Crosstown Conversations: Recent Episodes
Crosstown Conversations
Crosstown Conversations is a weekly radio show about news, arts, culture, and the environment in New Orleans, hosted by Jeanne Nathan, Wednesdays at 6:00PM on WBOK 1230. Follow us on Twitter @CrosstownConvos, and on Facebook, at CrosstownJeanneNathan; and listen online each week at http://ow.ly/ZUKcA.
4.11.26 - Sidney Torres III // Edward Buckles // Heidi Poche by Crosstown Conversations
6.21.25 - Ron Bechet, Terrence Sanders-Smith, Robert Tannen & John Isiah Walton by Crosstown Conversations
6.7.25 - Terrence Sanders-Smith // Jemima Joél & Ìyá Ọmọ'Ba Tracey Ngondu by Crosstown Conversations
8.10.24 - David Marcello, Todd Reynolds, Scott Howard & Joseph O. Evans III by Crosstown Conversations
7.26.24 - Marc Morial // Candice Divine Henderson // Dr. Giulia Monticone by Crosstown Conversations
7.19.24 - Cheryl Sutton, Diedre Meredith & Jerika Richardson by Crosstown Conversations
7.12.24 - Rory Schmitt // Denise Augustine // Sallie Ann Glassman by Crosstown Conversations
5.24.24 - Jason Waggenspack // Michael Williamson & Kirby Jane Nagle by Crosstown Conversations
11.3.23 - Arthur Roger, Jarret Lofstead & Sergio Lobo-Navia // Sandra Burshell & Karen Parsons by Crosstown Conversations
9.22.23 - Tracee Dundas // Vera Warren Williams // Doug MacCash by Crosstown Conversations
8.18.23 - Maryann Miller & Milton Hernandez // Amber Nicole Williams // Karen Ocker by Crosstown Conversations
6.23.23 - Julie Schwam Harris // Tammy Pittman // MaPó Kinnord // Clifton Webb by Crosstown Conversations
6.16.23 - Tina Freeman // Corey Serignea // Ralph Brennan // Arthur Pulizer // Andres de la Puente by Crosstown Conversations
6.9.23 - Jennifer Turner // Tom Lowenburg // Camille Guillot by Crosstown Conversations
12.16.22 - Max Krochmal & Steve Mumford // John Barnes pt. 2 by Crosstown Conversations
11.11.22 - Clancy DuBos // Silas Lee // Ethan Ellestad // Gary C. Watson & Sha'Condria 'iCon' Sibley by Crosstown Conversations
8.12.22 - Monique Verdin, Jason Waggenspack & Kevin McCafferty by Crosstown Conversations
8.5.22 - Leslie-Claire Spillman // Amanda McFillen // Satchmo Fest by Crosstown Conversations
7.1.22 - Noel Celestine & Donte Smallwood // Nyoka Armstead // Derin Lindsey by Crosstown Conversations
5.20.22 - Lisa Alexis // Leslie McDonel & Joanna Hale-McGill by Crosstown Conversations
3.18.22 - Michael Hecht // Mark Romig // Big Chief Otto "Fiyo" DeJean by Crosstown Conversations
2.18.22 - Pres Kabacoff // Ethan Ellestad // Elise Gallinot Goldman by Crosstown Conversations
2.4.22 - Megan Boudreaux // Maurice Carlos Ruffin // Mannie King by Crosstown Conversations
1.28.21 - Jo Banner & Joy Banner & Beverly Wright // Ashley Shabankareh & Christine Dunaway by Crosstown Conversations
Mississippi to the rescue, and a history of Displacement - 2.19.21 by Crosstown Conversations
Shaka Zulu-Voices of Congo Square /Jerrell Hamilton and Jasmine Johnson TwerkNola- 12.11.20
There is a time... Ethan Ellestad and Marilyn Doucette from Meals From the Heart 11.13.20
Narric W. Rome, VP of Government Affaires & Arts Education Americans for the Art 11.6.20
Homegrown Creative Leaders
Second Line Stages Founder Susan Brennan and Architect Steve Dumez on the future of New Orleans' Creative Industry
Laura = Déjà Voodoo
With Katrina A History author Andy Horowitz + Beth Butler and Reverend Richard Bell from A Community Voice
Who Owns America? Our jails, and, for fun, JAMNOLA.
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Marlin Gusman and JAMNOLA Co-Founders Jonny Liss and Chad Smith get us current.
Football, art, and black urban gardening
Mobilizing Millennials using Art for Activism at Carroll Gallery, Newcomb Art Department, Tulane University with Brandon Surtain, Emery Gluck and Carlyn Morris + Jeremy Paten & Kurston Mellon with Collection of Collections.
Cuban Coffee, Red art, another creative loss
Revisiting our interview with Keith Sonnier, plus Flagpole's Andres de La Puente and artist Bob Tannen
Signs of Life
Alana Harris, Deputy Director with the The City Of NOLA's Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy and Pharmacist Dr. Lishunda Franklin of Crescent City Pharmacy on moving forward from these current crises.
