Friday, October 16, 2015

126. Terry L Jones, Part 1

126.  Part one of our interview with Terry L. Jones.  We discuss Louisiana history and characters like Leonidas K. Polk. Terry is a native of Winn Parish, has served ULM for over 22 years as a professor. He earned a Ph.D. in history from Texas A&M University and a B.A. from Louisiana Tech University. 
  1. Lily the Sidewalk Poet, gives us an update on Irish Fest in New Orleans and reads her poem "Hurricane" about life in the Caribbean after the storm of colonialism.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. October 18, 1730. Gov. Cadillac dies in France at the age of 74.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. Lee Harvey Oswald is Born in New Orleans October 18, 1939.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Ponchatoula Party in the Pits
    October 17, 2015
    11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Ponchatoula Memorial Park
    Ponchatoula, LA 70454   
    Annual Party in the Pits sponsored by the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce. We're closing down the streets & opening up the town for BBQ! Cooking begins early. All other events open 11 am till 6 pm. Over 50 teams, including professional & local, will compete for $5000 in cash & prizes. Winner will go to the IBCA Championship in Las Vegas. Cook Entry Fee $150‑$175. No charge for community!
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.


Friday, October 9, 2015

125. Mike Sledge, Part 2.

125.  Part two of our interview with Mike Sledge. Mike lives and writes in Shreveport, Louisiana. He wrote the book Soldier Dead about what happens to the bodies of America's military personnel when they die in combat. He has also written a novel entitled Gerald's Star, which covers a long-dead astronaut in a decaying orbit around Earth.
  1. Lily the Street Poet she reads her poem, "Your True Self."
  2.  This week in Louisiana history. October 10, 1974. Cindy K. Bell became first woman LA. State Trooper.
  3. This week in New Orleans history. Jazz drummer Edward Joseph Blackwell, born in New Orleans on October 10, 1929, played in a bebop quintet during the 1950s with pianist Ellis Marsalis and clarinetist Alvin Batiste. They toured briefly with Ray Charles. Blackwell achieved national attention as the drummer with Ornette Coleman's quartet around 1960, when he took over for Billy Higgins in the quartet's legendary stand at the Five Spot in New York City. He is known as one of the great innovators of the free jazz of the 1960s, fusing New Orleans second line style and African rhythms with bebop. In the 1970s and 1980s Blackwell toured and recorded extensively with fellow Ornette Quartet veterans Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, and Dewey Redman in the quartet Old and New Dream. He died on  October 7, 1992.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.



Friday, October 2, 2015

124. Mike Sledge, Part 1

124.  Part one of our interview with Mike Sledge. Mike lives and writes in Shreveport, Louisiana. He wrote the book Soldier Dead about what happens to the bodies of America's military personnel when they die in combat. He has also written a novel entitled Gerald's Star, which covers a long-dead astronaut in a decaying orbit around Earth.
  1. Lily the Street Poet joins us from Kentucky for her segment. This week, she reads her poem, "Our Season's Penance."
  2. This week in Louisiana history. October 1, 1800. Spain returns the Louisiana Territory to France October 1, having received it by the   Treaty of Paris in 1763. A secret agreement in the Treaty of San Ildefonso signed in 1796 has obliged her to return it; France guarantees not to transfer the territory to any power other than Spain.
  3. This week in New Orleans history. Photographer Ernest J. Bellocq died in New Orleans on October 3, 1949 and is interred St. Louis Cemetery III on Esplanade Avenue near City Park.  Born in New Orleans in 1883, he operated studios in the city from 1909 until 1932, including locations at 840 Conti Street, 157 Baronne Street, 608 Canal Street, and 818 Ursulines Street. Bellocq achieved posthumous fame with the publication of Storyville Portraits, a selection of portraits which he made of prostitutes in the red-light district of New Orleans. The movie Pretty Baby (1978) is based loosely on that part of his life.
  4. This week in Louisiana.
    60th Celebration of the Louisiana Art & Folk Festival
    October 10, 2015
    Downtown - Columbia, LA 71418   
    This is the longest running festival in the state of Louisiana. come and join in on the fun for the Louisiana Art and Folk Festival.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, September 25, 2015

