/ / / / /

New Orleans Will Be The Star Of New HBO Drama 'Treme'

December 29, 2009 at 3:08 PM | by | Comments (0)

A new HBO series will feature some authentic N'awlins barbecue, or least it will feature some smoke from the grill. The series Treme, which is scheduled to debut this spring, is set in New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina. The drama tells the story of the city’s recovery through fictional characters based on some of the real characters who lived through it. The series will also feature locals who know the culture of NOLA best, an important aspect to the series' creator, David Simon, whose other HBO series, The Wire, was known for its sometimes too realistic depiction of life in Baltimore.

One of those locals, Kermit Ruffins, will play himself in the pilot episode of the series. Ruffins can be found playing trumpet in New Orleans on just about any night of the week. And though no one would argue that this New Orleans native can sing and blow the horn, he brings a little something extra to each gig—his mobile barbecue rig.

"Music is real real good for the soul and so is food super good for the soul," Ruffins has said. "Its a spiritual thing too," he adds. "I mean when you put both of them together, I think you have the biggest party ever. And that's what New Orleans is famous for, putting that good food on the table at the same time while they have the hottest band in the city on stage." So it was no different when Ruffins was cast in the HBO series last March, he showed up ready to work with his grill tow. By mid-afternoon on that first day of shooting for Treme, the smoke from Kermit's grill was lofting through the opening scenes of HBO's latest drama series.

Tonight, Ruffins will be at Bullet’s Sports Bar, 2441 A P Tureaud Ave, with his band and barbecue pit. If you want to see how locals really unwind and have a good time, Bullets is the place to be. But get there early, since it's usually standing room only when Kermit Ruffins and his barbecue are on the menu.

Related Stories:
· HBO's 'Treme' starts production on regular-season episodes [NOLA.com]
· Kermit Ruffins [My Space]
· Movie Set Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: NOLA.com]

Comments (0)

Post a Comment

Return to » New Orleans Will Be The Star Of New HBO Drama 'Treme'

Join the conversation!

Not a member? .
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy (Revised 08/01/2011). © Condé Nast Digital. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast Digital.
Ad Choices