241. Heather Nathans.

241. Heather Nathans tells us about Jewish dramas in the 19th century, especially as they relate to New Orleans drama. Her primary areas of scholarly interest include American theatre and drama, African American theatre, Jewish American theatre, musical theatre, 17th and 18th century French theatre, theatre historiography, English Restoration drama, and directing.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 30, 1791. Gov. Carondelet takes control of Louisiana.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Storyland Dedication. December 30, 1956. 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.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   New Year's Eve in New Orleans
   In New Orleans, we celebrate New Year's Eve a little bit different from most places. Sure, we have funny hats and noisemakers (if you want them), but we add a little pizzazz to the occasion by ringing in the New Year our own way.  For the biggest party in the city, head down to Jackson Square – the Quarter is packed with festive partygoers eager to count down the time until the New Year arrives. And because New Orleans does everything a little differently, don’t expect your run of the mill New Years ball drop; instead “Baby New Year” drops from its perch on the top of Jax Brewery followed by a magnificent fireworks show over the Mississippi. Follow the crowds to Bourbon Street and party til’ the early morning, or break away from the group and find your own special spot to celebrate in.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce meets Eve the Rib busking on Royal St.

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240. Jack Bedell, part 2

240. Part 2 of our interview with poet laureate Jack Bedell. Jack has written nine books of poetry, and teaches creative writing to Southeastern students. He is a native of the Houma-Thibodaux area and joined the Southeastern faculty in 1992. In addition to teaching, he is editor of “Louisiana Literature,” a literary journal published by Southeastern, and serves as director of Louisiana Literature Press.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 23, 1794. St. Louis Cathedral dedicated.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Wirthbru Beer was "created for New Orleans and the South" "Weigelstyle" (on the label) apparently refers to the Weigelwerk equipment used in the brewery which was, in fact, cutting edge in its day, allowing for quality control to produce a consistently good product. 
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Annual Greening of the Museum
   December 1st, 2017 - December 25th, 2017
   9:00 am - 4:00 pm
   Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
   3015 Greenwood Rd.,
   Shreveport, LA 71109
   318-632-2020
   Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
   Each year Louisiana State Exibit Museum invites third grade students from Caddo Parish schools to the museum for a day of holiday celebration. Students enjoy the traditional tree decorating contest in which classes from each school will decorate a tree in the years' theme with ornaments they have constructed in art class. After decorating their tree, students will enjoy a performance. The morning ends with the announcement of the holiday tree contest winners. The museum holiday tree and the students'trees will remain on display throughout the holiday season.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Poet David Middleton reads "A Christmas Play."

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239. Jack Bedell, part 1

239. Part 1 of our interview with Jack Bedell, Louisiana's new Poet Laureate. Jack has written nine books of poetry, and teaches creative writing to Southeastern students. He is a native of the Houma-Thibodaux area and joined the Southeastern faculty in 1992. In addition to teaching, he is editor of “Louisiana Literature,” a literary journal published by Southeastern, and serves as director of Louisiana Literature Press.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 16, 1935. Huey P. Long Bridge at New Orleans dedicated.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Beloved writer, cook, broadcaster, and lover of  New Orleans,  Frank   Joseph Davis passed away on December 9, 2013. He served New Orleans television station WWL-TV and its radio affiliate WWL-AM, from 1974 until his health-related retirement in 2011. Davis authored several cookbooks and other reference guides to the cuisine of New Orleans and to South Louisiana seafood. His culinary legacy included "bronzing," a toned-down version of blackening. He invented the "Strictly N'Awlins" series of seasonings. Davis's culinary papers were donated to the Southern Food and Beverage (SoFab) Culinary Library and Institute subsequent to his death.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Joe Krown Trio plus Seither's Seafood Crawfish Boil
   Sunday, December 3
   10:00 PM
   Venue information:
   Maple Leaf Bar
   8316 Oak St.
   New Orleans, LA 70118
   504.866.9359
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to the Big Dixie Swingers on Frenchman Street in New Orleans.

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238. Omar el Akkad, part 2

238. Part 2 of our interview with Omar el Akkad. American War is the first novel by Canadian-Egyptian journalist Omar El Akkad. It is set in a near-future United States of America ravaged by climate change in which a second Civil War has broken out over the use of fossil fuels. The story is told by Benjamin Chestnut about his aunt Sarat, and is told through narrative chapters interspersed with fictional primary documents collected by the narrator.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 9, 1872. PBS Pinchback became first (& so far only) black governor of Louisiana.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Frank Davis Dies. December 9, 2013.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Holiday Tour of Homes - Natchitoches Historic Foundation
   January 18th, 2017
   Throughout Natchitoches
   780 Front Street, Ste. 100,
   Natchitoches, LA 71457
   800-259-1714 | 800-259-1714
   Website | Email
   Throughout Natchitoches
   Beautiful homes, seasonal decorations, refreshments and music. Candlelight and day tours in the City of Lights.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to twins singing a duet on Decatur Street in front of St. Louis Cathedral.

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