123. Interview with activist Mike Tidwell

123.  Our interview with Mike Tidwell. Mike is founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.. He is also an author and filmmaker who predicted in vivid detail the Katrina hurricane disaster in his 2003 book Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast. His most recent book, focusing on Katrina and global warming, is titled The Ravaging Tide: Strange Weather, Future Katrinas, and the Race to Save America’s Coastal Cities.
  1. Lily the Street Poet joins our show for a new segment, The Week in Louisiana Poetry.  For her first visit with us, whe reads her poem, "My Miracle."
  2. This week in Louisiana history. September 26, 1810. American settlers who live in western portion of Spanish West Florida, seize fort at Baton Rouge and declare region between New Orleans and Pearl River to Republic of West Florida and seek annexation to U.S.
  3. This week in New Orleans history.  Mayor Ray Nagin officially reopened the French Quarter on September 26, 2005 to business owners to inspect property and clean up.
  4. This week in Louisiana.
    Calca Chew Food Festival
    September 28, 2014
    Saint Margaret Catholic Church 
    Lake Charles, LA 70601
    (337) 439-4585
    7 am - 3 pm
    The festival is designed for people who want to experience a taste of 'Cajun'. The music is really French, as is the food. For those who have never tasted boudin or jambalaya or have never experienced the two‑step, will find this festival a delight. Our live auction is filled with items all can afford and our silent auction is a shoppers' paradise.
    The French mass starts off the festival at 7 a.m. and during the day, visitors can enjoy games, a live auction, raffles, a petting zoo, train rides and great Cajun music and food. Admission is free. 
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, September 18, 2015

122. Mike Stagg, Part 2

122.  Mike Stagg interview, part 2.  Mike is active in Louisiana politics. He has been working for positive change in Louisiana through technology-based community and economic development initiatives at the regional, state and local levels for the past 20 years. And he has been actively focused on environmental, energy, and taxation issues for the past five years.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. September 19, 1890. President Harrison signs bill killing Louisiana State Lottery Co.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. September 19, 1947.  Hurricane George.  Katrina was not the first storm to breach the infamous 17th Street Canal. There were several breaks in the canal's levee caused by the hurricane of 1947 when the levees broke on the Jefferson Parish side, flooding wide areas of Metairie. Portions of the Orleans Parish lakefront and Gentilly also flooded in this storm.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Arts Market of New Orleans ‑ September
    September 26, 2015
    10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Palmer Park - New Orleans, LA 70118 
    Presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans, the Arts Market is a free open‑air festival of creativity held the last Saturday of every month at Palmer Park in the Carrollton section of New Orleans (where South Claiborne and South Carrollton Avenues meet)‑ the last stop of the St. Charles streetcar from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Arts Market also has live music performances, food and beverage booths, and a Kids Tent with a creative show & crafts.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, September 11, 2015

121 Mike Stagg, Part 1

121.  Part one of our interview with Mike Stagg.  Mike is active in Louisiana politics.  Mike is active in Louisiana politics. He has been working for positive change in Louisiana through technology-based community and economic development initiatives at the regional, state and local levels for the past 20 years. And he has been actively focused on environmental, energy, and taxation issues for the past five years.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. September 13, 1987. Pope John Paul II begins three day visit to New Orleans.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. September 12, 2005Heckuvajob Day.  Michael D. Brown resigned as Director of FEMA for, "the best interest of the agency and the best interest of the president."  Officials awarded a $30.9 million contract to repair the, "twin spans" I-10 bridge to New Orleans to Boh Brothers Construction Co. on September 12, 2005. It was estimated that 45 days would be required before the bridge could reopen to normal traffic. Water pressure had now been restored in the majority of the Jefferson Parish. A "boil water" order was still in force on the East Bank, but had been lifted for the West Bank. On the East Bank, 17% of sewage pumps were operational, and 39% were operational on the West Bank.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    The Bowie Festival & Bowie BBQ Throwdown
    September 25 - 26, 2015
    Riverview RV Park & Resort - Vidalia, LA
    Contact Ann Westmoreland or Glen McGlothin
    Join us in Vidalia, Louisiana - We will be Grillin' and Chillin' on the beautiful banks of the Mighty Mississippi River.  Vendors with authentic items, great festival and Louisiana foods, State Championship BBQ cook-off (KCBS Sanctioned), Entertainment you will not want to miss!!!  Every year - the last weekend of September.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.


