72. Interview with writer O'Neil De Noux

72.  We talk to O’Neil De Noux, a prolific novelist from New Orleans. Although most of De Noux’s fiction falls under the mystery genre, critics describe his work as character-driven crime fiction, he has published stories in many disciplines beyond the mystery, including historical fiction, children’s fiction, mainstream fiction, science-fiction, fantasy, horror, western, literary, religious, romance, humor and erotica.  Today we talk to him about his work as a police detective and his detective fiction.  In a few weeks, we will talk to him again about his Battle of New Orleans historical novel, Battle Kiss.  In the meantime, try a sample of his work, "Women Are Like Streetcars."

1. This week in Louisiana history. October 7, 1829. Gov. Derbigny suffers fatal accident when thrown from carriage.
2. This week in New Orleans history. October 4, 1884. The University of Louisiana becomes The Tulane University of Louisiana.
3. This week in Louisiana. 
   Festivals Acadiens et Creoles
   October 10th, 2014 - October 12th, 2014
   Girard Park
   500 Girard Park, Lafayette, LA 70503
   800-346-1958
   http://www.festivalsacadiens.com/
   Girard Park
   Festivals Acadiens et Creoles started in 1972 as an effort to keep Cajun culture alive. Since then it has grown into a three day event that attracts people of many different nationalities from all over the world. Whether you're amongst the young or the young at heart, you can bet that Festivals Acadiens has something that will tickle your fancy. Come join us for good music, good food, and good times!
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 21, 1814. NO. XVII.  
   Head-quarters, 7th military district, Mobile, September 21, 1814.
   To the free coloured inhabitants of Louisiana.
   To every noble-hearted, generous freeman of colour, volunteering to serve during the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer, there will be paid the same bounty in money and lands, now received by the White soldiers of the United States, viz. one hundred and twenty-four dollars in money, and one hundred and sixty acres of land. The non-commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same monthly pay and daily rations, and clothes furnished to any American soldier.
   On enrolling yourselves in companies, the major-general commanding will select officers for your government, from your white fellow citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed from among yourselves.
   
   Andrew Jackson,
   Major-general commanding.

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71. Interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives. Part 2.

71.  Part 2 of our interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives.  She and her co-writers have traveled through Iowa interviewing African-American women who moved there from the South and worked as domestics -- maids, cooks, etc.  We focus on the women from Louisiana who moved there and discuss the ways their lives changed and the ways they didn't.  We especially talk about Irene Williams, who moved to Iowa from the North Louisiana towns of Springhill and Minden.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  Sept. 28 1868 The Opelousas Massacre occurred in Louisiana in which an estimated 200 to 300 black Americans were killed
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Sept. 27, 1902. New Orleans streetcar employees strike for 8-hr days and 25 cent per hour minimum wage.
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Tangipahoa Parish Fair "The Oldest Fair in the State"
   October 1st, 2014 - October 5th, 2014
   Tangipahoa Parish Fair Grounds
   404 Reid Ave., Amite, LA 70422
   800-542-7520
   http://tangifair.org/
   Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Pioneer Town, Indian Village, School Exhibits, Carnival Rides and Livestock Show. Come on out for a "Good ole Time"!
   
   Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Pioneer Town, Indian Village, School Exhibits, Carnival Rides and Livestock Show. Come on out for a "Good ole Time"! - See more at: http://www.louisianatravel.com/la-events/tangipahoa-parish-fair#sthash.yOcvfjDu.dpuf
   Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Pioneer Town, Indian Village, School Exhibits, Carnival Rides and Livestock Show. Come on out for a "Good ole Time"! - See more at: http://www.louisianatravel.com/la-events/tangipahoa-parish-fair#sthash.yOcvfjDu.dpufdd
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 21, 1814.   NO. XVI. 
   PROCLAMATION.
   Head-quarters, seventh military district,
   Mobile, September 21st, 1814.
   Louisianians!
   The base, the perfidious Britons have attempted to invade your country — they had the temerity to attack fort Bowyer with their incongruous horde of Indians and negro assassins — they seemed to have forgotten that this fort was defended by freemen — they were not long indulged in their error — the gallant Lawrence, with his little spartan band, has given them a lecture that will last for ages; he has taught them what men can do when fighting for their liberty, when contending against slaves. He has convinced sir W. H. Percy that his companions in arms are not to be conquered by proclamations; that the strongest British bark is not invulnerable to the force of American artillery, directed by the steady nervous arm of a freeman.

