Confetti Park Children's Workshop

Tag: kids

  • Interview with hrilina ♡ : Water Wonderful World

    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.”

    Audio Player

    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

    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 on a stoop in front of a red door
    Arlo McCracken Allen is a New Orleans musician
    Sign in front of Bywater Bakery advertises 12 year old Arlo's performance
    Sign in front of Bywater Bakery advertises 12-year-old Arlo’s performance
    Arlo McCracken Allen
    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.

  • Storytime: The Opossum’s Tale – A folk tale narrated by Janneke van der Molen

    Storytime: The Opossum’s Tale – A folk tale narrated by Janneke van der Molen

    A Native American foltale narrated by Janneke van der Molen

    An opossum and her babies in a tree

    In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear a traditional folk tale interpreted and narrated by Janneke van der Molen of New Orleans.

    Janneke is originally from the Netherlands, but has called New Orleans home for two decades. She has a deep love of the culture of South Louisiana and her adopted city of New Orleans.

    Enjoy her interpretation of this strange Native American myth about why opossums have pouches.

    Opossums are marsupials— do you know what a marsupial is? It is a kind of animal that carries its babies in a pouch outside its belly, after the babies are born. They continue to grow and eat until they are big enough to travel on their own. Most opossums live in the South Pacific in countries like Australia and New Guinea. Can you name some other animals that are marsupials?

    The only marsupials living in the United States are different kinds of opossums.

    You will have to listen to this story to learn the reason the opossum has a pouch—that is, according to Native Americans!

    The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories that families will love listening to together. We explore songs of Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta and beyond. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show!

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

  • Music Medley: Snow Bank

    Music Medley: Snow Bank

    snowmanLet the holiday music commence!

    It’s the most magical time of the year…and we are feeling the holiday magic in Confetti Park! I hope you enjoy the culture I’m sharing from Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, and beyond.

    The Confetti Park radio show is a weekly 30-minute program that streams online and airs in cities across the United States, made available for free to all community radio stations on the Pacifica Network. We’re going to enjoy the music of the season all this month on every episode. There will be Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs of light, and children’s favorites all month long here in Confetti Park, as well as sweet stories to make you smile. Thanks for joining me, your host, Katy Hobgood Ray!

    Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Fats Domino
    Joke of the Day – Snow Bank
    Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) – Elvis Presley
    Christmas in Tennessee – Amy Grant and Kid Pan Alley
    Christmas in New Orleans – Louis Armstrong
    It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – Michael Doucet
    Blue Christmas – Linnzi Zaorkski
    Mele Kalikimaka – Debbie Davis & Matt Perrine

    All about the music

    On this episode, Snow Bank, we start off with the delightful Fats Domino, singing about everyone’s favorite reindeer.

    The we hear from the one and only Elvis Presley, singing “Here Comes Santa Claus.” I bet kids of all ages, even young ones today know that voice… Now, while I still call New Orleans home, I recently took a wonderful job at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. That’s where Elvis lived and first recorded!

    So let’s hear another song from the Volunteer State… enjoy Amy Grant and Kid Pan Alley with “Christmas in Tennessee,” followed by the great jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong with “Christmas in New Orleans.” How fun to compare the lyrics! They both begin with verses about the distinctive trees of the regions.

    Christmas in Tennessee
    The leaves are changing colors, they’re falling off the trees
    I know it won’t be long now till it’s Christmas in Tennessee.
    I hope somewhere that Santa Claus is thinking about you and me.
    He’s gonna bring us lots of toys when it’s Christmas in Tennessee.

    Christmas in New Orleans
    Magnolia trees at night, Sparkling bright,
    Fields of cotton look wintery white
    When it’s Christmas time in New Orleans
    A barefoot choir in prayer fills the air,
    Mississippi folks are gathering there,
    ‘Cuz it’s Christmas time in New Orleans.