Friday, September 4, 2015

120. Dixon Hearne Update Interview

120.  We talk again with writer Dixon Hearne, who teaches and writes in the American South. In recent months, he has moved back home to Louisiana.  He's now in Sterlington, LA, near Monroe.  Much of his writing draws greatly from the rich images in his daily life growing up along the graceful river traces and bayous in West Monroe, Louisiana. After many years of university teaching and writing for research journals, his interests turned toward fiction and poetry—and the challenge of writing in a different voice. The Louisiana Anthology now has some of Dixon's stories for you to enjoy, and links to more.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. September 6, 1717. John Law's Company of the West chartered.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. De La Sallle High School, operated by the Christian Brothers, opened the doors to 76 Catholic freshman boys on Tuesday, September 6, 1949 in an old house on Pitt Street.  The brothers added a new class level each year, operating in several other old structures on the property spanning the 5300 block of St. Charles Avenue, between Valmont and Leontine streets, which the Archdiocese of New Orleans had purchased in April 1949 for $312,000. On Sunday, February 17, 1952 at 2 p.m., Archbishop Rummel officiated the formal dedication of the current De La Salle high school building which had been constructed at a cost of $375,000 to accommodate 750 students. 
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Lydia Cajun Food Fest
    September 11 - 12, 2015
    Weeks Park - Lydia, LA 70569
    Cajun Food Cook‑off, Food Court, Carnival, Arts & Crafts, Poker Run, Refreshments, Music.
    Cajun food certainly has its followers. On menus nationwide, you’ll find things like “Blackened Chicken Salad” or “Cajun Popcorn Shrimp.” As a general rule, these things are usually pale derivatives of the real thing. If you’re interested in the real thing, you’d be wise to be in the small town of Lydia, Louisiana, in September for its annual Cajun Food Fest.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.



Friday, August 28, 2015

119. Interview with J. Dawn, Part 2

119.  Part 2 of our interview with J. Dawn, the author of Ashes of Betrayal in The Magicis Chronicles series. J. Dawn is the author of a growing series of books called the Magicis Chronicles. These books are set in the near future, where magic forces that have always been among us have become public.  New Orleans is one of the centers of magic, so the characters will be making their way to the Big Easy at some point in the next book.  Join us as we talk to J. Dawn about her magic series.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. August 29, 1962. Heaviest rainfall in 24 hour period, 22 inches at Sabine Wildlife Refuge
  2. This week in New Orleans history.   August 29, 2005.  Katrina breached the levees.  The city and metropolitan area were underwater in the aftermath of the hurricane.  This date should never pass without a pause to honor the memory of all who were lost that day.  And to remember or try not to remember all else that was lost.  Near  the bottom of this page is a time-line of the events which occurred on August 29, 2005.  If you choose not to "go there" (literally or figuratively) stop reading when you reach the bottom section.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    September 4-5, 2015
    Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run
    August 29 - 30, 2014
    Downtown Riverbank
    Natchitoches, LA 71457
    All musical events are held on the downtown stage in the historic district. Poker Run events will cover specified routes throughout Natchitoches Parish.
    Phone: Melvin Holmes 318-471-9960 or 354-0899
    Harman Winters 318-652-0079 or 354-1077
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, August 21, 2015

