224. Kent Wascom, Part 1

224. Listen to part 1 of our interview with Kent Wascom. Kent has written The Blood of Heaven and Secessia. These are historical novels following a family from the Florida Parishes. They follow the adventures of Angel Woolsack, the son of a frontier Baptist preacher, and his descendants against the backdrop of Louisiana history.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  September 2, 1772. The 'El Principe de Orange' "was struck by a hurricane...and wrecked at the entrance of the Mississippi River, where she quickly went to pieces, only six survivors."
2. This week in New Orleans history. On September 2, 1909, New Orleans was first linked by rail to Houston.  Amid celebrations and ceremonies the train left the New Orleans Terminal Station at 6:10 A.M.   On board were Ben R. Mayer representing the Mayor of New Orleans, F.B. McQueety, Secretery of the Baton Rouge Board of Trade representing the board, and other officials.  The first stop was at the Edenborn Depot (Gonzales. Louisiana) where large delegations from the board along with businessment in general awaited the train.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   82nd Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival
   August 31st, 2017 - September 4th, 2017
   Downtown Morgan City
   Downtown Morgan City
   715 Second Street,
   Morgan City, LA 70380
   985-385-0703 | 800-256-2931 | Fax
   Website
   Downtown Morgan City
   Tap your toes & tempt your taste buds at Louisiana's oldest state-chartered harvest festival. The four-day extravaganza of family entertainment includes continuous live music by local & national acts, a huge arts & crafts show and sale, a Childrens' Village, the Cajun Culinary Classic, the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and water parade . . . all with no gate fee!
4. Postcard from Louisiana. Bruce listens to street musician Ricky Paulin and chats about his music and stuff.

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

Kent Wascom

Ricky Paulin

Ricky Paulin playing by the Cafe du Monde.
from B. Bryant Productions & Films on Vimeo.

223. Tanya Erzen on "God in Captivity"

223. We interview Tanya Erzen about her book God in Captivity, focusing on religion in Louisiana prisons and jails. It is by now well known that the United States’ incarceration rate is the highest in the world. What is not broadly understood is how cash-strapped and overcrowded state and federal prisons are increasingly relying on religious organizations to provide educational and mental health services and to help maintain order. And these religious organizations are overwhelmingly run by nondenominational Protestant Christians who see prisoners as captive audiences. God in Captivity grapples with the questions of how faith-based programs serve the punitive regime of the prison, becoming a method of control behind bars even as prisoners use them as a lifeline for self-transformation and dignity.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 26, 1895. 'Uncle' Earl Kemp Long born.
2. This week in New Orleans history. August 26th, 1992 (Andrew): Andrew, a major hurricane, slammed into South Florida on August 24th before striking the Louisiana coastline August 26th. Seven people died and 94 were injured across Southern Louisiana during Andrew. Winds reached hurricane force from Lafayette eastward to the Atchafalaya
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   "I'll Be Your Medicine" new sculpture and video works by Marta Anna Rodriguez Maleck and Local Honey. (User Submitted)
   Friday, September 1 - Saturday, September 2
   12:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
   Venue information:
   Good Children Gallery
   4037 St. Claude Ave.
   New Orleans, LA 70117
   413-478-2586
   http://www.goodchildrengallery.com
   Admission: Free
   New sculpture and video works by Marta Anna Rodriguez Maleck and Local Honey.
4. Postcard from Louisiana. Bruce interviews Laura Janelle McKnight about her reporting on crime in New Orleans.

