Podcasts about johnette downing

536. We chat with Johnette Downing and her husband, Scott Billington. "Musician and author Johnette Downing and three-time Grammy® winner Scott Billington are the foremost children's music performers from New Orleans. Their Swamp Romp program is a Louisiana dance party that brings the sounds of Cajun music, zydeco, traditional jazz, Isleño culture, swamp pop and New Orleans rhythm and blues to life for young ears. It is a toe-tapping, interactive, and authentic roots music experience that both children and parents will enjoy and long remember. Johnette's gift for communicating with children is matched with smart musicianship and songs that make this tour of Louisiana's rich cultural landscape fun for all in attendance" (Johnette and Scott). This week in Louisiana history. August 18, 1769. O'Reilly arrives in N.O. with 24 ships and 2,600 Spanish troops to take possession of Louisiana for Spain. This week in New Orleans history. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, born on  August 26, 1892, "America's first female cryptanalyst" [code breaker].  Her testimony in cases in Galveston, Houston, and New Orleans in 1933 resulted in convictions against thirty-five bootlegging ringleaders who were found to have violated the Volstead Act. Ringleaders were directly linked with suspected shipping vessels as a result of the information arising out of her analysis. She died on October 31, 1980. This week in Louisiana. Jean Lafitte Scenic Byway 178 miles — Take 2 days to fully experience the roadway. Website This byway crisscrosses through the heart of central Acadiana and has so many points of interest that you could easily spend a week on it and not see everything there is to see. So, your best bet is to cover the trail in segments over a period of time, possibly on a two- or three-day trip. Postcards from Louisiana. Single Malt Please with Maude Caillat at the BMC Bar on Decatur St. in New Orleans. Listen on Google Play. Listen on Google Podcasts. Listen on Spotify. Listen on Stitcher. Listen on TuneIn. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

IT'S FINALLY HERE! The 2022 Radio Active Kids Halloween episode is HAPPENING this week, with BRAND-NEW Halloween songs by (in alphabetic order): Andyroo & the Andyrooniverse, Freddy Apple, Auntie Kayte, Laurie Berkner, Flor Bromley & Genevieve Goings, Coach Kody, The Dolly Shakes, Johnette Downing, From Page To Play, Lori Henriques, Itty Bitty Beats, Jesse Jukebox, Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats, James Kochalka Superstar (with ROUGH FRANCIS & Jello Biafra!), Little Feet Music, Simone Ludwig, Martin and Rose, #MrBooDaddy, Mr. Pete's Playhouse, Nanny Nikki & Kelli Welli, Nathalia, Bee Parks and the Hornets & Ants on a Log, Pata Punn & Pez al revés, Stacey Peasley, Ronnie Boy Kids, Three O'Clock Rock, Uncle Jumbo, Trevor Walls (ft. Billy Kelly, Mista Cookie Jar, & The Oot n' Oots!), & Key Wilde & Mr Clarke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's the playlist.

It's our all-Halloween show on Radio Active Kids and we have a SCARY amount of new Halloween songs, by the likes of caspar babypants, Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, Johnette Downing, Itty Bitty Beats, Suzi Shelton & Fyütch, Little Miss Ann, Billy Kelly, Levity Beet Music, Nathalia, Super Stolie, Andrew Best Music, Randale - Rockmusik für Kinder, Trevor Walls, Bee Parks and the Hornets & Ants on a Log, Emily Who, Claudia Robin Gunn, Kymberly Stewart Music, Suzanne Jamieson Music, Captain & Cat, Dad Jokes Duo, Beppie, #MrBooDaddy, Ludo Bagman and the Trash, babadumusica, The Tallest Kid In The Room, The Dolly Shakes on Wizrocklopedia Compilation Club, Shawny, & 123 Menagerie! Playlist is here.