118. J. Dawn, author of the Magicis Chronicles. Part 1.

118.  We interview J. Dawn, the author of Ashes of Betrayal inThe Magicis Chronicles series. J. Dawn is the author of a growing series of books called the Magicis Chronicles. These books are set in the near future, where magic forces that have always been among us have become public.  New Orleans is one of the centers of magic, so the characters will be making their way to the Big Easy at some point in the next book.  Join us as we talk to J. Dawn about her magic series.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. August 22, 1701. Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Bienville succeeds Ensign de Sauvolle (Sauvolle's first name is unknown) as commandant of Louisiana.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. On August 22, 1947, a hurricane passed offshore Grand Isle. Sabine Pass reported a 3.6 foot storm surge as the storm hit the Upper Texas coast September 19th, 1947: Hurricane force winds first reached the Mississippi and Louisiana shores at 6 a.m. and New Orleans at 8 a.m.. Gusts to 125 m.p.h. were estimated at Moisant International Airport (highest gust measured was 112 m.p.h.) and the pressure fell to 28.57".  A fifteen foot storm surge overcame the Bay St. Louis seawall. Ostrica saw an 11.5 foot surge and Shell Beach experienced an 11.2 foot storm surge. Water was 6 feet deep in Jefferson Parish. The air fields at Moisant were under 2 feet of water, closing the airport during its second year of operation. This storm demonstrated the dire need for tidal protection levees for New Orleans. Much of the city was flooded, and $100 million in damage was produced. The storm claimed 51 victims, 12 in Louisiana.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    39th Annual Gueydan Duck Festival
    August 27-30, 2015
    The first festival was held in November of 1977 and has grown considerably each year. Held originally on blocked-off streets in Gueydan, the Duck festival moved to its own grounds in 1980 when the Atlantic-Richfield Company donated 7 acres to the Gueydan Duck Festival and the Vermilion Parish Police Jury.  Early in 1996, the Gueydan Duck Festival Association purchased a 10 acre tract of land adjacent to the existing festival grounds complete with lighting and metal buildings for all the festival activities.
    P.O. Box 179 
    Gueydan, LA. 70542
    404 Dallas Guidry Rd
    Gueydan, LA. 70542
    Phone: 337-536-6456
    Fax: 337- 536-9997
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Like us on Facebook.



Friday, August 14, 2015

117. Sandy Rosenthal

117.  Today we interview Sandy Rosenthal, the founder of Levees.org.  She founded the website and the group as a response to Katrina to advocate for stronger levees and other flood defenses.  Following the government failures surrounding Katrina, Sandy began leading citizens to hold agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers accountable, to correct misrepresentations of what happened, and to demand better protection for New Orleans and other coastal cities. Now she has been named a Hero of the Recovery by the Editors of New Orleans Magazine
  1. This week in Louisiana history. August 16, 1814. US gunboats attack Barataria, destroying all ships and pirate contraband.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. Jazz drummer, cornetist and melophone player Arthur "Monk" Haze was born Harvey on August 15, 1903. He played with Emmett Hardy, Stalebread Lacombe, Abbie Brunies (the Halfway House Orchestra), and Tony Parenti. Monk led his own Bienville Roof Orchestra (which played for atop the Bienville Hotel at Lee Circle, and made recordings in 1928) and then spent time in New York playing with Johnny Wiggs, Jack Pettis and with his own group (1929–31). Hazel was in Hollywood for a period (working with Gene Austin) but eventually came back to New Orleans, performing with Joe Caprano (1937) and the Lloyd Danton Quintet. Hazel spent 1942-43 in the Army and then worked for a time outside of music. However during his final 20 years, Hazel was once again quite active in New Orleans, performing with Sharkey Bonano, George Girard, Mike Lala, Santo Pecora and virtually every other important name in New Orleans jazz. 
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook. 
Sandy Rosenthal