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70. Interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives. Part 1.

70.  Part 1 of our interview with Katherine van Wormer, co-author of The Maid Narratives.  She and her co-writers have traveled through Iowa interviewing African-American women who moved there from the South and worked as domestics -- maids, cooks, etc.  We focus on the women from Louisiana who moved there and discuss the ways their lives changed and the ways they didn't.  We especially talk about Irene Williams, who moved to Iowa from the North Louisiana towns of Springhill and Minden.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 20 1885 Birthday of pianist Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton in New Orleans, Louisiana. MORE
2. This week in New Orleans history.
   "City of New Orleans" Writer
   Steven Benjamin Goodman Dies
   September 20, 1984
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 24-28
   Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival A midway of treats, games of chance, rides, shows of arts and crafts, flowers and photography. Admission: Free for many events. Cover charge for some dances. New Iberia, 337.369.9323.
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 21, 1814. NO. XV.
   At a meeting of the committee of public defence on the 21st September, 1814,
   On motion, resolved, that a sabre, with a suitable inscription and proper emblems, be presented to major W. Lawrence, as a testimonial of the sense which is entertained of his skill and gal-, lantry in the defence of fovt Bowyer, and in the repulse of the enemy's squadron and forces before that place.
   Ordered, that the chairman communicate a copy of this resolution to major Lawrence, with a request that he will convey to the brave officers and men under his command, the expression of gratitude which is felt for the important service they have rendered to this state, as well as to the United States.   Edward Livingston, chairman.

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69. Interview with Max Johansson, creator of the Below Board podcast

69.  Interview with Max Johansson, creator of the Below Board podcast. Max lives in Sweden, and he has collaborators in Louisiana to create this old-fashioned police drama set in the New Orleans of yesterday.  Max has created an alternate history line that is somewhat different from ours, and has allowed us to post his first episode script at the Louisiana Anthology.  Read it and look for the clues to solve the crime and the clues to what makes this world different.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 12, 1719 Superior Council set up with 12 members MORE
2. This week in New Orleans history. Dixieland jazz clarinetist Lawrence James "Larry" Shields was born in uptown New Orleans on September 13, 1893.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 18-21
   New Orleans Burlesque Festival
   Drawing talent from around the world, the festival features performances, workshops, panel discussions, a competition, and appearances by legendary stars from the past. Admission: $22-$50. Harrah's New Orleans, 8 Canal St., and House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., New Orleans, 504.975.7425, email neworleansburlesque@yahoo.com.    
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 19, 1814.  NO. I. Vice-admiral Cochrane to the secretary of state. His B. M. ship Tonnant, in the Chesapeake, Sept. 19, 1814.
   Sir — I had the honour to receive your letter of the 6th inst. this morning, in reply to the one which I addressed to you from the Patuxent.
   As I have no authority from my government to enter npon any kind of discussion relative to the points contained in your letter, I have only to regret that there does not appear to be any hope that I shall be authorized to recall my general order; which has been further sanctioned by a subsequent request from lieutenant-general sir George Provost.
   A copy of your letter will this day be forwarded by me to England, and until I receive instructions from my government the measures which I have adopted must be persisted in: unless remuneration be made to the inhabitants of the Canadas for the injuries they have sustained from the outrages committed by the troops of the United States.
   I have the honour to be, &c.     
   Alex. Cochrane.

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68. Discussion of Elizabeth Custer's Memoir, Part 2.

68.   Part 2 of our discussion of Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer, the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. The Custers spent some time in Louisiana immediately after the end of the Civil War, and we discuss the portion of the book that covers their adventures in the Pelican State.