Black Independence Day and Next Steps
Writer Lolis Eric Elie and Stephanie McKee of Junebug Productions
Cleaning House
Call your friends! Fix things! Make Plans!
Randy Cohen with Americans for the Arts talks the importance of creativity; Parade of Homes goes virtual with Chairman Randy Noel plus keeping clean houses in the time of Corona with Jillian Pritchard Cooke from Wellness Within Your Walls.
Focusing protests, Juneteenth, New Art
Honorable Judge Edwin Lombard plus from Octavia Gallery, owner Pamela Bryan and artist Scott Petersen
Leadership Tests: Police Violence, Pandemic, Climate Change
Marc H. Morial and Flozell Daniels, Jr. of Foundation for Louisiana join the conversation.
Cultural Community Commitment
Miranda Restovic, President and Executive Director of Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Managing Director of Jessie Haynes of the Helis Foundation, and Deputy Director Chris Harter of the Amistad Research Center talk art, community and the Louisiana Culture Care Fund.
Business and Art in Covid + Aaron Neville and Keith Spera on Little Richard's Legacy.
Kelisha Garrett on the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce assistance with PPP & other small business money matters; and Dillard University Art Director John Barnes.
Cities/Parks/People
Opening the Botanical Gardens City Park with Director Paul Soniat, Landscape Architect Diane Jones + Jana Mestecky and Michael Newcomer from Crescent City Stage's new Macbeth.
Big Problems Need Big Solutions
Lessons from historian Patrick Maney from FDR's New Deal, and Attorney Wendy Manard from on navigating Louisiana unemployment during COVID-19.
Flight or Fight
StayLocal's Dana Eness & Maryann Miller on protecting local business + Gene Meneray from The Ella Project breaks down COVID relief funds.
Moving Forward with Music in New Orleans
Part 2 w/Delfeayo Marsalis, and MACCNO Executive Director Ethan Ellestad
Pandemic Revelations and Honoring Ellis Marsalis
Delfeayo Marsalis, Dr. Amy Lesen on Covid race inequities, and Matthew Van Meter on his Deep Delta Justice
Seeking Art in a Pandemic
New Ashé CEO Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes and ACNO Creative Director Lindsay Glatz + art show manager Katy Odell take the market online, artist MaPo Kinnord on Artists in View
Prepping for a pandemic with John Barry, art in unexpected places with CUVNOLA, Bon Moment's Michelle Mashon from the events side of these wide-ranging cancellations and postponements.
Covid Comes to Louisiana; New Art Space by Artists
From LA Dept of Health, Dr. Joe Kanter and Corona expert Dr. David Mushatt; Artists Keith Duncan and Amy Bryant's new exhibit, Conversations, at Art Space 3116
The Spirit of Mardi Gras Indians and Tannen's Box-City
Chief Shaka Zulu with Dian Winingder, and artist Michelle Dashev and Benjamin Hickey, curator at Hilliard Art Museum.
Love and Pollution
NOLA.com Environmental Reporters Sara Sneath and Mark Schleifstein + Anne Rolfes, Director of Louisiana Bucket Brigade, on fighting Big Oil; plus, switching things up for Valentine's Day.
How Free People of Color shaped opera, and moving past impeachment.
Givonna Joseph, Founder and Artistic Director of OperaCreole, and political strategist Karen Carvin
Preserving citrus, our homes and our city.
Citrus farmer Fred Swartz, Artist Robert C. Tannen, and Fritz Rolufs on Ray Boudreaux's legacy
New for 2020
Incoming Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans President George Scheer, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Executive Director Bren Haase on new coastal plans, Photographer Cheryl Gerber's new book on New Orleans Women, Cherchez la Femme.
First King Cakes and Carnival, and an important legislative session.
League of Women Voters President Rosalind Cook, King Cake Hub founder Will Samuels + Richard Read of NOCCA
First King Cakes and Carnival, and an important legislative session.
League of Women Voters President Rosalind Cook, King Cake Hub founder Will Samuels + Richard Read of NOCCA
First King Cakes and Carnival, and an important legislative session.
League of Women Voters President Rosalind Cook, King Cake Hub founder Will Samuels + Richard Read of NOCCA
Women in Music...Business, and the Black Film Festival
Music Industry Exec Michelle Thomas, Music Producer Trina Shoemaker + Filmmaker Gian Smith on the Black Film Festival
The Heart of the Arts for Giving Tuesday.
Artist MaPo, No Dream Deferred NOLA's local premiere, Beryl Johns of Stella Jones Gallery talks giving art for the holidays
Push Back on Tax Breaks for Petro Chemical Companies, and Thanks-Giving
Robert Taylor on fighting Big Oil + chefs from Parkway Tavern and Mother's Restaurant share their favorite holiday dishes
Voting is just the beginning; Earth-Works opening; Chaya's pies!
Votes are counted, now what? Urban Planner Steven Kennedy guides us; Artist Kristina Larsen + Decadent Pies by Bywater Bakery's Chaya Conrad
Your most powerful tool: your vote.
