Here is a great interview with children’s author David Eugene Ray, who was a guest on the WWL-TV Morning Show in New Orleans. He is interviewed by the lovely Sally Ann Roberts, and you can see he is still glowing from the honor of writing one of the Best Books of 2015, as declared by Kirkus’ Reviews, with The Little Mouse Santi.
This book, which is the story of a mouse who dreams of being a cat, was inspired by the entire Ray family’s deep and abiding appreciation of crazy feline antics. The Little Mouse Santi is the first publication from Confetti Park, and we are so proud that it is also winner of a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and a Moonbeam Award (Best Picture Books for Children 4-8).
David originally spun this yarn as a bedtime story to his son Louis, who, by the way, accompanied Dave to the studio! Pics below the video.
Dave and Louis behind the scenes at WWL-TV. The Gris Gris Strut practice in the background.
What a small world! Also in the studio this morning was Tracey Katz, one of Dave’s phellow Phunny Phorty Phellows!
Sally Ann Roberts and David Eugene Ray chat at the break.
Seriously, it’s a small world. Dave (@aquarium_dave on Twitter) never expected to run into two of his co-workers from the Audubon Nature Institute: Brenda and Emmy, the ferret.
It’s January 6… Twelfth Night! Officially Carnival Season!
To celebrate, the Confetti Park Players have created this very special video to share with you. Here, they perform “If Ever I Cease to Love” with the great A.J. Loria, King Nino, a.k.a. the Louisiana Lounge Lizard.
“If Ever I Cease to Love” is the royal anthem of Rex. It’s a song that has all kinds of pomp and circumstance despite it’s silly lyrics!
If I ever cease to love If I ever cease to love May the moon be turned into green cheese If I ever cease to love.
One of the best versions out there is AJ Loria’s, as it appeared on his album It’s A Mardi Gras World. The Confetti Park Players are honored to perform it here with him. This was recorded at Word of Mouth Recording Studio in Algiers Point in 2015. The parade footage is from the 2015 Krewe of Confetti Kids Mardi Gras parade in Algiers Point.
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The Confetti Park Players is an all-ages children’s chorus in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our home base is in Algiers, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, learn traditional New Orleans songs, and practice the craft of songwriting. The songs we sing are a mixture of fun and whimsical originals by contemporary Louisiana songwriters, classic folk songs, nursery rhymes, jump rope jingles, fairy tales, and natural lore. Our first album, We’re Going to Confetti Park!, was released in November 2015. Learn more at https://confettipark.com/music/
It’s January 6… Twelfth Night! Officially Carnival Season!
To celebrate, the Confetti Park Players have created this very special video to share with you. Here, they perform “If Ever I Cease to Love” with the great A.J. Loria, King Nino, a.k.a. the Louisiana Lounge Lizard.
“If Ever I Cease to Love” is the royal anthem of Rex. It’s a song that has all kinds of pomp and circumstance despite it’s silly lyrics!
If I ever cease to love If I ever cease to love May the moon be turned into green cheese If I ever cease to love.
One of the best versions out there is AJ Loria’s, as it appeared on his album It’s A Mardi Gras World. The Confetti Park Players are honored to perform it here with him. This was recorded at Word of Mouth Recording Studio in Algiers Point in 2015. The parade footage is from the 2015 Krewe of Confetti Kids Mardi Gras parade in Algiers Point.
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The Confetti Park Players is an all-ages children’s chorus in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our home base is in Algiers, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, learn traditional New Orleans songs, and practice the craft of songwriting. The songs we sing are a mixture of fun and whimsical originals by contemporary Louisiana songwriters, classic folk songs, nursery rhymes, jump rope jingles, fairy tales, and natural lore. Our first album, We’re Going to Confetti Park!, was released in November 2015. Learn more at https://confettipark.com/music/
Louisiana-based children’s workshop Confetti Park is honored to announce that its first publication, The Little Mouse Santi, written by New Orleans author David Eugene Ray, has been named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015.
