261. Karen Celestan

261. We talk to Karen Celestan about her book, Freedom's Dance, which covers social aid and pleasure clubs, along with second line parades. In this book, the powerful images of noted photographer Eric Waters are paired with a collection of essays by cultural leaders to offer the first complete look at the Social, Aid and Pleasure Club (SAPC) parade culture in New Orleans. Ranging from ideological approaches to the contributions of musicians, development of specific rituals by various clubs, and parade accessories such as elaborately decorated fans and sashes, Freedom’s Dance provides an unparalleled photographic and textual overview of the SAPC Second Line, tracking its origins in African traditions and subsequent development in black New Orleans culture.

1. This week in Louisiana history. May 19, 1862. Union Gen. Benjamin "Beast" Butler Order no. 28 published.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Jazz musician George Murphy "Pops" Foster (May 19, 1892 – October 29, 1969) played string bass, tuba and trumpet. Born on a plantation near McCall in Ascension Parish, his family moved to New Orleans when he was about ten years of age. His older brother, Willard Foster, began playing banjo and guitar; George started out on a cello then switched to string bass.  Foster was playing professionally by 1907 and worked with Jack Carey, Kid Ory, Armand Piron, King Oliver and other prominent hot bands of the era. In 1921 he moved to St. Louis.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Little Walter Music Festival
   May 24-25, 2018
   Red River Levee stage
   800.551.9546
   Honor Little Walter's legacy. The Little Walter Music Festival is a festival held at the Alexandria Amphitheater in Alexandria, La. honoring Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Blues sideman and bandleader "Little Walter." For a complete list of entertainment visit the Little Walter Music Festival Facebook page. The event is free.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. The Superband, made up of New Orleans muscians, plays to raise money for Hector Gallardo. He leads the group Hector Gallardo & his Cuban Jazz Trio. He brought his unique percussion sound from Cuba when he immigrated decades ago, and he has made a profound impact on the New Orleans music scene. 

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