297. Jason Berry

297. We interview Jason Berry, author of City of a Million Dreams: A History of New Orleans at Year 300. Berry orchestrates a parade of vibrant personalities, from the founder Bienville, a warrior emblazoned with snake tattoos; to Governor William C. C. Claiborne, General Andrew Jackson, and Pere Antoine, an influential priest and secret agent of the Inquisition; Sister Gertrude Morgan, a street evangelist and visionary artist of the 1960s; and Michael White, the famous clarinetist who remade his life after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. The textured profiles of this extraordinary cast furnish a dramatic narrative of the beloved city, famous the world over for mysterious rituals as people dance when they bury their dead.

1. This week in Louisiana history. January 26, 1958. Ellen DeGeneres , comedian, who starred in the popular talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show from Metairie, LA.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Huey "Piano" Smith (born January 26, 1934, New Orleans, is an American rhythm and blues pianist whose sound was influential in the development of rock and roll. His piano playing incorporated the boogie styles of Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons; the jazz style of Jelly Roll Morton and the piano playing of Fats Domino. Allmusic journalist, Steve Huey, also noted "At the peak of his game, Smith epitomized New Orleans R&B at its most infectious and rollicking, as showcased on his classic signature tune, "Don't You Just Know It."
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Opelousas Gumbo Cook-Off
   January 26, 2019
   603 E Landry St., Opelousas
   Website
   The annual Opelousas Gumbo Cook-Off held the last Saturday in January heats up with live music, a kids’ activity area, both silent and live auctions, food, drinks, dancing, and lots of gumbo. While this is a free event, the entry fee to participate in the cook-off is $50. Prizes are awarded for first place champion, second place, and third place. In addition, a specially designed Gumbo Cook-Off Champ Paddle will be passed from the reigning champ to a new contender. Winners of the cook-off will be announced at 4 p.m.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce & Kerr interview some volunteers at the Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans.

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296. James Lewis on Aaron Burr

296. James Lewis talks about his book, The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis. In 1805 and 1806, Aaron Burr, former vice president of the newly formed American republic, traveled through the Trans-Appalachian West gathering support for a mysterious enterprise, for which he was arrested and tried for treason in 1807. This book explores the political and cultural forces that shaped how Americans made sense of the uncertain rumors and reports about Burr’s intentions and movements, and examines what the resulting crisis reveals about their anxieties concerning the new nation’s fragile union and uncertain republic.

1. This week in Louisiana history. January 21, 1736. Jean Louis, a sailor, died leaving 10,000 livres to found N.O. charity hospital.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Father Antonio de Sedella, better known as Pere Antoine, a Capuchin friar, passed away on January 19, 1829 amid the love and tears of the whole city. The beloved priest came to the province of Louisiana in 1779. He is supposed to have performed nearly one half of the marriage and funeral ceremonies for the inhabitants of the city, until his death, at the ripe old age of 90. He lies buried at the foot of the altar of the St. Louis Cathedral, of which he was the Cure (or pastor) for the parish, for nearly fifty years. The St. Louis Cathedral, an ancient and interesting edifice of New Orleans facing Jackson Square or “Place d’Arms” as it was known in those days, stands today on the very site where the first house of worship was erected by Bienville and his pioneers in 1718. It is filled with historic lore and has witnessed the principal events which occurred since the founding of the city up to the present time.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
   Krewe of Harambee Parade
   January 21st, 2019
   Downtown Shreveport
   Spring ST,
   Shreveport, LA 71101
   318-617-7886
   Website
   This family-friendly parade rolls through downtown Shreveport each year celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. It features marching bands, stilt-walkers, dozens of floats and more.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce & Lisa Walker talk to the granddaughter of Leah Chase at Dooky Chase. Yeah, the chicken was delicious.

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295. Patrick Horn

295. This week, we interview Patrick Horn. He is the author of Pad Pennywell, which covers the Kimbrell-West Clan in central Louisiana. During post Civil War era reconstruction, former slave Pad Pennywell had hopes of starting a new life with his wife, daughter and adopted family in Texas. Little did Pad know that his life was about to be torn apart, when his family is brutalized by a band of thieves and murderers along the Harrisonburg Rd, a stretch of trail that connects the Natchez trace with the El Camino Real. Taken captive by John West, a psychopathic murderer who’s charm and hypocrisy are only matched by his lust for blood and money 

1. This week in Louisiana history. January 13, 1818. Noah Ludlow opens St. Philip Street Theatre.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Daniel "Danny" Moses Barker was born on January 13, 1909, in New Orleans. Born into a musical family, his interest in jazz came early. His grandfather, Isidore Barbarin, had been a member of the great Onward Brass Band. Clarinetist Barney Bigard, who played with Duke Ellington, gave Danny lessons in clarinet. His uncle, the great jazz drummer Paul Barbarin, also taught him how to play the drums. Nonetheless, when it came to playing music, Danny settled on the banjo and guitar as his favorite instruments.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   January 17^th, 2019
   6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
   Alexandria Museum of Art
   933 Second St (Main St),
   Alexandria, LA 71301
   318-443-3458
   Website
   AMoA AfterHours
   Every Third Thursday of the month, Alexandria Museum of Art opens the doors to the community for its AfterHours programing. Each quarter, there will be a concert, a free community art project, and a "Renegade Tour" (Free Art Tour designed for Adults). The rotation varies per quarter, so visit www.themuseum.org for more information.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce, Jeff, & Jon Magee listen to the Crooked Vines in New Orleans.

