Author: Confetti Park

Donald Lewis, Jr. – A Childhood Music Memory

Donald Lewis, Jr., beloved New Orleans actor, teacher, DJ, and storyteller, shares his earliest memory of the stage!

A professional performer and teacher in New Orleans, Donald Lewis, Jr. has shared his stories with scores of Louisiana children over the decades, at schools and libraries around the state. He’s delighted New Orleans audiences in dozens of theatrical performances over the years. And many have heard his sonorous, deep voice over the airwaves on WWOZ 90.7 FM and WRBH 88.3 FM, Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped.

In this childhood music memory, Donald shares how his love of the stage first began.

Donald was living in Texas when he was five or six years old, and he had the lead role in a performance of “She’ll Be Coming around the Mountain.”

It was a little skit created just for kids. The children were dressed in cowboy hats and riding around on mop horses, and Donald was proud to belt out the lines of the song.

It was that moment, in front of the audience, that he got the acting and performance bug!

Donald did not want to leave the stage. After the performance was over, and at the end of the night while all the people for leaving the auditorium, Donald ran from his parents and went back to the stage to start his performance all over.

Donald’s mother had to scoop him up and pull him away from the stage. And that was Donald’s first glorious introduction to the stage limelight.

Thanks, Donald, for sharing this fun childhood memory!!!

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Louisiana artist Carole Gauthier Lancon – A Childhood Music Memory

Carole Gauthier Lancon is an artist, long-time arts educator and art therapist who lives in a small village called Parks, Louisiana on the banks of Bayou Teche. Originally from St. Martinville, Carole grew up in a family where art and art making were an everyday part of life.

She also had a musical childhood, and shares some wonderful and vivid memories of her piano teacher, Mrs. Evelyn.

Evelyn was an interesting woman and quite a character—she was a performer with an all-girls orchestra in the 1940s and was known as “Evelyn and her magic violin.”

Carole says, “She was just one awesome little bitty old lady who helped me out during a time when I was pre-teen. I’d walk down the street to her house every Thursday afternoon, sit down at the piano and she would accompany me on her cello. She always made me feel very special.

“I remember one particular afternoon…. Little girls love to be bullies….On the way down the street to her house, all of my friends were playing in the front yard with another classmate, and when they saw me coming down the street, they ran and hid in the backyard. So, I had to pass in front of the house, knowing they were back there.

When I got to Miss Evelyn’s I broke down and started crying, and she comforted me. She was more than a piano teacher. She was a really fine lady.”

Thank you, Carole, for sharing your sweet memory and for introducing us to “Evelyn and her magic violin!” What a terrific story.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Chris Sheard – A Childhood Music Memory

Chris Sheard recalls going on car rides with the family and only having one cassette tape to listen to, over and over again!

In this childhood music memory, New Orleans musician Chris Sheard (Mr. Chris!) recalls going on car rides with the family and only having one cassette tape to listen to, over and over again. One side featured Marvin Gaye, and the other featured Sam Cooke.

The family would flip the tape over and over, and Chris learned every single word to every song by heart.

Chris ponders how children today have infinite options of music to listen to on demand, via Spotify and other internet apps. While there is amazing access to music for today, has something been lost in the overwhelming options?

Chris doesn’t comment on which time he thinks is better — then or now? But he is grateful for his own experiences. He will always recall those long road trips and deeply listening to Marvin and Sam singing.

Thank you, Mr. Chris, for sharing your memory with Confetti Park.

Christopher Sheard is a New Orleans-based musician and teacher with years in the field of early childhood music. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently serves as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate in uptown New Orleans.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens – a Childhood Music Memory

In this episode of Confetti Park, Doreen Ketchens, one of New Orleans’ most beloved street buskers, shares a childhood memory… one about how music changed her life one unforgettable day at school.

Walking down Royal Street on a sunny afternoon, you are very likely to find Doreen Ketchens wailing on her clarinet, leading an enthusiastic band and delighting passersby with her vibrant personality and bold, joyful sound.

Doreen has been called “Queen Clarinet,” “the female Louis Armstrong,” and “Lady Louie.” She has a quick smile, an easygoing laugh and is always ready to entertain. She also has a dedication to promoting New Orleans culture and music.