1. This week in Louisiana history. September 1, 1715. King Louis XIV died
2. This week in New Orleans history. Elks Approve First Truck Parade.  September 6, 1934
    Story by Buddy Stall.  As early as the 19th century, people decorated carriages, wagons, milk carts and other rolling stock, donned costumes, and with liquid refreshments and food to sustain them for the day headed for the crowded streets to join fellow revelers.
          The year 1933 was a bleak one for the citizens of New Orleans. Like most Americans, New Orleanians were suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, which followed the stock market crash of 1929. So the approach of Mardi Gras that year filled the city with great anticipation. Perhaps it would get people’s minds off the unpleasant conditions, if only for a day.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   September 12-14, 2014
   Shrimp Festival
   The second annual fete features shrimp prepared a multitude of ways, plus other food, music, games, and sports. Admission: $2 for attendees age 12 and older. Shrimp Festival Grounds (Meraux), 2501 Archbishop Hannan Blvd., Meraux, 504.278.4296.
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 8, 1814. NO. XI.  Militia general orders, head-quarters,  New Orleans, September 8th, 1814.   A hope is still cherished that the pending negociation between the United States and Great Britain may eventuate in a peace honourable to both parties; but there is too much reason to apprehend that the enemy feeling power may forget right. Indeed from the information before us, we shall act wisely in preparing for the worst. At this moment a fleet of the enemy is hovering on our coast, and he is assembling a force at Apalachicola, Pensacola, and elsewhere, avowedly for the invasion of Louisiana. We must be prepared to meet him; to dispute every inch of ground; harass him on his march; make a stand at every favourable position, and finally to triumph or lose with our country, our lives. Every individual, therefore, attached to the militia will be in constant readiness for active service — officers of every grade at all times be prepared to repair to their posts, and assume the command which may be assigned them — non-commissioned officers and privates will put their arms, whether muskets, rifles, or shot-guns in the best possible condition, furnish themselves with six flints each, as much powder and ball as can conveniently be carried, and pack in their knapsacks one blanket, one shirt, and one pair of shoes, being the necessary clothing on a march. The greatest vigilance will be observed, and every precaution taken to guard against surprise. Captains and subalterns will keep their field officers advised of every occurrence which interests the public safety, and colonels or officers commanding regiments will communicate the same to the generals of their respective brigades and division, and the general officers to the commander-in-chief. Strong patroles will be ordered on every night, particularly within the city and suburbs of New Orleans and the adjacent counties. 

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67. Discussion of Elizabeth Custer's Memoir, Part 1.

67. Part 1 of our discussion of Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer, the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. The Custers spent some time in Louisiana immediately after the end of the Civil War, and we discuss the portion of the book that covers their adventures in the Pelican State.

1. This week in Louisiana history. August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina makes landfall in the New Orleans/Biloxi area causing an est. $25 billion dollars worth of damage and displacing over 1 million residents.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Causeway Opens
   August 30, 1956 The original Causeway was a two-lane span (now the southbound span), measuring 23.86 miles in length which opened on this date in 1956 at a cost of $30.7 million. A parallel two-lane span, 1/100th of a mile longer than the original, opened on May 10, 1969 at a cost of $26 million. Each span was the longest over-water bridge in the world when completed.
3. This week in Louisiana. Creole Renaissance Festival The annual fete honors the Creole language, food, community, dance and music. Admission: $5-$15. Yambilee Fairgrounds, 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas.
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 4, 1814.  NO. V. 
   Letter from Mr. Laffite to Mr. Blanque Barataria.
   4th September, 1814.
   Sir,
   Though proscribed by my adoptive country, I will never let slip any occasion of serving her, or of proving that she has never ceased to be dear to me. . . . I may have evaded the payment of duties to the custom house; but I have never ceased to be a good citizen; and all the offence I have committed, I was forced to by certain vices in our laws. In short, sir, I make you the depository of the secret on which perhaps depends the tranquillity of our country; please to make such use of it as your judgment may direct. I might expatiate on this proof of patriotism, but I let the fact speak for itself. I presume, however, to hope that such proceedings may obtain amelioration of the situation of my unhappy brother, with which view I recommend him particularly to your influence. It is in the bosom of a just man, of a true American, endowed with all other qualities that are honoured in society, that I think I am depositing the interests of our common country, and what particularly concerns myself.  I have the honour to salute you,  J. Laffite.

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66. Interview with Jason France (Crazy Crawfish), Part 2.