Dr. Silas Lee, Environmental Journalist Joan Meiners, and Political Strategist Karen Carvin Shachat
True Don Quixote writer/director Chris Poché and from Louisiana Film and Entertainment Assn, Trey Burvant
Improvisation Conference, Jules Feiffer, and new ideas
Randy Fertel and Gianna Chacchere
Film Fest 30th Anniversary; Who Do VoDou New Orleans style.
Jennifer Samani invites us to the New Orleans Film Festival, plus Sallie Ann Glassman and the Vodou on Day of the Dead.
Bodies of Knowledge in art and 3 billion birds gone from Earth
NOMA's contemporary art curator Katie Pfohl, musician Mahmoud Chouki and Dr. Erik Johnson on the disappearing birds.
Photographer Richard Sexton on his new book, Enigmatic Stream: Industrial Landscapes of the Lower Mississippi and TV writer/producer, Deno Seder
Icebergs and Marshes, Building communities on the ground level.
Artist Tina Freeman on her new book and exhibit; Julius E. Kimbrough, Jr. from CCCLT on their new projects
Angela M Chalk, MSHCM Executive Director Healthy Community Services
Kirsha Kaechele Artist
and
Dana Brown, Landscape Architect
Betsy, Camille, Katrina--have we learned yet; First slave ship on North American shore, August 1619
Social activist Malik Rahim, Civic Leader Paul Montjoy III, and Sculptor Robert C. Tannen
Woodstock Lessons; purple state? breakthrough in arts education?
Reflections on Woodstock with Lew Feldstein, New Orleans Arts Education Alliance Dr. Célèste Kee and community organizer Broderick Bagert
Last Summer Sunday 2019; Artists talk at HNOC
Sculptor Jeff Becker, The Historic New Orleans Collection's Oral Historian Mark Cave and Horticulturist Anna Timmerman
Making Monsters
And now Art Neville; P-Art-Y for White Linen #25, now and then.
With the ARTS District, Marcela Correa + Mardi Gras Indian and artist Demond Melancon
Comedians, deadly spiders, and a 30 foot lifeboat
Comics Camille Roane, Ashleigh Branch & Nkechi Chibueze; Arachnid expert Katie Rompf, Robert Tannen on existential threat of climate change
Michael Manjarris, Sculptor; Jennifer Odem, Artist; Sculptor Robert C. Tannen and Mannie King with FrootOrleans
Oral History of the Art of the City at The Historic New Orleans Collection
Ear to the Ground: Earth and Element in Contemporary Art Now - August 31st, 2019 at NOMA
FrootOrleans is responsible for the current #Frootwave (the fruit trend that's been happening) across America ...
Collin Arnold Director, Office of Homeland Security, New Orleans Patrick Armstrong with NOLA Trash Mob Laura Tennyson, Associate Director of External Affairs, Contemporary Arts Center Kari Morehead, Events Producer, Crevasse 22 | River House
We revisit our 2018 interview with Leah Chase, Writer Megan Braden-Perry + Linetta Gilbert and Valerie Robinson on the Juneteenth Program
Journalist Bob Marshall on the coast, Michelle Ganon from the Port of New Orleans, Noa Elliot and Bailee Stewart from the MoVE Initiative
The New St. Bernard and Wildly beautiful swing jackets and bags
Jason Stopa, St. Bernard Parish Community Director and Artist Starr Hagenbring
Leah Oby invites us to party with the LPO, Violinist Jenna Sherry from the Birdfoot Festival, and Steven Maklansky of Louisiana State Museum
Legendary musician Leo Nocentelli, and from Historic New Orleans Collection, VP Daniel Hammer and inventive artist Xiao Xiao
Queen of New Orleans Soul Irma Thomas and Navigating the City on Two Wheels with Kevin Larmann of the Law Tigers
Bayou Road Merchants: Mark Lawes of Half Shell Oyster Bar, Shana Sassoon from Pagoda Cafe, Alvin Reese of Club Carribbean, Vera Warren Williams of Community Book Store, and Melissa Woods and Michele Burton-Oatis, Owners of CupCake Fairies.
Renewal, Louisiana Churches and the Art of Place
Pastor Mason T. Jack of Mount Bethel Baptist Church, Lafayette-based writer Megan Romer on the importance of giving to churches closer to home, and Architect and Author Lee Ledbetter on his new book, a collection of space, The Art of Space
Mississippi River Breaches, Ooh Pa Pah Do: Losing wetlands and culture in Louisiana
John M. Barry, Professor Gerald Galloway & US Army Corps Colonel Michael Clancy on the state of the city + Judy Hill of What You Gonna Do When the World's On Fire film screening at NOCCA April 9.
