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Louisiana Anthology Podcast
Author: Bruce R. Magee & Stephen Payne
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The Louisiana Anthology Podcast is an part of the larger project of the Louisiana Anthology. We release new episodes every Saturday, and the podcasts last for around an hour. The purpose of the Louisiana Anthology Podcast is to discuss the literature and culture of Louisiana. We broadcast interviews with various authors, artists, and scholars about their contributions to Louisiana.
103 Episodes
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570. This week we talk to musician Jackson Skillingstad. Hailing from the heart of
Ruston, Louisiana, Jackson Skillingstad is a genre-defying
singer/songwriter whose music blends the soulful essence of deep South
roots with a fusion of rock, country, and hip hop vibes. It's a musical
gumbo that mirrors the eclectic sounds of Louisiana, creating a unique
experience that feels like a mosh pit of emotions. Influenced by legends
like Elvis Presley, modern hip-hop icon Kevin Gates, and contemporary
sensation Post Malone, Jackson Skillingstad brings a fresh perspective
to the music scene. With a voice that resonates deep within the soul and
lyrics that tell tales of life's twists and turns, Jackson Skillingstad
invites you to join the journey through the diverse landscapes of their
musical universe.Prepare to be captivated by the rhythmic concoction
that is Jackson Skillingstad's music – a testament to the rich musical
heritage of Louisiana, delivered with a contemporary flair that breaks
down genre barriers. Step into the sonic world of Jackson Skillingstad,
where every note tells a story, and every beat creates a rhythm that
stays with you long after the music fades.
This week in Louisiana history. April 21, 1804. Gov.
Laussat, last French Gov., leaves Louisiana.
This week in New Orleans history. Robert Tallant.
Born in New Orleans on April 20, 1909.
Robert Tallant was educated in local public schools. He worked as an
advertising copywriter, bank teller, and clerk before "drifting" into
writing. His friendship with Lyle Saxon led to a position as editor on
the Louisiana Writers' Project of the WPA. In this position he completed
the writing of “Gumbo Ya-Ya: A Collection of Louisiana Folk Tales,” the
Project's compilation of Louisiana folklore. By 1948 his career was
fully launched and over the next eleven years he produced eight novels
and six full-length works of nonfiction, including three for Random
House.
This week in Louisiana.
April 24
Swing in the Oaks
The Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra performs a program of classics and popular music
at the free concert at the Great Lawn and Peristyle in New Orleans City
Park. Visit lpomusic.com.
for details.
Postcards from Louisiana. Easter Sunday in Congo Square.
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569. We welcome Jeroen Dewulf back to the podcast to discuss his new book, Afro-Atlantic Catholics: America’s First Black Christians. "This volume examines the
influence of African Catholics on the historical development of Black
Christianity in America during the seventeenth century. Dewulf’s
analysis focuses on the historical documentation of Afro-Atlantic
Catholic rituals, devotions, and social structures. Of particular
importance are brotherhood practices, which were critical in the
dissemination of Afro-Atlantic Catholic culture among Black communities,
a culture that was pre-Tridentine in nature and wary of external
influences. These fraternal Black mutual-aid and burial society
structures were critically important to the development and resilience
of Black Christianity in America through periods of changing social
conditions." "Jeroen Dewulf (born 1972 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium) is a
Belgian scholar specializing in Dutch culture, the Dutch language,
German Studies, slavery and African-American culture, Caribbean Studies,
and Latin American Studies. He is a professor at the University of
California, Berkeley."
This week in Louisiana history. April 13, 1803. Barbé-Marbois meets with Livingston to offer La. for 100 Million ₣ francs.
This week in New Orleans history. Born in New Orleans on April 13,
1926, Cosimo Matassa is the recording engineer and studio owner
responsible for nationally renowned R&B and rock and roll recordings
at his New Orleans studios. He said that his formula for success was
not complicated in any way..."Do it live or do it over again until it
was done right". He did it right for hundreds of young unknown
musicians including Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Mickey Gilly and
many more from 1945 through 1968. J&M recorded Alan Toussaint's
first record, "The Wild Side of New Orleans" which was released by RCA
Victor. He recorded Aaron Neville's "Tell it Like it Is", Robert
Parker's "Barefootin'", and Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" in 1956 -- a
recording which has been acclaimed as a seminal Rock and Roll song.
This week in Louisiana.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
(Website)
April 25, 2024 - May 5, 2024
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
LOCATION:
Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, A Churchill Downs Co.
1751 Gentilly Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70119
ADMISSION PRICE:
Prices vary
MORE INFO: (504) 410-4100
Visit Event Website
Postcards from Louisiana.
Lundi Gras on Paydras St.
