An Interview with Arthur Hardy - Mardi Gras Historian

Interview with Audiobook Narrator - Bob Neufeld

Host, Chip LoCoco, interviews Bob Neufeld, an Audiobook Narrator. Bob has been the voice narrator on all of Chip LoCoco's novels, including the just released, Sicilian Melody. Listen in as Bob discusses how he got into the business, his process, his setup and which recordings that he has done are his favorites. We think you will find this conversation fascinating, and we included a sample of a recording from Sicilian Melody during the Podcast so you could hear Bob's work for yourself. Enjoy.

An Interview with Arthur Hardy - Mardi Gras Historian

Host, Chip LoCoco, interviews New Orleans Mardi Gras Historian, Arthur Hardy. Arthur is the publisher of the annual definitive guide on the season, The Mardi Gras Guide. Listen in as he explains the history  and traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Elisa Speranza discusses her novel, The Italian Prisoner

Host, Chip LoCoco, interviews New Orleans Author, Elisa Speranza, as she discusses her fascinating novel, The Italian Prisoner. This is a true love story. The story of Italian/Sicilian POWs who are sent to live in camps in Louisiana, such as Jackson Barracks, and the local women they meet and fall in love with during their stay. But the story is so much more. Mrs. Speranza brilliantly  brings to the reader a glimpse into what life was like in New Orleans during WWII, with an emphasis on  the women who were recruited from the home into the workplace to replace the men off fighting in the war.  And to top it off, for all aspiring writers out there, our host and guest provide some insights into the writing process. Here is a little more information on the novel,  The Italian Prisoner. 1943. New Orleans. Rose Marino lives with her Sicilian immigrant parents and helps in the family grocery store. Her older brother and sister both joined the Army, and Rose prays for their safety as World War II rages overseas. Her parents expect Rose to marry a local boy and start a family. But she secretly dreams of being more like her fiercely independent widowed godmother. Behind her parents’ backs, Rose lands a job at the Higgins shipyard, where she feels free and important for the first time in her life. When the parish priest organizes a goodwill mission to visit Italian prisoners of war at a nearby military base, Rose and her vivacious best friend, Marie, join the group. There, Rose falls for Sal, a handsome and intelligent POW. Italy has switched sides in the war, so the POWs are allowed out to socialize, giving Rose and Sal a chance to grow closer. When Rose gets a promotion at work, she must make an agonizing choice: follow a traditional path like Marie or keep working after the war and live on her own terms.

A Voice of the Golden Age

Opera Tenor, Kirk Redmann and Host, Chip LoCoco, discuss and analyze the recording of Giuseppe di Stefano singing Lamento di Federico from Cilea's opera, L'Arlesiana.  One of the most famous opera arias ever written, and sung by most of the greatest tenors who lived, we are given the opportunity to hear di Stefano's own interpretation with his beautiful voice.

An Interview with Theatrical Artist, Maddy Montz

Vincent LoCoco interviews Maddy Montz, a young singer who will be performing the role of Maureen in Jonathan Larsen's musical, Rent, at the Tulane Summer Lyric Theater this August. Maddy describes her musical education and her career path to date. And then, a lively discussion takes place in which Rent is compared to the opera it is based on - La Bohème. Listen in as we hear the insights of a young singer on the cusp of a musical career.