine, and the pros and cons of the new hotel going in across from the Joint. They interview the Lounge's lawn man and retired longshoreman, Joe Andrews, about the many things he loves about the neighborhood, how he discovered BJ's, and how he got to be so damn cool.
We play two full live tracks from our featured musical artist: Julie Odell!!!

Episode 7: Wacko Wade!!! Live Music from J.J. Adams Family Band! Sep 17, 2023

Scully and Howie hear from Drew Brees and discuss the start of Who Dat! season, how to pull a Tony Soprano when your car is booted and sit down with publisher, manager, songwriter and drummer for Little Freddie King: "Wacko" Wade They talk about what is was like to be a musician in New Orleans in the 50's and 60's, backing up Charles Manson, meeting Little Freddie when he was a mechanic, and how BJ's became their practice space in the early 90's.
They go over the upcoming calendar and play two live tracks from our featured artist of the week: JJ Adams!!!

Episode 6: Meschiya Lake!!! Live Music from Meschiya and Rough Seven! Aug 26, 2023

Howie and Scully are back with singer and authentic human Meschiya Lake. They discuss whether Bj's is a dive bar, Scully and Meschiya's long running friendship established one late nineties morning on the banks of Lake Michigan, having your blood lost, French Jails, eating lightbulbs, and skyrocketing into one of the most sought after jazz singers in New Orleans.
We hear two of her songs: a live at BJ's cut with her band the Machetes and version of Rather go Blind recorded with Scully's band Rough Seven.

Episode 5: Brooke Trout Paulus!!! and the Forever Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan Aug 07, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss developments in the investigation and interview Brooke about the tunnel between Vaughan's and BJ's, clown culture, and the value of leaving somethings a mystery. We hear two tracks from Haiti's most recent gift to New Orleans: RAM.

Episode 4: The Joint's Pete Breen!!! and the Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan Jul 30, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss Little Freddie King's birthday party and talk to the Joint BBQ's Pete Breen about his 20 years in the neighborhood and the joys of smoking meat. He shares his story about becoming suspect #1 and reveals the most compelling piece of evidence yet: a photo of Pothole Pete (find on IG @bjslounge) with his abductors!!! Who are they???
We hear two live cuts from blues master and king of the Lounge-Little Freddie King.

Episode 3: Johnny Cisco!!! and the Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan Jul 21, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss the St. Claude food vendor crackdown and interview Johnny Cisco about growing up in the neighborhood and what its like to be the King of Krewe of Dreux. More information is uncovered bringing the hosts closer to uncovering who kidnapped Pothole Pete.

Episode 2: The Continuing Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan w/ Special Guest Jeanne Hannan Jul 08, 2023

Howie and Scully discuss the Jukebox vs. Sonos controversy, the possible closing of Buffa's, and Interview the longtime neighbor of the Lounge Jeanne Hannan and discover past lives of BJ's Lounge (It was once a lesbian bar, was called Georges, and had an interesting tenant who lived in the bar). They also discuss the infamous Barber Shop murder/suicide and address whether our barber chair is haunted; new clues emerge bringing us closer to uncovering the identity of the Pothole Pete Perp; a few regulars express their love(?) of the Lounge and we play two tracks from Maddy Kirgo's beautiful recent BJ's performance. Howie and Scully outline upcoming calendar.

The Mystery of Pothole Pete and Scary Dan Jun 21, 2023

The first episode introduces hosts Scully and Howie and sets the stage for the ongoing investigation into the mystery surrounding the disappearance and return of Pothole Pete. Jennifer Callan, neighbor and regular at the bar is interviewed, revealing details of the event which lead to more questions and the inevitability of a deeper dig. Scully and Howie also outline the upcoming calendar of events.

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