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568. We welcome author Lisa Wingate to the podcast to discuss her novel, Book of Lost Friends. “From
the bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a dramatic
historical novel of three young women searching for family amid the
destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who
learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives”
(NYT). "Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous era of Reconstruction, three
young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Hannie,
a freed slave; Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now destitute
plantation; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half sister. Each carries
private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following
roads rife with vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a
decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of stolen
inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her
mother and siblings before slavery’s end, the pilgrimage west reignites
an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there?
Beyond the swamps lie the limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably,
hope" (Wingate).
This week in Louisiana history. April 6 1764 First Acadians
actually arrived in Louisiana.
This week in New Orleans history. On April 6, 1893, Andy
Bowen and Jack Burke fought 110 rounds to a draw in New
Orleans in the longest prizefight in history. The fight lasted
seven hours, 19 minutes.
This week in Louisiana.
Books Along The Teche Literary Festival
March 31, 2023 — April 07, 2024. https://booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com
Various venues will celebrate literature and its impact on the area's
culture with storytelling, workshops, readers theatre, music, bourée
lessons and tournament, bus and boat tours, a 5K run and food, food,
food. Anyone who is familiar with James Lee Burke and his fictional
character, detective Dave Robicheaux, knows of New Iberia and our
fascinating blend of heritage, hospitality and history.
Amenities
Family Friendly
Handicapped Accessible
Free Parking
Street Parking
Phone:
(337) 369-6446
Email: techefest@gmail.com
Social: Facebook
Postcards from Louisiana. Lundi Gras parade.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
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567. This week we talk to novelist Diane McPhail, author of The Seamstress of New
Orleans: A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction.
Set against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras
krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s
mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by
background but bound by an unexpected secret — and of the
strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other.
“Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the
threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself
into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers
lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the
Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe
of Mardi Gras.... Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes
shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting
their progress toward greater independence.”
This week in Louisiana history. March 30, 1870. 15th
amendment gave Blacks the right to vote.
This week in New Orleans history. Delta Air Lines, Inc.,
DC-8, N802E, operating as Flight 9877, crashed during a
landing approach to Runway 1 at New Orleans International
Airport, Kenner, Louisiana, on March 30, 1967. Five
crewmembers and an FAA observer were fatally injured. This was
a training flight with no passengers aboard; however, impact
occurred in a residential area and 13 persons on the ground
were also killed. The aircraft, several homes and part of a
motel complex were destroyed.
This week in Louisiana.
April 5-7, 2024
Don't Miss Our 11th Annual Boudin Festival
Come to the Scott Boudin Festival
Website
Boudin is deeply ingrained in Cajun culture, and the Scott, LA
community is proud to celebrate and share it. You can find all
kinds of mouth-watering boudin at the Scott Boudin Festival.
We host local vendors that serve up a variety of boudin types
and flavors, like cheese-filled, jalapeño and more.
You can get your fill of authentic boudin at our festival.
Purchase your tickets today.
Postcards from Louisiana.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
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566. This week we talk to rap artist Mimzy MC. Rapper. Mimzy MC, born and raised Mim McCoy in Shreveport,
LA, has been influenced by artists such as ICP, Korn, Eminem,
Timbaland, and Cindi Lauper. She wishes to accomplish visual and
listening pleasure with her unique style for all others to enjoy! Her
philosophy regarding her visual art is, “My inward energy being
manifested outwardly that cannot be expressed verbally. Only visually.”
How she feels and how she is moved by music enhances her abstract
techniques. She has branded clothing and other merchandise with her
images. "There are no rules to art or music everyone is welcome" (Mimzy MC).
This week in Louisiana history. March 23, 1805. The Corps of
Discovery left Fort Clatsop and began their return journey.
This week in New Orleans history. The last French
Prefect (governor), Pierre Clément de Laussat, arrived in New
Orleans on March 23, 1803, formally took control of Louisiana
for France on November 30, 1803, only to hand it over to the
U.S. on December 20, 1803. In the meantime he created New
Orleans' first city council.
This week in Louisiana.
March 29-31, 2024
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Admission: Free before 5 PM
Louisiana Lao New Year Festival
Wat Thammarattanaram Temple
7913 Champa Ave.
Broussard, LA 70518
(337) 378-9469
Website
Lafayette, LA
Lanexang Village celebrates the Lao New Year every Easter
weekend with a three-day festival that includes live music, a
beauty pageant, parades, sand castle building, kids
activities, and several vendors selling clothes, jewelry,
music and food from Southeast Asia.
