Louisiana Anthology Podcast Bruce R. Magee & Stephen Payne

570. This week we talk to musician Jackson Skillingstad. Hailing from the heart of Ruston, Louisiana, Jackson Skillingstad is a genre-defying singer/songwriter whose music blends the soulful essence of deep South roots with a fusion of rock, country, and hip hop vibes. It's a musical gumbo that mirrors the eclectic sounds of Louisiana, creating a unique experience that feels like a mosh pit of emotions. Influenced by legends like Elvis Presley, modern hip-hop icon Kevin Gates, and contemporary sensation Post Malone, Jackson Skillingstad brings a fresh perspective to the music scene. With a voice that resonates deep within the soul and lyrics that tell tales of life's twists and turns, Jackson Skillingstad invites you to join the journey through the diverse landscapes of their musical universe.Prepare to be captivated by the rhythmic concoction that is Jackson Skillingstad's music – a testament to the rich musical heritage of Louisiana, delivered with a contemporary flair that breaks down genre barriers. Step into the sonic world of Jackson Skillingstad, where every note tells a story, and every beat creates a rhythm that stays with you long after the music fades. This week in Louisiana history. April 21, 1804. Gov. Laussat, last French Gov., leaves Louisiana. This week in New Orleans history. Robert Tallant. Born in New Orleans on April 20, 1909. Robert Tallant was educated in local public schools. He worked as an advertising copywriter, bank teller, and clerk before "drifting" into writing. His friendship with Lyle Saxon led to a position as editor on the Louisiana Writers' Project of the WPA. In this position he completed the writing of “Gumbo Ya-Ya: A Collection of Louisiana Folk Tales,” the Project's compilation of Louisiana folklore. By 1948 his career was fully launched and over the next eleven years he produced eight novels and six full-length works of nonfiction, including three for Random House. This week in Louisiana. April 24 Swing in the Oaks The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs a program of classics and popular music at the free concert at the Great Lawn and Peristyle in New Orleans City Park. Visit lpomusic.com.  for details. Postcards from Louisiana. Easter Sunday in Congo Square. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

569. We welcome Jeroen Dewulf back to the podcast to discuss his new book, Afro-Atlantic Catholics: America’s First Black Christians. "This volume examines the influence of African Catholics on the historical development of Black Christianity in America during the seventeenth century. Dewulf’s analysis focuses on the historical documentation of Afro-Atlantic Catholic rituals, devotions, and social structures. Of particular importance are brotherhood practices, which were critical in the dissemination of Afro-Atlantic Catholic culture among Black communities, a culture that was pre-Tridentine in nature and wary of external influences. These fraternal Black mutual-aid and burial society structures were critically important to the development and resilience of Black Christianity in America through periods of changing social conditions." "Jeroen Dewulf (born 1972 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium) is a Belgian scholar specializing in Dutch culture, the Dutch language, German Studies, slavery and African-American culture, Caribbean Studies, and Latin American Studies. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley." This week in Louisiana history. April 13, 1803. Barbé-Marbois meets with Livingston to offer La. for 100 Million ₣ francs. This week in New Orleans history. Born in New Orleans on April 13, 1926, Cosimo Matassa is the recording engineer and studio owner responsible for nationally renowned R&B and rock and roll recordings at his New Orleans studios. He said that his formula for success was not complicated in any way..."Do it live or do it over again until it was done right".  He did it right for hundreds of young unknown musicians including Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Mickey Gilly and many more from 1945 through 1968. J&M recorded Alan Toussaint's first record, "The Wild Side of New Orleans" which was released by RCA Victor.  He recorded Aaron Neville's "Tell it Like it Is", Robert Parker's "Barefootin'", and Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" in 1956 -- a recording which has been acclaimed as a seminal Rock and Roll song. This week in Louisiana. NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL (Website) April 25, 2024 - May 5, 2024 Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday LOCATION: Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, A Churchill Downs Co. 1751 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 ADMISSION PRICE: Prices vary MORE INFO: (504) 410-4100 Visit Event Website Postcards from Louisiana. Lundi Gras on Paydras St. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

568. We welcome author Lisa Wingate to the podcast to discuss her novel, Book of Lost Friends. “From the bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a dramatic historical novel of three young women searching for family amid the destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives” (NYT). "Louisiana, 1875: In the tumultuous era of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Hannie, a freed slave; Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now destitute plantation; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half sister. Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following roads rife with vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before. For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of stolen inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and siblings before slavery’s end, the pilgrimage west reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope" (Wingate). This week in Louisiana history. April 6 1764 First Acadians actually arrived in Louisiana. This week in New Orleans history. On April 6, 1893, Andy Bowen and Jack Burke fought 110 rounds to a draw in New Orleans in the longest prizefight in history. The fight lasted seven hours, 19 minutes. This week in Louisiana. Books Along The Teche Literary Festival March 31, 2023 — April 07, 2024. https://booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com Various venues will celebrate literature and its impact on the area's culture with storytelling, workshops, readers theatre, music, bourée lessons and tournament, bus and boat tours, a 5K run and food, food, food. Anyone who is familiar with James Lee Burke and his fictional character, detective Dave Robicheaux, knows of New Iberia and our fascinating blend of heritage, hospitality and history. Amenities Family Friendly Handicapped Accessible Free Parking Street Parking Phone: (337) 369-6446 Email:  techefest@gmail.com Social: Facebook Postcards from Louisiana. Lundi Gras parade. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

