Confetti Park Children's Workshop

Tag: kids

  • Music Medley: To Catch a Squirrel

    Music Medley: To Catch a Squirrel

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

    This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians. And today’s music medley features songs about raccoons, emus, animals at the aquarium, lullabies, irresistible dance tunes, and more. There are also sweet poems and jokes and jumprope jingles throughout.

     

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    • Ooh Poo Pah Doo – Troy and James Andrews
    • Joke of the Day – Catch a Squirrel
    • Nobody Likes Fun More Than Me! – Don Hoffman and Bryan Wagar
    • Humpty Dumpty – Confetti Park Players
    • On the Bayou – a poem by Jaden Norris of Arden Cahill Academy
    • Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot – Fernest Arceneaux, The Zydeco All Stars & Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr.
    • Emus – The Lightnin’ Bugs
    • The Children’s Hour – Longfellow – Read by Magpie Baccinelli
    • I Went to the Aquarium – Johnette Downing
    • Stay Awake – Lori Carsillo
    • How is the House Cat – Greg Schatz

    Also included in this episode is a Music Memory from Darleen Ketchens, beloved New Orleans clarinet player and sometimes street busker, and the Story time feature, the “Camel and the Cat.”

    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.

  • Storytime: God from A to Z by Robin House

    Storytime: God from A to Z by Robin House

    From North Louisiana (Bossier Parish) comes a Bible-inspired book suitable for all ages because of its unique multilayered approach. For families of Christian faith who want an easy way to teach their children about Bible verses and God, that can be revisited again and again as the child grows, this book is ideal.

    As you listen to Robin narrate her book, you will hear the very simple layer ideal for young children. As Robin moves through the alphabet, she describes characteristics of God of the Christian faithful.

    From the website: “God from A to Z is Robin’s first published children’s book. Aimed at young children, the illustrated book describes the God of the Bible in detail, with each letter of the alphabet linked to one of God’s aspects. God’s nature is poetically captured in Robin’s writing while Peggy A. Borel’s beautiful illustrations visualize and cement the concepts for young minds on each page.”

    In addition, there are verses and discussion concepts included in the pages of the book, that are meant for prompting inquisitive discussions between family members as the children get older.

    Learn more at https://www.godfromatoz.com/

    Look for an interview with Robin about her inspirations and the writing process on an upcoming episode of Confetti Park.

    Thank you, Robin, for sharing your book and your story of personal faith with Confetti Park!

  • Storytime: The Black Hair Alphabet by Deborah A. Anderson

    Storytime: The Black Hair Alphabet by Deborah A. Anderson

    Deborah Anderson
    Deborah A. Anderson is a 3D animator and creator of The Black Hair Alphabet

    It’s Confetti Park Storytime! In this episode, we hear The Black Hair Alphabet, narrated by author and illustrator Deborah A. Anderson.

    This is a children’s book that names different African-American hairstyles, from A-Z. Deborah’s illustrations, which she created digitally, showcase a terrific diversity of styles.

    A is for Afro.
    B is for Bantu Knot.
    C is for Conk.

    Deborah, who lives in New Orleans, is an animator and 3D artist by trade. She trained in Digital eMation in South Korea where she was a 3D Artist on shows such as Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Scooby Doo.

    In an interview with the Mane Man blog, Deborah explained why she decided to explore black hairstyles from A-Z. “The original premise came from the fact that a lot of people who play video games, namely guys, are aggravated by lack of representation in hairstyles when making avatars,” explained Deborah. “It’s always dreads or an afro, maybe a low-cut. This is the beginning of my journey in figuring out black hair in a 3D space.”

    Stay tuned for an in depth interview on Confetti Park where Deborah explores these ideas further, and talks about how video gaming is getting better in representing black hair.

    Thank you so much Deborah for sharing The Black Hair Alphabet with Confetti Park!

    You can order the book on Amazon.

  • Storytime: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day by Alysson Foti Bourque

    Storytime: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day by Alysson Foti Bourque

    Alycat and the Thursday DessertIn this episode of Confetti Park, we hear Louisiana children’s author Alysson Foti Bourque narrate her adorable award-winning book, Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day.

    Alycat is an adorable kitten whose whole week has been spent daydreaming about dessert day at school, when she gets her favorite: ice-cream filled popsicles! Poor Alycat…. He daydreaming causes her to be last in line, and she misses out. After a little tantrum, Alycat has an epiphany. She realizes she can make her OWN dessert! Imagination saves the day.

    We love this book from Alysson Foti Bourque, of Sunset, Louisiana. It’s so fun to see Alycat grow, and her can-do spirit bounce back when she is disappointed. Alycat discovers that trying new things can lead to fun adventures and tasty inventions.

    The book contains sweet, delicate illustrations by Chiara Civati and a recipe for Alycat’s new dessert! It makes the reader want to try new things, too. 🙂

    Expect more from Alycat…. the Cute kitten Alycatnext adventure in the series is Alycat and the Monday Blues! Buy it in local bookstores, on Amazon and B&N, and at the Alycat website.

    Thank you, Alysson Foti Bourque, for sharing your wonderful story with Confetti Park.

    Allyson Bourque
    Allyson Bourque
  • New Orleans comedian Mike Strecker publishes a joke book for kids

    New Orleans comedian Mike Strecker publishes a joke book for kids

    Mike Strecker is a stand up comedian who has published a series of joke books for kids. Photo by Sally Asher
    Mike Strecker is a stand up comedian who has published a series of joke books for kids. Photo by Sally Asher

    Mike Strecker is a stand-up comedian who has been performing in the New Orleans area since 1995. And now, he is a published book author. Mike recently released two volumes of jokes, Young Comic’s Guide to Telling Jokes Vol. 1 and 2, which are nationally distributed by Sterling Children’s Books.

    “The way it came about… my wife’s a school teacher, and I have a habit of coming up with these corny little jokes. And she would say, ‘You have to write these down; kids love these kinds of books.’

    So I wound up writing them down, and sure enough, I sent them away and a publisher wanted  to publish them.”

    “First I wrote 150 jokes—I figured that would make one volume. Little did I know!” laughs Mike. “I sent it away, and they said, ‘Yes, we like this. But we want to make two volumes of 600 jokes each.’”

    Whew! That’s a lot of jokes!

    Young Comic’s Guide to Telling Jokes Vol. 1Mike rose to the challenge, and spent the next few months torturing his wife and kids with experimental puns and word play.

    “I have to say, the experience was pure joy,” says Mike. “Some days I’d come up with ten, other days, I’d come home and say, ‘Honey, what a day! I did 45 jokes!’ Finally, she was like, ‘Can you turn this off?’”

    “There is a pun every where you look…. Once you start looking for them!” says Mike.

    Mike’s books came out in January 2017. Included with over 600 jokes each are tips of how to deliver jokes, which Mike developed from his 20+ year career in standup comedy. For example, a joke should always be delivered conversationally. “Act natural,” says Mike. “Don’t read your jokes from this book or any book.”

    Mike is already working on a followup, which is tentatively titled “Jokes for Crescent City Kids.”

    You can catch Mike performing his family-friendly brand of stand up comedy around New Orleans. Check out his schedule at http://openmikestrecker.com/index.html

  • Music Medley – Beets at the Door

    Music Medley – Beets at the Door

    Beets with facesConfetti Park is a community radio program out of New Orleans. We feature local storytellers and songs that kids love, songs created for kids, or created by kids, right here in Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians.

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:
    Woody, Lead Belly & Pete – Ph Fred
    Pig Latin Song – Lead Belly
    Woodpecker – a poem by Nola Frazier
    Lost in the Library – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh
    O’Guillori – Michael Doucet
    This Old Man – The Swing Setters
    Goodbye in the Bayou – Jazzy Ash

    Also featured in this episode, a music memory from Layla Isis and a story called Dixie the Old Dog by Tommie Townsley.

     

    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, OffBeat magazine and Music Rising at Tulane University.

    Current broadcast schedule:

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

  • Music Medley: Desert Snow Man

    Music Medley: Desert Snow Man

    Listen to this music medley "Desert Snow Man" from Confetti Park!Confetti Park: Children’s Music Radio Show from Louisiana

    This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians.

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    Also featured in this episode, a story called “The Lord’s Supper” by Ms. Chocolate and a music memory from Dirty Dozen saxophone player Roger Lewis.

    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, OffBeat magazine and Music Rising at Tulane University.

    Current broadcast schedule:

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

  • Music Medley: Dickory Dock

    Music Medley: Dickory Dock

    Fishing boatLouisiana Kids Music

    This Confetti Park medley of kids music showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. Songs featured in this episode:

    I Was Born To Blow This Horn – Michael-Leon Wooley
    Ballin’ the Jack – The Swing Setters
    Throw Me Something Mista (Feat. Mista Cookie Jar) – Jazzy Ash
    This Land is Your Land – Renzi Center Kids
    Sue – Michael “Beausoliel” Doucet With Family & Friends
    Hands and Feet (Are to Myself) – Patricia Reece

    Stories, poems, interviews….

    Also featured in this episode, The Jungle Grapevine narrated by Alex Beard, a music memory from Anthony Dopsie, and poems by Hrilina, Belen, Eleanor, and Dameon.

    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 is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, OffBeat magazine and Music Rising at Tulane University.

    Current broadcast schedule:

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

  • Music Medley: Frog on a Lily Pad

    Music Medley: Frog on a Lily Pad

    Confetti Park is a community radio program out of New Orleans. We feature local storytellers and songs that kids love, songs created for kids, or created by kids, right here in Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians. Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    Also featured in this episode, a story called Gumbo, Fried Cheese, The Saints, and Drew Brees, by Patricia Reese; a Music Memory from David Rosser; and several poems. Here is a poem of childhood by Peter Cooley, Louisiana poet laureate.

    And here are Confetti Park Players Eleanor and Manele Anika with their original poems.

    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

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

    Current broadcast schedule:

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

     

  • Storytime: Juju Meets the Rougaroo by Michelle Hirstius

    Storytime: Juju Meets the Rougaroo by Michelle Hirstius

    Juju Meets the Rougaroo
    Juju Meets the Rougaroo: A Halloween Anti-Bullying Book by Michelle Hirstius

    Halloween calls for some spooky tales, and we have some wonderful spooky tales to share in Louisiana! Here is one of our newest little Louisiana characters—it’s Juju, who makes GOOD voodoo!

    What is a rougaroo?  It’s like a werewolf. It’s a hairy half-human/half-wolf monster that lives in the swamps of South Louisiana. The Cajun people tell tales of the rougaroo (or rougarou, roux-ga-roux, rugaroo, rugaru or loup garou) prowling the Louisiana swamps and forests, stalking livestock, pets, and humans. It changes into wolf form with the phases of the moon—in worst case, the phase lasts 101 days.  Some say you turn into a rougaroo by breaking church habits, and others say witches turn you into a rougaroo, and others say that the bite of a monster causes the change. It’s definitely a scary legend meant to keep little children close to home!

    Well… this sweet little book isn’t as scary as those legends. In Juju Meets the Rougaroo, Juju and her friends are trick-or-treating when they encounter the rougaroo, and he tries to steal their candy. He is a bully! Only Juju stands up to him, and decides to use her good voodoo to show the creature his past, present, and future so that he can see how his meanness affects other people—and himself.

    Juju is an adorable character created by New Orleans author and illustrator Michelle Hirstius. Juju Meets the Rougaroo is the seventh in a series and we are so glad that more are coming! Thanks for sharing your stories with Confetti Park, Michelle!

    Check out all the adventures of Juju at http://www.michellehirstius.com/

  • Music Medley: Who’s at the Door?

    Music Medley: Who’s at the Door?

    Who is at the door?Confetti Park is a community radio program out of New Orleans. We feature local storytellers and songs that kids love, songs created for kids, or created by kids, right here in Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians.

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    We’re Going to Confetti Park! – Confetti Park Players
    Best Friends – Zachary Richard
    Moving Along – Johnette Downing
    Be My Honey Bee – Schazty
    Baby Bumblebee – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh
    When You’re Smiling – Jeremy Lyons
    Curious George Main Theme Song –  Dr. John
    Row Row Row Your Boat – Dr. John (Mac Rebennack with The Ends)
    Monsters – Jazzy Ash

    Also featured in this episode, a music memory from Dr. Sick and the storytime feature F Words – Fantastic by Ms. Chocolate, and poems from Louisiana kids!

    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, OffBeat magazine and Music Rising at Tulane University.

    Current broadcast schedule:

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

  • Introducing Rosemary the Garden Fairy’s gardening segments for kids!

    Introducing Rosemary the Garden Fairy’s gardening segments for kids!

    “Follow me to the garden! Let’s check out the magic of nature!”

    Introducing Rosemary the Garden Fairy, a new contributor to Confetti Park! We found her flitting about our beautiful corner, and realized she had much wisdom to impart about the natural world.

    In this segment, Rosemary teaches us about air plants.

    Have you ever heard of an air plant?  It can grow without any soil!

    The scientific name for air plants is “Tillandsia.” Lucky kids in Louisiana have seen one species of this plant called Spanish Moss, growing in our beautiful oak trees and throughout our swamps and bayous.

    There are over 650 species of air plants, and some of them bloom pretty little flowers. You can try growing an air plant in your house…. You can even pin it to a curtain and it will grow!