66.   Interview with Jason France (Crazy Crawfish), Part 2.  August 23,  2014.  We interview Jason France, the creator of the Crazy Crawfish education blog.  Jason is a former Louisiana Department of Education Employee and nationally recognized privacy and public education activist.  Jason is also running for a seat on the BESE board. You can also read some of his blog posts at the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 26, 1895 'Uncle' Earl Kemp Long born
2. This week in New Orleans history.  August 24, 1973.  John Schwegmann was in hot water for fighting a "milk war" between his grocery stores and the "orderly milk marketing law" also known as a price-fixing law. Schwegmann promised his customers rebates if the law was enacted.  The First Circuit Court of Appeals ordered him to cease what it interpreted as illegal acts.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 29-30.  Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run Zydeco music, motorcycle events, dance contests and more.
   Downtown Natchitoches
   318.471.9960 or 318.652.0079.
4. Battle of New Orleans. August 26, 1814.  NO. XII.  Head-quarters, Pensacola, August 26, 1814. Order of the day for the first colonial battalion of the royal corps of marines.
   You are called upon to discharge a duty of the utmost danger, of the utmost peril. You will have to perform long and tedious marches through wildernesses, swamps and water-courses; your enemy from long habit inured to the climate, will have great advantages over you. But remember the twenty-one years of toil and glory of your country, and resolve to follow the example of your glorious companions, who have fought and spilt their blood in her service. Be equally faithful and strict in your moral discipline, and this, the last and most perfidious of your enemies, will not long maintain himself before you. A cause so sacred as that which has led you to draw your swords in Europe, will make you unsheath them in America, and I trust you will use them with equal credit and advantage. In Europe, your arms were not employed in defence of your country only, but of all those who groaned in the chains of oppression, and in America they are to have the same direction. The people whom you are now to aid and assist have suffered robberies and murders committed on them by the Americans. 

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65. Interview with Jason France, Writer of the Crazy Crawfish Blog

65.   We interview Jason France, the creator of the Crazy Crawfish education blog.  Jason is a former Louisiana Department of Education Employee and nationally recognized privacy and public education activist.  Jason is also running for a seat on the BESE board. You can also read some of his blog posts at the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 16, 1814 US gunboats attack Barataria, destroying all ships and pirate contraban. A few months later, they would be allies in the Battle of New Orleans.
   
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Mayor Mitchell Joseph "Mitch" Landrieu born August 16, 1960 is the former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 21-22  Fete Rouge A celebration of food and wine hosted by Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. Thursday's 7-course award dinner (paired with wines) features live entertainment, and Friday's Food and Wine Fete includes over 200 wines to taste plus a chef's competition, raffles and live entertainment. Admission: $200 Thursday; $50 Friday.
   Crowne Plaza Hotel
   4278 Constitution Ave.,
   Baton Rouge,  LA
   225.773.4889.
4. August 15 No. I.  Copy of a letter from vice-admiral Cochrane to Mr. Monroe
   August 19 No. III.  By lieutenant-colonel Edward Nicholls, commanding his Britannic majesty's forces in the Floridas.
   Natives of Louisiana! on you the first call is made to assist in liberating from a faithless, imbecile government, your paternal soil: Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled or residing for a time, in Louisiana, on you, also, I call to aid me in this just cause: the American usurpation in this country must be abolished, and the lawful owners of the soil put in possession. 

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64. Interview with Carolyn Files, Niece of Writer Maude Files Zimmer

64.  We interview Carolyn Files, the niece of Maude Files Zimmer.  Maude wrote a series of books focused on her early life in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, a small town a few miles outside of Bastrop.  The books are collections of articles that were first written for newspapers.  These stories catch the flavor of the small-town America of yesterday; somewhere between Tom Sawyer and Mayberry.  Files wrote the following books:

• A Time to Remember
• A Village so Small
• Door Without a Lock
• Writer's Harvest  

These books are out of print but still available from vendors like Amazon.  In addition to discussing her books with Carolyn, we also talk about Maude's adventurous life, living and working in far-flung places far away from Oak Ridge, Louisiana.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 11, 1856 A hurricane kills more than 200 people vacationing at Isle Derniere (Last Island).  Hearn's Chita is based on that hurricane.
   
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Lee Harvey Oswald contacted the FBI on August 9, 1963 after he was arrested in New Orleans for disturbing the peace, asking to speak with an FBI agent.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  August 14-16.   Le Cajun Awards and Music Festival Cajun music, dancing, food, arts and crafts. Events Thursday (Aug. 14) will take place at La Poussiere Cajun Dancehall, 1301 Grand Point Ave., Breaux Bridge. Admission: Free Thursday, $5 Friday, and $10 Saturday.
   Rayne Civic Center
   210 Frog Festival Drive
   Rayne, LA
   337.344.2494
4. August 15  Extract of a letter from general Jackson to governor Claiborne.  No. IX. 
   
