A group of artists are transforming a vacant middle school on St. Claude into studio and performance space for artists. Ceramics classes, puppet making, screen printing, comic book arts, video production, radio, upholstry and dance are just some of the classes offered. There are also plans to transform the cafeteria into a community kitchen and teaching space for the culinary arts.
Casa Samba provides a home for Brazilian music and culture in New Orleans through classes and performances that capture the spirit of Carnival in Brazil. This week's Street Talk explores the connection between Brazilian Carnival and New Orleans' Mardi Gras, as well as their African musical and cultural roots.
Connie Jones is a master trumpeter and cornet player as well as a member of the French Quarter Festival's entertainment committee.
The Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest is the culmination of the five-day long Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. Mint Juleps in hand, a crowd gathers every year in Jackson Square to witness and participate in this competition which has come to stand for the passion and resilience of New Orleans. To see this year's contest, come to Jackson Square on March 29, and make sure to get there early.
On February 27, 2009, the Howling Wolf held a viewing followed by a funeral service for Snooks Eaglin. Friends, family and members of the musical community gathered to salute the artist formerly known as Blind Guitar Ferd, Ford Eaglin, Baby Snooks or Li’l Snook but forever known as the Human Jukebox. Street Talk stopped by to pay its respects and take part in the second line for a master musician.
A half century ago, the corner butcher shop was a staple of New Orleans neighborhood life. Today, most of these butcher shops are gone, and most people buy their meat in shrink-wrapped packages from the supermarket aisle.
For many New Orleanians, Mardi Gras season is the time to take down the boxes stuffed with glittery fabric and feathers, hit the thrift stores, and start stirring the paper mache. What does costuming mean? A time to escape, a time to play, a time to hide and be seen all at once. And sometimes, your costume becomes something else: it tells you a story about your own life.
Accompany Street Talk on the Box of Wine parade, more fun that two boxes of Franzia
The St. Claude Avenue Main Street Association pairs with MIT urban planning students to revitalize the St. Claude Avenue commercial district. Inspired by the interest in their neighborhood, residents find a renewed sense of community and volunteerism.
