podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
Katy Hobgood Ray
Shows
Confetti Park
Steve Scaffidi on why authors should self-publish their books—and advice on how to do it!
In this episode of Confetti Park, we connect with the creative mind of Steven Scaffidi, a veteran of the entertainment industry. For decades Steven has worked in film and television—writing, directing, and producing. Based out of New Orleans, Steven has deep connections to the industry in South Louisiana, but his work extends nationally as well. From commercials for restaurants, furniture companies, lawyers, etc., to full length feature films, TV shows and gritty documentaries, Steven has a vast amount of experience, connections, and know-how. Lately, he has turned this experience and wi...
2021-07-29
18 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Can We Take A Road Trip? By Papa Dude
Summertime means road trips! In this episode of Confetti Park, we take a road trip with Papa Dude and his best friend Charlie Crab. They take us on a trip across America, and we get visit some of the most interesting and fun places the continental United States has to offer. Who is Papa Dude? His real name is Steven Scaffidi, and he is a New Orleans creator who has a whole line of Papa Dude adventures, a character he based on his own father. Says Papa Dude: “Ya know…I just love good food, good...
2021-07-14
11 min
Confetti Park
Valerie James Abbott on the shocking realization that her two-year-old had hearing loss
In this episode of Confetti Park, Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Valerie James Abbott, a mother whose journey with her own daughter's hearing loss inspired a children's book called Padapillo. Parents should be aware that hearing loss in young children can go undetected for quite a while. Do you know the signs? "My daughter Bridget passed her newborn screening test at the hospital when she was born," Valerie tells Katy Hobgood Ray, host of Confetti Park. "It wasn't until she was about two-and-a-half years old—she'd been in preschool for six months—when...
2021-06-13
11 min
Confetti Park
Storytime – Padapillo by Valerie James Abbott
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear the children’s book Padapillo narrated by the author, Valerie James Abbott. Based on the true life events of the author and her family, Padapillo is the story of a family discovering the hearing loss of a child.
2021-05-28
11 min
Confetti Park
Why He Carried the Turkey by James Baldwin
Happy Thanksgiving! Something we all should be thankful for is that, in this world, there are good people everywhere. Kindness and civility, thoughtfulness and helpfulness, these are qualities that exist in people in every town, city, and country. Like Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” They are everywhere, and we can learn from them about who to surround ourselves with (to feel one kind of joy) and how to model our own behavior (to feel another kind of joy). True friends and true neighbors make the world a better place. In this episode of Conf...
2020-11-26
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Loup Garoup
It's almost Halloween, the time of year when the doors between the living world and the spiritual world are open wide. Soon we will observe Allhallowtide, when we remember the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed. It's the perfect time to cozy up to a fire and hear tales of the supernatural. You decide... truth or fiction? In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, Kathleen Welch shares with us the legend of the Loup Garoup as found in Acadiana French-Canadian, Acadian, and Franco-American folklore. Loup garoups are also knows...
2020-10-24
05 min
Confetti Park
Confetti Park Storytime: Le Lutin
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear about Le Lutin, a fairytale figure and a trickster spirit! Contributor Kathleen Welch shares some of the legends about this hobgoblin who has a knack for pranking. Le lutin could change his appearance whenever he wanted. So you never know when you are seeing a lutin. But legends say his natural form was a little man with a long beard. He was especially fond of children and horses. According to the Houma, Louisiana newspaper, "If you’ve ever lost your ca...
2020-08-29
06 min
Confetti Park
Rosemary The Garden Fairy: The Early Bird
Hi everybody, it’s Rosemary the Garden Fairy, and I’m here to share fun gardening tips and interesting information about the natural world around us. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the early bird catches the worm’ ? For people who like watch birds, the early birder catches the bird! Between the time the first gray light of day appears and the sun peeps over the horizon, the mockingbirds make some of their most beautiful music. Those who have heard it say the birds are greeting the sun with an anthem of joy. Others say they are...
2020-08-21
01 min
Confetti Park
Confetti Park Storytime: Lucky Enough by Dr. Chris Yandle
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear some sweet excerpts from Lucky Enough: A Year of a Dad's Daily Notes of Encouragement and Life Lessons to His Daughter, in the voice of the author Dr. Chris Yandle.
2020-03-01
06 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Sometimes Even Elephants Forget by Kathleen Welch
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear the loving and endearingly bittersweet Sometimes Even Elephants Forget: A Story about Alzheimer's Disease for Young Children, narrated by the author Kathleen Welch. You’ll love the main characters: two elephants, Grandma Bawa and grandson Mookie, and Kip, a kind and clever hedgehog, who have an adventure together in the jungle.
2020-02-15
10 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Samuel Morse, That's Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer
Storytime: Samuel Morse, That’s Who! By Tracy Nelson Maurer HomePodcastStorytime: Samuel Morse, That’s Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer Storytime: Samuel Morse, That’s Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, you’ll hear the fascinating and fun story of the inventor Samuel Morse, who used electricity to power the telegraph and who invented Morse Code. Way back in the 1800s, he was teaching the world how to do instant messaging! Tracy Nelson Maurer is the author of this fun biography geared toward kids, and we are so happy th...