Postcards from Louisiana. William Orman at the Apple Barrel.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
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565. Catharine Cole, Louisiana journalist. Louisiana
Studies Conference presentation. Stephen & Bruce give their
presentation about Catharine Cole, one of Louisiana's first
women journalists. Catharine was best known from visiting every
parish in the state at that time, writing articles on each one
that reached every corner of Louisiana and beyond. "Martha
Reinhard Smallwood Field (May 24, 1854 – December 19, 1898),
known as Mattie Field, was an American journalist. She usually
wrote under the pen name Catharine Cole. She was one of the
earliest professional women newspaper reporters in New Orleans,
Louisiana. A champion of women's education and social justice,
she also founded the city's first circulating library and helped
found a number of other civic institutions." Wiki.
This week in Louisiana history. March 16, 1806. Norbert
Rillieux, inventor of sugar refining, born 1806-1894.
This week in New Orleans history. Musician Leon Joseph
Roppolo (nicknamed "Rap") was born on March 16, 1902 in
Lutcher, Louisiana. His family, of Sicilian origin, moved to
Uptown New Orleans about 1912. Young Leon's first instrument
was the violin. He was a fan of the marching bands he heard in
the streets of New Orleans, and learned to play clarinet.
This week in Louisiana.
March 20-24, 2024.
Website
Schedule
Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival
A New Orleans affair for readers, writers, & theatre
lovers!
We're excited to present our 38th Annual TWFest, including
writer's craft sessions, literary panels, theatre events,
author interviews, literary walking tours, culinary &
cocktail events, and music events. And don’t forget our Stella
Shouting Contest kicking it all off on Sunday, March 17! Join
award-winning writers, historians, scholars, journalists,
actors, musicians, and cultural experts for five days of
literary revelry in the lush Bohemia of New Orleans.
Postcards from Louisiana. John Joyce at the dba.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
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564. Candidate Richard Anderson talks to us about his campaign to be elected to the Louisiana DSCC. The Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) is the governing body for the Democratic Party of Louisiana and has sole responsibility for the affairs of the Louisiana Democratic Party. This is Richard's call for support: "For a NEW DAY, VOTE # 3 for Richard R Anderson of the Richard Anderson Campaign as the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee Member representing District 11-B encompasses BIENVILLE, CLAIBORNE and LINCOLN PARISHES in NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA during the March 23rd Election Cycle. Please REPOST and SHARE to ALL YOU KNOW in that region of Louisiana. Thanks for your time and help." "A PROACTIVE Democratic Party working on behalf of its constituents is key to gain the confidence and stimulate future participation but it's time to organize and get back to work with people that want better for themselves."
This week in Louisiana history. March 9, 1804. Three Flags
Ceremony in St. Louis - Spain transfers Upper Louisiana to
France, France then transfers it to the United States (March
9-10)
This week in New Orleans history. James Mather (c. 1750 in
England – 1821 in St. James Parish, Louisiana) was mayor of
New Orleans from March 9, 1807 to October 8, 1812. His place
of birth is variously given as Coupland in Northumberland; or
London. A merchant by trade, he moved to America in 1776, and
by 1780 he was working in New Orleans, contracting with the
Spanish Government to operate two vessels out of the port and
importing articles required in the trade with the Indians of
Louisiana and West Florida. Mather & his descendents owned
a large sugar plantation in Lutcher, Louisiana until 1879. He
was appointed mayor of New Orleans by William C.C. Claiborne,
governor of the Louisiana Territory.
This week in Louisiana.
Choctaw Firemen's Fair
March 08, 2024 - March 10, 2024
Visit Website
2854 Choctaw Road
Thibodaux LA 70301
Thrown by the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department, the Fireman's
Fair is a fun 3-day celebration for the whole family. Enjoy
live music, great Cajun food, amusement rides, a live auction,
and a parade on Sunday.
Phone:
(985) 633-2888
Email:
choctawfiredept@gmail.com
Postcards from Louisiana. Boardwalker & the 3 finger
swingers sing at Bamboulas.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.
563. Cordelia Frances Biddle visits with us this week. She has written a biography of Saint Katharine Drexel, the founder of Xavier University. Saint Katharine: The Life of Katharine Drexel. "Katharine Drexel devoted her life to social justice, creating schools for those whom racism marginalized and persecuted. Born in 1858, she died in 1955; her life reflects the nation’s history: the tumultuous years leading to the Civil War, Lincoln’s assassination, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the movement for Women’s Suffrage, and the Equal Rights Movement.” “Cordelia teaches creative writing at Drexel University’s Pennoni Honors College. She won the Honors College Teaching Excellence Prize in 2012, and The Adjunct Faculty Award in 2021.”