    Next we hear from the marvelous Cajun musician Michael Doucet with “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, followed by a jazzy version of “Blue Christmas” by Louisiana chanteuse Linnzi Zaorkski (who was raised in Alexandria and Shreveport and now calls Bush, Louisiana home). Last we hear a Hawaiian Christmas song, “Mele Kalikimaka,” performed by singer Debbie Davis & sousaphonist Matt Perrine, a married couple who are busy musicians in New Orleans (as are their musical kids).

    Also featured in this episode are two delighted holiday stories. One is a fun little tale from Justin Wilson, an old Cajun cook from Roseland, with “Santa Claus and the Mouse.” And we hear “The Kitty at the Manger” told by Mary Jean Chester of Des Allemands, Louisiana.

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

    Thanks for listening. Remember to look for the magic in every day!

  • Music Medley: A Pirate’s High C’s

    Music Medley: A Pirate’s High C’s

    There be Pirates!
    Ahoy!!!! Welcome to Confetti Park, a magical place full of music and stories for children. Aye, You’ll hear lots of songs from the Mississippi delta and beyond as we hear an amazing variety of American music for scurvy buccaneers! This week we are celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day! It’s held on September 19… avast… that’s right around the corner!

    Here are some songs of the piratical nature for ye to enjoy:

    • Sensible Life of a Pirate – Imagination Movers
    • Talk Like a Pirate – Jake & the NeverLand Pirates
    • Watch out for the Pirates – Confetti Park Players
    • Down by the Bay – Andrew Best
    • A Sailor Went to Sea – Johnette Downing
    • Allons a Lafayette – Feufollet
    • The Big Blue Sea – Danny O’Flaherty and Khaetidawne Quirk
    • Sri Lanka Fisherman’s Chant – Katherine Dines

    In this episode, first we have that grand kids band, the Imagination Movers of New Orleans, with “Sensible Life of a Pirate.” And then a sensible lesson in Pirate talk for ya, as featured on that brigand show, Jake & the Never Land Pirates. How about those Confetti Park Players, the cutest pirates in all the land, with Watch out for the Pirates! (Enjoy this music video featuring the Confetti Park Players and the NOLA Pyrate Society, shot on location in Pirate’s Alley in the French quarters of New Orleans.)

    Sea Shanties

    Argh, Mateys I hope you enjoy the song about sailors, too, by Louisiana pied piper Johnette Downing, and the camp favorite “Down by the Bay” by Memphis children’s performer Andrew Best.

    Then we go dancing, “Allons a Lafayette,” by the Cajun band Feufollet, who started performing together as young buccaneers and are still traveling the high seas today. We also hear a song about that Big Blue Sea from Danny O’Flaherty, an Irishman who relocated to New Orleans (as many a good pirate will do), and then the beautiful “Sri Lanka Fisherman’s Chant,” performed by Katherine Dines, a fine fellow of the Children’s Music Network.

    This episode’s Storytime feature is a delightful piratical tale from Bill Harley, the “Ballad of Dirty Joe.”

    I hope ye join me again — yer Mate Katy Hobgood Ray — for more wonderful children’s music from Confetti Park…. and remember to look for the magic in every day!

    More about Confetti Park

    The Confetti Park radio show streams online and airs in cities across the United States, made available to all community radio stations on the Pacifica Network. Check to see if your local community radio station carries it, and ask! Support for Confetti Park comes from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.

     

  • Music Medley: Cows Go Moo

    Music Medley: Cows Go Moo

    cartoon cowWelcome to Confetti Park, a radio show out of New Orleans, Louisiana. We play lots of songs and stories from the Bayou State and from the Mississippi Delta region. This is a music medley of songs, poems, and jump rope jingles featured on a recent episode.

    This episode, “Cows Go Moo,” the show begins with a song showcasing the Louisiana state bird, the state insect, the state flower… and so on. This is “Louisiana’s Alphabet Song,” featuring Kristen Cole and Daniel Morgan. The old nursery rhyme favorite “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is performed by Jeremy Lyons, from his DeltaBilly style Silly Goose Music. And PhFred leads a group with Rock Paper Scissors. What a great song!