2020-01-27
07 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Opossum’s Tale - A folk tale 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 ou...
2019-04-06
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Littlest Engine That Could By Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson is a Louisiana Legend. He has since passed away, but in his life he was a beloved Cajun chef, storyteller, comedian and poet who delighted fans around the world with his whimsical stories, songs, genial nature, and delightful sense of humor as he shared his Cajun recipes and heritage, through television, radio, stage and other venues. I loved watching Justin on PBS, standing in a kitchen, telling stories and preparing Cajun dishes, when I was growing up. I’ll always smile to hear his famous catchphrases—”I Garontee!” and “How Y’all Are?!” Confetti Park recently partn...
2018-12-16
06 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Pizza on Earth
More holiday music, stories and songs for you and your family to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the culture and holiday spirit I’m sharing from Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, and beyond. It’s Christmas – Imagination Movers Joke of the Day – Pizza on Earth Burn Little Candles – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh Blue Christmas – Belton Richard Winter Wonderland – Vince Vance Sleigh Ride – Matt Perrine Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town – narrated by Louis Ray ‘Zat You, Santa Claus? – Louis Armstrong Jingle Bells – Harry Fontenot Deck the Halls – Robert Kingrob Harris The Confetti Park radio show i...
2018-12-12
04 min
Confetti Park
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, a...
2018-12-02
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley - A Pirate’s High C’s
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...
2018-09-17
04 min
Confetti Park
Panorama of South Louisiana after a Hurricane, 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 s...
2018-09-08
08 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Lafitte's Lament
You’ve heard of Pirate Jean Lafitte, a French pirate who gained infamy in the bays and swamps off the Gulf of Mexico. He lived from 1780-1823. He is often featured in tales of treasure hunters and is part of many legends from Louisiana and Texas. Here is one that takes place in Laport, off the coast of Galveston Bay… in the 1800s, many years after Lafitte;s death. We learn thatt he ghost of the smuggler continually wanders the earth searching for a worthy inheritor. Only when he finds a person who is worthy can he at l...
2018-09-08
06 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Adventure of House Mouse by Iran & Henryelle Martin
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear an original fable created by husband and wife team Iran and Henryelle Martin of Bossier City, La. "There once lived a family of mice in the city of New Orleans, on Upperline Street, in a house abandoned of people. There were three of them...Mother Yum-Yum, Father Boom-Boom, and House-Mouse, their daughter." Iran, as narrator, introduces us to this cute family of mice, and gives us the background on their story. Yum Yum as a child grew up in Micedale, Louisiana, a hop, s...
2018-09-01
15 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Cows Go Moo
Welcome 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. Louisiana’s Alphabet Song – Kristen Cole and Daniel Morgan Joke of the Day: Cows Go Moo Hey Diddle Diddle – Wee Sing Rock Paper Scissors – Ph Fred The Itsy Bitsy Spider – Jeremy Lyons Do Your Ears Hang Low? – Johnette Downing Music Memory from David Phy Lovely Little Ladybug – Confetti Park Players Children’s ChorusConfetti P...
2018-06-30
07 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: 7-8-9
Welcome to Confetti Park, a place where you can listen to kids music and hear stories, poems, jumprope jingles, and learn about the culture of Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta. I’m Katy Hobgood Ray, your host. In New Orleans we are celebrating our 300th birthday this year. New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Bienville, and the city and Louisiana are known for having unique mix of cultural influences: French, Spanish, African, German, Native America, and many other peoples … that is why we have such unique food and music. This is a music medley of songs featured on th...
2018-06-16
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime – Fair Weather Friend: A Story of Hurricane Katrina by Marcus Page
Summertime 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...
2018-06-02
07 min
Confetti Park
Charlie Bush recalls the earliest days of his lifelong relationship with music
Charlie Bush is a guitar player, drummer, and a retired chef from Shreveport, Louisiana. His childhood was imbued with music, as he had an incredibly wonderfully large musical family, with all the siblings having particular instruments they played and a personal repertoire of songs they were known for singing in their family ranks. Charlie’s brother Bill Bush is a Louisiana legend who led a musical combo for fifty years. (Learn about the Bill Bush Combo) He operated a club in Shreveport called the Moulin Rouge, where members of the family honed their performance chops. Eventually, Charlie an...
2018-05-15
01 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley of Kids Music: Grizzly & Harp
Welcome to Confetti Park, a magical show featuring stories and music for children of all ages. I’ve been gathering songs from across my home state of Louisiana and from places around the Mississippi Delta. I just love the variety or music—blues, jazz, country, rock n roll, rap and church music and Cajun, and brass band… there’s a lot to learn and I am still listening and learning every day. I hope you like what I share with you. This is a music medley of songs featured on the show this week. Arkansas Tongue Twister...
2018-05-12
05 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter, the Laughing Dog
It was hot. VERY hot. Dave, Ted and I finally remembered this fact about the day that we rescued Annie Ledbetter off the side of a country highway, because we recalled that the little pads of her paws were burned off by the heat of the asphalt. Little Orphan Annie Ledbetter, the Laughing Dog, was a medium sized solid black mutt who had been abandoned on the Blanchard Latex Road in rural Caddo Parish in northwest Louisiana. We know she was abandoned because she was running back and forth along the road cut through the ro...
