Confetti Park Children's Workshop

Tag: louisiana

  • Look for Katy & the Confetti Park Players at Jazz Fest!

    Look for Katy & the Confetti Park Players at Jazz Fest!

    Photo of Katy and the Confetti Park Players at Jazz Fest, by Sally Asher (those are her feet in the foreground)
    Photo of Katy and the Confetti Park Players at Jazz Fest, by Sally Asher (those are her feet in the foreground)

    Katy Hobgood Ray and the band and some of the Confetti Park Players will be performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this year! We perform at the Kids Tent on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 3 p.m. SCHEDULE

    This year Katy is leading a smaller troupe of Confetti Park Players in an interactive music set in the Kids Tent. We will do some of our favorites like “Roman Candy Man,”  “Snoball,” “Watch Out for the Pirates,” and lots of Lead Belly songs. We will also do a special tribute to our dearly departed Mr. Okra. And of course you can expect a lively performance of our theme song, “We’re Going to Confetti Park!”

    The Kids Area is a lovely zone where you can relax and enjoy a spacious safe area and special kid-oriented foods (still delicious and unique to Jazz Fest), arts & craft areas and discovery centers. and wonderful shade under the tents! There are some WONDERFUL people working and performing in the kids area on May 3!

    Our own Algiers Point-based Calliope Puppets and the International School of Louisiana Circus Arts Kids are all performing on the same day as the Confetti Park Players? How cool is that? Algiers Point represents!

    Also on May 3 are performers from Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans and the fabulous Micaela y Fiesta Flamenca and OperaCreole!

    We are thrilled that the local media has given us some wonderful coverage surrounding our Jazz Fest performance. Hopefully people will be curious about our music and check out the Confetti Park Players CD, which every kid should have! 🙂

    Enjoy these articles that appeared this week.

    New Orleans Advocate: Confetti Park Players offer a colorful take on Louisiana music

    Tulane New Wave: Tulane takes Jazz Fest

    Da Cubes! Jazz Fest May 3, 2018, when Katy Hobgood Ray and some of the Confetti Park Players perform at the Kids Tent at 3 p.m.
    Da Cubes! Jazz Fest May 3, 2018, when Katy Hobgood Ray and some of the Confetti Park Players perform at the Kids Tent at 3 p.m.

     

     

  • Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen

    Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen

    A Dog Named Cat
    A Dog Named Cat by Leif Pedersen

    There is something special about a Catahoula Leopard Dog! What a strange and magical breed…It’s the state dog of Louisiana. And it’s celebrated in the cute children’s book by Leif Pedersen. Leif narrates the fun-filled adventure in A Dog Named Cat, the fourth book in The Adventures of The Swamp Kids series, for Confetti Park.

    The Swamp Kids travel to a nearby animal shelter in hopes of finding a new pet they can adopt and bring home. They find a Louisiana Catahoula Cur puppy and learn all about him. (This podcast features “Sunbonnet Sue” performed by the Hackberry Ramblers.) Listen!

    ….They’re called “catahoulas,”
    and raised up the bayou a bit.
    They’re really good herders,
    and faster than lightning.
    At home he will be a big hit!

    So now what to name their new furry friend? Lots of smiles come from this great book for animal lovers, not least the brightly colored illustrations of the swamp critters by artist Tim Banfell. Also included in the book is a Lagniappe Lesson written by WWL-TV and Radio personality Angela Hill, a dedicated animal lover respected for her journalistic talents and her unwavering commitment to animals. Angela offers kids tips on the care and responsibility involved with pet ownership.

    Want to hear more? Listen to The Missing Chord by Leif Pedersen, the very first Swamp Kids book in the series. The Swamp Kids have many adventures you can enjoy… Visit www.theswampkids.com for puzzles, plush toys, activity sheets of teachers, and more!

    The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or Louisiana Catahoula, it became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.
    The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or Louisiana Catahoula, it became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.
  • Music Medley: Gummy Bears (A Mardi Gras Mix)

    Music Medley: Gummy Bears (A Mardi Gras Mix)

    Confetti Park: A Mardi Gras music medley!