Kirkus Reviews has named The Little Mouse Santi, a children’s book about a mouse who wants to be a cat, among the best books released in 2015. Kirkus Reviews calls The Little Mouse Santi “a clever picture book with an unexpected punch line that will delight young readers” in a starred review. This is the first publication from the Confetti Park children’s workshop based in New Orleans.
The Little Mouse Santi was written by David Eugene Ray (@Aquarium_Dave on Twitter), a former schoolteacher who works at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. It was illustrated by Santiago Germano of Uruguay, whose body of work includes the animated feature film Anina.
The Little Mouse Santi debuted in January 2015 with distribution by Small Press United and has won several awards, including a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and a Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the category of Best Picture Books for 4-8 Year Olds.
The Little Mouse Santi
“We are so honored to be named by Kirkus as among the 100 best indie books, and among the best books, released this year,” says Confetti Park founder Katy Hobgood Ray (whose husband is the author). “It’s incredibly gratifying and affirming when your creation resonates with other people. Thank you, Kirkus Reviews, for getting the word out about our little book and our little company!”
Confetti Park is a family-operated children’s media workshop in New Orleans that creates and curates entertainment for children. Santi author David Ray and Katy Ray regularly read and perform at schools and libraries in their home state of Louisiana. Katy also hosts and produces the Confetti Park radio show and podcast, featuring music and stories spun in Louisiana.
Illustrator Santiago Germano, whose “wonderful, cartoonish images…look like they wouldn’t be out of place in a Studio Ghibli animated film” (Kirkus Reviews), is currently working on a music video for Confetti Park. This time, Germano is giving life to the “Feufollet,” a spooky Louisiana swamp spirit. The song appears on Confetti Park’s first musical release for children, We’re Going to Confetti Park!, which debuted in November 2015.
The Little Mouse Santi is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and select independent booksellers nationwide. You can also order it from Confetti Park.
About Kirkus Reviews
Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been one of the most trusted and authoritative voices in book discovery. When Kirkus Reviews was established by Virginia Kirkus, it was an innovation in the publishing field. Virginia arranged to receive advance galley proofs of books from publishers — only 20 or so at first, but eventually nearly every firm of any size in the industry. She read the galleys and wrote brief, critical evaluations of their literary merit and probable popular appeal. Today, Kirkus Reviews covers more than 7,000 books published by traditional houses and more than 3,000 self-published books every year. The magazine is published on the 1st and 15th of every month, and because of the scope of their coverage, their authoritative voice and the timeliness of their reviews, Kirkus Reviews is revered by many as the first indicator of a book’s potential. For more information, visit www.kirkus.com.
PRESS RELEASE: New Orleans musicians collaborate on kids album We’re Going to Confetti Park! Album features Katy Hobgood Ray, Mr. Okra, a chorus of New Orleans children, and world-class musicians such as Johnny Vidacovich, Jon Erik-Kellso, Evan Christopher, Matt Perrine, Patti Adams, Roger Lewis, David Rosser, Brian Coogan, Tim Robertson, Sarah Quintana, and others.
Contact: [email protected] or 504-650-1238.
We’re Going to Confetti Park! ftg. Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players
NEW ORLEANS, LA, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 — A carefree, sunny afternoon in New Orleans is now available in song format on We’re Going to Confetti Park!, an album of whimsical songs about pirates, frogs, snoballs, Roman candy, and other uniquely New Orleans experiences.
21 tracks include original songs, jump rope jingles, and fresh takes on a Lead Belly folk song and a Lincoln Chase hit featuring New Orleans’ renown drummer, Johnny Vidacovich. There’s also a special guest performance by beloved produce vendor Mr. Okra, who sings with the children on “Have You Seen the Okra Man?”
This album is the first musical release by New Orleans-based children’s media workshop Confetti Park. An award-winning children’s picture book, The Little Mouse Santi, was released earlier this year.