    Who doesn’t love a Silly Song performed by New Orleans kids’ favorite, Johnette Downing? Sing along and play along with “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” You’ll hear “Lovely Little Ladybug” performed by the Confetti Park Players, a kids chorus in New Orleans, and “Kukuriku, the Rooster’s Song,” sung by Judy Caplan Gibsburgh of Alexandria, La. Rabbi Judy has been performing music for kids since the 1980s! Check out her website at judymusic.com

    Other songs featured: a hand-clapping version of the Sunday school classic “This Little Light of Mine,” by New Orleans trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and his children; the Imagination Movers with “Warehouse Mouse” and “When You’re in Love, You’ll Understand” featuring Jim Cummings, who played Ray, the lightning bug of the Princess & the Frog…. a beautiful Disney movie set in the swamps of Louisiana.

    Sprinkled throughout are many terrific poems by Louisiana creators, of all ages. Also featured on this episode is a Music Memory from trombonist David Phy and a folk tale called the Beaver’s Tale of Greed, narrated by Iran Martin of Bossier City.

    The Confetti Park radio show streams online and airs in cities across the United States, made available to all community radio stations on the Pacifica Network. Check to see if your local community radio station carries it, and ask!  Support for Confetti Park comes from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.

     

  • Storytime – Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane Katrina by Marcus Page

    Storytime – Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane Katrina by Marcus Page

    Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane KatrinaSummertime in New Orleans brings a hyper awareness of storm season. In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane Katrina, narrated by the author Marcus Page.

    Marcus is a poet and a New Orleans native. He was inspired to write a story of the power of friendship after the experience of Hurricane Katrina. Two children, who are the best of friends, are separated from each other during the hurricane evacuation. While their families face different challenges, both of these young children bear the pressure of the situation and the forced evacuation of their home.

    It was August, the summer of 2005.
    The kids were getting ready to go back to school.
    After a long summer of playing and vacationing,
    Payton and Maria were looking forward to getting back to school.

    Payton and Maria were walking to the corner store.
    When they arrived to the store the store clerk was watching
    the news on a TV behind the counter.

    There was a special bulletin urging all residents to evacuate soon,
    because a huge storm was coming.
    The news man called the storm Katrina.

    Katrina was said to possibly be the biggest storm New Orleans had ever seen.

    Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane Katrina is available on Amazon. Listen to Marcus narrate the story. And learn more about Marcus and his poetry and performance art at http://www.rawartists.org/marcuspage.

  • Music Medley: Of Mardi Gras Indians, Brass Bands, Piano Profs

    Music Medley: Of Mardi Gras Indians, Brass Bands, Piano Profs

    Confetti Park: Mardi Gras Indians, Brass Bands, Piano Profs!

    Hi kids! It’s Mardi Gras time in Louisiana! Confetti Park is a kids radio show out of New Orleans. In my city the kids are out of school while we celebrate the end of the Epiphany season with parades, lots of good food, and music. Brass bands, marching bands, Indian chants, and sweet rock n roll. I’d like to bring you along for the carnival ride today…

    Mardi Gras Indians
    Mardi Gras Indian in feathered glory on a Mardi Gras day, Central City, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2016. KDHRay

    Every city that celebrates Mardi Gras has its own special customs, and in New Orleans, we have a few unique aspects… such as the Mardi Gras Indians. Neighborhood tribes wear fabulous towering costumes made up of colorful feathers and beads…. the Big Chiefs battle for who is the most beautiful on a Mardi Gras Day.

    One of the songs I play today is famous across the world, but what you might not know is that it came from the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tradition. This song “Iko Iko,” performed by the Dixie Cups, tells the story of two warring Indian tribes who have a confrontation in the street.

    I also play “My Indian Red,” a very famous Indian prayer, performed by the Baby Dodds Trio. On Fat Tuesday, we will hear that sung on the streets of New Orleans from sunup to sundown. And there are other songs sure to be played along the parade routes where families will be camped to catch beads.

