Sharon Litwin

Meet the Man Who's Bringing The Dalai Lama To Town

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Most New Orleanians have probably heard that the Dalai Lama is in town this week. But perhaps you do not know of the work it took to bring the spiritual leader of 6 million Tibetan Buddhists to this city.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin talks with Ronald Marks, the Tulane scholar who organized the visit.

Burden Of WWII Responsibilities Kept Secret For More Than 30 Years

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Sixty eight years ago this week — May 8, 1945 to be exact — the Second World War ended in Europe with the signing of the official documents in Berlin. But, for one group of British military women, it would be more than 30 years before they were allowed to talk about their secret role in that devastating conflict.

Sharon Litwin had the chance to speak with one of them for this week's Notes from New Orleans; she filed this report from the back patio of a charming, soft-spoken resident of Covington, Louisiana.

Need Plans After Jazz Fest? Make a Date with the Master of Puppets

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Inarguably, festival season in New Orleans is in full swing. But while most of the attention is going to multi-million dollar projects with international fans, there are still other festivals happening under the radar.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin speaks to a Marigny artist about the festival she's put together at two separate venues. One's family friendly, while the other is a bit taboo.

Big Chief Casby Prepares Mirthful Celebration on West Bank

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

For many members of our community, Carnival is not complete without a glimpse of at least one extraordinary, only-in-New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian. And even though there's been a couple of occasions for street sightings — like Mardi Gras Day, Uptown Super Sunday, and Downtown Super Sunday — those events are long past.

However, on this week's Notes from New Orleans Sharon Litwin tells us about one last chance to see the tribes en masse, and it's coming up soon.

Hear Music from Musaica's Upcoming "Green" Performance

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:31:50 +0000

The performance life of a symphony musician requires complete professional perfection. Their rigorous days are spent responding to the singular interpretation of conductors and music directors, so when it's time to unwind many choose leisurely hobbies.

Still, others can't get away from playing more music. Sharon Litwin finds out why on this week's Notes from New Orleans.

John Besh Brings It On Home

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:48:02 +0000

New Orleans chef John Besh's new cooking series premieres this week on PBS affiliates around the country. Besh is not only the owner of nine acclaimed restaurants and author of two award-winning cookbooks, but also a devoted husband and father of four young sons.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin talks with John about how he manages to control all of his life's moving parts.

Do a Little Turn on the Catwalk

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:31:58 +0000

Practicing two disciplines can exhaust even the most regimented of us. Throw in a third pursuit and things feel like a juggling act that could splatter without the utmost attention.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin introduces us to Elizabeth Shannon, a New Orleans artist who's balanced sculpture, photography and fashion all the way from the Atchafalaya River to the catwalk.

Campanella Assesses Bywater's Gentrification

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Gentrification: a welcome concept to some; a fighting word to others. And because one of New Orleans' neighborhoods, the Bywater, is undergoing this change, it should come as no surprise that the cultural shift received some attention in an article posted on New Geography.com.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin asks the author, Tulane professsor Richard Campanella, for a definition of that most controversial word.

Everyone's Gone to the Movies

Sharon Litwin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:23:26 +0000

For almost 40 years, one specific New Orleanian has been a constant in the movie theater business. He's a movie maven who's passion for art films and indies has lead him all over the greater New Orleans area: from Gentilly to Bay St. Louis to Chalmette.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin talks with the one and only Wennie Schulz.

Executive Director of New Orleans Public Library Celebrates 1st Anniversary in City

Sharon Litwin — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:26:00 +0000

Whether you remember the original movie presentation of The Music Man from 1962, or the made-for-television version from 2003, you no doubt carry with you the images of Marian the Librarian.

On this week's Notes from New Orleans, Sharon Litwin reports that Marian wouldn't recognize today's libraries.