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

 

222. Tim Reid of Frank's Place, Jason Hackworth.

222. We interview Tim Reid, star of Frank's Place and Treme. Both series were groundbreaking in their approach, and both were unusual in their efforts to portray New Orleans accurately. Tim Reid was in the cast of both of these extraordinary series.
       Also, part 2 of our interview with Jason Hackworth on neoliberalism and the Christian response to Katrina. His book Faith Based explores how the Religious Right has supported neoliberalism in the United States, bringing a particular focus to welfare—an arena where conservative Protestant politics and neoliberal economic ideas come together most clearly. Through case studies of gospel rescue missions, Habitat for Humanity, and religious charities in post-Katrina New Orleans, Jason Hackworth describes both the theory and practice of faith-based welfare, revealing fundamental tensions between the religious and economic wings of the conservative movement.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 18, 1779. A hurricane struck New Orleans, scattering a n entire Spanish fleet and distroyed or disabled all but one ship.
2. This week in New Orleans history. On August 19, 2014, Dr. John released his Louis Armstrong tribute album "Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch" on Concord Records.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Ride the Bull 8
   August 26th, 2017
   5:00 am - 10:00 pm
   Bridge Side Marina Grande Isle
   1618 LA-1,
   Grand Isle, LA 70358
   225-952-9200
   Website
   Bridge Side Marina Grande Isle
   Louisiana's and now World's Largest Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament ​Ride the Bull 8. This relatively young competition is now the largest on the globe by a large margin. The reason? Wide arms and an easy, welcoming atmosphere!
4. Postcard from Louisiana. Bruce and Laura Janelle McNight finish the second line parade by stopping by Ms. Linda Green's porch for some of her award-winning ya-ka-mein. 

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

221. Jason Hackworth. Faith Based, part 1

221. Part 1 of our interview with Jason Hackworth on neoliberalism and the Christian response to Katrina. His book Faith Based explores how the Religious Right has supported neoliberalism in the United States, bringing a particular focus to welfare—an arena where conservative Protestant politics and neoliberal economic ideas come together most clearly. Through case studies of gospel rescue missions, Habitat for Humanity, and religious charities in post-Katrina New Orleans, Jason Hackworth describes both the theory and practice of faith-based welfare, revealing fundamental tensions between the religious and economic wings of the conservative movement.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 13, 1717. Philippe d'Orleans accepts the resignation of Crozat and his charter.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  On August 13, 1794, the members of the Cabildo were convoked in extraordinary session by the Governor Carondelet to discuss means for repairing the levee and meat market which were damaged by the river during a hurricane on the night of the 10th instant. They decided to hear an opinion of Don Gilberto Guillemard, Major of the Post, and Don Carlos Laveau Trudeau, Surveyor, which will be discussed at the next session of the Cabildo. At the next meeting, it was agreed that repairs to the market should be started at once, with Don Francisco de la Barre to supervise the work. The levee to be in charge of the Major, and the work submitted to bids.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Delcambre Shrimp Festival
   August 16th, 2017 - August 20th, 2017
   Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds
   401 Richard St.,
   Delcambre, LA 70528
   337-685-2653
   Website | Email
   Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds
   Delcambre Shrimp Festival honors the shrimping industry with events including a Shrimp Cook-off, queens pageants', fais-do-do's, carnival rides, food court and much more.
4. Postcard from Louisiana. Bruce and Laura Janelle McNight attend the Uptown Swingers Second Line Parade on June 25. This ended the parade season for 2016-2017.  The 2017-2018 season will start in August 2017. Don't miss the fun!

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

Laura Janelle McKnight

220. Joseph Dunn, part 2

220. Part 2 of our interview with Joseph Dunn, French scholar and activist. Joseph works to keep French alive in Louisiana. He calls French, Spanish, Creole, and Native American languages “heritage” languages and works to preserve them and spread them in Louisiana culture.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 6, 2016. Famous New Orleans jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain died today.
2. This week in New Orleans history. On August 5, 2011, a federal jury in New Orleans convicted five police officers of myriad charges related to the cover-up and deprivation of civil rights in the Danzinger Bridge shootings. April 20, 2016. Four former New Orleans police officers were sentenced Wednesday (April 20) to prison terms of 7 to 12 years for the brutal shootings of six unarmed civilians on the Danziger Bridge days after Hurricane Katrina, closing the gravest case of police brutality in the storm's aftermath. A fifth former officer was sentenced to three years for his role in a subsequent cover-up of the Sept. 4, 2005, incident. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt sentenced the five men in federal court, moments after they admitted guilt as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors that was endorsed by the victims' families.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Thursdays at Twilight
   Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans
   Friday, August 25
   6:00 PM CST
   Venue information:
   Pavilion of the Two Sisters
   (Botanical Garden)
   One Palm Drive
   New Orleans, LA 70124
   504.483.9488
   http://www.garden.neworleanscitypark.com/
   Map venue location
   Admission: $10
   Outdoor concert series featuring New Orleans' musical talent. Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food are available for purchase. No outside food, drink, or pets are allowed.
   
