Mardi Gras festivities are in full swing in New Orleans. But six months after Hurricane Katrina, some musicians there are questioning whether the holiday should be celebrated at all. Today, a series of reports from around the Big Easy. Keith Spera, music critic of the Times-Picayne, joins us from the parade with an overview. Dr. Michael White, a jazz clarinetist and longtime resident of the Crescent City, weighs in on challenges facing this year's carnival. Then, Jesse McBride, a 26-year-old jazz pianist, talks about the twists and turns in his career since the hurricane. And finally, Nick Spitzer, host of the public radio program American Routes, gives a musical history of New Orleans' Mardi Gras.
Live, from the Parade!
Keith Spera, music critic of the Times-Picayne, sets the scene.
» The Times-Picayune Music Web site
A look at the pros and cons of this year's Mardi Gras festivities with Kenneth Ferdinand, a trumpeter and owner of Cafe Rose Nicaud in New Orleans, and with Dr. ...
» The Times-Picayune Music Web site
A look at the pros and cons of this year's Mardi Gras festivities with Kenneth Ferdinand, a trumpeter and owner of Cafe Rose Nicaud in New Orleans, and with Dr. ...
More than the Girls Who Go Wild
Nick Spitzer, host of the public radio program American Routes, gives a musical history of New Orleans.
» American Routes Web site
» American Routes Web site
From the Working Musician to the History of Mardi Gras
Jesse McBride, New Orleans pianist, talks about his career since Katrina. » Jesse McBride's Web site