The principal performers are Katy Hobgood Ray and the Confetti Park Players, an all-ages children’s chorus. Their name comes from a small playground in the heart of their neighborhood of Algiers Point, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by singer-songwriter Katy Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, share Louisiana traditions, and practice the craft of songwriting.
“The album is inspired by the joyful characters, the colorful sights and sounds, the magic moments we are lucky enough to experience every day in New Orleans,” says Katy Ray. “Some of the things a NOLA kid might experience at the park, such as playing clapping games with friends, pretending to be pirates, catching frogs and ladybugs, eating snoballs and buttermilk drops—these moments are all represented in song.”
The album was recorded by Matt Aguiluz and Jason Rhein at Marigny Recording Studio and mastered by Bruce Barielle.
“I think the songs will appeal not just to kids, but to anyone who loves Louisiana music and culture,” says Katy Ray. “Who outgrows snoballs?”
We’re Going to Confetti Park! is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and CD Baby. You can also order CDs from https://confettipark.com or buy them at Louisiana Music Factory, Fleurty Girl, and Magic Box Toys in New Orleans.
We’re Going to Confetti Park! begins with a call and response between jazz trumpeter Jon Erik-Kellso and clarinetist Evan Christopher. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich, sousaphone player Matt Perrine and ace guitarist Tim Robertson fill out the opening title track, backing a chorus of children at play.
Vidacovich also leads off Lincoln Chase’s classic 1960s hit, “The Clapping Song.” The Confetti Park version features lead vocals by Keller Clark, son of Dukes of Dixieland bandleader Kevin Clark. Other musicians include trumpet player Chuck Bee, tenor saxophonist John Doheny, Dirty Dozen baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis, and guitarist Paul McDonald.
“Roman Candy Man,” a call to the beloved New Orleans taffy vendor who drives a cart pulled by a mule, features Patti Adams, solo piccoloist and assistant principal flutist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Dylan Field Turner plays field drum.
“Watch Out for the Pirates” and “Louis Lafitte, the Pirate King” feature a large chorus of pirates young and old singing about adventures on the high seas. Michael Skinkus (percussion), Beth Patterson (Irish bouzouki), Dr. Sick (fiddle), Greg Schatz (accordion), and Rick Nelson (bass) are among the featured players.
“Buttermilk Drop” is a sassy homage to the delicious New Orleans breakfast treat, featuring gypsy jazz guitarist Daniele Spadavecchia, accordionist Greg Schatz, and Bustout Burlesque trumpet player Jim Thornton.
Thornton’s excellent piccolo trumpet ability is showcased on “Snoball,” and Pretty Lights keyboardist Brian Coogan plays Rhodes piano. This song explores the existential plight of humankind through ice and flavored syrups. (Otherwise, it’s just a song about snoballs.)
“Feufollet” is a spooky tale about the swamp fires of Louisiana legend. With fae-inspired choruses by chanteuse Sarah Quintana and musical saw and fiddle by Dr. Sick, it’s the eeriest song on the album.
“Dancing on the Moon” is a pop tune written by Ted Lindsay, featuring lead vocals and bass by Jason Rhein of Rotary Downs and kid-music duo Jason & Layla, outer space-inspired electric guitar by David Rosser, and drums by Dylan Field Turner.
Rosser also backs Mr. Okra (Arthur Robinson) on his musical number, “Have You Seen the Okra Man?” with accompaniment by harmonica player Scott Albert Johnson.
Pianist Tom McDermott plays on “Lovely Little Ladybug” (with sweet lead vocals by Elisa McDonald and Charleston McLean) and on “Candy Land Ball,” a classic waltz in the style of Charles K. Harris, and inspired by the colorful children’s ball held every year in Algiers Point. This track also features strings by Rick Nelson and a wonderful sousaphone solo by Matt Perrine.
