Inside The Arts

This week on Inside the Arts, New Orleans veteran actress Troi Bechet is the legendary "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson, in the world premiere of Flowers for Halie. The play presented by Southern Rep Theatre brings to life the journey of the iconic singer, civil rights leader and native daughter. The work is written by and stars Troi Bechet who joins us in studio. Then, KID smART celebrates two decades of artful learning in New Orleans Public Schools. The non-profit arts education organization

This week on Inside the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell continues its 50th Anniversary celebration! Legendary musicians are honored on the 2019 Jazz Fest 50th Anniversary limited-edition silkscreen poster, Family Portrait: Jazz Fest at 50. We catch up with artist Scott Guion. And, another festival kicks off Saturday evening. The annual block party/arts stroll known as Jammin' on Julia gets underway in the Arts District. Leslie-Claire Spillman director of Soren

This week on Inside the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell celebrates its 50th Anniversary! We take a world journey through the Cultural Exchange Pavilion. Coordinator Valérie Guillet joins us with Helen Regis, LSU associate professor of Anthropology and guitarist Javier Olando, leader of the group AsheSon. Then, the New Orleans Opera Association closes its season with Verdi's masterpiece, Rigoletto. The popular opera, rich in drama and music, was controversial

This week on Inside the Arts, the Marigny Opera Ballet, known for its award winning original contemporary ballets is gearing up for a 6th season of dance with an original take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Artistic director Dave Hurlbert joins us. Then, the award-winning Musaica Chamber Ensemble presents its final concert of the season with Songs of the Earth, a global journey, including two new premieres. Musaica president and violist Bruce Owen stops by with Loyola composition

This week on Inside the Arts, Bryan Hymel’s Opus Opera opens its Spring season with an original interpretation of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. We talk with soloists Irini Kyriakidou and Christina Vial who are joined by Richard Rholden of Delta Festival Ballet and Opus Opera spokesman Joe McKesson. Airs Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.

This week on Inside the Arts, an exhibition of new artworks by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly are on view at the Arthur Roger Gallery. It is the first time the entire gallery space is being devoted to one artist. WWNO's Eileen Fleming takes us through the breathtaking glass art installation. Then, French Quarter Festival, the largest showcase of Louisiana music, kicks off its 36th Anniversary with a 4-day musical blowout. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. president and CEO Emily Madero stops by

This week on Inside the Arts, three decades of contemporary art inspired by the Crescent City, kicks off the grand opening of The Historic New Orleans Collection’s new exhibit space. It’s a third campus for THNOC in the Seignouret-Brulatour Building at 520 Royal Street. The exhibit is called “Art of the City: Postmodern to Post-Katrina,” presented by the Helis Foundation. We talk with artist/curator Jan Gilbert. Then, family secrets come to light as Southern Rep Theatre presents award-winning

This week on Inside the Arts, critically acclaimed New Orleans musician Aurora Nealand teams up with Goat in the Road Productions for the world premiere of her solo album KindHumanKind, in a multi-dimensional theatrical concert experience. It's presented by the Contemporary Arts Center. Aurora Nealand and Goat in the Road productions co-director Chris Kaminstein stop by for a chat. Then, the 33rd annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival gets underway in the French Quarter. One

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

This week on Inside the Arts, Voices in the Dark Repertory Theatre Company and Ashé Cultural Arts Center celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play, A Raisin in the Sun. We talk with director Tommye Myrick and actors Michael Forest and Constance Thompson. Then, the wait is over. The Broadway smash hit Hamilton opens at the Saenger this week. We go backstage as WWNO's Karl Lengel talks with award winning lighting designer Howell Binkley. And, the wife of the late, great