567. This week we talk to novelist Diane McPhail, author of The Seamstress of New Orleans: A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction. Set against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret — and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. “Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras.... Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.” This week in Louisiana history. March 30, 1870. 15th amendment gave Blacks the right to vote. This week in New Orleans history. Delta Air Lines, Inc., DC-8, N802E, operating as Flight 9877, crashed during a landing approach to Runway 1 at New Orleans International Airport, Kenner, Louisiana, on March 30, 1967. Five crewmembers and an FAA observer were fatally injured. This was a training flight with no passengers aboard; however, impact occurred in a residential area and 13 persons on the ground were also killed. The aircraft, several homes and part of a motel complex were destroyed. This week in Louisiana. April 5-7, 2024 Don't Miss Our 11th Annual Boudin Festival Come to the Scott Boudin Festival Website Boudin is deeply ingrained in Cajun culture, and the Scott, LA community is proud to celebrate and share it. You can find all kinds of mouth-watering boudin at the Scott Boudin Festival. We host local vendors that serve up a variety of boudin types and flavors, like cheese-filled, jalapeño and more. You can get your fill of authentic boudin at our festival. Purchase your tickets today. Postcards from Louisiana. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

566. This week we talk to rap artist Mimzy MC. Rapper. Mimzy MC, born and raised Mim McCoy in Shreveport, LA, has been influenced by artists such as ICP, Korn, Eminem, Timbaland, and Cindi Lauper. She wishes to accomplish visual and listening pleasure with her unique style for all others to enjoy! Her philosophy regarding her visual art is, “My inward energy being manifested outwardly that cannot be expressed verbally. Only visually.” How she feels and how she is moved by music enhances her abstract techniques. She has branded clothing and other merchandise with her images. "There are no rules to art or music everyone is welcome" (Mimzy MC). This week in Louisiana history. March 23, 1805. The Corps of Discovery left Fort Clatsop and began their return journey. This week in New Orleans history.  The last French Prefect (governor), Pierre Clément de Laussat, arrived in New Orleans on March 23, 1803, formally took control of Louisiana for France on November 30, 1803, only to hand it over to the U.S. on December 20, 1803. In the meantime he created New Orleans' first city council. This week in Louisiana. March 29-31, 2024 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Admission: Free before 5 PM Louisiana Lao New Year Festival Wat Thammarattanaram Temple 7913 Champa Ave. Broussard, LA 70518 (337) 378-9469 Website Lafayette, LA Lanexang Village celebrates the Lao New Year every Easter weekend with a three-day festival that includes live music, a beauty pageant, parades, sand castle building, kids activities, and several vendors selling clothes, jewelry, music and food from Southeast Asia. Postcards from Louisiana. William Orman at the Apple Barrel. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

565. Catharine Cole, Louisiana journalist. Louisiana Studies Conference presentation. Stephen & Bruce give their presentation about Catharine Cole, one of Louisiana's first women journalists. Catharine was best known from visiting every parish in the state at that time, writing articles on each one that reached every corner of Louisiana and beyond. "Martha Reinhard Smallwood Field (May 24, 1854 – December 19, 1898), known as Mattie Field, was an American journalist. She usually wrote under the pen name Catharine Cole. She was one of the earliest professional women newspaper reporters in New Orleans, Louisiana. A champion of women's education and social justice, she also founded the city's first circulating library and helped found a number of other civic institutions." Wiki. This week in Louisiana history. March 16, 1806. Norbert Rillieux, inventor of sugar refining, born 1806-1894. This week in New Orleans history. Musician Leon Joseph Roppolo (nicknamed "Rap") was born on March 16, 1902 in Lutcher, Louisiana. His family, of Sicilian origin, moved to Uptown New Orleans about 1912. Young Leon's first instrument was the violin. He was a fan of the marching bands he heard in the streets of New Orleans, and learned to play clarinet. This week in Louisiana. March 20-24, 2024. Website Schedule Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival A New Orleans affair for readers, writers, & theatre lovers! We're excited to present our 38th Annual TWFest, including writer's craft sessions, literary panels, theatre events, author interviews, literary walking tours, culinary & cocktail events, and music events. And don’t forget our Stella Shouting Contest kicking it all off on Sunday, March 17! Join award-winning writers, historians, scholars, journalists, actors, musicians, and cultural experts for five days of literary revelry in the lush Bohemia of New Orleans. Postcards from Louisiana. John Joyce at the dba. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook.