Mississippi Arts Hour

Percussionist Adib Sabir (Feb. 5, 2012)

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:42:37 -0600

Diane interviews Jackson-based percussionist Adib Sabir. They talk about the many different groups he's performed with over the years and recording his new CD, "Song for my Father."

Puppeteer Peter Zapletal (Jan. 29, 2012)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:12:55 -0600

Larry visits with master puppeteer Peter Zapletal, founder and director of Puppet Arts Theatre in Jackson. Zapletal talks about his training in the former Czechoslovakia, creating programs for Mississippi ETV, and touring throughout the state with his different productions.

State Tourism Director Mary Beth Wilkerson (Jan. 22, 2012)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:40:37 -0600

Malcolm talks with state tourism director Mary Beth Wilkerson about the many arts and culture related programs geared towards out of state tourists, including the Mississippi Blues and Country Music Trails.

Cigar Box Guitars by Archie Storey (Jan. 15, 2012)

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:02:47 -0600

Mary Margaret talks with Archie Storey, a Jackson-based cigar box guitar builder. He tells about who influenced him in getting started and the unique aspects of his instruments.

Dueling Storytellers (Jan. 8, 2012)

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:59:39 -0600

Diane brings storytellers Terrence Roberts from Meridian and Don "Buck" Creacy from Kentucky into the studio and lets them trade tales.

Blues by the Gearshifter (Jan. 1, 2012)

morrisey@arts.state.ms.us — Wed, 4 Jan 2012 10:30:10 -0600

Larry visits with Louis Arzo Youngblood (the Gearshifter), a Jackson-based blues musician. They talk about his time growing up in Walthall County, learning to play the blues from his grandfather, and the different clubs and festivals he plays at today.

Photographer David Rae Morris (Dec. 18, 2011)

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:50:30 -0600

Malcolm talks with photographer David Rae Morris. They talk about the origins of his interest in photography, his work as a photo journalist for newspapers in Mississippi, and many years working in New Orleans.

Artist H.C. Porter (Dec. 11, 2011)

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 10:30:57 -0600

Mary Margaret talks with artist H.C. Porter about her early years working in the Millsaps Arts District, her series of work related to Katrina, and a new series on Mississippi blues musicians.

Writer Sarah Campbell (Dec. 4, 2011)

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:47:36 -0600

Diane talks with Jackson-based writer Sarah Campbell. Campbell talks about her childhood in Port Gibson, her years working as a journalist, and her current work as an author of non-fiction children's books and teaching artist.

Miss. Invitational (Nov. 27, 2011)

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:47:29 -0600

Larry visits the Mississippi Museum of Art and interviews several of the artists and curators involved with the Mississippi Invitational exhibit, a biennial program that features Mississippi-based visual artists.

Arts Education in Miss. (Nov. 20, 2011)

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:47:28 -0600

Malcolm discusses the current state of arts education with Jackson-based educators Marlynn Martin (principal of Power APAC), Leslie Coleman (principal at Casey Elementary), and John Howell (Arts Facilitator at Case Elementary).

Musician Tommy Bryan Ledford (Nov. 13, 2011)

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:03:17 -0600

Mary Margaret visits with Jackson-based singer/songwriter Tommy Bryan Ledford. A native of Louisiana, Ledford played in bands in Oxford for many years and was one of the founders of the Thacker Mountain Radio program. Ledford talks about his musical childhood in Louisiana, his years in Oxford, and his new CD, "Butcher Bird."

Potter Rachel Ballentine (Oct. 30, 2011)

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:23:26 -0500

Diane visits with potter Rachel Ballentine from Sardis, Mississippi. Ballentine is known as "the clay lady." She creates unique, earth fired vessels. They talk about her beginnings as a potter and her work methods.

Historian Charles Reagan Wilson (Oct 9, 2011)

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:33:19 -0500

Larry talks with historian and author Charles Reagan Wilson from the University of Mississippi. Wilson's new book, "Flashes of a Southern Spirit," looks at creativity and spirituality in the American South.

Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (Oct 2, 2011)

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:33:19 -0500

Malcolm interviews Annette Kirklin with the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF), Vicksburg's community arts organization. Kirklin talks about the SCHF's programs and some of the history of their complex in downtown Vicksburg.

Bluesman Big Joe Shelton (Sept. 25, 2011)

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:21:12 -0500

Mary Margaret visits with blues musician Big Joe Shelton from the Black Prairie region. They talk about his musical roots, his current work as a touring musician and they play samples from his latest CD, "The Older I Get, the Better I Was."

Mississippi Boychoir (Sept. 18, 2011)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:35:40 -0500

Diane interviews Leland Thompson and Harriett Kuykendall with the Mississippi Boychoir. They talk about the origins of the organization, its mission and their teaching methods.

Photographer James Patterson (Sept 11, 2011)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:35:40 -0500

Larry visits with photographer James Patterson of Jackson. They talk about his work with the Eudora Welty photos and photographing various Mississippi artists.

Chef Craig Noone (Sept 4, 2011)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:35:39 -0500

Malcolm talks with Craig Noone, the owner and head chef at the Parlor Market Restaurant in Jackson. They talk about Noone's training as a chef, the founding of his restaurant, and their focus on using locally grown produce.

Jimbo Mathus (Aug. 28, 2011)

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:31:47 -0500

Mary Margaret catches up with Mississippi singer, guitarist and songwriter Jimbo Mathus. He talks about playing music with his family while growing up, putting together the Tri-State Coalition, his current band, and his new album, "Confederate Buddha."

Painter Rick Anderson (Aug. 21, 2011)

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:31:46 -0500

Diane interviews painter Rick Anderson (and current MAC Artist Fellowship recipient) from Clinton. He talks about his work as a teacher, presenting at festivals, and his painting techniques.

Author Preston Lauterbach (Aug 14, 2011)

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:32:05 -0500

Larry talks with Preston Lauterbach, the author of "Chitlin Circuit," a new book on the origins of the famous southern club circuit that launched the careers of many musicians.

Taylor Hildebrand & Valley Gordon (Aug 7, 2011)

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:32:04 -0500

Malcolm visits with Jackson-area musicians Taylor Hildebrand and Valley Gordon about their musical backgrounds and the projects that they've worked on together.

Anna Kline and the Grits & Soul Band (July 31, 2011)

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:08:36 -0500

Mary Margaret visits with Anna Kline and the Grits & Soul Band, a new acoustic/roots based group from Jackson. They talk about their musical influences and perform a few of their songs live in the studio.

Painter Tom Reaves (July 24, 2011)

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:03:31 -0500

Diane talks with painter Tom Reaves from Ridgeland.

Shelley Ritter - Delta Blues Museum (July 17, 2011)

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:08:04 -0500

Larry visits the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and talks with Shelley Ritter, the Executive Director. Ritter gives the history of the Museum, its current programs, and talks about their current expansion project.

Writing/Thinking Institute (July 10, 2011)

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:56:50 -0500

Malcolm talks with Emily Noble, associate director of Mississippi State University's Writing/Thinking Institute. Noble talks about the Institute's activities, including "Rural Voices Radio," a daily segment on MPB Radio.

Cultural Promoter Al White (July 3, 2011)

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 14:43:27 -0500

Mary Margaret interviews Al White with Action Communication Education Reform, a non-profit organization based in Duck Hill, Mississippi. White explains the wide range of activities his organization offers for youth in Montgomery County, as well as their annual Grassroots Blues Festival,

Cultural Entrepreneur Sade Turnipseed (June 26, 2011)

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:14:32 -0500

Diane speaks with Sade Turnipseed, the director of da' House of Khafre in Indianola. Turnipseed talks about her background in cultural programming and the wide range of activities currently being sponsored by her organizations.

Blues Promoter Roger Stolle (June 19, 2011)

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Larry talks with Clarksdale-based blues promoter Roger Stolle, owner of Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art. They discuss Stolle's work with Mississippi bluesmen and his new book, "Hidden History of Mississippi Blues."

The Music of Wooden Finger (June 12, 2011)

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Malcolm interviews Jackson-based acoustic duo Wooden Finger (Matthew Magee and Allison Jenkins).

Craftsman Greg Harkins (June 5, 2011)

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Mary Margaret visits with master craftsman Greg Harkins. They talk about his family's roots in Leake County, making chairs for past presidents, and his apprenticeship with master craftsman Tom Bell.

Writer Michael F. Smith (May 29, 2011)

Fri, 27 May 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Diane spends time with Columbus-based writer Michael F. Smith. They talk about the writing process and his new book, "The Hands of Strangers". Smith teaches at the Mississippi University for Women

Rhythm and Blues Songwriter Sam Mosley (May 22, 2011)

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Larry visits with musician and songwriter Sam Mosley from New Albany. Mosley was one half of the duo Mosley and Johnson who recorded for Malaco Records and wrote songs for many of Malaco's biggest artists.