70 artists at Historic New Orleans Collection; artist/author Carol Pulitzer, whose Little Theater and Most Likely to Succeed are collections of super-short illustrated stories, Artist Jan Gilbert, and Amanda McFillen Associate Director of Museum Programs at The Historic New Orleans Collection on the new series, Art of the City: Postmodern to Post-Katrina, at THNOC Presented by The Helis Foundation April 6, 2019 to October 6, 2019
Haley Burns of of Fund 17, Kristyn Tramel, Junior League & Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship Committee, and Artist Keith Sonnier
DDD President Kurt Weigel, Jon Atkinson, CEO of the Idea Village, and Robert Lalka of Tulane's School of Business & Lepage Center; filmmaker Jonathan Isaac Jackson
he Downtown Development District, (DDD) and Creative Alliance of New Orleans, (CANO) present a forum during Idea Village's New Orleans Entrepreneur Week to explore the most effective strategies for combining real estate resources and creative industries production and programming for revitalizing urban neighborhoods and promoting economic development.
Sharing the road with bicyclists with Urban Planner Robert C. Tannen and this year's Art in Bloom co-chair, Sweet Dupuy, on their upcoming NOMA fundraiser
CEO of New Schools for New Orleans Patrick Dobard and Broderick Bagert, Lead Organizer of Together Baton Rouge, Together Louisiana
Artists/entrepreneurs Interpret Carnival Bywater Bakery preps us for Carnival and Atlas Beads prepares to give back
Moscow Nights performs 24 Hours in the Life of Pontius Pilate, Founder/Creator Natasha Remur and Dillard University Theater Professor Ray Vraze discuss
Aimee Smallwood on the Tiny House Festival, Angela Chalk and guests on staying green in winter, Leah Hennessy on Airlift's Snow Ball
Jon Batiste and from New York Times, journalist Michael Kimmelman; Artist Pippin Frisbie-Calder and Gallery Director Christy Wood give ART!
Landscapes + Monsters and other events
Calvin Alexander 9th ward Tricentennial event - Global Green Mary Richard 9th ward Tricentennial event - Global Green Andrea Armstrong Professor, Loyola - Voting Locally artists Gina Phillips and Jonathan Mayers on the new exhibit at Crevasse 22, Landscapes and Monsters,
City of a Million Dreams author Jason Berry His new film, City of a Million Dreams, traces the evolution of modern-day jazz funeral tradition - and the city - from the late 18th century to today. And LSU AgCenter Horticulturalist Anna Timmerman on Winter landscaping
Stacey Pfingsten, Executive Director of Louisiana Architecture Foundation, presenting the
Interview with Paul Sohi, Rau Kata, and Vasu Gadiparti of the India Association of New Orleans. 2018 India Independence Day Celebration & Cultural Enrichment Program taking place at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The event will benefit their community center project. The completed project will provide a space for the New Orleans Indian community to gather and celebrate, will provide math, science, and grammar tutoring for its diverse Louisiana community's students and will also be a focal point for cultural enrichment actives serving the needs of its diverse Louisiana community.
Interview with Paul Sohi, Rau Kata, and Vasu Gadiparti of the India Association of New Orleans. 2018 India Independence Day Celebration & Cultural Enrichment Program taking place at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The event will benefit their community center project. The completed project will provide a space for the New Orleans Indian community to gather and celebrate, will provide math, science, and grammar tutoring for its diverse Louisiana community's students and will also be a focal point for cultural enrichment actives serving the needs of its diverse Louisiana community
"Simple Decision"/"Mama! Papa!"
Author Lawrence N. Powell, Immigration Law expert Laila L. Hlass and Homer Lopez
The Gulf, Past, Present and Future
Pulitzer Prize winning Jack E. Davis and Jeff Goodall, Vernon McKay on your trees
Art by Bike, a Theater Golden Era, 7th Ward Celebrates
From Treme/7th Ward Fest: Angela Chaulk, Cheryl Austin and Sabrina Mays-Montana; Jan Gilbert's Portage Bike Tour, Southern Rep's Aimee Hayes
Louisiana Economy, and What Do We Do About It?