2018-04-20
07 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen
There is something special about a Catahoula Leopard Dog! What strange and magical breed...It’s the state dog of Louisiana. And it’s celebrated in the cute children’s book by Leif Pedersen. The author himself narrates the fun-filled adventure in A Dog Named Cat, the fourth book in The Adventures of The Swamp Kids series. 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 a bit of...
2018-04-10
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Ice Cream Scream!
This is Confetti Park, a magical playground of music and stories for kids everywhere. What’s unique about these songs, and these stories, is that they all come from Louisiana. Today you’re going to hear songs from all corners of the state, and across a century of time. This is music that has touched generations of children…. I’m talking about songs that were popular when your grandparents were kids, that are sung by children today. Like "Skip to My Lou," a song that has stood the test of time and is sung for you by Johnette...
2018-03-07
03 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Okra Man
Hi everyone, Here is another music medley from Confetti Park. And in this episode, you will hear lots of songs about fresh fruits and vegetables. In the radio version of this program, we listen to a story about our recently departed dear Mr. Okra. (You can listen to the story here: Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables by Lashon Daley) Mr. Okra passed away this week, and he was one of the last of the New Orleans street vendors. Mr. Okra sold fresh fruits and vegetables from a brightly painted pickup truck that traveled s...
2018-02-24
06 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Milk Dud
Confetti Park HOME ABOUT CONFETTI PARK RADIO & PODCAST SHOP BOOKS MUSIC NEWS EVENTS SUBSCRIBE Music Medley: Milk Dud HomeUncategorizedMusic Medley: Milk Dud 0 Music Medley: Milk Dud Hi kids! Welcome to another episode of Confetti Park, a radio show featuring songs and stories from Louisiana. I am so excited that Confetti Park is available in states from Alaska to Maine. Thank you to all the stations carrying the show, and I hope you all enjoy the music and stories. Don’t forget you can download the free podcast and listen to stories, interviews and music medleys anytime!
2018-02-17
06 min
Confetti Park
Confetti Park: 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… Every city that celebrates Mardi Gras has its own special customs, and in New Orleans, we have a few unique aspects… such as...
2018-02-10
05 min
Confetti Park
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 Gr...
2018-02-02
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Time Flies
Happy New Year! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created by Louisiana artists. This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs that appeal to children of all ages that reach back through generations. The music reflects the variety of sounds that come from our fertile Mississippi valley. Also featured in this episode, the storytime feature Swamp Kids: The Lost Chord, narrated by author by Leif Pedersen, and a music memory from Judy Caplan Ginsburgh of Alexandria. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Ca...
2017-12-29
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Mississippi Fishing
Hi everybody! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created in Louisiana. This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs that kids and the grownups will love, that reflect the unique culture of Louisiana and the American South. Today's special episode features songs celebrating the great river that courses through our lives: the Mississippi River. The very ground beneath our feet was created by this river, over thousands of years. It is so much a part of our culture. Listen up! S...
2017-12-11
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ by Cindy Foust
In 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 beca...
2017-11-22
04 min
Confetti Park
Animator Deborah A. Anderson discusses black hair, illustrations, and animations
In this episode of Confetti Park, we meet Deborah A. Anderson, New Orleans based animator and creator of The Black Hair Alphabet, a children’s book that explores different African-American hairstyles from A-Z. In this interview, Deborah discusses why and how she created the book, and shares insight into the interesting worlds of video game avatars, 3D illustration, and the animation industry. Says Deborah, “The idea behind the book came from a conversation with some colleagues in animation. We talked about the representation of black hair in video game avatars…. It was actually guys complaining… they wer...
2017-10-28
10 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Honey Comb
Hi everybody! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created in Louisiana. This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs that kids and the grownups will love, that reflect the unique culture of Louisiana and the American South. We've got songs about possums, bees, foxes, bubbles, and Cajun prairie trail rides. Listen up! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Pretty Purple Possums - Angela Mannino Joke of the Day: Honey Comb Bumblebee - Ginger & the Bee featuring the Confetti Park...
2017-10-20
06 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Candles Out
Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music 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! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Jambalaya (On The Bayou) - Papillon Joke of the Day - Candle Out Chicken Strut - The Meters Feliciana LeRoux...
2017-10-03
05 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Smelly Pup
Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana… dogs! 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 B...
2017-09-08
03 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Brer Rabbit and the Peanut Patch by 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...
2017-08-24
07 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Spider & the Firefly
Fireflies, lightnin’ bugs… catch ‘em in a jar. Then let ‘em go, and watch ‘em fly far. Can you believe how many wonderful children’s songs there are from Louisiana? Jazz, zydeco, blues, rock…. it just goes on and on. Songs featured in this episode, in order: When the Saints Go Marching In - Hack Bartholomew Joke of the Day - Spider & the Firefly Jump - Schatzy This Little Light - Kermit Ruffins Turkey Snapping Turtle - narrated by Louis Ray Firefly - Jazzy Ash When You’re In Love You’ll Unde...