   Extract of a letter from major-general Jackson to governor Claiborne, dated fort Jackson, August 15th, 1815.
   Information this moment received by express from Alabama Heights, bringing me a letter from Pensacola, added to the intelligence received by captain Gordon, who was the bearer of a letter from me to the governor of Pensacola, makes it necessary, that all the forces allotted for the 7th military district, should be held in a state of preparation to march to any point required at a moment's warning.

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63. Interview with author Elise Blackwell

63.  We interview Elise Blackwell, author of The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish. "Set in southern Louisiana in the weeks preceding the great flood of 1927, this novel depicts a place and way of life about to be forever changed. On the verge of manhood and a stone’s throw of the rising Mississippi River, Louis Proby is pulled between his love of the natural world and the glittering temptations of New Orleans, between the beautiful Nanette Lançon and a father who no longer seems larger-than-life, between the simplicity of childhood and the complicated decisions of adulthood." The Louisiana Anthology has posted an excerpt from her novel and one of our short stories.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  August 4, 1901 Allen Greene school opens in town of Grambling, will later become Grambling State Univ.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Natchez VIII was launched August 2, 1879 by the Cincinnati Marine Ways.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. August 4-9.  National Farmers Market Week The French Market celebrates National Farmers Market Week with cooking demonstrations, live music, and more.
   French Market
   1 French Market Place,
   New Orleans.
4. Battle of New Orleans:
   
1. August 6 Militia general orders (American) No. VIII.
   
2. August 8 Anonymous letter written from the Havanna (British) No. II.

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62. Interview with spoken word poet Gian Smith, Part II

62. Part two of our interview with spoken word poet Gian Smith. He is also the creator of the YouTube series "Open Mike,"  as well as a founding member of the Melanated Writers Collective.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  July 26, 1810 Rebellion of West Florida Parishes
2. This week in New Orleans history.   Francisco Luis Hector, barón de Carondelet, governor of Louisiana and West Florida. Born, Cambrai, France, July 29, 1747
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  July 31-August 3.  Satchmo SummerFest The 13th annual festival dedicated to the life, legacy and music of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong features live jazz, brass bands, and more, plus seminars, a children's area, crafts, dance lessons,food vendors, a jazz Mass and second line parade.
   Admission: Free.
   Old U.S. Mint
   400 Esplanade Ave.
   New Orleans, LA
   504.522.5730. 

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61. Interview with spoken word poet Gian Smith

61. Part one of our interview with spoken word poet Gian Smith. He is also the creator of the YouTube series "Open Mike,"  as well as a founding member of the Melanated Writers Collective.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  July 21, 1920 First Airmail delivery in South, Shreveport to Homer
2. This week in New Orleans history.  July 19, 1963: Lee Harvey Oswald is fired from the Reily Coffee Company "...because his work was not satisfactory and because he spent too much time loitering in Adrian Alba's garage next door (at 618 Magazine Street), where he read rifle and hunting magazines."
3. This week in Louisiana.  July 24-26.  Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo The oldest fishing tournament in the United States with children's activities and music. The pavilion opens each day at 11 a.m. with food, merchandise and educational exhibits, and music in the evening. Children's crab races take place at 2:00.
   Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
   Grand Isle 504.615.0099

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60. Interview with Dayne Sherman, Author of Welcome to Fallen Paradise.

60.  We interview Dayne Sherman, the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise, which is a critically-acclaimed novel. Sherman works as a librarian in Louisiana, and lives with his wife and son.  Baxter Parish, Louisiana, is a bloody place where family tradition is stronger than law, and pride is more valuable than life. Jesse Tadlock returns home to claim his inheritance, but that means he must find a way to stand up to a neighbor, even if it means losing everything to the fires of pride.
Dayne Sherman online links:
Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com/
Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/
Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

1. This week in Louisiana history.  July 14, 1937 First piling driven for N.O. Charity Hospital
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Louisiana Superdome hosted the Rolling Stones '78 Tour on Thursday, July 13, 1978.  Tickets cost $12.50 -- General Admission.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.    July 18-19.   Natchitoches/NSU Folk Festival The 35th annual festival is "Celebrating Louisiana's Folk Heritage" with Cajun music and dance lessons, a state fiddle championships, children's activities, arts and crafts, plus three stages of music including bluegrass, gospel, rock and jazz. The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held on Saturday (July 19). Admission: 2014 pricing TBA. Prather Coliseum, NSU.