This week in Louisiana history. March 2, 1805. Louisiana becomes "organized" territory, upper part becomes District of Louisiana with capital at St. Louis by act of Congress
This week in New Orleans history. March 1, 1967, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison arrested Clay Shaw on the charge of conspiracy to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Precisely two years later, on March 1, 1969, Shaw was acquitted by the jury in less than an hour of deliberation.
This week in Louisiana.Here’s the Beef Cook-Off.The annual Here's the Beef Cook-Off in Opelousas is the best place to sample brisket, roast, gravies, and stews. There's also live music and a trail ride.March 2, 20248:00 AM - 12:00 AMYambilee Building1939 West Landry Street Opelousas, LA 70570 United States
Postcards from Louisiana. John Joyce at dba.
562. This week we talk to Greta de Jong about civil rights in North Louisiana. "Civil rights in North LA. Examining African Americans' struggles for
freedom and justice in rural Louisiana during the Jim Crow and civil
rights eras, Greta de Jong illuminates the connections between the
informal strategies of resistance that black people pursued in the early
twentieth century and the mass protests that emerged in the 1950s and
1960s. Using evidence drawn from oral histories and a wide range of
other sources, she demonstrates that rural African Americans were
politically aware and active long before civil rights organizers arrived
in the region in the 1960s to encourage voter registration and
demonstrations against segregation." "Greta de Jong is Associate
Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses on the
connections between race and class and the ways that African Americans
have fought for economic as well as political rights from the end of
slavery through the twenty-first century. She is the author of A Different Day: African American Struggles for Justice in Rural Louisiana, 1900-1970 (2002)."
This week in Louisiana history. February 24, 1843. Bossier
Parish created out of Natchitoches District, named for Pierre
E. Bossier.
This week in New Orleans history. "Ernest Kador, Jr, known
by the stage name Ernie K-Doe (the self proclaimed "Emperor of the
World") was born at Charity Hospital on February 22, 1936. He recorded
as a member of the group the Blue Diamonds in 1954 before making his
first solo recordings the following year. "Mother-in-Law", his best
known 1961 hit single, written by Allen Toussaint, was his first hit,
and was #1 on both the Billboard pop and R&B charts." “I'm not
sure, but I'm almost positive that all music came from New Orleans.”
This week in Louisiana.
4th Annual Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie (Pork BBQ)
March 02, 2024
Downtown Houma
8043 Main Street
Houma, LA
Website
"Join us downtown on March 2, 2024, at the fourth Annual Bayou
Terrebonne Boucherie for a day of food, festivity, and teamwork. In
addition to mounds of pork, there will be live music and the now-famous
Cajun Cup (a series of bayou-themed competitions). Whether spectating or
participating, it'll be a day of good Cajun fun for the whole family.
C'mon out, and let's have a good time! Proceeds will go towards
quality-of-life projects in Terrebonne Parish, making our home a better
place to live."
Postcards from Louisiana. Boardwalker & the 3 finger
swingers sing at Bamboulas.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.
561. Part 2 of our friend Kelly Jackson's return to the podcast to discuss her Metoyer documentary. “Kelly is the creator of the Cane River Film Festival. The film festival is sponsored by her historical preservation nonprofit – the Resurrection Fern Foundation. Resurrection Fern serves as a way for Kelly to support her community events and historical films. A project close to Kelly’s heart is the documentary “Resurrection Fern: The Life and Times of Marie Thérèse Coincoin,” a film about her ancestors in 17th Century Natchitoches, Louisiana. Kelly Jackson is a 7th generation descendant of Marie Thérèse Coincoin and Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer. “On Facebook in 2010, I noticed others with the odd name of my grandmother from Louisiana,” Kelly says. “She never knew of her family history, so finding these roots was life-changing.” Kelly was so inspired by Coincoin’s story from slavery to freedom that she wanted her to be the focus of her next film” (Soul Vision Magazine).
This week in Louisiana history. February 17, 1805. New
Orleans is incorporated as a city
This week in New Orleans history. On February 17, 1805,
Governor William C. C. Claiborne approved "An Act to
Incorporate the City of New Orleans" that had just been passed
by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Orleans. New
Orleans thus had its first charter seven years before
Louisiana had its first constitution, and was now officially
an American city after serving for eighty-three years as the
capital of a vast European colony in North America.
This week in Louisiana.
"Eagles — The Long Goodbye"
Smoothie King Center
February 17, 2024.
1501 Dave Dixon Drive
New Orleans, LA, 70113
This iconic venue will set the stage for an unforgettable
evening of legendary music.
Postcards from Louisiana. TBC at Satchmofest 2023.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.