2017-08-15
04 min
Confetti Park
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 of musicians. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Super Frog - Asylum Street Spankers Joke of the Day - Zeros and Eights Can You Do It? - Imagination Movers Leap Frog - Jazzy Ash Rayden and Leah - Fr...
2017-08-07
03 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Grandpa T-Rex
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 lots of sea creatures and jokes about dinosaurs. Oysters, stingrays, seagulls, dolphins, submarines, rowboats, T-Rexes? What a variety! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Oscar de la Oyster - Louisiana Pollywogs Joke of the Day - Grandpa T-Rex Yellow Submarine - Papa Grows Funk Stingray Shuffle - Johnette Downing Bah Bah Black Sheep - Louis Ray of the...
2017-07-29
03 min
Confetti Park
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 Andrews Joke of the Day - Catch a Squirrel Nobody Likes Fun More Than Me! - Don Hoffman and Bryan Wagar Humpty Dumpty - Confetti Park Play...
2017-07-24
06 min
Confetti Park
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...
2017-07-15
05 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Black Hair Alphabet by Deborah A. Anderson
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 a...
2017-07-02
02 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Juju the Good Voodoo by Michelle Hirstius
Are you ready for the creation story of Juju the Good Voodoo Doll? In a cabin in a bayou one foggy night Marie the VooDoo Queen was casting spells on dolls that were good, and some that were a fright. One little doll she saw at a glance— purple hair, big black eyes and a gold dress. could this be the very one, by chance? “You are special…. you are the one!” and so Marie mixed the spell of good deeds for this doll. This is how t...
2017-06-24
03 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Fairy Fox of Bossier by Iran Martin
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear "The Fairy Fox of Bossier" by Iran Martin, from his book Grand’s Fairy Tales. Father and son are on a walk through the forests of Bossier to gather wood. They leave mother home cooking their supper, and she warns them not to be late. “I remember mother standing over her cooking pot, as was her custom, spicing a little of this, and a little of that,” recalls the son. When the men are walking, pushing their rickety cart, the father talks of a place...
2017-06-17
10 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs by Cindy Foust
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs, narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, mastermind behind the Alpha-kidZ book series. Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs is the “P” book in the series, of course! Patti’s bedroom “is messy, to say the least. In fact, be careful looking under her bed, in case you come across a big hairy beast!” Patti’s twin brother, Paul, doesn’t understand how they are so different. He is so neat and clean, and her room is, well—a pig pen! “...
2017-06-10
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Dino Mania
Confetti 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...
2017-05-19
03 min
Confetti Park
A music memory from Charlotte Hunter, who worked at a radio station to buy a guitar
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.” Charlott...
2017-05-19
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day by Alysson Foti Bourque
In 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 Suns...
2017-05-12
07 min
Confetti Park
Students at Arden Cahill Academy share their love of Louisiana culture
In this episode of Confetti Park, we meet some of the teachers and students at Arden Cahill Academy in Gretna, Louisiana, and hear some of the original poems and essays created by students in the seventh and eighth grades under teachers Nick and Rick Mithun. Nick Mithun teaches French, while Rick Mithun teaches history. They are the grandsons of Arden Cahill, the woman who founded the school in 1968 along with her husband, Harry. Currently there are four generations of Cahill family members involved at the school—the youngest just enrolled in the infant center. Arden Cah...
2017-05-01
10 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Pink Carnation
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, inspired by life here Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of our state sound. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Super Frog - Asylum Street Spankers Joke of the Day - Pink Carnation Daycare - Ph Fred There’s a Hole in the Bucket - Jeremy Lyons Inner Beauty - a poem by Marcus Page My Shoes - a poem from The Pizza Poetry Proje...
2017-04-28
03 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Pirates on the Deck
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, inspired by life here Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of our state sound. Songs featured in this episode, in order: When I Grow Up – Asylum Street Spankers Joke of the Day – Pirates on the Deck Watch out for the Pirates – Confetti Park Players Splish Splash – Dr. John Butterfly – a poem by Lily Bell Old Dan Tucker – Jeremy Lyons Hushabye Mountain – Lori Carsillo Lovely Little Ladybug – Confe...
2017-04-21
04 min
Confetti Park
Andreas Sahar shares about a musical childhood and following the call
Andreas Sahar, of New Orleans, is a musician, songwriter, and the artistic director of Totally Square Records. In this interview with Confetti Park, Andreas talks about his record label, about his earliest childhood musical memories, and about nurturing a love for music within his own young children. Wimmerpot From Andreas’ childhood recollections is the enchanting nickname his grandmother gave him: “wimmerpot.” He discusses this nickname in the interview... and from his website: “My grandmother made up the word," explains Andreas. "Roughly translated from German, her moniker for me was something along the lines of “stewi...
2017-04-16
10 min
Confetti Park
Rosemary the Garden Fairy: How does your garden grow?
“Follow me to the garden! Let’s check out the magic of nature!” Rosemary the Garden Fairy shares gardening tips and natural lore with children. How does your garden grow? All seeds need water to sprout. Sometimes rain waters the garden. You can also collect rain, in a rain barrel, to make sure you have it at exactly the right time you need it. Irrigation systems are another way to get the water to the plants in a garden or farm. After the seeds sprout, the vegetable plants or seedli...
2017-04-09
01 min
Confetti Park
New Orleans comedian Mike Strecker publishes a joke book for kids
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 kids of books.’ So I wound up writing them down, and sure eno...
2017-04-05
08 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley – Beets 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: 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 feat...
2017-03-23
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: To Dream of Dancing: Desdemona's Dreams by Z.W. Mohr
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear an excerpt from the enchanting fairy tale To Dream of Dancing: Desdemona's Dreams, Volume 1. Z.W. (Zachary) Mohr, the author, narrates for us a dream poem and an introduction to Desdemona. This is an excerpt from the first book in his original series co-created with illustrator Aaron Damon Porter. Desdemona is an 11 year old girl who is being raised by her two mysterious aunts and guardian teddy bear. When we first meet Desdemona, she is battling a mad maestro who wants to steal away her dream of dancing. When...
2017-03-09
06 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Desert Snow Man
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: Walking the Dog - Buckwheat Zydeco Training Wheel Rag - Asylum Street Spankers featuring Dr. Sick Tuba Lullaby - Jazzy Ash Mellow Down Easy - Jeremy Lyons A Little Caterpillar - Johnette Downing Woodpecker - a poem by Nola Frazier Circle to the Right - Judy Caplan Ginsburgh...
2017-03-04
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Worm in My Apple
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: Summit of Sound – kids at the Renzi Center in Shreveport Mardi Gras – Mr. Michael’s Class of Young Audiences Raps Nobody Likes Fun More Than Me! – Don Hoffman and Bryan Wagar Big Hola – Imagination Movers Lollipop Tree – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh Lemonade, Crunchy Ice – Confet...
2017-02-25
05 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley - Lettuce In!
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: Whole World in His Hands - George Porter, Jr. Kazoo Song - Judy Caplan Ginsburgh I’m a Puppy - Mel Lecompte Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog - Don Abney & the Louisiana Pollywogs Messy Room Blues - Johnette Downing Ducks in a Nest - Belen Walker Inky Pinky Ponky...
2017-02-18
05 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Beaver’s Tale of Greed narrated by Iran Martin
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear “The Beaver’s Tale of Greed” by Iran Martin, from his book Grand’s Fairy Tales. This is an adapted version of a Grimm’s fairy tale called the “Fisherman and his Wife.” In the older version of the tale, which was first written in Germany in the 1800s, a poor fisherman and his wife are blessed with wishes by a magical fish in exchange for releasing it. However, the wife becomes greedy and the husband, who wants to please her, goes along with her ever-more selfish demands to the fish....
2017-02-18
07 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Dickory Dock
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: 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 Anim...
2017-02-11
04 min
Confetti Park
Trombonist David Phy recalls turning sheet music for the church organist--his dad
In this episode of Confetti Park, New Orleans-based trombonist Dr. David Phy shares early music memories of learning how to read sheet music with his dad. David is a professional musician who has performed with national acts and jazz artists such as The 4 Tops, The Temptations, Bonerama, Delfeyo Marsalis, The Yin Yang Twins, Chip McNeil, Louis Belson, Lena Prima, Louis Prima Jr., Charo, and the Dukes of Dixieland. He has taught at Tulane University, University of New Orleans and Delgado Community College in New Orleans. David grew up in a musical household. His father was...
2017-02-07
02 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: A Dog & a Dictionary
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: The St. Charles Streetcar Song - Daniel Morgan & the Louisiana Pollywogs The Mice Ate My Rice - Buckwheat Zydeco Baby Loves Beignets - Jazzy Ash Millie - I Love Vanilla (a poem) Belen - Roses Are Red (a poem) Summit of Sound - Renzi Center A Tisket, A...
2017-02-04
05 min
Confetti Park
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: Down in New Orleans – Anika Noni Rose Sounds – PH Fred Adella the Storyteller –Philip Melancon ABCs – Louis Ray Amazon ABCs – Johnette Downing We’ve Got Each Other – Imagination Movers Look for the Fleur de Lis – Sham Rockers Momzelle Zi Zi – Nancy Tabb Marcantel Also featured in this episode, a story ca...
2017-01-28
05 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Diamonds in the Rough—1800s Memories of Minnie Carter
A very long time ago, my great-grandmother Minnie Carter Boston shared for posterity some of her memories of life growing up in rural Arkansas in the late 1800s, in the piney woods and rolling hills. Her daughter-in-law (and my grandmother) Gypsy Damaris Petty Boston transcribed the memories while they lived in Shreveport, Louisiana. Arkansas is part of an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe, which has caused diamonds to rise to the surface. I don’t understand all the geological processes, but there really are diamonds to be found on the ground in Arkansas. There is even a mining fi...
2017-01-23
06 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Royal Bees
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 celebrates the mighty bee! The songs also showcase a diversity of Louisiana musical styles. Songs featured in this episode, in order: We’re Going to Confetti Park – Confetti Park Players Be My Honey Bee – Greg Schatz Busy Beeline – Johnette Downing and the Original Dixieland Jazz Band Three Little Birds – Renzi Center KidsBumble Bee - Ginge...