Doreen and her family (including husband Lawrence, a tuba, trombone and piano player) have traveled the world and performed for numerous U.S. presidents. Their daughter Dorian is already a world-traveled jazz drummer.

“The teacher would ask one question. If you knew it, you passed, if you didn’t you failed…. I was destined for failure. I looked to the sky and said, ‘Oh God, if you get me out of this, I will do anything.’

About two minutes later the principal came on the loudspeaker and she said, ‘Anyone interested in joining the band, report to the band room immediately! And there I went!”

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Interview with The Chickadees, young songbirds from Shreveport

Meet the Chickadees, a trio of young musicians from Shreveport, Louisiana! These sensational ten-year-olds – Posy Harper, Evie Desobry and Ellie Spero – are a breath of fresh air to the local music scene with their infectious energy and impressive talent. Guided by their dedicated teacher, Miss Sandra Odom, the Chickadees are singing and strumming their way into the hearts of audiences.

[Katy: I first met the Chickadees at the gravesite of Huddie Ledbetter at our annual Lead Belly Graveside Jam in October 2024, and I’ve been following their band since then. Watch their performance of “Cottonfields” here!)]

The kids met at school (A.C. Steere) and were all music students studying under Sandra, and the band came together naturally. All play ukulele, but each member brings a unique flair to the project. Posy also plays bass, while Evie plays banjolini, which she likes for its distinct twang. Ellie has delightful stage presence and brings a yodeling twist to the group. Her rendition of “Lovesick Blues” is a showstopper!

The Chickadees’ set list is a sweet mix of timeless classics and contemporary hits. They perform a lot of Louisiana crowd pleasers (“Jambalaya,” “Louisiana Saturday Night”) as well as new songs by artists such as Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves. In the interview, each singer talks about why she picks a certain song to take lead on.

Watch Evie Desobry performing her solo, Emmylou

Watch Posy Harper performing her solo, Best Day

Despite their young age, these songbirds are seasoned performers, enchanting audiences at various venues and events around north Louisiana.

The Chickadees are enjoying their friendship through music — practice sessions double as fun playdates and sometimes even roll into sleepovers!

For other young aspiring musicians, the Chickadees have some advice: pick an instrument you love, find a supportive teacher, and practice, practice, practice until you hit those high notes!

Thank you, Miss Sandra and The Chickadees for sharing your talent with Confetti Park.

The Chickadees of Shreveport, La. feature (L-R) Ellie Spero, Posy Harper, and Evie Desobry. Their music teacher is Sandra Odom.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Louis Michot – A Childhood Music Memory

The Cajun fiddler and singer for Lost Bayou Ramblers recalls learning to dance with his cousins while the family band played

Louis Michot, a talented fiddler and singer with the Grammy award winning Cajun band Lost Bayou Ramblers, shared a sweet childhood music memory with Confetti Park.

Growing up, Louis would often join his father and uncles’ band, Les Frères Michot, in the vibrant dance halls and restaurants of Lafayette. (Randalls, Mulates, Prejeans, etc.) It was there, amidst joyous community gatherings, that Louis learned to dance. He was only six or seven!

“I remember taking my cousins’ arms, Effie and Rebecca, and we’d switch off…..It was kind of magic. We’d stay on the dance floor all night.”

The spontaneous magic of dancing lively two-steps, waltzes and jitterbugs to the family band’s music left a lasting impression on Louis. It remains a fond memory that continues to inspire his love for music and performance today.

Thank you, Louis, for sharing this childhood music memory!

You can hear Les Frères Michot perform one of the songs Louis recalls from that time, “Two Step De Pilette,” in this interview.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Interview with hrilina ♡ : Water Wonderful World

A new reading and coloring book about New Orleans’ relationship with water will entertain and educate!

Katy recently interviewed hrilina ♡, a rising leader among young New Orleanians, who is proud to announce the release of a unique educational coloring book titled “Water Wonderful World.”

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Published by Trinity City Arts, the book explores the relationship we in South Louisiana have with water, particularly in and around New Orleans.

hrilina ♡’s vision for this book was to create an engaging and fun experience for kids (and grownups) that teaches about the role of water in New Orleans—from providing livelihoods to being an essential part of our recreation. The book also faces the challenges of coastal erosion and rising waters. In fact, it was funded through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund and supported by Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s office and the City of New Orleans.