560. Part 1 of our friend Kelly Jackson's return to the podcast to discuss her Metoyer documentary.
“Kelly is the creator of the Cane River Film Festival. The film festival
is sponsored by her historical preservation nonprofit – the
Resurrection Fern Foundation. Resurrection Fern serves as a way for
Kelly to support her community events and historical films. A project
close to Kelly’s heart is the documentary “Resurrection Fern: The Life and Times of Marie Thérèse Coincoin,” a film about her ancestors in 17th
Century Natchitoches, Louisiana. Kelly Jackson is a 7th generation
descendant of Marie Thérèse Coincoin and Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer.
“On Facebook in 2010, I noticed others with the odd name of my
grandmother from Louisiana,” Kelly says. “She never knew of her family
history, so finding these roots was life-changing.” Kelly was so
inspired by Coincoin’s story from slavery to freedom that she wanted her
to be the focus of her next film”
(Soul Vision Magazine).
This week in Louisiana history. February 10 1763. Treaty of Paris gave Louisiana Colony to Spain.
This week in New Orleans history. Mayor Isaac W. Patton was born in
Fredericksbury, Virginia, February 4, 1828. He engaged in cotton
planting on property he purchased in Madison Parish and also looked
after a sugar plantation below New Orleans which belonged to his
father-in-law
This week in Louisiana.
Krewe of Isis Parade
Sataturday, February 10, 2024
6:00pm
Kenner, LA
The Krewe of Isis
begins at Esplanade Mall on West Esplanade in Kenner. The all-female
Krewe of Isis first started parading in Kenner in 1973. Comprised of
200+ riders and 20 floats, this Egyptian-themed krewe is known for its
marching bands, dance teams and gloriously attired maids, as well as for
its specialty throws including decorated bras in support of breast
cancer charities.
Postcards from Louisiana. Boardwalker & the 3 finger swingers sing at Bamboulas.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.
559. C.J. Hunt returns to the Podcast to discuss "Neutral Ground
— a documentary about memory, monuments, and how to break up
with the Confederacy. The Neutral Ground documents New
Orleans’ fight over monuments and America’s troubled romance
with the Lost Cause. In 2015, director CJ Hunt was filming the
New Orleans City Council’s vote to remove four confederate
monuments. But when that removal is halted by death threats, CJ
sets out to understand why a losing army from 1865 still holds
so much power in America." C. J. visited the podcast with Kyle
June Williams on April 25, 2014 (Episode
49) to discuss their web series Our
Sunken City. If you haven't watched it yet, it's
still available.
This week in Louisiana history. February 3, 1820.
Prohibition of slavery in western territory of Louisianan
Purchase.
This week in New Orleans history. The Superdome hosted Super
Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013. A partial power failure halted
game play for about 34 minutes in the third quarter between
the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. The power
outage caused CBS, who was broadcasting the game, to lose some
of its cameras as well as voice-overs by the commentators. At
no point did the game go off the air, though the game had no
audio for about two minutes. While the lights were coming back
on, CBS reporters deployed around the stadium reported on the
outage as a breaking news situation until power was restored
enough for play to continue.
This week in Louisiana. Everywhere else, it's just a
Tuesday.
Monroe/West Monroe. The Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade rolls
on Saturday, February 3.
Theme: Jammin' with Janus
February 3, 2024
Parade rolls at 6:00 PM.
This parade is the big one! Floats, marching bands, and beads
all come together! The parade begins in West Monroe at 1118
Natchitoches Street and ends at Oliver Road in Monroe.
Postcards from Louisiana. Rickey Caesar at Blue Nile.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
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The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
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558. We talk to urologist Martha Boone about her work at the old Charity Hospital and the books she's written about it. "The Big Free is Charity Hospital and it’s 1982 in New Orleans, and Charity is a big medical free-for-all. Elizabeth is one of the first women in the toughest surgery department in America. With her pearls and her pink plaid socks, she doesn’t fit in …at first. Half the doctors who start the surgery program never finish. Nothing in her proper southern upbringing prepares Elizabeth for the violence, debauchery and intensity of inner city trauma surgery. The Big Free is filled with unforgettable characters living the best and the worst New Orleans has to offer" (Boone). "Dr. Martha Boone is one of the first one hundred women board certified in urology. After 23 years of education, she practiced academic urology for five years and private practice for twenty-four. She was named TOP DOC in urology in Atlanta for over a decade. Her first novel The Big Free fictionalizes her first six months at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Her current book, The Unfettered Urologist, is nonfiction and explains the pearls of wisdom she never had time to include in a short office visit. It will be available August 15,2023. Her third book, Mother Charity, will be released in March of 2024 and is the sequel to The Big Free. Dr. Boone retired to write full-time and travel with her husband" (Boone).