It's Mardi Gras season in Louisiana in a year like none other. The coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt halt to annual balls and parades, and "donning a mask" has taken on a whole new meaning. But that hasn't stopped revelers from finding safe and innovative ways to celebrate. On this week's show, we learn about a new tradition perfect for Carnival in quarantine – house floats. Devin De Wulf tells us about the Krewe of Red Beans' latest initiative, which hires laid-off Carnival artists to transform homes and businesses into works of art. One of those businesses is Commander's Palace. Co-Proprietor Ti Martin shares how they're spreading Mardi Gras cheer both inside and outside as they celebrate the late, great Pete Fountain and his Half-Fast Walking Club. Next, we speak with author and songwriter Johnette Downing, who's also known as “the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions.” Johnette shares her latest album, Swamp Romp, which, among other things, seeks to answer the eternal question, Who put the baby in the king cake? Finally, writer Sally Asher and illustrator Melissa Vandiver introduce us to The Mermaids of New Orleans, who choose one day of the year to mingle with those of us who live above water – Mardi Gras Day, of course! Coronavirus won't keep them from coming ashore! For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

It’s Mardi Gras season in Louisiana in a year like none other. The coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt halt to annual balls and parades, and "donning a mask" has taken on a whole new meaning. But that hasn’t stopped revelers from finding safe and innovative ways to celebrate. On this week’s show, we learn about a new tradition perfect for Carnival in quarantine – house floats. Devin De Wulf tells us about the Krewe of Red Beans’ latest initiative, which hires laid-off Carnival artists to transform homes and businesses into works of art. One of those businesses is Commander's Palace. Co-Proprietor Ti Martin shares how they’re spreading Mardi Gras cheer both inside and outside as they celebrate the late, great Pete Fountain and his Half-Fast Walking Club. Next, we speak with author and songwriter Johnette Downing, who’s also known as “the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions.” Johnette shares her latest album, Swamp Romp, which, among other things, seeks to answer the eternal question, Who put the baby in the king cake? Finally, writer Sally Asher and illustrator Melissa Vandiver introduce us to The Mermaids of New Orleans, who choose one day of the year to mingle with those of us who live above water – Mardi Gras Day, of course! Coronavirus won’t keep them from coming ashore! For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

Johnette Downing is a multi-award-winning children’s performer, early childhood educator, author and an ambassador of Louisiana Roots culture and arts around the world. She shares her heritage and passion for teaching children.In this lively episode Johnette talks about her roots, her projects, her recordings, and books. Often referred to as the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions, Johnette concerts, author visits and educator workshops are now being retrofit to work live and online. I’m excited to share a peak into this artist’s work.

Erica Wheeler is a keynote speaker, a workshop experience and community engagement leader and yes, an award-winning singer/songwriter. She tapped into her passion for place to discover her niche. Erica transformed her music career into a niche market focused career. Discover how this singer/songwriter went back to the things in her life she was passionate about and found new, appreciative audiences. She created a brand new market for her presentations, workshops, and retreats.Discovering your own unique niche helps provide loyal audiences performance opportunities. Erica dove back into her college major along with the themes behind her own songwriting to discover a life-long passion for the environment and the places we hold dear to create her own service/product and find an untapped audience for it.In this episode I offer a PDF exercise to help you discover your own unique niche audience. visit the show notes at GetGreatGigs.com/005 to download the PDF.One Final Note: During this COVID-19 Pandemic, Get Great Gigs PodcastIs helping music people one T shirt at a time with our other project, “I’m Smiling at You Behind My Mask.” With so many music people having lost income from cancelled gigs, a portion of every T Shirt sold benefits MusiCares, a Recording Academy charity to help music people in need. Go to 360smiling.com to learn how you can participate and join our Global Smile Chorus. This week, here is Johnette Downing and Scott Billington, with their rendition of my song, “I’m Smiling at You Behind My Mask.”

This week on Radio Active Kids, we have lots of new music from Brave 123 Andrés ft. Jazzy Ash & Aaron Nigel Smith, POCO DROM, Rolie Polie Guacamole & Dog on Fleas, Roger Day, Doctor Noize, BomBarďák, The Morning Announcements, AndyRoo & the AndyRooniverse, Johnette Downing, The Tallest Kid In The Room, The Corner Us, #BuckbeatsFlight, Music in Action - Real Music For Real Kids-, #ElderWand, & Liederkoffer, plus the new #TransandNonbinaryKidsMix from Ants on a Log, ft. Alphabet Rockers, Beppie, Chana Rothman Music/Rainbow Train, Emily Joy Goldberg- Music!!!