Friday, August 7, 2015

116. Gary Joiner, Part 2

116.  Part 2 of our interview with Gary Joiner.  Gary grew up in Farmerville, La., the only child of Rudy and Dillard Joiner. As a small boy visiting Civil War battlefields, he was inspired to learn more about history and, while he did not know what a historian was at that time, he considered that to be his ultimate career goal. Following graduation from high school, he attended Louisiana Tech University, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major in history and geography. He earned a master’s degree from the same institution, focusing on military history. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree from St. Martin’s College, Lancaster, England.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. September 9, 1965. Hurricane "Betsy" hits Louisiana.
  2. This week in New Orleans history.  While playing second base for the New Orleans Pelicans on August 8, 1916, Henry Antone "Cotton" Knaupp became the only player in the history of the Southern Association to turn an unassisted triple play. With the bases loaded and Knaupp playing 2nd base in a game against the Chattanooga Lookouts, he caught a line drive hit by shortstop Joe Harris, tagged Jake Pilter who was running from first to second base, and stepped on 2nd base to put out Bob Messenger before he could return to second base.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Hot August Night
    August 14, 2015
    Downtown Development District Hammond
    Hammond, LA
    (985) 277-5681 ext 2
    The Hammond Downtown Development District presents the 19th Annual Hot August Night 
    Friday, August 14, 2015 - 6pm to 10pm
    Join us in Historic Downtown Hammond.
    Get ready for a wine stroll, art everywhere, retail stores brimming with great stuff, restaurants & bars.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook. 


Friday, July 31, 2015

115. Gary Joiner Interview, Part 1.

115.  Part 1 of our interview with Gary Joiner.  Gary grew up in Farmerville, La., the only child of Rudy and Dillard Joiner. As a small boy visiting Civil War battlefields, he was inspired to learn more about history and, while he did not know what a historian was at that time, he considered that to be his ultimate career goal. Following graduation from high school, he attended Louisiana Tech University, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major in history and geography. He earned a master’s degree from the same institution, focusing on military history. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree from St. Martin’s College, Lancaster, England.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. August 3, 1918. Louisiana ratifies 18th Amendment to US Constitution (Prohibition).
  2. This week in New Orleans history. On Aug. 1, 1952, at exactly 8 p.m., a New Orleans landmark was lit for the first time. The Falstaff Brewing Company, located at 2601 Gravier St., installed a 126-foot tower with an electrical sign on top of its new brewery. Joining Dr. Cline for this auspicious occasion was New Orleans Mayor de Lesseps “Chep” Morrison. Falstaff’s advertising to the metropolitan New Orleans area informed the locals that the tower would forecast the next day’s weather. The changing colors of the massive ball on top of the sign were: GREEN – fair weather. RED – cloudy. RED FLASHING – rain.  WHITE – showers. RED AND WHITE FLASHING – approaching storms.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Delcambre Shrimp Festival
    August 12 - 16, 2015
    Delcambre Shrimp Festival Building
    Delcambre, LA 70528
    Food and Drinks
    The Delcambre Shrimp Festival is home to one of the best 5-day festivals in South Louisiana. The festival has gained it's popularity by providing a variety of delicious dishes and top notch entertainment including National Recording Artists. Enjoy signature shrimp dishes like boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp sauce piquante, shrimp salad and many more. Each and every shrimp dish consumed at the festival is prepared by volunteer members of the festival association.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, July 24, 2015

114. Katie Bickham interview, part 2

114.  Part 2 of our interview with Katie Bickham.  Katie Bickham is an award-winning poet and teacher from Shreveport, Louisiana.  She is proud to announce her forthcoming first book of poetry, The Belle Mar, winner of the Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Prize. Katie grew up believing she wanted to write novels, but somewhere along the way, brevity took hold, and she decided it was poetry or bust.  Katie earned her BA in English Literature and MA in Liberal Arts from LSU Shreveport.  Then, knowing that one cannot write about a place until one leaves it, she enrolled in the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine, where she met the people who would pull the truly good work out of her.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. July 26, 1810. Rebellion of West Florida Parishes.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. Born in New Orleans on July 25, 1899, musician Johnny Wiggs (Born John Wigginton Hyman) started his music career on the violin, then the cornet.  In the late 1920s he took a job as a teacher, adopted the stage name "Johnny Wiggs"), and moonlighted in New Orleans jazz clubs at night. He made his first recordings as "John Hyman's Bayou Stompers" in the late 1920s.  In the 1940s he quit teaching (after having trained a young Pete Fountain), led several bands, made some recordings, and became an an important figure in the revival and preservation of the local music by founding the New Orleans Jazz Club.  Hyman remained active until the 1970s.  He passed away on in New Orleans on October 10, 1977.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Satchmo SummerFest
    July 31st, 2015 - August 2nd, 2015
    Old U.S. Mint & Historic French Quarter
    400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116
    504-522-5730
    Website
    Old U.S. Mint & Historic French Quarter
    Each year, this weekend-long festival celebrates his life, legacy and music. The festivities include a seminar series, jazz exhibits, a jazz mass and second-line parade, fantastic food and a host of star-studded performers.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.