    Songs included in this episode:

    Red White and Blue Got the Golden Band – Mardi Gras Indians
    Iko Iko – The Dixie Cups
    Joke of the Day – Ash Who?
    My Indian Red – Baby Dodds Trio
    Ooh Poo Pah Doo – Trombone Shorty
    Throw Me Something Mister – Johnette Downing & Jimmy LaRocca’s ODJB
    Aveine, Aveine, Aveine – Les Petits Amis
    Every Day is Mardi Gras – Schatzy
    3-6-9 (The Clapping Song) – Confetti Park Players
    Crawfish Fiesta – Professor Longhair
    Mardi Gras in New Orleans – Olympia Brass Band

    This episode also features The Cajun Cornbread Boy by Dianne De Las Casas at Storytime.

    About Confetti Park

    The Confetti Park hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show!

    Subscribe on iTunes

    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.

    Current broadcast schedule:

    Coming soon to KBOG 97.9 FM Bandon Community Radio in Bandon, OR. Stay tuned!

    SEE MAP

    A full list of Confetti Park stations (and a map) is available at https://confettipark.com/podcast/

    Community radio stations, interested in carrying Confetti Park? Contact Katy Ray.

     

     

  • Storytime: Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ by Cindy Foust

    Storytime: Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ by Cindy Foust

    louis lionIn this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’. This book is narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, creator of the Alpha-kidZ book series. Each letter of the alphabet gets a feature story and a feature creature who has an adventure and learns a lesson.

    Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ is the “L” book in the series, of course! And little Louis has a problem that many children share…. fear of the dark and being alone in bed at night.

    “Bedtime for Louis became a battle.
    He would cry with all his might.
    Before his parents knew what had happened,
    their little Louis was sleeping with them every night.”

    But what happens as Louis grows bigger? The “big bed” becomes too small!

    One night, it was too much for Louis to take. Dad pulled the covers off Louis…. then his mom’s arm accidentally bonks his nose…. And mom and dad both snored too loudly for Louis to get his needed rest.

    “Louis covered his head with his pillow… he just wanted some sleep!”

    Guess where Louis found sweet dreams at last? In his very own bed, despite the dark!

    Cindy Faust Cindy Foust lives in West Monroe, Louisiana. She launched the Alpha-kidZ: Reading Adventures A-Z book series in 2003.

    Patti Pig, Austin Alligator, Elephant Emmy Lou, and Freddy Fox… these are some of the characters who face a challenge and find a solution. All of Cindy’s books offer lessons in character development and conflict resolution, told in engaging rhyme.  And the books are brightly and colorfully illustrated (by different artists). Cindy says that personal experiences and inspiration from family and friends provided the basis for each of the stories.

    Look for all the books at http://www.alphakidz.com, and look for an interview with author Cindy Faust in a future episode of Confetti Park!

    Listen to Cindy read Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs.

  • Music Medley: Candles Out

    Music Medley: Candles Out

    Confetti Park: A music medley of children’s songs from Louisiana

    Hi everybody! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created by Louisianans (or transplants who will always call Louisiana home). This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs in the vein of Cajun, rock, blues, folk, jazz, and FUN! Listen up!

    cartoon candleSongs featured in this episode, in order:

    Jambalaya (On The Bayou) – Papillon
    Joke of the Day – Candle Out
    Chicken Strut – The Meters
    Feliciana LeRoux – Johnette Downing
    Sunny & Norah Sing
    Toulouse the Crawfish Hunter – Ron “Black” Guidry
    I Want My Mommy – Imagination Movers
    Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Lead Belly
    Backyard Camping- Jazzy Ash

    Also featured in this episode, a Music Memory from Ms. Chocolate and for Confetti Park Storytime, a reflective essay—”Coyotes at Night” by Katy Hobgood Ray.

    About Confetti Park

    The Confetti Park hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show!

    Subscribe on iTunes

    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.

    Current broadcast schedule:

    A full list of Confetti Park stations (and a map) is available at https://confettipark.com/podcast/

    Community radio stations, interested in carrying Confetti Park? Contact Katy Ray.