2017-01-21
04 min
Confetti Park
A Christmas Music Medley from Louisiana: Snow & Tell
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, inspired by life here Louisiana. This is a special Christmas medley of songs that kids of all ages will love…. it certainly showcases the diversity of our state sound! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Fats Domino Joke of the Day – Snow & Tell I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Hadley Castille & The Louisiana Cajun Band Zat You, Santa Claus? – L...
2016-12-24
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Juju saves Christmas in da Bayou by Michelle Hirstius
Lucky Louisiana kids have many interesting takes on holiday classics…. and one that is beloved worldwide is the Cajun Night Before Christmas, adapted from the classic version (which dates back to the early 1800s) by James Rice in 1974. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; In the Cajun version, the story is told in Cajun dialect: Twas the night before Christ...
2016-12-24
03 min
Confetti Park
Rosemary the Garden Fairy: The lovely, giving amaryllis
“Follow me to the garden! Let’s check out the magic of nature!” The amaryllis bulb is a wonderful thing to have inside your house in the wintertime. They grow large, brightly colored blooms, even when it’s freezing outside! and the blooms can last for months and months. They are EASY to grow. You can even grow amaryllis bulbs in nothing more than stones and water. The amaryllis bulb is a great holiday gift, because it is the gift that keeps on giving, again and again. It’s always a wonderful surprise to see wha...
2016-12-18
01 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Lights Turn Red
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, inspired by life here Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of our state sound. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Mama Odie's Kitchen Song - Jenifer Lewis Joke of the Day - Lights Turn Red Rocking Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu - Huey “Piano” Smith & The Clowns Goodbye in the Bayou - Jazzy Ash This Old Man - The Swing Setters Brahm’s Lullaby...
2016-12-14
04 min
Confetti Park
A Cajun French glossary by Carrie Delatte
Louisiana author Carrie Delatte shares from vocabulary words from her children's book Coming Up Cajun.
2016-12-03
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Coming Up Cajun by Carrie Delatte
It’s Confetti Park Storytime! In this episode, author Carrie Delatte narrates her children’s book Coming Up Cajun, which is based on the true tales of two little boys growing up in the heart of Cajun Country. Full of nature, this sweet tale told in rhyming verse captures some of the wholesome outdoor activities, daily chores, and good times of Carrie’s own children. “From the green of the land, to the blues of the bayous, they made the best of their time in the splendour of a Southern youth,” says Carrie. The story i...
2016-12-03
03 min
Confetti Park
"Go for it!" Crystal Thomas shares a funny childhood music memory about gumption
Crystal Thomas is a Shreveport-based songwriter, singer and trombonist who regularly performs around Louisiana. A performer of the blues and gospel, you can find her (if not in churches) at various clubs like Southern Soul Lounge and at the venerated Monday Night Blues Jam at Lee's in Shreveport. In this episode of Confetti Park, Crystal shares a delightful story about how her desire to perform overcame her lack of musical know-how when she was just a child. "I was in the third grade and we had a Mother’s Day Program and they wanted everyone to p...
2016-11-16
01 min
Confetti Park
Rosemary the Garden Fairy: Grow a time-telling garden
“Follow me to the garden! Let’s check out the magic of nature!” Rosemary the Garden Fairy shares gardening tips and natural lore with children. Did you know that some plants can tell time? A wonderful project would be for you to plant a time-telling garden, full of morning glories, four o’clocks, and moon flowers. You will see that your beautiful morning glories open their temper purple blue petals at dawn. The four o’clocks uncurl their bright pink faces in the afternoon, and guess when the moon flower blooms? Something...
2016-11-06
01 min
Confetti Park
Validating a child’s talent can set them on a lifelong musical journey
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear a special childhood memory from Judy Caplan Ginsburgh of Alexandria, Louisiana, an internationally recognized and multi-award winning performer, recording artist and educator. Judy sings as a cantorial soloist and travels throughout North America presenting concerts, residencies, educational keynotes and workshops. Judy works actively in both Jewish and non-Jewish settings and she has developed a number of interactive, educational performances and arts-in-education residencies for school-age children. She has been creating children's music since 1981! Judy shares how important the validation of adults can be when it comes to nurturing a...
2016-11-04
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Juju Meets the Rougaroo 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...
2016-10-26
04 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley: Who’s 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 – SchaztyBaby Bumblebee – Judy Caplan Ginsburgh When You’re Smiling – Jeremy Lyons Curious George Main Theme Song – Dr. John Row Row...
2016-10-20
05 min
Confetti Park
How the Jackson 5 brought two different people together in Shreveport
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear a music memory from Jeff Campbell, founder of Hungry for Music, a nonprofit organization distributes musical instruments to children in need. Jeff, originally from Shreveport, established Hungry for Music in 1994 in Washington D.C. Since then, the nonprofit has donated over 8,000 instruments to children in 27 states and 14 countries. Jeff was ten years old in 1972 when he attended his first concert—the Jackson 5. And while the music was powerful, the experience was made more so by a connection he forged with a woman in the audience. Jeff...