It's Mardi Gras time in Louisiana, so on this week’s show, we're bringing Carnival to you.   We begin with author and songwriter Johnette Downing, who’s also known as “the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions.” Johnette shares her latest album, Swamp Romp, which, among other things, seeks to answer the eternal question, Who put the baby in the king cake?   Next, writer Sally Asher and illustrator Melissa Vandiver introduce us to The Mermaids of New Orleans, who choose one day of the year to mingle with those of us who live above water — Mardi Gras Day, of course!   And Jean LaFleur also joins us to talk about the Courir de Mardi Gras, a ritual that takes place in rural Creole and Cajun parishes.   For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

The Radio Active Kids #YearRoundBreakdown keeps on rolling with part 3, featuring (in alphabetical order): AGAIN AGAIN, Ants Ants Ants, artichoke, Bagpuss, #BlueMoonBoy, Suzy Cato, City Love, Cowabunga Dinosaur, Dana & The Petit Punks, Johnette Downing, Rushad Eggleston, La Granja Rock, Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys, Herr Jan, Janoweichafe, Grace Kendall, #KIDCHARGE, Kid Kouna, Kids Imagine Nation, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Krishan, Land of the Lakes, Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits, Moozika, #Noahcat, Parental Petulance, POLLE, Ratoncitos Dulces Sueños, #ToddSchiedel, Uncle Dox, & KB Whirly!!! Playlist: https://spinitron.com/wsfm/pl/9928180/Radio-Active-Kids Be sure to listen to us again every Friday & Sunday on Radio Pirinola!

Music and conversation from Johnette Downing & Scott Billington. This award winning duo perform Louisiana Family Music. Hosted by Allen Larman. Engineered by Peter Cutler. Record 5-20-19 at The Longhouse in Northridge, CA, ©folkscene

This week on Radio Active Kids, we have an interview with Renee & Friends, whose new album #Kindred is just beautiful, y'all. It's also the Asheville FM #SpringFundDrive, so please donate here if you can: ashevillefm.org/donate (We had an extra special guest too...Ben Brill from Dolphin Bum Bum!!!). Music also from Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, Lucy Kalantari, Splash'N Boots, Johnette Downing, PlaySoundz, Ultrasonic kids, Cowabunga Dinosaur & MORE, plus a new #ComixTalk from Pack Memorial Library's Raj! Playlist: https://spinitron.com/radio/playlist.php?station=wsfm&playlist=52103#here The 3 animal-themed comics that Pack Memorial Library's Raj recommended are: "The Adventures of Polo" by Régis Faller -"Kitten Construction Company" by John Patrick Green -"Mouse Guard RPG" books by David Petersen

It's Carnival time on Louisiana Eats! On this week's show, we take to the streets with a distinctive krewe of food lovers. We begin with author and songwriter Johnette Downing, who's also known as "the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions." Johnette shares her latest album, Swamp Romp, which, among other things, seeks to answer the eternal question, Who put the baby in the king cake?

We've got tons of new music this week on Radio Active Kids, plus a new comix talk with Raj from Pack Memorial Library & an interview with The Microphone Doctors!!! We'll feature songs from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, nick cope, FRANK & DEANE, Johnette Downing, Ginalina Music, Petite Music Box, The Cuddly Koalas, Little Folk Songs, Ron Albanese - POLKA DOT, #HandsUpHigh & Kathryn the Grape!!!! Playlist: https://spinitron.com/radio/playlist.php?station=wsfm&playlist=50173#here

Children in Louisiana grow up with so many local traditions that schools could practically add an extra class to cover all of them Luckily, songwriter Johnette Downing is around to set these traditional stories to music. Johnette s award winning books and songs have earned her many nicknames, from "the pied piper of Louisiana music traditions" to "the musical ambassador to children." She described her new album "Swamp Romp like this When thinking about a concept for this recording, we naturally thought of a Louisiana dance party for children filled with songs that evoke the joie de vivre, or zest for life, that we live everyday in Louisiana. This recording offers a m lange of many of the Louisiana roots music styles we love, from the Cajun, zydeco, and swamp pop of South Louisiana; to the rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, brass band, and street music of New Orleans; to the rock n roll of North Louisiana; along with a small side trip to Mississippi. We asked our musician friends who represent the best in each genre to record with us. The result, we hope, is a record that will be enjoyed equally by children, parents, and educators, and maybe even music fans who simply enjoy a good Louisiana tune. From our food to our music to our diverse cultural heritage, we open our hearts, homes, and tables to friends, family, and visitors. So come on in and join the fun. Allons danser Bailemos Let s dance

