Author: Confetti Park

Family Pyrate Day
Family Pyrate Day 2025

Ahoy, Mateys! Join Us for Family Pyrate Day! Get ready to set sail for a day of swashbuckling fun in the heart of Algiers Point! Confetti Park and Bargeboard, LLC are teaming up to bring you a treasure trove of music, stories, and pyratical adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned buccaneer or a curious landlubber, there’s something for every member of the crew. Best of all? Admission is free!

📅 When & Where
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Bargeboard NOLA at 530 Powder Street, in beautiful Algiers Point by the great river!
The Day’s Adventures

From hidden treasures to shanties by the river, here is what we have in store for your family:
- Treasure Hunt: Seek out hidden gems with the Friends of the Hubbell Library.
- Creative Crafts: Let your imagination run wild with hands-on activities by Confetti Kids.
- Pyratical Facts & Fiction: Learn the true history of the high seas (and some tall tales) with the NOLA Pyrate Society.
- Antique Shopping: Browse the unique and historic finds curated by Bargeboard.
Live Music & Entertainment

Gather ’round the main stage for original and traditional songs that will have the whole family stomping their boots!
- The Scurvy Baratarians
- The Confetti Park Players (Our very own local kids choir!)
- Dave Famous: The legendary pirate troubadour.
Vittles & Libations

No pirate can adventure on an empty stomach! We’ll have plenty of snacks and drinks available to keep your energy up, featuring a cool treat from Kona Ice and Caribbean Latin BBQ from Fumó!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to wear your best pirate garb! We want to see those eyepatches, tricorn hats, and striped socks.

See you on the Point!
Storytime: The Runaway Beignet by Connie

The Chase is On!

If you’ve ever strolled by Jackson Square on a humid morning, you know that smell—the intoxicating, sugary scent of fresh fried dough and powdered sugar mixed wafting on the wind. But what happens when one of those delicious treats decides it’s not quite ready to be eaten?

Today on Confetti Park Storytime, we are sprinting through the streets of New Orleans alongside a very fast, very sugary character in “The Runaway Beignet,” written by the wonderful Connie Collins Morgan.

And –we are beyond thrilled to feature a very special narration of this tale. A huge Confetti Park thank you goes out to Connie for sharing her story and her voice to this episode.

A Louisiana Twist on a Classic Tale

We all know the story of the Gingerbread Man, but Connie has given this timeless fable a delicious Louisiana makeover. Instead of a gingerbread man running through a meadow, we have a feisty beignet darting past local landmarks, clever animals, and hungry onlookers.

It is a delightful romp that captures the rhythm and flavor of a street scene in the French Quarter. With its catchy “catch me if you can” singsong, a dash of bayou magic, and the charming illustrations (by Herb Leonhard) that bring the beignet to life, this is a story book you will read over and over again.

Thank You to Connie Collins Morgan

Hearing an author read their own work adds a layer of magic that you just can’t get anywhere else. Connie’s warmth and playful delivery make the Beignet’s escape feel more vivid than ever. We are so grateful she shared her time and her talent with our community of little dreamers and music lovers.

How to Listen

Ready to join the chase? You can catch Connie’s narration of The Runaway Beignet on our latest podcast episode!

Discover More: Check out Connie’s other work and grab a copy of the book at https://conniecollinsmorgan.com/

Listen Now:

Confetti Park Storytime is a family radio program and podcast out of New Orleans. We feature local authors and songs that celebrate the magic of childhood and the unique culture of the Gulf South.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Confetti Current: Family-friendly events around Louisiana this week

The week of Feb. 2-8, 2026

Confetti Current

Family Events • Feb 3 – Feb 9, 2026

Loading…

Confetti Current Research • Weekly Update
Storytime: Why He Carried the Turkey by James Baldwin

Hear ye! Hear ye! Good people are everywhere.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! As we give thanks this week, let’s take a moment to celebrate the fact that kindness is all around us.

In every town, city, and corner of the world, there are good people spreading thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and a sprinkle of joy wherever they go. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?

This week on Confetti Park Storytime, we’re sharing an old Thanksgiving tale called “Why He Carried the Turkey.” It’s a charming story about John Marshall. John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States and a pretty big deal in history. But this isn’t about courtrooms or gavels—it’s about a simple act of kindness that speaks volumes.

Written by James Baldwin, this story is a little gem that might make you think about humility, being a good neighbor, or just lending a helping hand. Or maybe it’s about all of those things wrapped up in one heartwarming package.

As Mr. Rogers so wisely said, “Look for the helpers.” They’re everywhere, and they remind us of two important things: who we should surround ourselves with (to feel one kind of joy) and how we can act to spread another kind of joy. True friends, true neighbors, and true kindness make the world a brighter, better place.

So, gather the family, cozy up, and let’s dive into this sweet story together. It’s a perfect reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impressions.
Stanton Dossett – A Childhood Music Memory

Stanton Dossett, from Shreveport, Louisiana, grew up surrounded by music that shaped his earliest memories. His grandmother, Mary Lou Davis, was a talented pianist and composer who filled his childhood with original songs and lullabies. Stanton’s mother continued that tradition, playing classical pieces—especially Chopin—which made music a daily presence in their lives. The gentle humming of Hattie Shepherd, the family’s housekeeper, also added warmth to his childhood.

At age nine, Stanton’s mother taught him the chords to “St. Louis Blues,” inspiring him to learn guitar and make music for himself. These early experiences created an enduring love for music that remains part of Stanton’s story today.

Thank you, Stanton, for sharing this childhood music memory — as well as one of your grandmother’s original lullabies — with Confetti Park.

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

Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” still remembers her first time singing on stage. It happened at New Star school in Greensburg, Louisiana, during a school play of Cinderella. Her teacher asked her to sing “Tennessee Waltz” for the audience.

Irma wasn’t nervous—she was excited. As she sang, she realized how much she loved performing. The applause she received made her feel proud and happy.

That first stage experience sparked Irma’s passion for musical performance. She may not recall every detail, but she’ll never forget how it felt to express herself through song! Her experience is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is one moment to discover something you love.

Thank you, dear Irma Thomas Jackson, for sharing this childhood music memory with Confetti Park.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
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.