    Hello from Confetti Park in New Orleans where we are celebrating Mardi Gras ! The most magical time of the year. If you listen to this show regularly, you know that at Confetti Park we celebrate the magic you find in everyday, in the beats on the street, the clapping of children, and the laughter and musical sounds of life! But Mardi Gras… it’s something special. There is a feeling in the air of joie de vivre…

    We’re going to celebrate with some of our most beloved Mardi Gras music today! Songs included in this episode:

    purple bearsMardi Gras Mambo – The Hawkettes
    Joke of the Day – Gummy Bear
    Second Line – Charmaine Neville
    Bourbon Street Parade – Santo Pecora and his New Orleans Rhythm Kings
    ZuZu the Praline Man
    Throw Me Somethin’ Mista – Jazzy Ash
    If Ever I Cease to Love – Confetti Park Players ftg. AJ Loria
    Iko Iko – Buckwheat Zydeco
    South Rampart Street Parade – Rene Netto & The Sounds of New Orleans

     

    This episode also features Coming Up Cajun by Carrie Delatte 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.

     

     

  • 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: Smelly Pup

    Music Medley: Smelly Pup

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

    Smelly pup in a bath from Cartoon Animals Homepage.
    Smelly pup in a bath from Cartoon Animals Homepage.

    We love dogs! This medley of children’s songs showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. And today’s music medley features all songs about dogs! You know what that means…. These are also songs about faithful friends.

    Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    Three Legged Dog – Imagination Movers
    Joke of the Day – Something Smells
    My Dog – Johnette Downing
    Best Friends – Zachary Richard
    BULLFROG – narrated by Louis Ray of the Confetti Park Players
    Ol Blue – Jimmy Cousins

     

    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: Brer Rabbit and the Peanut Patch by Dianne de Las Casas

    Storytime: Brer Rabbit and the Peanut Patch by Dianne de Las Casas

    Dianne de Las Casas
    Dianne de Las Casas

    Listen to the magical storytelling of Louisiana children’s author Dianne de Las Casas. Here is Dianne reading “Brer Rabbit and the Peanut Patch,” from her collection Jambalaya – Stories With Louisiana Flavor.

    Brer Rabbit is a favorite recurring character in Louisiana folklore—as in all regions with strong African-American and Native American cultural influences. Brer Rabbit is a “trickster” figure, who can get out of tough situations and win the day though cunning and quick thinking.

    Though Brer Rabbit is smaller and less physically capable than other animals (and really, just exactly what damage can a bunny rabbit do anything besides a vegetable garden?), he uses clever tricks and fast talking to outsmart his rivals.

    We celebrate the life of Dianne de Las Casas—masterful storyteller, prolific children’s author, champion of Louisiana children and Louisiana folklore, incredible mother, educator, entrepreneur, and creative soul.

    Read “Remembering Louisiana children’s author Dianne de Las Casas”

     

  • 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

     

  • 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.

  • Charlotte Hunter recalls working for a radio station to buy her first guitar

    Charlotte Hunter recalls working for a radio station to buy her first guitar

    radui

    Enjoy this music memory from Charlotte Hunter, who lives in Caddo Parish near Caddo Lake.

    Charlotte recalls how much she wanted a Gibson guitar when she was a teenager.

    “The first job I ever had was on a little radio station in Minden. I was fifteen. The guy told me if I would do a spot for him, every afternoon, that he buy that guitar for me….I had that radio show until I got my Gibson guitar….. we did mostly USO tours and airbases and things like that when we did gigs.”

    Charlotte recalls that as a child, her home was filled with music. He dad played the fiddle, and her mom played the guitar and bass.

     

  • Music Medley: Dino Mania!

    Music Medley: Dino Mania!

    dinosaur doodleConfetti Park: A music medley from Louisiana… kids songs about dinosaurs!

    This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians. And today’s music medley features songs about dinosaurs! Songs featured in this episode, in order:

    When I Was a Dinosaur – Trout Fishing in America
    Joke of the Day – Pterodactyl Pee
    When I Was a Dinosaur – Chenille Sisters
    If a Dinosaur Was My Best Friend – Philip Melancon
    Dino Story – Louis Ray
    These Are the Dinosaurs – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh
    I Want a Dinosaur – Ph Fred
    A Myrtle Place – Zachary Richard and Lafayette Kids

    Check out this narrated story about a dinosaur….  Lophi Learns to Fly by David Eugene Ray.

    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:

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