Inside The Arts

When it comes to word association, the words “clarinet” and “ Evan Christopher ” go hand-in-hand. Having been involved with the New Orleans music community for over 20 years, he has definitely earned that connection. Evan has also seen the music community transition and change over those decades. In this installment of NolaVie’s “Listening to Locals” series, Kelley Crawford invited Evan into the studio. Visit NolaVie's website for a related article written by Kelley Crawford.

This week on Inside the Arts, the Birdfoot Festival continues its 6th season with an exploration of the music of composer György Ligeti in a two-concert mini festival it's calling Ligeti Split, featuring British classical pianist Danny Driver. We catch up with Danny Driver and Birdfoot artistic director, violinist Jenna Sherry by phone. And, as art mirrors life, artists and community leaders continue to bring attention to the issue of gun violence in New Orleans and across the nation. Artist and

Holly Wherry is an artist, counselor, and community advocate who has created a way to blend her skills and enthusiasm into one non-profit. It is called Whole Village Art Therapy , and it is an organization that lives up to that hefty name. NolaVie's Kelley Crawford spoke with Holly to learn about art therapy and how it is becoming part of the New Orleans community. Visit NolaVie's website for a related article written by Kelley Crawford.

This week on Inside the Arts, an exploration of jazz. Acclaimed jazz drummer and composer Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band celebrate 20 years together. They perform in concert for the first time with the Loyola Symphony Orchestra. Then, the Marigny Opera Ballet presents the Art of Jazz. Avant-garde cellist Helen Gillet and Marigny Opera House executive director Dave Hurlbert stop by. And, the classically trained Italian fingerpickers, The Bruskers Duo, explore jazz kicking off their U.S. tour

It’s not an idea that’s new. For centuries, New Orleanians have been taking in lodgers. But technology and a changing culture have transformed the way house rentals work. Airbnb and other sites are making short-term rental options not only easier, but also vastly more widespread. NolaVie’s Renée Peck spoke with attorney Andrew Legrand about the short-term rental ordinance recently passed by the New Orleans City Council , and what it means for locals. Visit NolaVie's website for a related article

This week on Inside the Arts, a military code of honor is on trial as The NOLA Project presents Aaron Sorkin's critically acclaimed courtroom drama, A Few Good Men. Then, scientists and locals share their personal stories about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as part of a live storytelling event called "Story Collider". And, we explore a haunting tale of corruption in a broken city in playwright Justin Maxwell's new work, Niagara Falls. Airs Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.

Our local musicians are more than just a backbone of this city’s culture; they're also the soundtrack. For NolaVie’s “Listening to Locals” series, we are bringing in local musicians in order to listen to them in a new way. David Benedetto invited artist and songwriter Olivia Klein, also known as LadyBabyMiss , into the studio for a closer listen. Visit NolaVie's website for a related article written by David Benedetto.

This week on Inside the Arts, conversation with acclaimed dancer, choreographer and educator, Lula Elzy. She is this year's recipient of Gambit's Tribute to the Classical Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. Then, the life of Jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton comes to the stage as the Broadway musical Jelly's Last Jam makes its regional premiere at Le Petit Theatre. And, NOBA and NOCCA welcome Ronald K. Brown and his New York based dance company EVIDENCE in a program blending African and Afro-Cuban

Local music is so widespread here that we sometimes forget to consider New Orleans musicians on an individual level. In the first installment of a new series from NolaVie called “Listening to Locals,” Brian Friedman sat down with jazz saxophonist James Martin , whose album, Something’s Gotta Give, came out January 13. It’s a reflection on the grind, the late nights, and the hustle of the local music scene, as well as the travels that have taken him all over the world. Visit NolaVie's website for

This week on Inside the Arts, The Storyville Collective presents Reefer Madness-The Musical…a satire of the 1936 cult film classic. Director Michael McKelvey joins us. Reefer Madness-The Musical runs January 19-22 at Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St Claude Ave. Also...February 2-5 and 9-12 at Rivertown Theater in Kenner.