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 - Confetti Park Players Down by the Way - Andrew Best A Sailor Went to Sea - Johnette Downing Allons a Lafayette - Feufollet The Big Blue Sea - Danny O'Flaherty and Khaetidawne Quirk Sri Lanka Fisherman's Chant - Katherine Dines First we have that grand kids band, the Imagination Movers of New Orleans, with "Sensible Life of a Pirate." And then a sensible lesson in Pirate talk for ya, as featured on that brigand show, Jake & the Never Land Pirates. How about those Confetti Park Players, the cutest pirates in all the land, with Watch out for the Pirates! (Enjoy this music video featuring the Confetti Park Players and the NOLA Pyrate Society, shot on location in Pirate's Alley in the French quarters of New Orleans.) Sea Shanties Argh, Mateys I hope you enjoy the song about sailors, too, by Louisiana pied piper Johnette Downing, and the camp favorite "Down by the Bay" by Memphis children's performer Andrew Best. Then we go dancing, "Allons a Lafayette," by the Cajun band Feufollet, who started performing together as young buccaneers and are still traveling the high seas today. We also hear a song about that Big Blue Sea from Danny O'Flaherty, an Irishman who relocated to New Orleans (as many a good pirate will do), and then the beautiful "Sri Lanka Fisherman's Chant," performed by Katherine Dines, a fine fellow of the Children's Music Network. This episode's Storytime feature is a delightful piratical tale from Bill Harley, the "Ballad of Dirty Joe." I hope ye join me again — yer Mate Katy Hobgood Ray — for more wonderful children’s music from Confetti Park…. and remember to look for the magic in every day! More about Confetti Park The Confetti Park radio show streams online and airs in cities across the United States, made available to all community radio stations on the Pacifica Network. Check to see if your local community radio station carries it, and ask! Support for Confetti Park comes from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University. Visit Confetti Park at confettipark.com. 

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 - Sunpie Barnes Joke of the Day: Grizzly Bear & Harp Salmon Song - Jazzy Ash Avocado Woo Woo - Tin Men Daycare - Ph Fred Days of the Week - Jason & Layla Louis Ray - ABCs Five Little Butterflies - Johnette Downing Curious George Main Theme Song -  Dr. John We’ve Got Each Other -  Imagination Movers We begin with a game song from Arkansas, by Arkansas born New Orleans resident Bruce Sunpie Barnes. He is a real forest ranger, and a great musician. You will also hear the wonderful Tin Men of New Orleans, L.A. based Jazzy Ash (who has deep Louisiana roots), and Louisiana pied piper Johnette Downing. There is also a famous song by the famous Dr. John, all  about the most famous monkey in the world. And I know you will enjoy brother and sister duo Jason & Layla, who are wonderful artists on their own, and together. (Jason Rhein plays music in Rotary Downs and is one of the owners of Marigny Recording Studio. Layla is a professional belly dancer in NYC. They are originally from Baton Rouge.) And we have a terrific parody song by Ph Fred... "They tried to make me go to daycare, I said 'No, No, No!'"  We end with a song by the Imagination Movers all about a hurricane evacuation. These are the times when you realize what are truly the most important things in life... HINT: it's not houses nor possessions. The guys know what's up in "We've Got Each Other." This song leads us into our storytime feature, Fairweather Friend, by New Orleans poet and storyteller Marcus Page. It is the story of young friends separated because of a hurricane evacuation. You can listen to all the stories you hear on this radio show on our free Confetti Park podcast.The Confetti Park radio show and podcast is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University. Thanks for listening. Remember to look for the magic in every day!

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 Downing. And "Bye Bye Blackbird," by the great New Orleans’ banjoist Danny Barker. And there is new stuff, too… "King of the Sea" is a rap written and performed by New Orleans school kids through the Young Audiences of Louisiana arts and education network. Thanks to their teacher, Michael Patrick Welch, for recording it! Featured in this episode: Take My Turn (King Of The Sea) - Mr. Michael's Class Bye Bye Blackbird  - Danny Barker Joke of the Day - Ice Cream Let me In Ice Cream - George Lewis’ Ragtime Band Skip to My Lou - Johnette Downing    L’arc en Ciel - Michael "Beausoliel" Doucet With Family & Friends Also featured in this episodes a childhood music memory by guitarist and music producer CC Adcock, and the Louisiana folktale, The Girl Who Danced with the Devil, narrated by Catherine Golden. The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. We are in states from Alaska to Maine. Look for the full broadcast schedule here. Support for Confetti Park comes from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.  

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 slowly throughout New Orleans’ neighborhoods. His voice rang out over his loudspeaker affixed to the roof of the truck: “I have oranges! I have bananas!” When people heard him coming, they could step out their door and buy their fresh produce for the week. The Confetti Park Players are so fortunate and grateful to have had Mr. Okra sing with us on our first album. He recorded a special song with us. You can listen to the entire track. Now for the full playlist of this episode: First up is one of my favorite tunes, that first came out in 1984 and is surely as classic a Louisiana song as any. I tell you what, I defy anyone of any age, kids or adult, to listen to the song and not feel like a kid when the chorus comes on. This particular version features two patriarchs of Louisiana culture……Doug Kershaw and Fats Domino. This song is Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot. We will also here Satisfied ‘n Tickled Too, by Jeremy Lyons from his Silly Goose Music CD, which features more beautiful Americana classics created with children in mind. There is a beautiful Cajun lullaby called Raisins & Almonds sung by Nancy Tabb Marcantel, and Watermelon Time, by Ted Lindsay of Mooringsport, La., leading the Confetti Park Players in an homage to ripe summer fruit. Then we hear a trio of songs about bananas…… Oh Dego – Leroy Etienne of St. Martinville as featured on the National Park Service’s Songs Of The Lower Mississippi Delta. Anna Banana – Johnette Downing of New Orleans, pied piper of Louisiana Yes We Have No Bananas – the fabulous Louis Prima Kids, go check out Mr. Louis Prima on YouTube… he is a jazz trumpeter from New Orleans who had the energy of a kid, and a style like no one else. Well, we’ve talked about banana, watermelon and other fruits. And so now We play Mr. Okra, singing a song in his own voice. Mr. Okra…. we love you. We will miss your call. Thank you for sharing your voice with us, for sharing good food with us, and for making the world a better place. Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot – Doug Kershaw and Fats Domino Joke of the Day – Atoms Make Up Everything Satisfied ‘n Tickled Too – Jeremy Lyons Raisins & Almonds – Nancy Tabb Marcantel Apple On A Stick – The Confetti Park Players Watermelon Time – The Confetti Park Players Music Memory from Jimmy Caskey Oh Dego – New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, Leroy Etienne Anna Banana – Johnette Downing Yes We Have No Bananas – Louis Prima Have You Seen The Okra Man – Mr. Okra and The Confetti Park Players Story time: Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables by Lashon Daley Support for Confetti Park comes from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.

When Cornell roboticist and biolocomotion expert Andy Ruina decided to come to New Orleans for a physics conference he didn t plan on walking into a bar to prepare for his lecture on the physics of the self propelled bicycle and end up being suckered into a podcast conversation with a bunch of yahoos. But thanks to the evil of cocktails we now all get to learn about the physical principles behind pushing a riderless bike across a parking lot. Johnette Downing also gives us an education. You too can learn to build a poboy the way the kids in Kuwait do it. Johnette is the internatonal musical children s ambassador, or children s international ambassador of music or something similar that s harder to remember after a few drinks but whatever her title, Johnette has a charismatic and captivating way of getting your attention, and songwriting skills that create simple melodies that are deceptively catchy. After you ve heard the poboy song try getting it out of your head. Chris Klein is trying to get his music out of his head. In his series of videos with his band Chris Klein and the Boulevards, he creates what are essentially movies that are smart and sizzling. You could be the 60th person in the world to see them if you act quickly. Chris also talks tattoos he s a professional tattoo artist and even though you probably think you can imagine the crazy stuff people let a tattoo artist put on their body, you still won t believe what Chris has got to say about that. Thomas Mattera is not only the tallest guy who has ever been on Happy Hour he s also the only guest who rode his bike across the USA, twice, and lived in Nepal. If you had to be trapped on a desert island with only one other person and you could choose anybody in the world, Thomas would be a wise choice. Especially if you need to rustle up Mexican food in the middle of nowhere or build a house. Andrew Duhon cements in place the first track off his new album, "It s Alright Johnette, Leave It There" maybe not the final title . Photos at Wayfare by Alison Moon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 - Ginger & the Bee and the Confetti Park Players Sugar “Shuga”  Bee – Papillon Animal Planet - a poem by Marcus Page How Doth the Little Busy Bee – Isaac Watts, narrated by Louis Ray Twenty Bees – Johnette Downing Also featured in this episode: "A misadventure in beekeeping" by Louisiana beekeeper Dan Hobgood for Confetti Park Storytime. Confetti Park Player Louis Ray narrates a poem about bees written by Isaac Watts, and Marcus Page shares a poem about animals.   The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, 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, OffBeat magazine and Music Rising at Tulane University. Current broadcast schedule: WHIV 102.3 FM in New Orleans every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (Listen via Live Stream) KSLU 90.9 FM in Hammond every Sunday at 12 p.m. NOON Community radio stations, interested in carrying Confetti Park? Contact Katy Ray.