This week in Louisiana history. January 27, 1730. Jean Paul
LeSueur leads 500 Choctaw Indians against the Natchez Indians.
This week in New Orleans history. Lakeview Theater Opens
January 28, 1942. With 700 seats and a parking lot able to
accommodate 300 cars, the Lakeview Theater became the first
movie house in Lakeview when it first opened its doors on
January 28, 1942. Located at the corner of Harrison Avenue and
Vicksburg Street (one block from Canal Boulevard), it was
built by contractor Robert E. Smith who was the owner/partner
of Guy P. Spicuzza who managed the theater. Draperies
and rugs were furnished by D.H. Holmes. Adult tickets sold for
25 cents. Children were admitted for 11 cents. The
management promised a policy of four program changes per week.
This week in Louisiana.
Postcards from Louisiana. Boardwalker & the 3 finger
swingers sing at Bamboulas.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.
557. We're excited to have Chad Adams on the podcast to discuss his novel, How to Walk on a Marsh. “On his first ever hunting excursion as a young boy, James takes an uncalculated step in the delicate South Louisiana marsh that becomes the catalyst for a metaphor used by his dad which foreshadows his life: there’s an art to navigating the marshland, and the steps you take while on your journey can cause you to either sink or swim.
Through their many adventures together, James’ dad helps him to recognize and learn that with a respect and appreciation for the outdoors, important lessons can be found, and an unwavering bond woven full of love and admiration between father and son can be had.” “Born and raised in Southeast Louisiana, Chad Adams has a love for the outdoors that dates back to early childhood fishing trips with his dad along the state’s beautiful gulf coast. His articles about duck hunting can be found in Louisiana Sportsman” (Amazon).
This week in Louisiana history. January 20, 1980. Terry
Bradshaw (Louisiana), Pittsburgh Steelers, QB, named Superbowl
XIV MVP.
This week in New Orleans history. Photographer John Norris
Teunisson is born January 20, 1869. The New Orleans Public
Library's collection of Teunisson prints include views
of the Atlanteans carnival ball of 1940, carnival decorations
on downtown streets in 1906, the Fisk Free and Public Library,
local hotels (including photographs of drawings of hotels),
riverfront scenes, and other miscellaneous local sites.
Additional collections of Teunisson photographs can be
found at the Louisiana Digital Library.
This week in Louisiana. January 26, 2024. The
Krewe Bohème is a marching parade which travels through
the Marigny and the French Quarter. It is the first parade to
roll after Twelfth Night. Their goal is to present a visual
and auditory feast of mystery, artistry and fun. The
procession is led by a symbol of the bohemian spirit, a green
absinthe fairy, followed by several inner krewe marching
clubs:
Postcards from Louisiana. Stephen Walker at the Frenchmen
Hotel.
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556. Today we talk with Richard Sexton and Randolf Delehanty about the 2nd edition of their classic work, New
Orleans: Elegance and Decadence. The book focuses on the
interiors, furnishings, art collections, and gardens of a
handful of creative people in New Orleans in the 1990s. Dreamers
and urban pioneers, they included bohemian artists, artisans,
architects, preservationists, activists, antiquarians,
restaurateurs, and teachers, all living outside the American
mainstream. They tolerated crumbling plaster, exposed lathe, and
sagging galleries in exchange for communal festivity and joie de
vivre. Richard is returning to the Podcast after an earlier
visit when we discussed his book, Creole
World.
This week in Louisiana history. January 13, 1818, Noah
Ludlow opens St. Philip Street Theatre.
This week in New Orleans history. Danny Barker was born
January 13, 1909. African-America Creole guitar and banjo
player, songwriter, composer, singer, author, historian,
teacher, storyteller, humorist, actor, painter. Jazz Hall of
Fame member. Recipient of the National Endowment of the
Arts Music Master Award and numerous other honors. Played on
more than 1,000 records of Jazz, Swing, Blues, Bebop, and
Traditional. Husband of legendary singer Blue Lu Barker.
This week in Louisiana. Krewe
of Chewbacchus Parade. Saturday, January 20, 7:00 pm in
Marigny. he parade consists of roughly 100 contraptions which
are either pushed, pedaled, or pulled and are built onto
bicycles, homemade trailers, and shopping carts. Chewbacchus
believes that green parades are the “Future of Revelry” and
does not use internal combustion engines to power floats. The
mad scientists who engineer the krewe’s contraptions have
found clever ways to build amazing floats that don’t require
petroleum products.
Postcards from Louisiana. Rickey Caesar at Blue Nile.