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59. Interview with Mark LaFlaur, Author of the novel Elysian Fields, Part 2.

59.  Part two of our interview with Mark LaFlaur, author of the novel Elysian Fields.   Mark's web page describes his novel this way: "Simpson Weems is a 36-year-old aspiring poet whose life has been on hold — to the breaking point. All he needs to fulfill his potential is to move to San Francisco, but he’s torn between his long-held dream of being a great artist and obligations to his aged, ailing mother and his emotionally volatile brother, the all-demanding Bartholomew. Will someone in his family have to die before he can get to California? And how might that be arranged?"  In addition to discussing his novel, we discuss his other writing, especially his writing on his blog Levees Not War.  Mark has generously allowed us to cross-post some of his articles on the Louisiana Anthology.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  July 9, 1706 Iberville died of Yellow Fever
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Smiley Lewis (July 5, 1913 – October 7, 1966) was an American New Orleans rhythm and blues musician.
3. This week in Louisiana.  July 10-13.  San Fermin in Nueva Orleans. The main event of the four-day fete of food, music and entertainment is El Encierro, the New Orleanian homage to the bull running in Pamplona, Spain. Big Easy Roller Girls pursue runners with plastic bats and horned helmets through the streets of downtown New Orleans. Registration and packet pickup is at the Sugar Mill; other events take place in various venues. 

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58. Interview with Mark LaFlaur, Author of the novel Elysian Fields. Part 1.

58.  Part one of our interview with Mark LaFlaur, author of the novel Elysian Fields.   Mark's web page describes his novel this way: "Simpson Weems is a 36-year-old aspiring poet whose life has been on hold — to the breaking point. All he needs to fulfill his potential is to move to San Francisco, but he’s torn between his long-held dream of being a great artist and obligations to his aged, ailing mother and his emotionally volatile brother, the all-demanding Bartholomew. Will someone in his family have to die before he can get to California? And how might that be arranged?"  In addition to discussing his novel, we discuss his other writing, especially his writing on his blog Levees Not War.  Mark has generously allowed us to cross-post some of his articles on the Louisiana Anthology. 

1. This week in Louisiana history. June 30, 1870 Robert E. Lee and the Natchez began their famous riverboat race.  
2. This week in New Orleans history.  June 28, 1896 -- First Movie in New Orleans:  The first movie in New Orleans was shown on an outdoor screen on the lakefront June 28, 1896, by Allen B. Blakemore, an electrical engineer for the New Orleans City and Lake Railroad. Blakemore reduced the five-hundred-volt current from the trolley line for his vitascope machine by way of a water rheostat.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  July 3-6  2014 Essence Music Festival Essence Fest features empowerment seminars with nationally known speakers, entertainment, a marketplace, book fair with author signings, food, African-American art, cultural activities and discussions. The 2014 lineup for main stage concerts features Prince, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu and Ledisi. Admission: Free for daytime activities. 3-day festival pass including evening concerts, $312. Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, New Orleans. 

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57. Interview with Fran Holman about Environmentalist Caroline Dorman. Part 2.

57. We interview Fran Holman, the author of the biography of Caroline Dorman, one of Louisiana's most important naturalists and environmentalists. The biography, "The Gift of the Wild Things": The Biography of Caroline Dorman, has recently been reissued. Fran has also edited a book of articles by Dorman herself, Adventures in Wild Flowers: The Timeless Writings of Caroline Dorman. This week: part 2 of our interview.

1. This week in Louisiana history. June 22, 1947 Peter "Pistol Pete" Maravich born.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  June 22, 1837 -- Paul Morphy is Born
   
3. This week in Louisiana.  June 27-28. Louisiana Peach Festival The 64th annual celebration of the summer sweet fruit includes parade, peach-eating contest, arts and crafts, a car show, a diaper derby, and performances by the Molly Ringwalds, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Dylan Scott, and Swamp Donkey. Admission: $10 for Friday and Saturday concerts, $5 for Saturday day only. Free for children age 6 and younger.
   Downtown Ruston
   401 N. Trenton St.
   Ruston, LA 71270
   318.255.2031. 

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56. Interview with Fran Holman about Environmentalist Caroline Dorman. Part 1.