Why has Louisiana been ranked the worst economy in the U.S. and do we do about it? Walter Lane, Arlanda Williams and Cely Pedescleaux
New Orleans parade and funeral customs; Joan Mitchell Foundation, and keeping trees safe from hurricanes
Historian Jason Berry, Culture Bearer Marvin Million, Gia Hamilton on Modern Matriarch and the Joan Mitchell Foundation and Arborist Vernon McKay
Eclipsed on Stage; Billie Beads on Esplanade; Vote to Power
From Southern Rep's newest, Eclipsed, Lauren E. Turner and Jenny Windstrup; Jackie Jones w/Jeremiah Group + Billie and Bob of Billie Beads
Invisibility in visual art; Migrating birds are here; a good art Samaritan on Broad Street Conversation on invisibility in art with Bob Tannen, Nurhan Gokturk, and John Barnes Jr.; Artist Journey Allen schools artistic youths
HOPE Inaugurated; Your Trees; Youth wanted for Duck Carving
Former Mayor Moon Landrieu; Arborist Vernon McKay; wild fowl carvers Richard Reeves, Mike Bonner and Dickie Autin discuss their passion
School on the Move; French Consulat; Haitian art with a Cajun accent, Life on Bayou Road
Vera Triplett of Noble Minds, Debbie & Philipe of Kitchen Witch, Consulat general de France Vincent Sciama, Amy Bonwell on Tina Girouard
Students Olivia Keefe and Louise Oliver prepare to March for Our Lives, Gene Meneray and Nicelle Herrington on SXSW and the NOLA Film Scene
Martin Luther King, in his own words, Matt Suarez, C.O.R.E., Joyce Vansean, IndivisibleNOLA
Enough! Fossil Free Fest; Spring/Easter Fashion and Mid City Gems
Imani Brown on Fossil Free Fest, Tracee Dundee and Laverne Saulny talk spring fashions; Bon Moment's Michelle Mashon on My Fair Mid City
Our Disappearing Coast, the Riverfront, and Terence Blanchard's Opera "Champion" Andreanecia M. Morris from HousingNOLA, Environmental Reporter Mark Schleifstein, and Joe McKesson with New Orleans Opera
Terence Blanchard's Opera, "Champion", and Art in Bloom
Terence Blanchard introduces his new opera and NOMA's Anne Redd talks Art in Bloom
Entrepreneurial Contest; Mardi Gras Indians and nature in art; Claiborne Avenue's future Artist Michelle Dashev, Landscape architect Austin Allen and Aimee Smallwood on NOEW's Arts-based Business Pitch Contest
Prospect 4 ends this weekend; French Film Festival begins; Science rewards students From P4: Trevor Schoonmaker, New Chair Christopher Alfieri & artist Jeanne Vockroth, plus John Desplas' French film picks, GNOSF
Jana Napoli's Hunters Brunch; Propeller's Andrea Chen; Goodbye Mary Lou Christovich with Sandra Stokes and Florence Jumonville
Angela Atkins, Louisiana NOW; Propeller's Andrea Chen; Goodbye Mary Lou Christovich with Sandra Stokes and Florence Jumonville
A tribute to Civil Rights leader Johnny Jackson, Horticulture expert Anna Timmerman and Angela King's Swamp Goddess
Amanda Soprano preps us for the Nyx Parade, Baby Doll Ladies, Kevin Centanni talks the World's Unfair Ball, and artist Norah Lovell
Sheriff Marlin Gusman and Councilman Jason Williams, part 2 of our interview with Leah Chase
Chef Leah Chase, Karen Carvin Shachat, and ArtFusion with photographer Ashley Lorraine, Chief Shaka Zulu and Jessica Knox
Novelist and former Wall Street maven Maureen Sherry Councilwoman Cindy Nguyen NOLA Photo Alliance Executive Director Amy Dailey-Williams
Justin McKee and Caitlin Davis, the raffish editors Kim Rice , Artist, The Divide Linda Lopez, St. Bernard Parish Art Guild
Megan Koza-Mitchell Prospect 4 CCH Pounder Artist, Actress Pippen Frisbie-Calder Artist The Myth Makers Artist
John Kleinschmidt A Studio in the Woods Grace Rennie A Studio in the Woods Angela Chalk Plant4Peace, community organizer Alicia Neal Plant4Peace, community organizer
Sara Hershowitz Euridice, Orpheus in the Underworld Casey Candebat Orpheus, Orpheus in the Underworld Aimee Smallwood CEO, Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation
Alaina W. Hebert Associate Curator, Hogan Jazz Archive, Tulane Givonna Joseph Opera Creole
Victoria Coy Executive Director, Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition Dustin Keene NOLA City Beach Dian Winingder Designer, Art for Arts' Sake Heather Morris MyNew Orleans Photo Project Maggie Mullins MyNew Orleans Photo Project
Fallon Young N.O. Film Society Executive Director Clint Bowie N.O. Film Society Artistic Director Jonathan Jackson NOLA FIlmmaker Maggie Hadleigh-West NOLA FIlmmaker
Mike Steele Governor's Office Leah Hennessy Music Box Village Brian Wolshon Professor of Civil Engineering at Louisiana State University and the founding Director of the Gulf Coast Research Center for Evacuation and Transportation Resiliency
Chad Alfonso Cruzin Da Parish Jan Ramsey Offbeat Magazine Andrew Grafe Treme Neighborhood Assn.
Julie Jones Bywater Neighborhood Association President Sylvia Scineaux-Richard New Orleans East Neighborhood Association President Emily Leitzinger Mid City Neighborhood Association President
Austen Allen Professor of Landscaping at LSU Susannah Burley SoulNOLA Stacey Phingsten LA Architecture and Design Film Festival
H.D. Bosworth, Jr. Levees.org Dana Eness Urban Conservancy Prisca Weems Water Collaborative Julia Kumari Drapkin I See Change
Nicholas Payton Charmaine Neville musician NOLA NOLAMusic NOLAMusician Emily Madero French Quarter Festivals, Inc. Pippen Frisbie Calder artist Aaron Levi Garvey Ginette Bone and Blake Boyd Boyd Satellite Gallery
Wayne Curtis Cocktail Writer Jenn O'Blenis Brand Ambassador Waites Laseter Root, Mixologist
Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League Melanie Bronfin, Director Louisiana Policy Institute for Children
Walter Leger, LA State Representative, Clancy DuBos, New Orleans commentator; Nicholas Albares, policy analyst; JP Morrell, State Senator
3 22 17 Experts from UNESCO, Pittsburgh, St. Bernard and New Orleans inspire and illuminate the importance of Creative Industries.
