263. Mark Broyard, part 1.

263. Part 1 of our interview with Mark Broyard. Mark is descended from a long line of artisans and craftsmen who have plied their trade in New Orleans and Los Angeles. His mother's father was a furniture maker in the Vieux Carree.  His own father was a third generation bricklayer as well as a building contractor.  Mark cites these influences as being the strongest on his work. Mark and Roger Guenveur Smith have a two-man show, Inside the Creole Mafia, a not-too-dark comedy presenting a contemporary take on a mixed-blood heritage that emerged in the collision of slavery and freedom. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were the "Gens de Couleur Libres," the Free People of Color but today they are commonly known as "Creoles" or "Creoles of Color." With a blend of humor and savvy mockery, performers Mark Broyard and Roger Guenveur Smith rock the stage in big daddy white suits, silk shirts and ties, pouring Tabasco sauce libations while they "trow" Mardi Gras beads.

1. This week in Louisiana history. June 3, 1902. Legislature makes June 3, Confederate Day, a legal holiday.
2. This week in New Orleans history. On June 2, 1944, the Liberty ship Walker D. Hines was launched by Delta Shipbuilding Company.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Louisiana Peach Fest
   "Peachy Paradise"
   June 22-23, 2018
   The Louisiana Peach Festival is a family-oriented event produced by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and held each year the fourth weekend of June. The 2018 dates are June 22-23.
   Children 8 and Under get in Free!
   Friday, Free for all, Noon - 5 p.m.
   Friday, $10, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
   Saturday, $10, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
   Weekend Pass, $15
   Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce:
   (318) 255-2031
   (800) 392-9032
   Email: peach@rustonlincoln.org
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. A street band plays on Toulouse & Bourbon Streets.

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Roger Smith (top) and Mark Broyard