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555. This week we talk to Randy Gonzales about his poetry book Settling
St. Malo. "I am excited about the launch of a book I spent
more than a decade writing. My research into Filipino Louisiana
started as a way to understand my family’s Filipino story. I
learned that without the fishermen at St. Malo, the shrimpers at
Manila Village, and the seamen who settled in New Orleans, my
Filipino ancestors may not have moved to Louisiana.
Poetry — attention to sound, rhythm, and the emotional register of
words — helped me organize and make sense of research and make it
meaningful to me" (Gonzales). "I am a native New Orleanian of Filipino
descent; a poet, writer, and community historian who researches
and shares the stories of Filipino Louisiana; a scholar and
educator, an associate professor of English at the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette who holds the Dr. James
Wilson/BORSF Eminent Scholar Endowed Professorship in Southern
Studies; a father who wants his children to be proud of their
heritage" (Gonzales).
This week in Louisiana history. January 8 1815. The Battle
of New Orleans took place.
This week in New Orleans history. On January 7, 1944, the
Liberty ship Leon Godchaux was launched by Delta Shipbuilding
Company.
This week in Louisiana. The Feast
of Epiphany is a Christian feast day commemorating the
visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at
Cana. It's also the beginning of Carnival. Less than two weeks
after Christmas, New Orleans begins the reveling anew with its
celebration of Twelfth Night. Jan. 6th marks the Feast of the
Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men visited the Christ child. In
New Orleans it also means the launch of Carnival season. And
New Orleans observes it with the Joan of Arc parade that
marches through the Quarter. Société Des Champs Elysée rolls
down the Rampart - St. Claude Avenue streetcar line nearby.
Meanwhile Uptown, the Phunny Phorty Phellows board the St.
Charles streetcar for a parade all their own. This is followed
by the Funky Uptown Krewe.
Postcards from Louisiana. Bubbles Brown at the Apple Barrel
on Frenchmen.
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554. Part 2 of our interview of Derby Gisclair about his newest book, New Orleans Steamboat Stories – The Brief Lives of Mississippi Riverboats.
"Steamboats shaped America’s future, its economy, and its
culture while expanding trade and expanding the country’s
footprint into new territories. This economic expansion was not
limited to New Orleans, but also to Cincinnati, St. Louis,
Pittsburgh, Memphis, Louisville, Nashville, St. Paul, Kansas
City, and Chattanooga. A round trip voyage from Pittsburgh to
New Orleans that once took six months could now be accomplished
in forty-five days. At the same time steamboats made it possible
to circulate and disseminate the news and the mail, to spread
the various immigrant cultures, food, and music. New Orleans
Steamboat Stories contains stories of a handful of the different
steamboats and the people who lived and worked on the Western
rivers. They are brief in nature as the average life of a
steamboat was generally short. But their impact culturally and
commercially, esthetically and economically, made a lasting
impact on the development of America" (Jefferson Parish).
This week in Louisiana history. December 23, 1813.
Legislative Act #5 provides for official state seal.
This week in New Orleans history. Storyland Dedication,
December 30, 1956. During the 1950s Storyland in City Park was
filled with Nursery Rhyme figures created by a young man who
would become the most noted Mardi Gras float builder in the
city; it was funded by an older man who owned and operated the
most popular amusement park in the south.
This week in Louisiana.
New Year's Eve in New Orleans
Website
New Orleans is the perfect place to ring in the new year.
Whether you want to grab dinner and turn in for the night
early, celebrate at a children’s event during the day, or
party all night long, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s
how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.
For the biggest party in the city,
head to Jackson Square – the Quarter is packed with festive
partygoers eager to countdown the time until the New Year
arrives with the Fleur De Lis drop.
If outdoor celebrations and big
crowds are not for you, make a reservation at one of the
city’s many fine restaurants and celebrate the evening over
delectable meals and of course, lots of bubbly. Many
restaurants offer special deals or packages for the evening,
so make sure you check ahead to ensure the perfect night for
you, your loved ones and friends. See here
for our list of restaurants open for New Year’s Eve.
Experience New Year's Eve like never
before at Vue Orleans atop the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
This year, join the party 34 floors above the Mississippi
River for a fireworks display to remember. Vue Orleans offers
unmatched bird’s-eye views of the New Orleans fireworks, adult
beverages, light passed appetizers, DJ music, and a champagne
toast at midnight. The celebration begins at 10 p.m. Tickets
are limited, must be 21 to purchase and attend.
Postcards from Louisiana. John Joyce band at dba.