Friday, July 17, 2015

113. Interview with poet Katie Bickham, part 1

113.  Part 1 of our interview with Katie Bickham.  Katie Bickham is an award-winning poet and teacher from Shreveport, Louisiana.  She is proud to announce her forthcoming first book of poetry, The Belle Mar, winner of the Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Prize. Katie grew up believing she wanted to write novels, but somewhere along the way, brevity took hold, and she decided it was poetry or bust.  Katie earned her BA in English Literature and MA in Liberal Arts from LSU Shreveport.  Then, knowing that one cannot write about a place until one leaves it, she enrolled in the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine, where she met the people who would pull the truly good work out of her.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. July 17, 1795. First bishop of New Orleans, Don Luis Cardenas, arrives in Louisiana.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. NBC News television journalist William Blanc "Bill" Monroe Jr. was born in New Orleans on July 17, 1920.  He graduated from Tulane in 1942 and during World War II, served in the Air Forces in Europe. Early in his career, Monroe served as the first news director for WDSU-TV, an NBC affiliate. In 1959, Monroe’s team at WDSU-TV won a George Foster Peabody Award. His news reporting on NBC's Today show, won a Peabody in 1973.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    SugaSheaux
    July 18th, 2015 - July 19th, 2015
    SugArena @ Acadiana Fairgrounds
    713 NW Bypass (Hwy 3212), New Iberia, LA 70560
    337-365-7539 | 337-365-4795
    Website
    Rodeo Competition Series & Show, Concessions
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.


Friday, July 10, 2015

112. Rain Prud’homme-Cranford Goméz, Part 2.

112.  Part 2 of our interview with Rain Prud’homme-Cranford Goméz.  Rain's research focuses on issues of Louisiana Indian (Choctaw, Houma, Tunica-Biloxi, Caddo, and other Louisiana Mvskogean and Siouan groups) diaspora and their relationships with Louisiana Creole (mestiza) Indigeneity as manifested in material culture ways, oral histories, and literature, specifically tied to geographic space, gender, and memory/culture. Her research seeks to make Native communities unavoidably visible showcasing Indigenous acts of reinscription (in response to assumed absences, ha untings, mythos, and exotification) and decolonization in material and literary culture (beadwork, basketry, poetry, prose, and music), while highlighting Louisiana Creoles as an Indigenous diasporic people within conversations around Indigenous literature/narratives in the American South.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. July 11, 1804. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton is mortally wounded. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton is mortally wounded July 11 at age 49 in a duel at Weehawken, N.J. with Vice President Aaron Burr, now 48, who has heard of insults directed at him by Hamilton and demanded satisfaction . Indicted in New York and New Jersey, Burr flees to Philadelphia and proceeds to the South where he will conspire in the next 3 years with Gen. James Wilkinson, 44, who is secretly in the pay of Spain but will soon be governor of the Louisiana Territory.
  2. This week in New Orleans history.
    Now over 100 years old, the City Park Casino opened on July 11, 1913, is now one of the park's few surviving Spanish Mission-style era structures. This photo was shot on March 26, 1939 after WPA repairs and renovations of the Casino as a part of the general improvement program in the park. For a time, the Swan boat docked nearby on Bayou Metairie. Renovated in 1999, and re-named the Timken Center, its second floor is used for meetings and parties. It is now used as a Morning Call coffee shop.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Native American Exhibit
    July 6th, 2015 - July 17th, 2015
    Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitor's Bureau
    13143 Wardline Rd., Hammond, LA 70401
    985-542-7520 | 800-542-7520 | 985-542-7521
    Website
    dana@tangitourism.com
    Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitor's Bureau
    This free event will share the untold stories of cultures that had significant impact on our community. Native American artifacts including life size teepee, pottery, baskets, skins, tools and weapons will be on display. We hope to see you at our event.
    For more details or group reservations, contact Dana Short at the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. 
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.

