HIDDEN GEM- Fat Boy's Seafood Kitchen in Manchac is Tangipahoa Parish's "best-kept secret". Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks Fat Boy's Seafood Kitchen, a short-order eatery in Manchac has recently re-opened for business for weekend hours only after COVID-19 pushed them into hiatus. While diners far and wide are familiar with Manchac because of... Continue Reading →
Going back to country music can be a route forward
Our editor and resident Tangipahoa Parish songwriter Jesse Brooks shares how going back to the country roots of music can lead to the redirection of American music. Photo by Matthew C. Roy. By Jesse Brooks I’ve been doing a lot of tweaking to my music act while in the extra solitude we have these days.... Continue Reading →
Jesse Brooks & The Living Past gear up for last shows of the year and prepare to make a record
YEAR'S END- Jesse Brooks & The Living Past will play a consecutive three-night in-state run next week before their final show of the year at Nick's Ice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. Photo by Emily LaPrime. Tangipahoa Parish-based rock and honky-tonk soul band Jesse Brooks & The Living Past... Continue Reading →
FULL STORY: Tigers’ Melvin Baker officially signs with Coastal Alabama CC
NEW ERA- Independence High Magnet School graduating senior Melvin Baker has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Coastal Alabama Community College. He is seen here seated next to Tigers coach Ace Misita and his mother Jennifer Cook. Behind him are Principal Chasity Collier and Sun Chiefs coach Robby Robertson. Photo by Jesse... Continue Reading →
Hammond Regional Arts Center launches “Playing the Staircase” listening series
Baton Rouge musicians Clay Parker and Jodi James will perform at the Hammond Regional Arts Center on July 27. Hammond, LA, April 20, 2018 – The Hammond Regional Arts Center is pleased to announce the launch of its original listening room series, "Playing the Staircase." This exciting new concept to Hammond, Louisiana will see the... Continue Reading →
OFA Boys end regular season with win over PCA
GETTING BUCKETS- OFA senior forward Chris Backa scored 14 points against Pontchatrain Christian. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks AMITE- The Oak Forest Academy boys basketball team defeated Pontchatrain Christian Academy 74-25 to close out the regular season with a 19-8 overall record. Junior shooting guard La'Vell Scott led all scorers with 17 points.... Continue Reading →
Amite boys top Tigers to claim District 9-2A Championship
DISTRICT CHAMPS- The Amite Warriors top Independence 54-30 in the championship round of the District 9-2A Tournament. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks On Wednesday, February 8, the Amite boys basketball team earned the title of District 9-2A Champions after defeating rival Independence 54-30 in the final round of the district tournament. The Warriors... Continue Reading →
Independence Boys get win on senior night
MILESTONE- Independence senior forward Melvin Baker has scored over 1,200 points in his high school career. Photo by Jesse Brooks. By Jesse Brooks On Senior Night, the Independence boys basketball team cruised to a 68-42 victory over District 9-2A opponent Pine on Friday, February 2. The win has the Tigers finishing 17-3 overall in the... Continue Reading →
Local high school basketball round up
OVER THE TOP- Independence senior swingman Melvin Baker's consistent play has helped the Tigers take a lead in District 9-2A. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks Here late in January we are nearing the end of high school basketball season. This year, we have seen an exceptional year from both girls and boys programs... Continue Reading →
REPORT: Baker’s big night gives Independence 2-0 start in district
BIG TICKET- Independence forward Melvin Baker produced a stat line of 28 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals in a 49-29 victory over NLC last night. Photo by Matthew Roy. By Jesse Brooks INDEPENDENCE- Ranked No. 10 in the LHSAA 2A power rankings, the Independence boys basketball team is 2-0 in... Continue Reading →