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553. We chat with Derby Gisclair about his newest book, New Orleans Steamboat Stories – The Brief Lives of Mississippi Riverboats. "Steamboats shaped America’s future, its economy, and its culture while expanding trade and expanding the country’s footprint into new territories. This economic expansion was not limited to New Orleans, but also to Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Louisville, Nashville, St. Paul, Kansas City, and Chattanooga. A round trip voyage from Pittsburgh to New Orleans that once took six months could now be accomplished in forty-five days. At the same time steamboats made it possible to circulate and disseminate the news and the mail, to spread the various immigrant cultures, food, and music. New Orleans Steamboat Stories contains stories of a handful of the different steamboats and the people who lived and worked on the Western rivers. They are brief in nature as the average life of a steamboat was generally short. But their impact culturally and commercially, esthetically and economically, made a lasting impact on the development of America" (Jefferson Parish).
This week in Louisiana history. December 15, 1802. Pres.
Jefferson, worried of French takeover of La., seeks to
purchase Isle of Orleans
This week in New Orleans history. The New Orleans Church of
St. Louis, which had been rebuilt after being destroyed in the
fire of 1788, was dedicated as a cathedral on December 23,
1794.
This week in Louisiana.
97th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Webpage
November 18th, 2023 - January 6th, 2024
Christmas Cheer Since 1927
Named after a Native American tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced
Nack-a-tish ) is the oldest permanent settlement in the
Louisiana Purchase Territory. Since 1927, we are home to one
of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the
country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches
Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas
Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before
Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany.
Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display
every night at dusk.
Postcards from Louisiana. David Middleton. "The Shepherd. A
Christmas Play."
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552. Today we talk with Doug Duffey, North Louisiana blues musician. "Blues musician.Doug Duffey is a singer, songwriter,
pianist, bandleader, music arranger, record producer, music publisher,
poet, diarist, photographer and visual artist. From Monroe, Louisiana,
Doug Duffey was inducted into the "Louisiana Hall of Fame" in April,
2001 and inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame in 2009" (Wikipedia).
This week in Louisiana history. December 8, 1879. Citizens
of Louisiana ratified a new state constitution.
Simultaneously, the state capital was moved from New Orleans
to Baton Rouge.
This week in New Orleans history. The World Cotton
Centennial (World's Fair) opened in New Orleans on December
16, 1884 and ran until June 2, 1885 in what is now Audubon
Park. It featured displays with a great deal of electric light
illumination, an observation tower with electric elevators,
and several prototype designs of electric streetcars.
This week in Louisiana.
Celebration in the Oaks
City Park,
New Orleans, LA
November 24 - January 1
Website
This well-known light display in New Orleans beautifully
highlights the lovely collection of Live Oak trees that are
found in New Orleans. Perfect for a date night or an evening
with the kids, this is one of of the most popular holiday
light displays in Louisiana. From late November until early
January, over a million dazzling lights illuminate 25 acres of
City Park in what can only be described as pure magic.
Postcards from Louisiana. Stephen Walker Band at the
Frenchmen Hotel.
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551. Part 2 of our conversation with Shane K. Barnard about his research into Tabasco Sauce and Bayou Teche. Holding a Ph.D. in history, Bernard has served as historian and curator to McIlhenny Company for over twenty-five years. He is the author of Tabasco: An Illustrated History and several books about Cajun and Creole history. Teche: A History of Louisiana's Most Famous Bayou. Recipient of a 2017 Book of the Year Award presented by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Shane K. Bernard's Teche examines this legendary waterway of the American Deep South. Bernard delves into the bayou's geologic formation as a vestige of the Mississippi and Red Rivers, its prehistoric Native American occupation, and its colonial settlement by French, Spanish, and, eventually, Anglo-American pioneers. He surveys the coming of indigo, cotton, and sugar; steam-powered sugar mills and riverboats; and the brutal institution of slavery. He also examines the impact of the Civil War on the Teche, depicting the running battles up and down the bayou and the sporadic gunboat duels, when ironclads clashed in the narrow confines of the dark, sluggish river" (Google Books).
This week in Louisiana history. December 2, 1981. Britney
Spears born in Kentwood, Louisiana.
This week in New Orleans history. Jessie Hill (December 9,
1932 — September 17, 1996), R&B and Louisiana blues singer
and songwriter is best remembered for the song "Ooh Poo Pah
Doo".
This week in Louisiana.
Old World Christmas Lights Spectacular
520 Broadway St.
Minden, LA 71055
Website
There is a beautiful Christmas lights display each year in
Minden, a small town with some strong German influence. Every
year, the historic downtown area transforms into a winter
wonderland with dozens of life-sized nutcrackers and thousands
of twinkling lights. It's one of the most spectacular
Christmas events in Louisiana.
Postcards from Louisiana. Shane Bernard's father Ron Bernard sings "Gimme Back my Cadillac" and "This Should Go on Forever."
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