Jason Rhein

One of Treme's distinctions is the way it uses local people — real people — to play smaller roles. One of those characters is a trumpeter named Kermit Ruffins, played by New Orleans...

One "Treme" character, New Orleans trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, plays himself in the series. Ruffins is one the founders of the Rebirth Brass Band, a leading act in the city’s traditional music scene. But Ruffins seems just as proud of his barbecue skills as he ...

Japanese-born artist Takashi Horisaki used to live in New Orleans. He recently returned to the Lower 9th Ward to bring attention to the city’s continuing struggle the best way he knew how: by making a sculpture. It's based on a wind- and water-ravaged shotgun house. Before its ...

The reconstruction of New Orleans may be years away, but plans are coming off the drawing board. Andres Duany and his team of "New Urbanists" have come to New Orleans with their vision of the future: 19th century-style town plans that encourage compact living and walkability. That's ...