2016-10-10
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Foolish John, A Louisiana Folktale narrated by Ted Lindsay
Foolish John is a literal-minded character who appears in American folk stories as a fool who always gets things right somehow. In Louisiana folk tales, he was called Jean Sotte, and he had many misadventures that resulted in happy outcomes despite all of his foolish interpretations of situations. A later year character who might have been inspired by the Foolish John stories is America Bedelia: “Everyone loves Amelia Bedelia, the literal-minded housekeeper! When she makes a sponge cake, she puts in real sponges. When she weeds the garden, she replants the weeds. And when she pitches a te...
2016-10-03
04 min
Confetti Park
Introducing Rosemary the Garden Fairy’s weekly 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 ou...
2016-09-30
00 min
Confetti Park
Interview with Ol' Chumbucket, co-creator of Talk Like a Pirate Day
In this episode of Confetti Park, Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Ol’ Chumbucket, the co-creator of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19. Chumbucket, also known as John Baur in certain circles, lives in New Orleans today (he has lived in many places including the Virgin Islands) and spends much of his time traveling the pirate festival circuit promoting his books and pirate culture. Chrissie Warren: Pirate Hunter, is his latest. It’s a truly entertaining young adult book about a 13-year-old girl in colonial Virginia who disguises herself as a boy in order to sign onto a merc...
2016-09-18
06 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: ‘Dem Bones by David Ray (narrated by Chris Lane)
Enjoy this spooky, dramatic tale of a pirate who experiences the strangest vision…. a skeleton pirate crew who carry treasure aboard the island where he is marooned. “It all started when Mr. Colt, me scurvy dog of a first mate raised a mutiny against me. I was so proud; that’s how I first became a captain, you know.” “….At first she appeared to be nothin’ but a large shadow moving across the waves, but as she got closer it became clear that it were a ship; but no ordinary ship she was, for she was indeed made o...
2016-09-18
07 min
Confetti Park
Interview with Kid Chef Eliana about her foodie inspirations & aspirations
In this episode of Confetti Park, Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Kid Chef Eliana de Las Casas, a New Orleans-based chef who is seriously one of the hardest-working kids around. Eliana has been cooking since she was four years old! Her interested hasn't waned over the years from those early days of watching her family elders make food in the kitchen. Now at 16 years old, Eliana has bloomed as a chef, as an entrepreneur, as a cookbook author and as a culinary personality. Eliana was born in Gretna and has a whole lot of cultural influences drivin...
2016-09-14
14 min
Confetti Park
Interview with Lashon Daley, author of the Mr. Okra story book!
This is a special Confetti Park interview with Lashon Daley, the lovely author behind Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Today Lashon is pursuing a PHD in Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. But for a while, she lived in New Orleans, and was inspired to write her sweet book about our favorite produce vendor. In this interview Lashon talks about the first time she ever saw Mr. Okra, and how she went about creating a children’s book featuring his life’s calling. Says Lashon: “It was an early Sunday...
2016-09-10
04 min
Confetti Park
Jimmy Caskey's lifelong fascination with recorded music
It’s a music memory brought to you by Confetti Park! Jimmy Caskey lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he and his wife Jacques own and operate a beloved lunchtime restaurant called Jacquelyn’s Cafe. Jimmy has been playing guitar all his life, and has performed in several different bands around north Louisiana. Whenever people go to Jacquelyn’s Cafe, in addition to enjoying the shrimp salad and Monte Cristo sandwiches, bowls of gumbo and red beans and rice, they’re getting a musical education (whether they know it or not!). Jim Caskey is the deejay, and he lo...
2016-09-07
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime – Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits & Vegetables by Lashon Daley
It’s Confetti Park Storytime! In this episode, we hear a wonderful New Orleans tale based on our favorite contemporary street vendor, Mr. Okra. The story was written in collaboration with Mr. Okra by Lashon Daley, and illustrated by Emile Henriquez. We are so lucky to have the story narrated for us by the author! And who is Mr. Okra? He is Arthur Robinson, a real life man who lives in New Orleans today! He a street vendor who sells produce from a truck. We all New Orleanians love to hear his recognizable call. From the inside fl...
2016-09-03
04 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Ten Little Crawfish by Melinda Falgoust
In this episode of Confetti Park, I am delighted to share the story of the Ten Little Crawfish, marvelously narrated by the author, Melinda Taliancich Falgoust. Ten little crawfish, swimmin’ in da swamp. One thought he heard some Zydeco and stopped to dance and stomp…. This is Melinda's brand-new counting concept board book that someday will be on the shelf of every Louisiana kid. Join the ten little crawfish as they count down through the Crescent City and some of its best-known landmarks. We are so lucky to have Melinda read it t...
2016-08-26
03 min
Confetti Park
Music Medley - Up Hill, Down Hill
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: Wake-Y-Up-O - Kevin Griffin Birds Birdy, Tweet Tweet - Mr. Christopher Bullfrog - Louis Ray Jack & Jill - Confetti Park Players Skip to My Lou - Swing Setters Farm - Imagination Movers Summit of Sound - Renzi Center Old Man...
