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Baby from a Candy

Candy Edwards is expecting. The Baton Rouge real estate agent became famous during her 10-year marriage to ex-Gov. Edwin Edwards that ended in divorce in 2004, two years into his 10-year federal prison sentence. Candy has moved on with her life and now is due to give birth to a boy Nov. 11. The father is local financial advisor Brian Low. Candy tells 225 she is

trying to stay out of the public eye and is focusing on her real estate career. “Of course, I am thrilled to be having my first baby.”

Clesi to wed

Local news anchor Andrea Clesi is engaged to be married. The WBRZ-Channel 2 anchor, a 1974 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy who was previously married to ad exec Sonny Cranch, said yes to financial advisor Wally McMakin of McMakin Financial. He popped the question in September, and they plan to tie the knot next June.

BR “It Girl” takes on the Big Apple

Baton Rouge native Genevieve Jones has taken the New York City social scene by storm. Recently dubbed the “Girl of the Moment” by Vogue, she has been photographed with everyone from fashion sensation Zac Posen to socialite Tinsley Mortimer, who just happens to be a close, personal friend of hers. Designers like Roberto Cavalli and Calvin Klein see a rise in sales every time Jones is photographed wearing their designs. The McKinley High grad reeks charm, attitude and moxie, the Wall Street Journal said in a recent front page story. She’s hosted parties with Lindsay Lohan, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Salma Hayek in attendance. But within days of the story, New York publications scooped by the Journal jumped on the story—and on Jones. First, the New York Observer said she lied about being 27 and that she’s actually 31. Then, Women’s Wear Daily reported Jones bolted for Baton Rouge for some peace and quiet. Hey—even It Girls need a break sometimes.

Rock and rolls

Diners recently spotted pop rock star Gavin DeGraw at the sushi bar at Tsunami. Rumor has it the New York-based J Records artist is dating a hot young LSU co-ed.

Short shrift

The gala celebration at the new Hilton Capitol Center

hotel was the hot party of the season, a black-tie affair fit for a king or queen. But just days before the event, word spread around town that organizers were suddenly insisting on long gowns, even though invitations did not articulate this. “Perhaps next time they should consult Emily Post,” said one local fashionista.

Lounging around

The Kingfish Lounge at The Hilton Capitol Center on Lafayette Street is open this month. The jeweled, curvaceous bar serves drinks daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

What’ll you have?

You can order a cocktail on the roof at Tsunami again—finally. Tsunami Owner Leah Simon quietly worked out differences with LSU, which had tried to shut down the fun on the popular rooftop bar. Now, Tsunami operates a bar on the roof, plus offers full dinner service for its outside tables overlooking the river.

Downtown roll

Starting next month the Main Street Market downtown will serve up a new dish: sushi. From the Wong family, who brought Baton Rouge the original Chinese Inn 37 years ago, comes Paul Wong's Chinese & Sushi. When the restaurant opens its doors October 2, market-goers can add fresh sushi and Pad Thai noodles—and a Chinese line dance to celebrate the occasion—to the marketplace mix.

What do they know?

Members of the local band Meriwether, who recently signed with Suretone/Interscope Records, were spotted dining in the atrium bar at Juban’s Restaurant with a huge crew of friends, having what appeared to be a celebratory dinner. Some of the older Baton Rouge blue bloods dining near them gawked and whispered about their appearance. Apparently they didn’t get the memo that tattered jeans and ripped t-shirts are fashionable. Read about Meriwether’s rise to the top on Page 73.

Making Varsity

Just in time to celebrate its 15th birthday (with an ‘80s style prom), one of Baton Rouge’s most popular music venues is under new management. The Varsity’s former head of security, Brent McLellan, has been named manager, replacing Mark Brennan, a longtime veteran of The Chimes and The Varsity.

One-man band

If you missed Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel’s performance at the

Manship Theatre Sept. 12, we feel very sorry for you. Emmanuel, a Nashville transplant by way of Australia who’s been slaying U.S. audiences wherever he goes, isn’t merely great: he’s jaw dropping, phenomenal, imagination defying. But like Elvis Costello says, “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” Suffice it to say the next time Emmanuel plays Baton Rouge, or within a thousand miles, sell blood if necessary to see the guy.