56. We interview Fran Holman, the author of the biography of Caroline Dorman, one of Louisiana's most important naturalists and environmentalists. The biography, "The Gift of the Wild Things": The Biography of Caroline Dorman, has recently been reissued. Fran has also edited a book of articles by Dorman herself, Adventures in Wild Flowers: The Timeless Writings of Caroline Dorman. This week: part 1 of our interview.

1. This week in Louisiana history.  June 15, 1910 Evangeline Parish created
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Alfred Bonnabel, parish school director who served on the school board from 1872 through 1918, dedicated a two-room schoolhouse in Bucktown on June 14, 1908.
3. This week in Louisiana.  June 20-22.  Louisiana Catfish Festival A catfish-skinning exhibition, plus magic shows, balloon animals, children's games, a country store, live bands, pay-one-price rides, foods, arts and crafts. Admission: Free.
   St. Gertrude Catholic Church
   17292 Highway 631
   Des Allemands
   985.758.7542.

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55. We interview Jewel Bush, founder of the Melanated Writer's Collective.

55.  We interview writer Jewel Bush. She is a journalist whose work has appeared in The Courier, The Washington Post and The Times-Picayune. Bush has participated in the Voices summer workshop for writers of color at the University of San Francisco as well as Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop at Texas A&M University. In July 2010, she founded the MelaNated Writers Collective, "One drop in the flood of New Orleans literature."  The Collective is a multi-genre collective for writers of color in New Orleans.  We will continue to learn more about the Collective in the weeks ahead when we interview another founder of the group, Gian Smith.  Stay tuned for more!

1. This week in Louisiana history. June 7, 1862 William B. Mumford is hanged by order of General Benjamin "Beast" Butler for tearing down a Union flag over the New Orleans Mint.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy bought a first class ticket at the Press Street Depot and boarded a "whites only" car of the East Louisiana Railroad in New Orleans, Louisiana, bound for Covington, Louisiana. Lead to the Plessy vs Ferguson case in which the Supreme Court ratified Jim Crow laws.
3. This week in Louisiana. June 6-12  New Orleans Loving Festival The multiracial community
   celebration of Loving vs Virginia marks its fourth year with art exhibits, film screenings, iterary events, and a"Loving Day" celebration. Events will take place in various locations around New
   Orleans. Visit the New Orleans Loving Festival Facebook page for more information. Admission: Free. 
   Antenna Gallery and Press Street's Room 220
   3718 St. Claude Ave,
   New Orleans,
   email mail@charitablefilmnetwork.org. 

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54. Interview with poet Errol Miller.

54. We interview poet Errol Miller.  Mr Miller was born in Montevallo, Alabama, in 1939. He’s lived in Louisiana since 1968. Errol has been published extensively since 1972 in hundreds of literary magazines. He is the co-winner of Spillway Magazine’s 1998 Call And Response Poetry Contest, and he is a featured writer in Poet’s Market 2000. Some of his recent collections are “Blue Rainbow Cafe,” “Literary Junkies,” “Magnolia Hall,” “The Drifter Takes Another Look,” and “4 Runners.” Errol Miller can be contacted at:

Errol Miller
P.O. Box 14693
Monroe, LA 71207

1. This week in Louisiana history. On May 29 1948, the Desire streetcars stopped running.  No more Streetcar Named Desire. 
2. This week in Louisiana.
   Oyster Fest 
   June 1-2, 2014
   We are putting together the best oyster restaurants in the city of New Orleans to deliver some outstanding dishes this festival year. Click the line-up for more info! See ya at the fest! 

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53. Tech Talk reporter Cody Sexton interviews Bruce and Steve

53.  Cody Sexton of the Tech Talk drops by and interviews Bruce and Stephen about the Louisiana Anthology project.  Everything you wanted to know about the Anthology and much, much more.