“Dream Big, Little Santi” features Tim Robertson on guitar (a backbone performer of the album) and mellotron by Katy Ray. This song is a companion piece to the children’s picture book The Little Mouse Santi by David Eugene Ray and Santiago Germano, about a mouse who dreams of being a cat. This first children’s book from Confetti Park is winner of a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, a Kirkus star and the gold award from the Mom’s Choice Awards.
Scattered throughout the album are clapping songs, jump rope jingles, and childhood chestnuts featuring the Confetti Park Players. There is also a call-and-response interpretation of Polly Wolly Wee by Huddie Ledbetter. (Katy Ray is a longtime member of Friends of Lead Belly, a group of musicians dedicated to promoting the legacy of the north Louisiana folk singer.)
Musicians Featured on We’re Going to Confetti Park! Patti Adams, Matt Aguiluz, Chuck Bee, Evan Christopher, Brian Coogan, John Doheny, John Haffner, Scott Albert Johnson, Jon-Erik Kellso, Chris Lane, Roger Lewis, Ted Lindsay, Tom McDermott, Paul McDonald, Michelle Nelson, Rick G. Nelson, Mr. Okra, Beth Patterson, Matthew Perrine, Sarah Quintana, David Eugene Ray, Katy Hobgood Ray, Jason Rhein, Tim Robertson, David Rosser, Greg Schatz, Dr. Sick, Michael Skinkus, Daniele Spadavecchia, James G. Thornton, Dylan Field Turner, Johnny Vidacovich.
Confetti Park Players Lily Bell, Luna Bell, Keller Clark, Saura Duke, Dean Foster, Elisa McDonald, Charleston McLean, Millie Moffett, Hrilina Ramrakhiani, Louis Ray, Sadie Strong, Virginia Strong
The good folks at Southeastern Louisiana University radio station KSLU 90.9 FM in Hammond, Louisiana just sent over this adorable promo for the Confetti Park radio program! It features the station manager’s five year-old son. This kid definitely has a future in voice overs!!! Thank you so much for sending this! The Confetti Park radio program airs every Sunday at noon in Hammond.
There be pirates in New Orleans! There be pirates in Confetti Park! On November 1, 2015, the Confetti Park Players release their album of original songs inspired by life in Louisiana. “We’re Going to Confetti Park” has twenty-one magical tracks, including the hit song “Watch Out for the Pirates” by Greg Schatz, featuring a full pirate chorus. The album is available at https://confettipark.com/music.
You can also buy the album at Louisiana Music Factory in New Orleans and on Amazon.com
The Confetti Park Players is an all-ages children’s chorus in New Orleans. Our home base is in Algiers, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, share Louisiana traditions, and practice the craft of songwriting.
This video features the our friends and pirate mentors, the NOLA Pyrates! Filmed in Pirate’s Alley by Ava Santana-Cassano.
Author David E. Ray holds his new children’s book, The Little Mouse Santi, as well as his main inspiration, his son Louis. Photo by David Lee Simmons / NOLA.com
Children’s Author and LSU Alumnus David Ray to Sign The Little Mouse Santi at LSU Barnes & Noble Before Homecoming Game on October 24
Louisiana-native children’s book author David Eugene Ray will be at Barnes & Noble to sign copies of his award-winning children’s book The Little Mouse Santi on October 24 from 1-3 p.m.
David Eugene Ray, an LSU alumnus and children’s book writer living in New Orleans, will be in Baton Rouge on Saturday, October 24 to sign copies of his award-winning children’s book The Little Mouse Santi as part of LSU’s numerous Homecoming activities on campus. The book signing will be held at the Barnes & Noble at LSU, 2 Union Square, from 1-3 p.m.
