By Bob WarrenJazz Fest lineups released: Some big news for music lovers this morning. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has announced the daily lineups for this year's festival, which you'll recall was moved to October because of COVID. Hmmm, Elvis Costello & the Imposters on Oct. 16...
The Saenger returns: It’s welcome back – again – for the beloved Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans. The theatre, which was damaged during Hurricane Katrina, was finally able to reopen years later. Then came the Hard Rock collapse in late 2019. And then the coronavirus pandemic. The fabulous venue, which dates to 1927, reopens tonight to host comedian Sebastien Maniscalco.
Dr. Frankenstein’s ‘flavor bomb’: You like beignets? Burgers from Bud’s Broiler? How about a beignet burger? Two iconic Louisiana brands, Bud’s and Morning Call, now operate under the same roof at a Mid-City spot and our restaurant writer/mad scientist Ian McNulty wondered what would happen if…..well, check out the rest here.
Edwin Edwards services: Edwin Edwards, former four-term governor and Louisiana political legend who died this week, will lie in honor in Memorial Hall at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge Saturday for a day-long public viewing. Edwards, who was 93, left an indelible mark on Louisiana's, uh, colorful political history. Columnist Stephanie Grace offers this look back. Columnist Lanny Keller has this piece. And photo ace David Grunfeld combed the archives for this collection of photos from Edwards’ many visits to the Crescent City.
Leisurely paddle: A Michigan woman recently checked off quite the bucket-list item. She paddled the length of the Mississippi River in a quest to set a Guinness world record.
Also in the news today: Louisiana is experiencing one of the nation's worst surges in overdose deaths. And expanded unemployment benefits will soon end for thousands of Louisiana residents.
All this and much more in today’s Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