Since most Louisianans are nurtured to embrace an extraverted social life, getting together is second nature to life in the Bayou State. But as often as bombastic parades and revelries help build our communities, spending time over at ya mom's house is just as important. On this week's show we're joined by a group of guests who want nothing more than for you to be comfortable in your own home. Nancy Vienneau tells us how the monthly gatherings at her house turned her neighbors into friends; David and Lesley Solomonson help build an inexpensive liquor cabinet; and Johnette Downing keeps the kids entertained with upbeat songs about Louisiana cuisine. SWEET POTATO BISCUITS from Nancy Vienneau s Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook 2 medium sweet potatoes to make 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes 4 cups self rising flour 1/3 plus 1/4 cup raw sugar such as demerara or turbinado , divided 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, divided 10 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces 1/4 cup pecan pieces optional Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Place them on a baking sheet in the oven and bake until soft, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, allow them to cool, and then scoop out the insides. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl add the self rising flour, 1/3 cup sugar, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and butter pieces. Working with your hands, mix all the ingredients, rubbing the butter pieces into the flour. Work quickly; soon it will all come together in a mass. If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Beware of overworking the dough it will toughen. Dust a cutting board or counter with flour. Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter. Place on the baking sheet close together sides touching is fine . Place pecan pieces into a food processor fitted with a chopping blade. Pulse the nuts until they become finely ground. Pour into a small bowl. Add the 1/4 cup sugar and whisk until well combined. Brush the biscuit tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons buttermilk and sprinkle them with the ground pecan and sugar mixture. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 3 dozen 2 inch round biscuits. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the same quantity 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of whole milk. You may omit this step if desired.

[Johnette Downing][link1] serenades kids around the world and a bunch of (not) drunk (at all) idiots around our table at [Casa Borrega][link2]. John Richie puts his pants on one leg at a time when he's not [making movies][link3]. Jeremy Phipps has a brand new [Saint Bell][link4] record. And, yes, it's [Andrew Duhon][link5]! [link1]: http://johnettedowning.com/ [link2]: http://fbl.me/1Vp [link3]: http://www.scrubbrushproductions.com/ [link4]: http://saintbell.com/ [link5]: http://andrewduhon.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnette Downing is an award-winning singer and songwriter of music for kids. A New Orleans native, and the daughter of musical parents, Downing felt the call to perform since she was in kindergarten. “In fact, my first performance I was in kindergarten,” Downing said. “I sang in the school play. And I was very shy, and the teacher thought, ‘Well, there’s no way this child is going to get up and sing.’ So she called my mother, she said, ‘She wanted to be the lead,’ and my mother said, ‘She’ll do it, she can do it.’ And I did. I was really shy, but I could sing in front of a whole audience.” Downing said her parents exposed their kids to music at an early age because they loved music so much. “They would bring us down to the French Quarter and we would stand in the doorways of jazz clubs and listen to Dixieland Jazz,” she said. “I mean, we’re so fortunate to live in Louisiana and have all this music right here in our front yard.” Around the seventh grade Downing wanted a guitar, so her