“One of my favorite New Orleans Easter eggs in the book is on page six, where everything in the garden bed is a Louisiana export,” says hrilina ♡. “It’s Water Wonderful World, and it’s about the unique relationship that we New Orleanians have with water. But it’s also about how our waters matter to the world, and why people should care about our waters and issues relating to our waters.”

“Water Wonderful World” stands out not only for its content but also for its collaborative creation process. The artwork in “Water Wonderful World” was created by three talented teenaged illustrators from New Orleans: Lauren Landers, Zion Mercadel, and London Salvant. Each brings their distinct style to the pages. (They represent local arts programs such as New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), YAYA, and Morris Jeff.)

“Water Wonderful World” is now available for download as a PDF from the Trinity City Comics website. Printed copies are also available for sale. Dive into the wonder of water and explore New Orleans through this coloring adventure!

Thank you, hrilina ♡, for sharing your talent with Confetti Park in so many ways! hrilina ♡ is a veteran member of the Confetti Park Players and has long contributed her thoughtful creativity to this radio show and podcast. Here she is sharing poems as a little girl. One is “Teacher’s Prayer” and one is “The Coast of Louisiana.”

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Interview with New Orleans musician Arlo McCracken Allen

At 12 years old, this musician and composer is already active on the local music scene in New Orleans. Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Arlo for Confetti Park

In a recent interview, New Orleans based music prodigy Arlo McCracken Allen shared insights into his musical journey that began at the young age of four when he first sat at a piano. Arlo quickly progressed from playing at home to performing with his dad’s band (Luke Allen, Happy Talk Band) and other notable musicians.

Arlo plays piano and cello, but he loves electronic music. Influenced by video game music creator Toby Fox, Arlo aspires to compose soundtracks for games and films. He enjoys creating electronic music using tools like Logic Pro X and making animations. Arlo even created a piece displayed on a large projection for an audience at Luna Fete, working with artist Courtney Egan.

Currently at Homer Plessy middle school, Arlo is preparing to attend NOCCA, a school for creative arts. He is actively involved in collaborative projects, including the development of a video game with friends for which he composed the main menu theme.

In this interview with Confetti Park, Arlo offers advice to other young musicians — on how to get started playing music, and on finding confidence to perform. Despite having stage fright, playing music liberates him, allowing him to connect deeply with his audience.

Arlo’s vision is to continue building his portfolio and expand his reach through platforms like YouTube. Whether flying solo or collaborating with others, Arlo McCracken Allen’s passion for music is undeniable. We’re excited to watch his journey!

Thanks for sharing your talent with Confetti Park, Arlo!

Arlo McCracken Allen is a New Orleans musician

Sign in front of Bywater Bakery advertises 12-year-old Arlo’s performance

Arlo McCracken Allen performing on piano in the street, Bywater (New Orleans)

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Imagination Mover Scott Durbin – A Childhood Music Memory

Music can carry powerful memories and emotions through generations, as Scott Durbin of the Imagination Movers shares with us.

Scott, whose grandmother was Native American, recalls participating in powwows at a very young age. His family’s tribe would come together to honor their cultural traditions, and music with drumming and dancing was a central component.

“I remember being very young, dressed in garb and doing a powwow, and as much as a six year old can intuit a spiritual elevation because of the music and the beat, I knew this was amazing.”

Through experiencing the resonating drum circles and participating in the spirituality of his ancestral heritage alongside his grandmother and family, he came to know the power of music early. Scott believes this may be his first clear memory of music unlocking a moment of revelation.

Thank you for sharing this special memory with Confetti Park, Scott!
New Album: Long Way to Go

Long Way To Go is a collection of original songs written by Katy and friends (Ted Lindsay, Noah Slater, Dave Ray), the album explores themes of the solo traveler longing for adventure and new horizons, the ups and downs of relationships and moving on. A rocking, upbeat country vibe featuring lots of electric guitar drives the music forward. Jack Miele leads production and his Dream Team form the backbone of musicianship. Check out the terrific review in OffBeat Magazine.

