Simply the word gentrification is enough to spark heated debate, especially in a city as steeped in history and as fiercely loyal to its neighborhoods as New Orleans. A young dance troupe is addressing the issue in a singular way. NolaVie’s Brian Friedman invited Jeremy Guyton, youth program director for Dancing Grounds, as well as Akelah Sabreen, a student in the program, into the studio to discuss their upcoming festival, which is called Dance for Social Change.

Songmaker Brandi Carlile was raised in the Northwest country, but has lived half her life on the road as a gigging musician. After dropping out of high school, Brandi busked on the streets of Seattle, where she met long-time collaborators, the twin brothers, Tim and Phil Hanseroth. She quickly signed to Columbia Records for a self-titled album. Since then, Brandi has made acclaimed records with producers T-Bone Burnett and Rick Rubin. She went it alone in 2015 for Firewatcher's Daughter earning a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.

The Housing Authority of New Orleans is proposing a new affordable housing project on land it owns in the Bywater. The development would have 150 units, 90 of which would be rented at affordable prices. A Texas-based real estate company called ITEX would build and manage the new property in return for subsidies and tax credits.

The acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger and conductor André Previn passed away on February 28th. He would've been 90 in just a few weeks.

On this week's episode of "Modern Classics", we'll hear Augustin Hadelich and Joyce Yang play Previn's 2003 composition "Tango, Song and Dance".

Also on the program -- Joan Tower's "Petroushkates" and a pair of concert pieces by John Williams.

This week on Inside the Arts, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rolls into town.  The New Orleans Ballet Association [NOBA] presents the return of the legendary modern dance company as it celebrates 60 years of African American culture through dance.  We talk with artistic director Robert Battle.

Then, a heads up for classical music and opera lovers. The Symphony Book Fair is holding a special event that could enrich your collection of music as well as books.  LPO volunteer and New Orleans Opera associate Philip Straub joins us with details.