2 22 17 Kristian Sonnier, Vice President of Communications & Public Relations, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Jim Pate Executive Director, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
4 19 17 - Monika Baudoin, Desmond Richardson, Elizabeth McMillan, Monicka Bolling, Liz Burpee and Blake Owens
5 31 17 - Whitney Museum founder John Cummings and Phyllis Jordan, Founder of PJ's Coffee
Listen to Jeanne Nathan talk with guests Dr. Ann Kay Logarbo, Anne Lloyd and Aimee Smallwood!
Joining us for this week's episode of Crosstown Conversations were Kim Ford, an activist in the 9th Ward, Ginette Bone, a gallery owner in the Warehouse District and Andreanecia Morris of HousingNOLA, and Jeff Schwartz and Dasjon Jordan of Broad Community Connections. Jeanne Nathan leads them through a candid conversation on revitalization, rebuilding, displacement, gentrification and life eleven years after Hurricane Katrina.
Erica Tannen, founder of the-e-list; Jon Luther, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans
Rosemary James, co-founder of the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society; Mark Davis, director of the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy; Johnny Bradberry, Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Dr. Corey Hebert of Community Health TV; Dr. Raoult Ratard, Louisiana State Epidemiologist; Bambi Deville, Owner of Bambi Deville's Vintage Fashions; ChloëBass, Conceptual Artist
Mitchell Gaudet, sculptor; Chris Haines, board member of the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation; Dr. Sonya Forte Duhé, Director and Professor in the School of Mass Communication at Loyola University; Bobbie Semple, student at American University in the Foreign Language and Communication Media program
Sandra Green Thomas of the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee; Maxine Crump, Broadcast Journalist; Adam Rothman, associate professor of History at Georgetown
Jason Waggenspack and Jimmy Hornbeak of THE RANCH Film Studios; Jebney Lewis, sculptor and musician
Liza Sherman, Chief Operating Officer of Tulane Hillel; Jenna Sherry, Artistic Director of Birdfoot Festival; Sarah Quintana, Singer-Songwriter
Linda Pompa, Executive Director of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants & Business Association; Ginette Bone, Owner of Boyd Satellite Gallery; Bryan C. Lee, Jr., Director of Place + Civic Design, Arts Council of New Orleans
Chris Cajoleas, Founder and Manager of Swimming Entertainment; John Swenson, Consulting Editor of Offbeat Magazine; Dr. Jean Montès, Artistic Director of Greater Youth Orchestra of New Orleans
Brian Camelio, Founder and CEO of ArtistShare; Ghazi Shami, Founder and CEO of EMPIRE Distribution; Anne Roberts, Curator of New Orleans Museum of Art
Chef Daniel Esses, CEO of Dryades Public Market; Robert Tannen, Artist and Urban Planner; David G. Spielman, Photographer
Tank and the Bangas, Erin Greenwald of the Historic New Orleans Collection, Dr. Valerie Francis for Porgy & Bess at Nicholls State University
Flor Serna with Electric Girls, Lee Rouse for Botanical Park Spring Show, Brian Knighten owner of Broad Street Theater
Tim Williamson and Victoria Adams Phipps of Idea Village describe and talk about promoting the "entrepreneurial mindset" in New Orleans communities, and role of disruption in shaping in creative economies. Then, Chris Groh with Startup Weekend New Orleans discusses his organization's bootcamp for local entrepreneurs, and why it's important for them to share their ideas for startups instead of always keeping them secret. Finally, Lindsay Fox of LookFar talks about her software development studio's work with local entrepreneurs; and she teases the subject of next week's electrifying show.
A special show on St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Days, featuring Ronald Lewis, Director of the House of Dance and Feathers, discussing the history and tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians; award-winning Irish dancer Joni Muggivan of the Muggivan School of Irish Dance; and award-winning Executive Chef Matt Murphy of The Irish House pub on St. Charles.
Jeanne and Jonathon Glus, CEO of the Houston Arts Alliance, talk about how the City of Houston is working to improve the quality of life and business climate for its young creative entrepreneurs, and how the lessons learned in Houston can be applied in New Orleans -- particularly for lower-income creatives.
Clancy DuBos of The Gambit and Jeanne break down the results from Super Tuesday, and discuss what they mean for Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. Then artist and activist Imani Brown from Blight’s Out talks culture and politics, and gentrification trends in New York and New Orleans. Finally, Aimee Smallwood of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation and Miranda Restovic of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities promote Culture-Up, a new business incubator for creative entrepreneurs in New Orleans.