2016-08-19
05 min
Confetti Park
Thanksgiving playlists make beautiful music memories for Rich CollinsIt's a childhood music memory from Rich Collins, a founder and front man for one of the most popular children's music groups in the world, the
It's a childhood music memory from Rich Collins, a founder and front man for one of the most popular children's music groups in the world, the Imagination Movers. Rich also has a burgeoning solo career, with a new album of songs geared toward adults. In this music memory, Rich talks about the music he associates with large family gatherings at Thanksgiving: “My family up in DC was large and we would all gather for all the major holidays, and the holiday that was at our house every year was Thanksgiving. And we had a very fun fa...
2016-08-14
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: The Adventures of the Swamp Kids - The Missing Chord
It’s Confetti Park Storytime! In this episode, we hear Louisiana-born big band leader and children’s author Leif Pedersen narrate The Missing Chord, the very first book of the Swamp Kids series. The Swamp Kids are friends and bandmates who live in Bayou Bleu near Mamou, Louisiana. Led by Pierre a le Gator on fiddle, the musical swamp kids include Mon Cher the pretty raccoon and TuTu the Turtle on washboard. There’s also a fish who keeps time by splashing his tail in the water. But they just can’t get their sounds quite rig...
2016-08-06
04 min
Confetti Park
John Doheny fondly recalls jamming cartoon theme songs as a kid
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear a childhood music memory from New Orleans-based saxophonist John Doheny. John has a long career as a professional jazz musician, band leader, writer, and educator. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he first started playing clarinet as a child and was part of youth orchestras from an early age. John switched to saxophone as a teenager, and says he developed his chops playing six nights a week as a college student in Vancouver. He spent his twenties and thirties playing and recording with a slate of well-known pop...
2016-07-29
00 min
Confetti Park
Bruce Sunpie Barnes: The magic of my father’s music
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear a childhood music memory from Bruce Sunpie Barnes, the talented and multifaceted blues harmonica player and zydeco accordionist from Louisiana. In addition to leading the zydeco band the Louisiana Sunspots, Bruce has had a long career as a ranger and naturalist at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Louisiana. (He also had a career in the world of NFL football, playing with the Kansas City Chiefs!) And he's the photographer and author of Talk That Music Talk. Read more about his biography at All Music.
2016-07-19
01 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Adolpheaux, the Adventurous Dolphin by Tommie Townsley
In this episode of Confetti Park, children's author Tommie Townsley of Lake Charles, Louisiana narrates the story of Adolpheaux, the Adventurous Dolphin. In this Cajun animal tale, a small dolphin bravely sets out to discover what human beings are all about. His curiosity leads to an amazing alliance between himself and a sister and brother who will never forget him. This lovely tale teaches children to obey their mothers in order to stay safe in a world fraught with danger. This lively watery adventure is set in The Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Tommie...
2016-07-09
13 min
Confetti Park
A childhood music memory from Ms. Chocolate about spirituals
Ms. Chocolate, also known as Gwen Williams, is a storyteller and a singer who grew up in Louisiana. Many of her stories and songs to share with children today are the true memories and gathered songs from her own childhood in rural parts of central Louisiana. Church, family, school, and life in the country are recurrent themes. In this episode Ms. Chocolate shares about the music she sang as a little girl: “The music I remember as a child were called spirituals. Now you don’t have too much of that today… but I do a mono...
2016-07-03
00 min
Confetti Park
Music Memory from Daniele Spadavecchia
In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear some memories of a musical childhood from New Orleans-based gypsy guitarist Daniele Spadavecchia, who grew up in Italy. Daniele loves to play acoustic gypsy jazz guitar, and when he first came to New Orleans (around 2003) he hooked up with Tony Green, another musician who shares sensibility and appreciation of gypsy jazz, swing, Mediterranean Flamenco, and European ethnic music. Daniele has performed at dozens of festivals and venues in Italy and the United States, especially around New Orleans and San Diego (where he lived after Hurricane Katrina...
2016-06-20
03 min
Confetti Park
Storytime: Her Royal Majesty, the Superhero Bride of Frankenstein by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust
It's storytime from Confetti Park! In this episode we hear the inimitable Melinda Taliancich Falgoust narrate Her Royal Majesty, the Superhero Bride of Frankenstein. This is SUCH a fun story about little Lizzie McGillicuddy, a girl who adapts quickly to recover from an embarrassing situation at her school. Talk about making the best of things! A piece of toilet paper stuck to the bottom of Lizzie McGillicuddy’s shoe could prove to be the biggest disaster in the entire history of the freckle-faced third-grader’s career until the errant strand of tissue becomes a fantastical quee...
2016-06-14
08 min
Confetti Park
Music Memory from Randy Guynes
Randy Guynes is a drummer and percussionist from Shreveport, Louisiana. He’s played in bands such as the Killer Bees, the Lightnin’ Bugs, and the Fiddlin’ Tim Trio. In this episode of Confetti Park, Randy shares a few music memories from his childhood that show how powerful the influence of song can be. In one example, the great fun he shared with his sister while dancing the Twist was probably the first time he started thinking about playing music himself. “I think somehow it was on from there!” says Randy. Songs shaped Randy and spurred him onward...
2016-05-28
00 min