Whispers

Bill Ross, Louisiana-based director of award-winning New Orleans nightlife epic Tchoupitoulas, is already gearing up for his next release, a “non-fiction Western” shot over the course of 13 months in a small town in east Texas. Ross and brother Turner Ross hope to work on the soundtrack to the new documentary with Tchoupitoulas composer Casey McAllister, a Baton Rouge native and former 225 graphic designer.

The new film will follow a charismatic sheriff whom Ross describes as, “a Tommy Lee Jones-type, only real.” rossbros.net

Chef Eric Sibley, who helped launch the strong reputation of downtown wine and tapas bar Blend, will soon leave Baton Rouge to open a revamped restaurant at a hotel in Nashville. The Baton Rouge native and Dajonel’s veteran is inspired by his Louisiana grandmother’s coq au vin, and uses French techniques as a foundation for innovative recipes, including Blend’s crawfish croquette and butter-poached shrimp (pictured).

No word on Sibley’s replacement, but with a stellar menu and team, the venue is sure to mix up something grand in his absence. blendbr.com

A brand new band debuted in Baton Rouge to a packed crowd at Mud and Water last month. Lucy and the Gamblers—fronted by full-throated vocalist Lucy Mercer Foval (pictured) and featuring John Foval, Ryan Harris and other local musicians—trade in Meters-inspired funk and post-Winehouse neo-soul. Based on the band’s energetic and enthusiastic debut, Lucy and the Gamblers is certainly a band to keep an eye on. lucyandthegamblers.com

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