First, Rev. Willie Calhoun joins Jeanne to discuss concerns about a new plan to construct homes on more than 200 vacant lots in the Lower Ninth Ward. Then, Mary Beth Romig of the New Orleans Housing Authority details and defends the planning process behind the initiative. Finally callers, including artist Robert Tannen, join in to share their views about redevelopment plans in the wake of Katrina, and community involvement with proposals.
First, Troy Powell, Artistic Director of the Ailey II dance company, talks about his life as a dancer and an upcoming event in New Orleans. Then, Jasiri X, a Pittsburgh-based hip-hop artist, talks about empowering members of marginalized communities to express themselves using music and technology; and we preview one of his tracks. Finally, we’re joined by New Orleans native Anais St. John, a jazz vocalist, to talk about her tribute to Donna Summer and career.
New Orleans native Jacqueline Humphries calls in from Brooklyn to discuss her exhibition of silver and blacklight paintings at the Contemporary Arts Center, and her influences as an artist. Then, opera singer Valerie Francis and Father William Maestri of the Archdiocese of New Orleans promote Dr. Francis’ upcoming “Musical Prelude to the Celebration of Easter” performance at Old Ursuline Convent in town, and the archdiocese’s Lenten Concert Series (ongoing through March 10, 2016). We also hear a sample of Dr. Francis’ performance of a Negro spiritual. Dr. Francis is also an assistant professor of music at Nicholls State University.
Two members of the legendary Batiste family, Damon and David Sr., join Jeanne to discuss the history of their musical family, and the legacies of prominent musical families in New Orleans. Then, New Orleans local Telley Madina of Oxfam America joins the panel to talk about the need to diversify the local economy by investing in the creative industry.
Chuck Perkins fills in for Jeanne, and topics include the Canal Street fire, the case for marijuana legalization, and justice system reform.
Brenda Breaux, Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and Andreanecia Morris of HousingNOLA join host Jeanne Nathan to discuss housing and development issues in New Orleans, plus Mike Park with the Army Corps of Engineers stops by to discuss recent flooding along the Mississippi River.
Aimee Smallwood, CEO of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, and stops by to discuss the prospects under a new governor for better support of the state's creative industry. Then, Kiyoko McCrae, Managing Director of Junebug Productions, talks her company’s multimedia civil rights retrospective, and the current controversy over removing Confederate monuments in New Orleans.
New York Times bestselling author John Barry talks about the challenges of flood protection in Louisiana. Then, advertising creative Marlon Lee talks about his career in Amsterdam, and how the City of New Orleans might emulate the Dutch to grow its cultural economy.
Andreanecia Morris, Vice President of Homeownership and Community Development for Providence Community Housing, talks about HousingNOLA’s 10-year plan to address affordable housing issues in New Orleans. Then, Gia Hamilton, Director of the Joan Mitchell Center, discusses how center’s residency program for visual artists.
Local artist Robert Tannen and Jeanne recap the most compelling social and cultural developments of 2015, including the Black Lives Matter movement, mass shootings and gun violence, the specter of climate change, and the rise of Donald Trump as a political force.
Tulane University architecture professor Errol Barron talks about architecture in New Orleans, and Errol’s career as an artist. Then, local artist Bruce Davenport, Jr. talks about his work depicting marching bands, and the influences on his art. Finally, Katie Tommaseo, head of tourism for St. Bernard Parish, and historian Bill Hyland of discuss the art and cultural history of the parish.
Local politico and Louisiana Justice Institute Co-Director Jacques Morial previews the upcoming runoff election for governor. Then, celebrated dancer Donald Williams, and Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of the New Orleans Ballet Association, drop by to discuss NOBA’s mission and history, and Donald’s career and ongoing collaboration with NOBA. Finally, New Orleans native Jacqueline Humphries, daughter of jewelry designer Mignon Faget, talks about her influences and her career retrospective at the Contemporary Arts Center.
Jeanne remembers the life and legacy of Allen Toussaint, joined by Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation; veteran composer and film scorer Jay Weigel; and Los Angeles-based musician and songwriter Ned Albright. Also, Julie Schwam Harris, co-chair of Louisiana Agenda for Women, Latonja Silvester, President of SEIU Local 21LA, and Telley Madina of Oxfam America discuss the Louisiana governor’s race.
Sculptor and installation artist Roy Stabb, an artist-in-residence at the Joan Mitchell Center in Bayou St. John, discusses his work involving nature. Then, Linda Pompa, Executive Director the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants and Business Association, promotes the upcoming 9th annual New Orleans Central City Festival, and discusses business development along O.C. Haley post-Katrina. Angel Wilson?
Jeanne talks about the food, business trends, and history of local celebrated eateries, with Jack Murphy, owner of new Marigny restaurant Paladar 511; Stephen Polier, owner of Sugar Park on St. Claude; Diane Marino of Jack Dempsey’s in Bywater; Bryon Peck of Elizabeth’s on Chartres, and Cassi Dymond from Satsuma.
