Crosstown Conversations

Local artist Robert Tannen and Jeanne recap the most compelling social and cultural developments of 2015, including the Black Lives Matter movement, mass shootings and gun violence, the specter of climate change, and the rise of Donald Trump as a political force.

Tulane University architecture professor Errol Barron talks about architecture in New Orleans, and Errol’s career as an artist. Then, local artist Bruce Davenport, Jr. talks about his work depicting marching bands, and the influences on his art. Finally, Katie Tommaseo, head of tourism for St. Bernard Parish, and historian Bill Hyland of discuss the art and cultural history of the parish.

Local politico and Louisiana Justice Institute Co-Director Jacques Morial previews the upcoming runoff election for governor. Then, celebrated dancer Donald Williams, and Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of the New Orleans Ballet Association, drop by to discuss NOBA’s mission and history, and Donald’s career and ongoing collaboration with NOBA. Finally, New Orleans native Jacqueline Humphries, daughter of jewelry designer Mignon Faget, talks about her influences and her career retrospective at the Contemporary Arts Center.

Jeanne remembers the life and legacy of Allen Toussaint, joined by Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation; veteran composer and film scorer Jay Weigel; and Los Angeles-based musician and songwriter Ned Albright. Also, Julie Schwam Harris, co-chair of Louisiana Agenda for Women, Latonja Silvester, President of SEIU Local 21LA, and Telley Madina of Oxfam America discuss the Louisiana governor’s race.

Sculptor and installation artist Roy Stabb, an artist-in-residence at the Joan Mitchell Center in Bayou St. John, discusses his work involving nature. Then, Linda Pompa, Executive Director the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants and Business Association, promotes the upcoming 9th annual New Orleans Central City Festival, and discusses business development along O.C. Haley post-Katrina. Angel Wilson?

Jeanne talks about the food, business trends, and history of local celebrated eateries, with Jack Murphy, owner of new Marigny restaurant Paladar 511; Stephen Polier, owner of Sugar Park on St. Claude; Diane Marino of Jack Dempsey’s in Bywater; Bryon Peck of Elizabeth’s on Chartres, and Cassi Dymond from Satsuma.

Joshua Perry, Executive Director of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, discusses LCCR’s report calling for youth to be removed from adult jail, and problems with the juvenile justice system. Next, Alysia Savoy, Performing Arts Manager at the Contemporary Arts Center, promotes “How to Build a Forest,” a colorful, interactive eight-hour installation and performance inspired by recent environmental disasters impacting Louisiana woodlands and ecosystems. Then, Jessie Haynes, philanthropy director for the Helis Foundation, promotes opening of the Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden in City Park, and discusses the sculptor’s life and work, and the foundation’s support of the arts. Finally, UNO’s Dr. Ed Chervenak joins Jeanne to preview the upcoming elections.

Civil rights activist and former First Lady of New Orleans Sybil Hayden Morial joins Jeanne to discuss her memoir, “Witness to Change,” about the Jim Crow and Civil Rights Movement eras in New Orleans. Then, local actress Amy Alvarez, and Moscow Nights artistic director Natasha Ramer, discuss their new production, “Façade,” which profiles a family dealing with their son’s terminal illness. Finally, local architect Bryan C. Lee, Jr., Place + Civic Design Director for the Arts Council of New Orleans, talks about his work and the professional climate for black architects.

New Orleans real estate developer Pres Kabacoff, co-founder and CEO of HRI Properties, and local artist Sallie Ann Glassman, co-founders of the New Orleans Healing Center, discuss their upcoming New Orleans Festival of Water, and the socio-economic, cultural, and spiritual impacts of water for the city. Then, local artist Christina Juran, Art Director of the New Orleans Art Center, stops by to promote the upcoming Bywater Biennial, and her organization’s mission and community events. Finally, Jolene Pinder, Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society, promotes the upcoming New Orleans Film Festival.

Climate Interactive’s Co-Director Drew Jones, and NASA scientist Dr. Gavin Schmidt talk about recent trends with the warming Earth, and climate change science. Next, Dr. Karin Muraszko, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan, talks multiple sclerosis and other neurological health issues as she attends a neurological conference in New Orleans. Then, local attorney and art collector Chris Alfieri discusses a lost sculpture by Lynda Benglis from the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans that he found in Kenner, restored with the help of the Helis Foundation, and placed in City Park. Finally, artist Monique Verdin, discusses her work that focuses on the culture and challenges of Houma Indians.