     

     

  • Music Medley: Zeros & Eights

    Music Medley: Zeros & Eights

    Confetti Park: A music medley of children’s music from Louisiana… lots of variety!

    This medley of children’s songs showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. And today’s music medley features songs about frogs, leap frog, the alphabet in French, rocket ships, and more. What a variety from a huge talent pool!

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    Cartoon number eight with eyesSuper Frog – Asylum Street Spankers
    Joke of the Day – Zeros and Eights
    Can You Do It? – Imagination Movers
    Leap Frog – Jazzy Ash
    Rayden and Leah – French alphabet
    Hard To Explain – Mr. Michael’s Class from Young Audiences of Louisiana
    Jenny’s Rocket – Ph Fred


    Also included in this episode is a childhood Music Memory from Randy Guynes, and the Storytime feature, Her Royal Majesty, the Superhero Bride of Frankenstein,  by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust.

    About Confetti Park

    The Confetti Park hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show!

    Subscribe on iTunes

    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.

    Current broadcast schedule:

    A full list of Confetti Park stations (and a map) is available at https://confettipark.com/podcast/

    Community radio stations, interested in carrying Confetti Park? Contact Katy Ray.

  • New song from Confetti Park Players: “Riding on the Mississippi River”

    New song from Confetti Park Players: “Riding on the Mississippi River”

    Exciting news from the Confetti Park workshop! The Confetti Park Players have just released their brand new single, “Riding on the Mississippi River.” The track is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Google Play, and other digital music services.

    “A song inspired by life along the Mississippi River, where beautiful riverboats & big ships rule, & the merry sound of calliopes fills the air. This fun song by Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players features a Dixieland jazz band from New Orleans.”

     The song is performed by Katy Hobgood Ray and the Confetti Park Players children’s chorus. Musicians include: Jim Thornton, trumpet; Owen Callahan, clarinet; David Phy, trombone; Tim Stambaugh, tuba; Brandon Brunious; banjo; and Cale Pellick, drums. It was recorded at Word of Mouth Recording Studio, Algiers Point in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    “Let’s Go Riding on the Mississippi River” was written by Ted Lindsay, from Mooringsport, Louisiana, who was inspired to write the song when visiting Katy and her family in Algiers Point in New Orleans. Ted was a principal songwriter on We’re Going to Confetti Park!, the first full-length album from the Confetti Park Players and winner of a Parents’ Choice Award.

    Let’s go riding on the Mississippi River
    from St. Paul to New Orleans
    It’s 2000 miles all the way
    down the middle of the USA!

    Cover, Riding on the Mississippi River
    Tim Stambaugh and Confetti Park Players at Word of Mouth recording studio
    David Phy, Owen Callahan, and Jim Thornton at Word of Mouth recording studio
    Cale Pellick at Word of Mouth recording studio
    Brandon Brunious at Word of Mouth recording studio

    About Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players

    Katy leads a fun mashup of a kids choir and fabulous, well-established adult New Orleans musicians. They perform catchy originals and familiar folk songs, jump rope jingles and clapping chants, and a few rock ‘n roll surprises.

    The Confetti Park Players have collaborated with such musical talents as world-renowned jazz drummer Johnny Vidacovich, flutist Patti Adams of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, internationally lauded clarinetist Evan Christopher, Lincoln Center-affiliated jazz trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, Dirty Dozen Brass Band saxophonist Roger Lewis, beloved New Orleans piano players Tom McDermott and AJ Loria.

    They’ve performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Fest, the Folk Art Fest, Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, Beignet Fest, Creole Tomato Fest, Fête Française, and numerous venues around New Orleans. They are regularly featured on the Confetti Park radio program.

    About Confetti Park

    Confetti Park is a children’s media workshop, weekly radio program and podcast based out of New Orleans. We work with children to build community by sharing stories, music, and culture. The name for Confetti Park comes from a small playground in the heart of Algiers Point, a charming and historical neighborhood on the West bank of the Mississippi River. Learn More