Joshua Perry, Executive Director of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, discusses LCCR’s report calling for youth to be removed from adult jail, and problems with the juvenile justice system. Next, Alysia Savoy, Performing Arts Manager at the Contemporary Arts Center, promotes “How to Build a Forest,” a colorful, interactive eight-hour installation and performance inspired by recent environmental disasters impacting Louisiana woodlands and ecosystems. Then, Jessie Haynes, philanthropy director for the Helis Foundation, promotes opening of the Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden in City Park, and discusses the sculptor’s life and work, and the foundation’s support of the arts. Finally, UNO’s Dr. Ed Chervenak joins Jeanne to preview the upcoming elections.
Civil rights activist and former First Lady of New Orleans Sybil Hayden Morial joins Jeanne to discuss her memoir, “Witness to Change,” about the Jim Crow and Civil Rights Movement eras in New Orleans. Then, local actress Amy Alvarez, and Moscow Nights artistic director Natasha Ramer, discuss their new production, “Façade,” which profiles a family dealing with their son’s terminal illness. Finally, local architect Bryan C. Lee, Jr., Place + Civic Design Director for the Arts Council of New Orleans, talks about his work and the professional climate for black architects.
New Orleans real estate developer Pres Kabacoff, co-founder and CEO of HRI Properties, and local artist Sallie Ann Glassman, co-founders of the New Orleans Healing Center, discuss their upcoming New Orleans Festival of Water, and the socio-economic, cultural, and spiritual impacts of water for the city. Then, local artist Christina Juran, Art Director of the New Orleans Art Center, stops by to promote the upcoming Bywater Biennial, and her organization’s mission and community events. Finally, Jolene Pinder, Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society, promotes the upcoming New Orleans Film Festival.
Climate Interactive’s Co-Director Drew Jones, and NASA scientist Dr. Gavin Schmidt talk about recent trends with the warming Earth, and climate change science. Next, Dr. Karin Muraszko, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan, talks multiple sclerosis and other neurological health issues as she attends a neurological conference in New Orleans. Then, local attorney and art collector Chris Alfieri discusses a lost sculpture by Lynda Benglis from the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans that he found in Kenner, restored with the help of the Helis Foundation, and placed in City Park. Finally, artist Monique Verdin, discusses her work that focuses on the culture and challenges of Houma Indians.
Justin Ehrenworth, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, discusses how the financial resources from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and coastal restoration, can benefit the creative industry and cultural economy of New Orleans. Then, author Barbara Sillery discusses her new book, “Biloxi Memories,” and the cultural history of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast from Jim Crow to the present.
Dr. Gary Clark, Chair of the Department of Political Science at Dillard University, joins Jeanne to recap the recent Republican presidential debate. Then Sean Snyder, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, talk about the orchestra’s new home at the Orpheum Theatre downtown.
Barbara Hill Moore, internationally renown singer and Meadows Professor of Voice at Southern Methodist University, and internationally acclaimed opera singer and Louisiana native Leon Turner discuss their new production, “Wading Home,” about a young musician searching for his missing father who stayed behind during Hurricane Katrina.
Jeanne reviews where New Orleans and its communities stands in its recovery 10 years after the storm — and compares the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina to its recovery from Hurricane Betsy; with Kim Ford, Executive Director of the L9 Resilience Festival, and Ro Brown, former WDSU sports anchor and Sports Director at WBOK-AM. Then, Monique Moss, choreographer and artistic director at Third Eye Theatre, promotes “9th Ward Improv Opera,” an interdisciplinary performance work to commemorate Katrina 10. Finally, author and New Orleans local Morgan Molthrop promotes a planned art installation in Mid-City to commemorate the storm; and actor and former City Councilman Oliver Thomas calls in to join the panel.
Gia Hamilton, Director of the Joan Mitchell Center, promotes the grand opening of the center, and its purpose in the cultural and even socio-economic life of the city. Afterwards, artist Chelsea “Che” Elisabeth her work, “#DignityinProcess,” which discusses concepts of sustainable activism and intersectional identity.
Callers and artist Robert Tannen weigh in on the proposed removal of Confederate monuments from New Orleans; and Russell Lord, curator with the New Orleans Museum of Art, promotes the Katrina 10 retrospective “Ten Years Gone," which includes Willie Burch’s representations in bronze of the homes of crawfish. Also, Tannen promotes the upcoming “People’s Mural” interactive art project at the Myrtle Banks Building on Oretha Castle Haley.
Lower Ninth Ward resident and community leader Calvin Alexander reminisces about about why he chose to live in Holy Cross, his return to New Orleans after the storm, real estate speculators in his neighborhood, and his public anger with the proposal to turn the Lower Ninth north of Galvez into green space. Also, Kim Ford, Executive Director of the L9 Resilience Festival, shares her memories of returning to the Lower Nine, and progress in redevelopment there.