In 1954 at 801 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson, La. stood Luke's Casino. By 1957 the large two-story building was
for sale. In 1959 it re-opened as Kent's Golden Parrot (pictured below for its opening day advertisement).The Golden Parrot
touted the "South's newest, most beautiful, luxurious Restaurant and Lounge". R.A. "Dick" Kent was its
proprietor. In 1960 it was under the management of "Papa" Felix Rando -- "former owner of a famous restaurant
on Iberville St." according to advertisements. Hosts were (still) R. A. Kent and "Chuck" Barkalow.
In
the early 1960s it became The Sands. A long list of entertainers performed there including (in 1964) Tommy Ridgeley
and the Untouchables, Timi Yuro ("Make the World Go Away"), and Sid Holiday and his Blue Notes. 1965 brought
us Deacon John and his Ivories, Smiley Lewis and his Band, and Fat's Domino and his Big Band. In 1966 the Greek Fountains,
Eddie Powers and his band, and Yesterday's Child performed at The Sands. In 1967 Deacon Jones/John and his Ivories and
Aaron Neville (making his "first New Orleans appearance since his big hit "Tell it Like it Is"), and Irma Thomas
and the Tornados were on stage. Dancing -- 9 p.m. 'till.
Times-Picayune
adverstisement, December 19, 1959:
