Tag: louisiana

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.”

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.
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
New Album: I Dream of Water

Folk Rock/Americana album is cowritten by Katy and husband Dave Ray.

I Dream of Water, a collection of original songs written by Katy Hobgood Ray and Dave Ray, is now available on the Out Of The Past Label. Inspired by events in coastal regions and cities along the great rivers of the USA, the album is both social commentary and personal reflection on how increasingly intense storms and rising waters are affecting daily life, futures, hopes, and dreams.

Produced by Greg Spradlin and recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock and Marigny Studios in New Orleans, the album incorporates elements from the Delta blues, gospel, country, and jazz.

Order the Album

About Katy & Dave

Dave and Katy met in 2001 at a songwriter’s night in Shreveport, Louisiana—their hometown. Both write songs in the Americana/folk rock/country vein. In 2003, the couple moved to New Orleans, and over the years they’ve continued to perform at coffeeshops and small venues, collaborating in various bands.

Dave and Katy are members of Friends of Leadbelly, a group of musicians dedicated to promoting the legacy of north Louisiana songwriter Huddie Ledbetter. And over the last few years, Katy has become known for her work in children’s music with Confetti Park, and has performed at numerous festivals including French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.

Katy also sings with Steve Howell & the Mighty Men out of the Ark-La-Tex area, who perform country blues and early jazz standards. This musical friendship was first established in 2002. (Both Dave and Katy sing on their album Good As I Been to You.) These are the musicians behind the new release, I Dream of Water.

In 2018, Dave and Katy took jobs based in Memphis, and are currently living between Memphis and New Orleans. They wrote this album with perspective and reflection on their experiences in their beloved Louisiana.

I Dream of Water is Katy & Dave’s first official release together.

About the Album

About the Album

Musicians:
Chuck Dodson – piano, organs
Scott Frock – trumpet
Dave Hoffpauir – drums
Vikki McGee – background vocals
Katy Hobgood Ray – vocals
Dave Ray – vocals
Greg Spradlin – guitar, background vocals
Dylan Turner – percussion
Brad Walker – saxophone
Jason Weinheimer – bass, percussion

Produced by Greg Spradlin

Engineered by Zachariah Reeves and Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas

Horns recorded at Marigny Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana, by Paul McDonald

Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas
Storytime: The Opossum’s Tale – A folk tale narrated by Janneke van der Molen

A Native American foltale narrated by Janneke van der Molen

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

Let 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!
Storytime: Panorama by Gypsy Damaris Boston

This is a road trip from North Louisiana to South Louisiana, represented in an essay called “Panorama” by Gypsy Damaris Boston, and narrated by her granddaughter, Katy Hobgood Ray. The essay is from her collection of published nature observations, Dear Louisiana, Love Gypsy.

Gypsy’s mantra has always been, “Stop, look and listen…. Nature is at work for you.” Some excerpts from this essay:

From the pine-covered red clay hills of north Louisiana, to the moss-draped live oaks of the black and coffee grounds-land of south Louisiana, I watched Nature’s pageant of beauty and look at our state with pride and delight.

….

The rains that caused so much trouble made everything lush and green. The water hyacinths are beautiful!

….

Young boys tell of filling sandbags to protect the levee. When the water would wash the sand out of the bags, bags of shells were used to slow the water and the sand bags were placed behind them. An additional problem developed when the continuing winds pushed the tides inland on the bayous and would not permit rainwater to drain anywhere.

….

I look at a small pirogue hewn out of a cypress log. I am surprised to see it painted…It is shallow, slightly pointed at the end, and the smooth walls look no thicker than a bread board. There is a trick to paddling a pirogue.

——

I eat seafood gumbo cooked as the French do and served with French bread. The loaf weighs only eight ounces but it is over 30 inches long.

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