Jul 27, 2025
Irma Thomas, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," still remembers her first time singing on stage. It happened at New Star school in Greensburg, Louisiana, during a school play of Cinderella. Her teacher asked her to sing “Tennessee Waltz” for the audience.
Irma wasn’t nervous—she was excited. As she sang, she...
Jul 2, 2025
A professional performer and New Orleans teacher, Donald Lewis, Jr. has shared his stories with scores of Louisiana children over the decades atschools and libraries around the state. He's delighted New Orleans audiences in dozens of theatrical performances over the years. And many have heard his sonorous deep voice...
Jun 20, 2025
In this childhood music memory, New Orleans musician Chris Sheard recalls going on car rides with the family and only having one cassette tape to listen to, over and over again. One side featured Marvin Gaye, and the other featured Sam Cooke.
The family would flip the tape over and over, and Chris learned every single...
Jun 7, 2025
Meet the Chickadees, a trio of young musicians from Shreveport, Louisiana! These sensational ten-year-olds – Posy Harper, Evie Desobry and Ellie Spero – are a breath of fresh air to the local music scene with their infectious energy and impressive talent. Guided by their dedicated teacher, Miss Sandra Odom, the...
May 2, 2025
At 12 years old, this musician and composer is already active on the local music scene in New Orleans. Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Arlo for Confetti Park.
In a recent interview, New Orleans based music prodigy Arlo McCracken Allen shared insights into his musical journey that began at the young age of four when he...