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Despite Katrina, The Good Times Roll
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. Michael White, a jazz clarinetist and longtime resident of New Orleans.
» Michael White on Wikipedia
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
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
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
Soundcheck
We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.
Your "Democracy Song"
Soundcheck
As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.
Buying Music: A Smackdown Series
Soundcheck
Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune
- Comments [26]
Atmosphere
Soundcheck
With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [2]
Tin Pan Alley
Soundcheck
A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.
I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!
Soundcheck
Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.
- Comments [1]
Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile
Soundcheck
Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [7]
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