1. This week in Louisiana history. May 26, 2013.  Episode 1 of the Louisiana Anthology Podcast
2. This week in Louisiana.
   28th Annual Zydeco Extravaganza
   2235 Creswell Lane
   Opelousas, LA 70570
   337-594-3137
   Website | Email
   
   1. This annual event is a celebration of Opelousas being the home of zydeco music with live music, food and fun for the entire family. Music performances will feature some of our local zydeco finest on both indoor and outdoor stages.  
   2. Zydeco Extravaganza was started in May 1987 by the Cravins Family as a way to revive the Creole culture in St. Landry Parish and surrounding areas. It was a natural extension of The Cravins Brothers Zydeco & Info Show, a local zydeco radio show hosted by Donald and Charles Cravins. The event, which started at the Blackham Coliseum, has since been moved to Evangeline Downs Racino in Opelousas, LA, allowing for an outdoor stage as well as an indoor stage in the recently built Event Center at Evangeline Downs.  
   3. Zydeco Extravaganza draws zydeco fans from all over the country and world each Memorial Day weekend. Every year it features the ever popular amateur accordion contest, which is always a crowd favorite. Many of the winners have gone on to make names for themselves in the world of zydeco music with their talent. It is the largest one day zydeco festival in the world, with crowds numbering in the thousands. Zydeco's biggest names such as: Beau Jocque, Boozoo Chavis, Keith Frank, Terrance Simien, Curley Taylor, Geno Delafose, Zydeco Force, and Chris Ardoin have graced the stages of Zydeco Extravaganza. Its continued growth has been a tremendous asset to the revitilization of Creole culture.

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52. Children's writer Donna Jo Napoli, author of Alligator Bayou.

52.  We interview children's writer Donna Jo Napoli, author of Alligator Bayou.  Her book covers a grim period in Louisiana history: the lynching of five Italians in Tallulah in 1899.  The men had moved there after a mass lynching of Italians in New Orleans in 1891.  Donna writes from the perspective of a fourteen year-old boy named Calogero, nephew to the murdered men.  While it is addressed to a young audience, adults will find it interesting also.

1. This week in Louisiana history. May 18, 1896. LA. case of Plessy v. Ferguson, "seperate but equal" [more info]The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the idea of "separate-but-equal" public facilities for blacks in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. The case grew out of a disagreement that occurred in Louisiana when a black railroad passenger named Homer Plessy refused to move out of a whites-only car. Plessy was arrested and challenged the state law allowing separate railroad cars for whites and blacks. A Louisiana judge ruled against him, and Plessy appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which also ruled against him.
2. This week in Louisiana. May 24, 2014.  8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Cannon Firing and Encampment.
   15149 Highway 175
   Mansfield, LA 71052
   318-872-1474
   Website | Email
   Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield - 8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Cannon Firing and Encampment, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The 4th Louisiana Artillery reenactment group will host a cannon-firing program and living history encampment on the park. Come see how the big guns were fired! Cannon firing demonstrations, camp tours, soldier-life talks and much more will be featured at this exciting event. Start your summer off with a bang!

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51. Interview with T Geronimo Johnson about Hold It 'Til It Hurts, Part 2.

51.  We complete our interview with the writer T. Geronimo Johnson, author of Hold It 'Til It Hurts. Johnson was born in New Orleans. His fiction and poetry has appeared in Best New American Voices, Indiana Review, LA Review, and Illuminations, among others. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a former Stegner Fellow at Stanford, Johnson teaches writing at University of  California–Berkeley. Hold It ’Til It Hurts is his first book.

1. This week in Louisiana history. May 12, 1678. LaSalle given permission to explore "Louisiana" by King Louis XIV.
2. This week in Louisiana.  May 8-11, 2014
   The City of Alexandria – in partnership with dozens of local arts organizations and programs – combines the success of existing cultural events, bringing them “all under one roof” for three days in Downtown Alexandria. Together with numerous local businesses, community participants, teams, civic leaders and sponsors, the AlexRiverFête celebration embodies the spirit of community, culture and collaboration.
   Locals and visitors alike will have plenty to see and do in Downtown Alexandria during the three-day AlexRiverFête: Festivities include:
   o Dinner on the Bricks – Come dine on the bricks as locally owned restaurants and caterers showcase the best of their menus. Musical entertainment provided by Jazz band Improv. Admission is free, but menu prices vary.
   o ArtWalk – Sidewalks, green spaces, and the streets of Downtown Alexandria will come alive as more than 65 local participating artists, vendors, and performers showcase their talent.
   o Louisiana Dragon Boat Races™ - Now in its third year, the 2013 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races™ will feature more teams, entertainment, food, fun and elaborate costumes than ever before. Presented by the Alexandria Museum of Art (AMoA), this must-see family event is a full day of spirited racing and entertainment on and off the water.

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