New Orleans trumpeter Kermit Ruffins Dec. 2 drew a packed crowd to the First and Last Stop bar in an effort to keep the 7th Ward cultural institution afloat as it faces eviction threats from the building’s new owners.
Culture bearers, neighbors, regulars and even city officials crammed into the dimly lit, lively corner bar to show their support for Carolyn Cushenberry, who has been at the helm for over 20 years.
“We’re here to celebrate, we’re not here to cry, and we’re not here to moan. Miss Carol has been an inspiration to us,” said Big Chief Tyrone Stevenson of the Monogram Hunters, a Black Masking Indian group that regularly gathers at the bar and suits up there on Fat Tuesday…