ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Arts, Music, Movie Reviews, Celebrity News & Events from New Orleans

AP file photoIggy Pop, center, is shown with Ron Asheton, left, and Scott Asheton of The Stooges. Ron Asheton of The Stooges was found dead in his home on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was 60.

Ron Asheton, the guitarist for the Stooges whose raw sound helped inspire the first generation of punk musicians, has died. He was 60.

Asheton was found at his Ann Arbor home early Tuesday morning by police officers after they were called by an associate who had not heard from him in several days, said city police Sgt. Brad Hill.

Even in a "quiet" year, Christmas, New Year's and Sugar Bowl week blend into one long kickoff to Carnival, which officially begins on Twelfth Night, Jan. 6.

The perfect "appetizer" for Mardi Gras comes Tuesday night, as the Phunny Phorty Phellows gather for a costume-strutting, champagne-popping countdown to the start of Carnival at 7 p.m. (sharp). The satirical krewe, whose roots extend to 1878, will then follow its tradition of "hijacking" a streetcar for a tipsy ride downtown, uptown and back, serenaded by the Storyville Stompers. The group's "Boss" will be chosen en route via King Cake.

Chris Granger / The Times-Picayune ArchiveDaniel Esses

Last night was Daniel Esses' last as executive chef of Marigny Brasserie.

"The whole kitchen walked out after dinner," he said. "Most of us won't be going back."

Esses said his relationship with Marigny Brasserie owner Roland Adams had deteriorated beyond repair -- one thing the former colleagues agree on.

"We just didn't get along," Adams said. "My thinking and his thinking just didn't jibe."

Courtesy of CW
The cast of CW network's "13 -- Fear Is Real," a new unscripted series that places reality TV conventions within spooky horror-film.

HOLLYWOOD -- Opening soon in a darkened room near you is "13 -- Fear Is Real," a new unscripted CW network series that places reality TV conventions within spooky horror-film settings.

In a word: Yikes. Or so you'd think.

For the premier episode, airing Wednesday at 7 p.m. on WNOL-Channel 38, the 13 "13" contestants begin their quest for a $66,666 grand prize by dousing each other with bug spray and meeting the mysterious, disembodied voice that will guide them through doom-laden challenges.

A doubloon from the Krewe of Rex.

A half-century ago, when H. Alvin Sharpe told his family that he was going to design coins for riders to throw from Carnival floats, the reaction was hardly supportive.

"We thought he was nuts," said John E. Celestin Jr., Sharpe's son-in-law.

But Sharpe persevered. He made aluminum models that he took to the office of Darwin Fenner, the captain of the Rex organization who also was a partner in the august investment firm of Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith.

Jon C. Donley / NOLA.comPhunny Phorty Phellows celebrants ring in the new Carnival season on Twelfth Night.

With Christmas and New Year celebrations safely behind us, it's time to focus our sights on Carnival season. This week we usher in all things purple, green and gold with a celebration of 100 years of Zulu, King Cakes, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, Benny Grunch and the Bunch and Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias.

Also, the Mahalia Jackson Theater reopens this week with an all-star lineup up of local musicians, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and performances from the San Fransisco and New York Ballets.

Both Celine Dion and Lil Wayne headline shows at the Arena and in the clubs, Tipitina's salutes Southern troubadours and d.b.a. spotlights Glen David Andrews.

AP file photoMarley & Me

Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and their little dog have not lost their box office bite.

The family tale "Marley & Me," starring Aniston and Wilson as owners of an adorably mischievous pooch, took in $24.1 million to finish as the No. 1 movie for a second-straight weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.