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294. Dolph Williams, part 2

294. Part 2 of our interview with Dolph Williams, founder of the Frosty Factory in Ruston, LA. founder of the Frosty Factory in Ruston, LA. After his mother invented the frozen daiquiri, Dolph used his engineering skills to build the machines to make them. When Dolph Williams asked his suppliers to develop larger-capacity machines, manufacturers scoffed and suggested that they saw no need. Necessity reawakened Williams’ Louisiana Tech engineering education in construction technology. His earlier lessons in calculating and designing bridges proved useful as he created his own version of a frozen daiquiri machine. Beginning with sketches on the back of a brown paper grocery bag, Williams soon had crafted a machine that could produce 12 gallons of alcohol slush per hour. These Ruston experiments contributed crucial innovations to the realm of frozen alcoholic beverages. Now the frozen daiquiri is a staple of Louisiana culture, and has spread far beyond the state.

1. This week in Louisiana history. January 5, 1987. Pistol Pete Maravich inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Laten John Adams (January 5, 1932 – September 14, 1998), known as Johnny Adams, was an American blues, jazz and gospel singer, known as "The Tan Canary" for the multi-octave range of his singing voice, his swooping vocal mannerisms and falsetto. His biggest hits were his versions of "Release Me" and "Reconsider Me" in the late 1960s.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   January 11th, 2019
   Downtown Cameron
   512 Marshall Street,
   Cameron, LA 70631
   337-540-9449
   Website
   "ONE OF THE OLDEST AND COLDEST FESTIVALS IN LOUISIANA" What sportsman could resist a weekend of competition - Cameron style? Trap shooting, retriever dog trials, duck and goose calling, nutria and muskrat skinning, and oyster shucking contests, crowning of the new Fur & Wildlife Festival King & Queen(who receives a gorgeous fur coat as part of her prize package). Fun, Food, and most importantly....FUR!!!!
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to the New Birth Brass Band in Jackson Square, New Orleans.

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293. Dolph Williams, part 1.

293. Part 1 of our interview with Dolph Williams, founder of the Frosty Factory in Ruston, LA. After his mother invented the frozen daiquiri, Dolph used his engineering skills to build the machines to make them. When Dolph Williams asked his suppliers to develop larger-capacity machines, manufacturers scoffed and suggested that they saw no need. Necessity reawakened Williams’ Louisiana Tech engineering education in construction technology. His earlier lessons in calculating and designing bridges proved useful as he created his own version of a frozen daiquiri machine. Beginning with sketches on the back of a brown paper grocery bag, Williams soon had crafted a machine that could produce 12 gallons of alcohol slush per hour. These Ruston experiments contributed crucial innovations to the realm of frozen alcoholic beverages. Now the frozen daiquiri is a staple of Louisiana culture, and has spread far beyond the state.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 29, 1898. Monument to Public School benefactor John McDonogh dedicated in New Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The cornerstone of the Southern Regional Research Laboratory had been set on December 29, 1939 in the 40 acre building site at 2100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard. This area had formerly abutted the grounds of Spanish Fort amusement park and resort. It was here that local scientists developed wash-n-wear cotton, the predecessor of Permanent Press.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   New Year's Eve in New Orleans
      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 listens to the New Orleans Swinging Gypsies at the Spotted Cat Bar on Frenchman Street in New Orleans.

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292. John LaFleur II, part 2

292. Part 2 of our interview with John LaFleur II, author of Their Voices, Their Hands, and Their Gifts: Louisiana's Creole Food & Culture A Menu of Diversity. Owner / operator / entrepreneur at John LaFleur's New Orleans, Director / Manager / Creole Gourmet chef at John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen and Former Saturday French News Announcer in Ville Platte, Louisiana at KVPI Radio Past: New Orleans' Save Our Cemeteries" & Basin Street Tourist Center.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 22, 1814. British began moving to attack New Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Alvin "Shine" Robinson (December 22, 1937 – January 24, 1989), sometimes credited as Al Robinson, was an American rhythm and blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, based in New Orleans. His recording of "Something You Got" reached the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   32nd Celebration in the Oaks
   The Most Spectacular Holiday Lights Festival in the Country
   Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see the magical winter spectacle. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Roz de Roos and her band play at the Apple Barrel on Frenchman Street in New Orleans.
5. Louisiana Christmas Card. Poet David Middleton reads his poem "The Shepherd — A Christmas Play."

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291 John LaFleur, part 1

291. Part 1 of our interview with John LaFleur II, author of Their Voices, Their Hands, and Their Gifts: Louisiana's Creole Food & Culture A Menu of Diversity. Owner / operator / entrepreneur at John LaFleur's New Orleans, Director / Manager / Creole Gourmet chef at John LaFleur's Louisiana Creole Guesthouse & Kitchen and Former Saturday French News Announcer in Ville Platte, Louisiana at KVPI Radio Past: New Orleans' Save Our Cemeteries" & Basin Street Tourist Center.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 15, 1802. Pres. Jefferson, worried of French takeover of La., seeks to purchase Isle of Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Renato (René) Beluche, born in New Orleans on December 15, 1780, was a privateer who enlisted in the American forces defending New Orleans against the British invasion of 1814-1815; he commanded one of the 24-pounders (seacoast cannons — the heaviest used at the time by the U.S. Army) in Battery No. 3 at Chalmette. He also commanded the privateer ship Spy under United States letter of marque during War of 1812.  As master of several merchant vessels out of New Orleans, he used the alias Pierre Brugman,
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Noel Acadien au Village
   December 1-23
   200 Greenleaf Drive
   Lafayette, LA
   337-981-2364
   More than half a million lights are incorporated into displays lighting up 10 acres of land. There also are carnival rides, local food vendors, live entertainment, a shopping area and photos with Santa. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. daily. $10, free for children 4 and younger.
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Bruce listens to Joe Shedlo on Royal Street in New Orleans.
   

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