Winner of a Moonbeam Award, Mom’s Choice Awards gold, and a Kirkus star, The Little Mouse Santi is a beautifully illustrated story that explores one of the most important aspects of a child’s life—the search for identity. Santi wants to be a cat, and even though all the other mice laugh at him, he follows his dream. This timeless story ends with a whimsical twist as Santi learns a valuable lesson about self-determination while also learning he is not the only dreamer!
“A clever picture book with an unexpected punch line that will delight young readers.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“…an extraordinarily entertaining read.”—Midwest Book Review
“VERDICT A: A sweet and appealing book that speaks of the need to confront one’s fears in order to realize a dream.”—School Library Journal
About Confetti Park The Little Mouse Santi is published by Confetti Park, a children’s media workshop, podcast, and weekly radio program based out of New Orleans. Author David Eugene Ray, a.k.a. @Aquarium_Dave on Twitter, is a former schoolteacher who now works with animals at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. This is his first publication. The gentle and lovely illustrations in The Little Mouse Santi were created by Santiago Germano. For more information visit confettipark.com
Enjoy this story and song, “The Candy Land Ball,” which will be on the upcoming children’s CD We’re Going to Confetti Park. The CD features Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players singing fun Louisiana-inspired songs. There are guest performances by many wonderful New Orleans musicians, and a solo by Mr. Okra! More
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“Candy Land Ball” was written by Katy Hobgood Ray, Janet Hobgood & Ted Lindsay. Musicians on this recording: Tom McDermott, piano; Michelle Nelson, background vocals; Rick G. Nelson, strings; Matthew Perrine, tub; Katy Ray, vocals. Kids chorus: Elisa McDonald, Charleston McLean, and Hrilina Ramrakhiani. Watercolor illustrations by Emanuela Serafina.
The Confetti Park Players is an all-ages children’s chorus in New Orleans, free to all kids! Our home base is in Algiers, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, share Louisiana traditions, and practice the craft of songwriting. Learn more
The Little Mouse Santi is the winner of a Moonbeam Award!
Confetti Park is honored and so delighted to announce that our first published children’s book, The Little Mouse Santi, has won a Moonbeam Children’s Award!
The Moonbeam awards are dedicated to the notion that reading to and with your children will inspire them to become lifelong readers and learners.
Author David Eugene Ray and illustrator Santiago Germano have won a Bronze Award for best picture books for children 4-8 years old in 2015. Their adorable book The Little Mouse Santi is about a little mouse who dreams of being a cat.
The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, which is in its 9th year, are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to celebrate children’s books and life-long reading.
Each year’s entries are judged by expert panels of youth educators, librarians, booksellers, and book reviewers of all ages. Award recipients receive gold, silver and bronze medals and stickers depicting a mother and child reading and silhouetted by a full moon.
On October 9 and 10, Confetti Park host Katy Hobgood Ray will be at the Renzi Education & Art Center (445 Egan St.) and at the Red River Revel in Shreveport to record musicians, storytellers, folklorists and others, including children. Please contact [email protected] to schedule an interview.
The Confetti Park radio program and podcast features children’s music and stories from Louisiana. Recorded music, field recordings, in-studio performances and interviews with musicians, authors, folklorists and other cultural representatives from across Louisiana are incorporated.
Katy curates commercial recordings as well as personal songs that well-known musicians may have created for their own kids, as well as small projects from after-school programs, churches and community groups. Each show is sprinkled with field recordings and childhood music memories of Louisiana musicians, as well as occasional bits of Louisiana folklore.
The radio program version launched on April 4, 2015 in New Orleans on WHIV-FM and is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.
Confetti Park is currently broadcast on community radio stations in New Orleans (WHIV 102.3 FM) and Hammond (KSLU 90.0FM) and is being offered to other community radio stations around Louisiana for free. Segments of the show are available in a free podcast on iTunes. Visit https://confettipark.com for more information.
Confetti Park. This time, Germano is giving life to the “Feufollet,” a spooky Louisiana swamp spirit. The song appears on Confetti Park’s first musical release for children, 