Friday, July 3, 2015

111. Rain Prud'homme-Cranford Goméz, Part 1.

111.  We interview scholar, poet, and activist Rain Prud'homme-Cranford Goméz.  Rain's research focuses on issues of Louisiana Indian (Choctaw, Houma, Tunica-Biloxi, Caddo, and other Louisiana Mvskogean and Siouan groups) diaspora and their relationships with Louisiana Creole (mestiza) Indigeneity as manifested in material culture ways, oral histories, and literature, specifically tied to geographic space, gender, and memory/culture. Her research seeks to make Native communities unavoidably visible showcasing Indigenous acts of reinscription (in response to assumed absences, hauntings, mythos, and exotification) and decolonization in material and literary culture (beadwork, basketry, poetry, prose, and music), while highlighting Louisiana Creoles as an Indigenous diasporic people within conversations around Indigenous literature/narratives in the American South.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. July 4, 1900. Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, trumpet king, born.
  2. This week in New Orleans history.  The Classical Greek-styled Popp Bandstand was dedicated in City Park on July 4, 1917. Designed by Emile Weil at a cost of $75,000 it was dedicated on July 4th. Its twelve granite ionic columns are topped with a bronze dome. Named for its benefactor John F. Popp, who had made his fortune in a lumber business which was headquartered on the New Basin Canal. The bandstand is a replica of Temple of Love in Versailles and the memorial plaque to Alexis Ribet is embedded into it. Many New Orleanians enjoyed their first glimpses of moving pictures here on summer evenings. Generations of musicians have played here including John Philip Sousa who performed in 1928. The bandstand still stands for our enjoyment if we wish to spend a 4th of July there near the Casino. The Popp family also funded the park's Popp Fountain.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    San Fermin In Nueva Orleans
    July 9th, 2015 - July 12th, 2015
    New Orleans Hotel Collection Luxury Hotel
    1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130
    504-571-9334
    Website
    New Orleans Hotel Collection Luxury Hotel
    New Orleans becomes Pamplona for a day at this Running of the Bulls-inspired celebration, where the Big Easy Rollergirls - wielding plastic bats and wearing helmets outfitted with fake bullhorns, naturally - charge after runners through the streets of Downtown.  The 9th Annual Running of the Bulls at San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) is the city's most incredible Summer Spectacle! Join thousands of runners as they roam the streets of New Orleans and party with hundreds of Rollerbulls (roller derby skaters with horns on their helmets and plastic bats in their hands) from around the globe during the Encierro.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.



Friday, June 26, 2015

110. Zack Kopplin interview, part 2

110.  Part 2 of our interview with Zack Kopplin, an Louisiana political activist, journalist, and television personality from Louisiana. Kopplin has campaigned to keep creationism out of public school science classrooms and been involved with other separation of church and state causes. He has opposed school vouchers because they provide public money to schools which may teach creationism. As a high school student, he organized seventy-eight Nobel laureate scientists in a campaign against the Louisiana Science Education Act, a creationism law. He is also involved with science funding policy and curriculum and textbook policy.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. June 28, 1861. First Civil War battle engagement for Louisiana Tigers, at Seneca Dam on Potomac River.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. On June 27th, 1957, Hurrican Audrey, the most destructive hurricane to strike Southwest Louisiana until that time, moved ashore near the Texas/Louisiana border causing a disastrous storm surge.  Storm surges of 6 feet of more extended from Galveston, TX along the coast to Cocodrie, LA.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Essence Music Festival
    July 2nd, 2015 - July 5th, 2015
    Mercedes-Benz Superdome
    1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., New Orleans, LA 70112
    504-587-3663
    Website 
    Mercedes-Benz Superdome
    "Party with a purpose" at this star-studded celebration of African American music and culture in the Superdome. Jazz up your July with performances by the world's biggest hip-hop, R&B and soul artists.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.
Zack Kopplin and Bill Nye