4. This week in Louisiana books. Katherine Jeffrey, editor of Two Civil Wars, has an event upcoming in August, a Heritage Lecture (sponsored by Preserve Louisiana) at the Old Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, Thursday August 10th, 6-8 p.m.  The title is "Finding and Losing History: Lessons Learned from Two Civil Wars."
5. Postcard from Louisiana. David Leonard sings and plays on Royal St.

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

219. Joseph Dunn, part 1.

219. Part 1 of our interview with Joseph Dunn, French scholar and activist. Joseph works to keep French alive in Louisiana. He calls French, Spanish, Creole, and Native American languages “heritage” languages and works to preserve them and spread them in Louisiana culture.

  “Il était une fois le français en louisiane.”  
les weeds est partout
le galerie a cassé  
le porte et la chassis  
est open  
je connais pas dire  
falling down  
say croolay ?  
c’est pas comme ça  
mon grandmère
said it  
il était une fois le français en  
louisiane

1. This week in Louisiana history. July 30, 1812. William Charles Cole Claiborne becomes the 1st Governor of the state of Louisiana.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Carondelet streetcar began its run on July 29, 1866.  This uptown line ran on its namesake street from Canal Street to Napoleon Ave. At its most extensive, it also ran on Freret Street from Napoleon to Broadway, on trackage that eventually became part of the Freret line, and it crossed Canal Street into the French Quarter, pioneering the route of the later Desire line. It ceased on September 7, 1924.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Purple Heart Day Ceremony
   August 7th, 2017
   6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
   Bouligny Plaza
   102 W. Main St.,
   New Iberia, LA 70560
   337-365-1428
   Bouligny Plaza
   A Celebration Honoring Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and made it home with Flag Ceremony and Harmony of Patriotic Music.
4. Postcard from Louisiana. Musician Maddy Kirgo sings her song "Little Things" on a street in New Orleans. 

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.

218. Jack McGuire, part 2

218. Part 2 of our interview with Jack McGuire about Earl Long. Jack's new book Win the Race or Die Trying: Uncle Earl's Last Hurrah tells the story of the last year of Long's life and the campaign that he waged and won by sheer force of will. He won the election (and a sizable bet he placed on it) but was dead in just over a week. Win the Race or Die Trying captures the essence of Earl Long by chronicling the desperate, death-defying campaign he waged to redefine his legacy.

1. This week in Louisiana history. July 23, 1879. New Constitution adopted, capitol moved - New Orleans to Baton Rouge plus (Reunion) constitution abolishes slavery.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Oretha Castle Haley July 22, 1939 -- October 10, 1987. Oretha Castle was born in Oakland, Tennessee and moved to New Orleans with her parents in 1947. After graduating from Joseph S. Clark High School she enrolled at Southern University in New Orleans where she joined other students in the struggle for civil rights, eventually becoming the head of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in New Orleans. In 1967, Oretha married fellow CORE member Richard Haley.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Thursdays at Twilight:
   Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans
   Friday, August 25
   6:00 PM
   Venue information:
   Pavilion of the Two Sisters (Botanical Garden) One Palm Drive New Orleans, LA 70124
   504.483.9488
   http://www.garden.neworleanscitypark.com/
   Admission: $10
   Outdoor concert series featuring New Orleans' musical talent. Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food are available for purchase. No outside food, drink, or pets are allowed.
4. Postcard from Louisiana. The Divazz play and sing on Royal St. behind St. Louis Cathedral. 

Listen in iTunes.
Listen in Stitcher.
Listen on Google Play.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.