Long Way to Go was produced and engineered by Jack Miele and recorded at JMP Studios, New Orleans and Studio In The Country, Bogalusa, La. Additional Engineers: Kassie Netherland, Graham Robinson, Jay Wesley, John Fohl. Mixed by Jack Miele. Mastered by Joe Causey for Voyager Mastering.

Musicians

Jack Miele – Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Kassie Netherland – Backing Vocals
John Fohl – Guitars
Graham Robinson – Guitars, Rhodes, Mandolin
Sean Carey – Bass, Harmonica
Jimmy Messa – Bass
Doug Belote – Drums
Woody Dantagnan – Drums
Darrin Triay – Drums
Emily Zeisler – Cello

Order the Digital Version at https://katyhobgood.hearnow.com/
Storytime: The Mardi Gras Tree by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust
Happy Mardi Gras, everybody!

Wherever you’re watching the parades– whether it’s out in the parishes, Slidell, Metairie or along beautiful St. Charles Avenue–chances are you will need some shade and respite after a long day of truck floats. Find a tree, have a rest, look around, and enjoy the show. And keep your eyes peeled for the Mardi Gras trees! You know the ones… they glitter like rainbows, dedicated as bead catchers by the people passing by.

In this episode of Confetti park, we hear the whimsical tale of The Mardi Gras Tree by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust.
“Laissez bon temps rouler! – let the good times roll! It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans and everyone’s excited – including the little acorn who just can’t WAIT to grow into a great live oak and watch high over the parades. But as the Great Oak says, it’s not always about being the biggest or the best. “Whatever tree you grow to be, just be the best that you can be.” An endearing tale of growth and self-worth set against the colorful backdrop of one of New Orleans’ biggest celebrations.

You can order the book at https://www.waggingtalespress.com/picture-books
Melinda, thanks for sharing your story and your wonderful talent with Confetti Park!

A Mardi Gras Tree on the campus of Tulane University. Photo by Mary Cross
Steven Scaffidi on why authors should self-publish their books—and advice on how to do it!

In this episode of Confetti Park, we connect with the creative mind of Steven Scaffidi, a veteran of the entertainment industry.

Steven filming a documentary, The People’s Story, in Central America

For decades Steven has worked in film and television—writing, directing, and producing. Based out of New Orleans, Steven has deep connections to the industry in South Louisiana, but his work extends nationally as well. From commercials for restaurants, furniture companies, lawyers, etc., to full length feature films, TV shows and gritty documentaries, Steven has a vast amount of experience, connections, and know-how.

Lately, he has turned this experience and wisdom to a new industry—that of children’s book publishing. And Steven has lots of fearless opinions about how to publish books in 2021.

Papa Dude, a new children’s book series

Steven is the author of the Papa Dude series. Papa Dude is a solid and warm guide-type character, kind of an authority on all things as you travel with him on adventures. He’s a likable and solid dude—a Papa Dude! His best friend, Charlie Crab, offers a playful, lighthearted touch to every page, while Papa Dude delivers factual information about all sorts of things. With Papa Dude, young readers can explore the zoo, the continental USA, dog breeds, the history of Santa Claus, outer space, and more. The whole package makes for a supremely educational yet fun series!

The character of Papa Dude was inspired by Steven’s own dad. It’s a sweet tribute.

The character of Papa Dude was inspired by Steven’s own dad—what a sweet tribute! However, in this interview, Katy Hobgood talks with Steven not so much about the creative impetus for Papa Dude, but more about the savvy he’s developed when it comes to getting his books out there.

“I think I’ve cracked the code on getting books made, published and distributed,” says Steven. “The worst thing a writer can do is write, and then it sits on a shelf and nobody ever reads it. If you’re creative and you can tell stories, you can find someone to help you with the art. You can find a printer. You can publish it yourself.”

Steven also runs creative workshops to people who are looking to learn how to get their art out into the world.

Learn more about him at https://www.ghostriderpictures.com/ And check out Papa Dude books at https://www.heypapadude.com/

Thanks, Steven, for sharing your talent and advice with Confetti Park!

Author: Confetti Park

A new reading and coloring book about New Orleans’ relationship with water will entertain and educate!

Papa Dude, a new children’s book series