Friday, June 19, 2015

109. Zack Kopplin Interview, Part 1

109.  Part 1 of our interview with Zack Kopplin, an Louisiana political activist, journalist, and television personality from Louisiana. Kopplin has campaigned to keep creationism out of public school science classrooms and been involved with other separation of church and state causes. He has opposed school vouchers because they provide public money to schools which may teach creationism. As a high school student, he organized seventy-eight Nobel laureate scientists in a campaign against the Louisiana Science Education Act, a creationism law. He is also involved with science funding policy and curriculum and textbook policy.
  1. This week in Louisiana history. June 20, 1968. Presidential candidate George Wallace speaks in Baton Rouge raising $60,000.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. Al "Carnival Time" Johnson (born June 20, 1939, in New Orleans,) is an American singer and piano player best known for the Mardi Gras song "Carnival Time."
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    Louisiana Peach Festival
    West Park Ave.
    Ruston, LA 71270
    Tel: 318-255-2031
    Website
    Description:
    The 65th Louisiana Peach Festival will be held June 26 & 27, 2015 in Downtown Ruston. The festival is in its 65th year, one of the longest running agricultural events in Louisiana. It's held the 4th weekend in June when the peaches are ripe and delicious!  In beautiful downtown Ruston you can enjoy the parade, concerts, kid's rides, art & crafts show, peach eating contest, peach cookery contest and more. Throughout Lincoln Parish there's also a rodeo, golf tournament, bass tournament, Kid's fishing tournament, 5K, tennis tournament, quilting contest, baby photo contest, diaper derby and antique car show. Something for everyone!
    Admission is charged for ages 7 and over. Friday $10, Saturday $10, Weekend Pass $15.
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.
Zack and the Science Guy

Friday, June 12, 2015

108. Sheryl St. Germain, Part 2

108.  Part 2 of our interview with poet Sheryl St. Germain.  A native of New Orleans, Sheryl has taught creative writing at The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Knox College and Iowa State University. She directs the MFA program in Creative Writing at Chatham University where she also teaches poetry and creative nonfiction.  The author of many books, her work has received several awards. 
  1. This week in Louisiana history. June 15, 1910. Evangeline Parish created.
  2. This week in New Orleans history. Melvin Lloyd ("Mel") Parnell, born in New Orleans on June 13, 1922, was a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher. He graduated from S.J. Peters High School where he starred with future major leaguers George Strickland, Howie Pollett, Raymond Campo, Ray Yochim and Lou Klein. Parnell spent his entire ten-year career with the Boston Red Sox (1947–1956), compiling a 123-75 record with 732 strikeouts, a 3.50 earned run average, 113 complete games, 20 shutouts, and 1752.2 innings pitched in 289 games (232 as a starter) After his playing career, Parnell managed the New Orleans Pelicans of the Class AA Southern Association in 1959 and a series of Red Sox farm clubs from 1961 to 1963.
  3. This week in Louisiana.
    GospelFest2015 "A Celebration of Gospel Music"
    June 19th, 2015
    Downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza
    101 Crockett St., Shreveport, LA 71101
    318-459-8211
    Website
    Downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza
    This Festival will be in its second year of existence beginning in June 2015.  It boasts to have some of the biggest names in Gospel Music from all over the Northwest Louisiana, East Texas, Southwest Arkansas Areas- collectively known as the (ARK-LA-TEX), this event takes place in conjunction with the Let the Good Times Roll Festival hosted by the Rho Omega and Friends Omega Psi Phi Fraternity which is a festival that has taken place for the last 20 years plus; which draws thousands of people over the course of one weekend celebrating (Juneteenth) and the history, heritage, roots, and spirit of African-American Music! GospelFest II; which is what this event will be called, features "gospel" talent from all over, and all are welcomed to come and participate in this Gospel Music Showcase!
Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.  
Like us on Facebook.

Sheryl St. Germain