Arts & Culture

Today on Louisiana Considered, we learn about politics and policy reporting in Louisiana, learn how one musician is navigating the latest wave of the pandemic, and hear about the rollout of a new state medical marijuana plan.

The P.5. Gala is fast approaching, and this year’s theme is all about inspiring meaningful change.

Who was Harry Smith? The short answer about the 20th century polymath and hustler might be divined in his legendary Anthology of American Folk Music from 1952, an LP collection of mostly Southern US folk music on 78rpm records. The Anthology established a cult of listening and influenced popular and folk revival artists from John Sebastian and the New Lost City Ramblers to rockers like Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and Beck. In addition to music recording and wide ranging research into tribal and other cultures, Harry Smith was a painter on canvas and on film. He was a profound thinker and worker in the American vernacular.

Pianist Tom McDermott is a native of St. Louis and a lifetime explorer of the music downriver here in New Orleans, across the Caribbean and to Brazil. Singer Meschiya Lake started out in Rapid City, South Dakota and landed hereabouts as a circus performer. Meschiya and Tom came together for us in the sonic wooden glory of an old Presbyterian church, now called Esplanade Studios.

This is American Routes for Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years, and beyond. I’m Nick Spitzer in New Orleans, where holiday second lines are in the streets, French Réveillon feasts in the restaurants, and house light decor ranges from downhome color schemes to grandiose yard display. This hour we explore Santa’s exploits, fallibility, and possibility with songs from Baltimore’s Fat Daddy, Tampa Red and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Also Christmas songs and celebrations from French Louisiana to Mexico and Puerto Rico, holiday blues from Chuck Berry and Charles Brown, the abolitionist version of “O Holy Night” from soul queen Irma Thomas, and the ancient carol “Greensleeves” from John Coltrane. Right now let's get back out on “Santa’s Second Line” with New Orleans’ New Birth Brass Band on American Routes.

After nearly two years of cancellations and delays due to COVID-19, New Orleans is returning to its busy schedule of hosting its world-famous parties and celebrations, starting with New Year’s Eve.

Mardi Gras parades in 2022 would not be moved from their original route or traditional day — the routes will just be slightly tweaked, officials announced during a press conference.