Foodways Scholar Amy Evans Streeter (May 15, 2011)

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Malcolm talks with Amy Evans Streeter, oral historian for the Southern Foodways Alliance in Oxford and a visual artist.

Chef and Author Martha Foose (May 8, 2011

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Mary Margaret interviews Martha Foose, a Delta-based chef and author. They talk about "A Southerly Course," Foose's latest cookbook.

Filmmaker Terence Jones (May 1, 2011)

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Diane talks with Jackson-based filmmaker Terence Jones.

Writer Michael Kardos (April 24, 2011)

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:18:29 -0500

Larry talks with writer Michael Kardos, a New Jersey native and the co-director of the Creative Writing program at Mississippi State University. He's the author of "One Last Good Time," his new collection of short stories set on the Jersey Shore.

Artist William Goodman (April 10, 2011)

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:02:09 -0500

Malcolm talks William Goodman, a Jackson-based visual artist. He explains his family history in the arts, his work with The Mustard Seed, and his development as a full-time artist.

Saxophonist Alphonso Sanders (April 3, 2011)

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 14:36:53 -0500

Mary Margaret interviews Dr. Alphonso Sanders, the chair of the Fine Arts Department and director of the B.B. King Recording Studio at Mississippi Valley State University. He's also an active performer with blues and other types of groups in the Delta and throughout Mississippi.

Author J.J. Salem (March 27, 2011)

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:02:30 -0500

Diane talks with Jackson author J.J. Salem about his writing career. Salem has written over 20 books that span wide range of literary genres, including suspense, romance, and celebrity biography.

Gospel Singer Rev. John Wilkins (March 20, 2011)

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:02:29 -0500

Larry visits with pastor and gospel singer Reverend John Wilkins. Wilkins is the longtime pastor of Hunters Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Como. He's also been a gospel performer since childhood. He has a new CD out, titled "You Can't Hurry God."

Bass Player Raphael Semmes (March 13, 2011)

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:02:29 -0500

Malcolm chats with Raphael Semmes, a bass player and band leader based in Jackson. They talk about Semmes' early years in Grenada, and the numerous musicians he's played with over the years.

Writer/Editor Jimmy Thomas (March 6, 2011)

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:26:13 -0600

Mary Margaret speaks with Jimmy Thomas, the Managing Editor for the Encyclopedia for Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi. They talk about his work on the Encyclopedia, as well as his research on the Lebanese culture in the Mississippi Delta.

Curator Gabriel Weisberg (Feb 27, 2011)

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:26:12 -0600

Diane interviews Gabriel Weisberg, the guest curator for the Mississippi Museum of Art's current exhibit, "Orient Expressed: Japan’s Influence on Western Art, 1854-1918."

Writer Steve Kistulentz (Feb 20, 2011)

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:44:01 -0600

Larry talks with Jackson writer Steve Kistulentz about "The Luckless Age," his new book of poetry. Kistulentz incorporates a lot of music into his work. His current book includes poems that feature lyrics from David Lee Roth, as well as tributes to the Knack and the Bay City Rollers.

Artist Ginger Williams Cook (Feb 13, 2011)

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:33:17 -0600

Malcolm visits with Jackson artist Ginger Williams Cook. Cook works in several mediums, including painting, illustration, and sculpture. She is also known for her distinctive nesting doll sets that feature pop culture icons including characters from "The Golden Girls" TV show.

Metal Artist Stephanie Dwyer (Feb 6, 2011)

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:30:27 -0600

Mary Margaret visits with Ridgeland-based metal artist Stephanie Dwyer. Dwyer is best known for her distinctive bottle trees, which incorporate curves and details not usually found in this folk art form

Dancer Cynthia Newland (Jan 30, 2011)

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:30:26 -0600

Diane welcomes dancer Cynthia Newland, the Chair of the Dance Department at Belhaven University. She details the various community-based performances and activities coming out of the department, including "Tunes, Tutus and Turning Wheels."

Ken Murphy & Scott Barretta (Jan. 23, 2011)

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:01:23 -0600

Larry talks with photographer Ken Murphy and blues writer Scott Barretta about their new book, "Mississippi: State of Blues." The book contains photographs of blues musicians and of blues events and clubs from throughout the state.

Artist Bill Dunlap (Jan. 16, 2011)

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:22:14 -0600

Malcolm checks in with artist and Mississippi native Bill Dunlap during one of his regular visits to the state. They talk about his travels and various projects, including his efforts to have Wood College re-opened as an artist's retreat center.