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Dr. Michael White, a musician, historian, composer, and educator, believes this is an interesting time for New Orleans music: "We are more appreciative of our traditions". Dr. White goes on to explain how brass bands give young musicians a chance to break into the music business and allow them to experiment and fine tune their art. He defines New Orleans Jazz and talks about how Hurricane Katrina has given local musicians a great source of inspiration.

Judy Spellman is a local singer and the daughter of New Orleans musician Benny Spellman, who was best known for his hits, "Lipstick Traces" and "Fortune Teller". Judy, who will perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 5 and 6, first began singing in her church choir. Although Judy has appeared at the New Orleans Jazz Fest many times before, this year is special: she will perform with her own group, Judy Spellman and Company, on Sunday.

Reggie Scanlan is the bass guitar player for the internationally known "Radiators". We have fun talking about the story behind the name "Radiators" and how the group coined the term "Fish Head Music". Reggie also comments on how Hurricane Katrina has influenced the evolution of New Orleans music. He recalls that in the months following Katrina, neighbors pitched in to help each other; that spirit of cooperation, Reggie says, has made for a closer knit New Orleans.

Valerie Robinson is chairman of the Old Algiers RiverFest, and President of Old Algiers Main Street Corporation. She describes how the Old Algiers RiverFest arose out of a community concert project of internationally known musician Dr. Michael White. Although the Old Algiers RiverFest is primarily music-focused, it also features lots of food and crafts. Two of the festival's headliners this year are Irvin Mayfield and Dr. Michael White. The festival is April 1, 2007 in Old Algiers.

Salvadore Serio is the Vice President of the American Italian Renaissance Foundation which operates the Italian American Museum.The Museum showcases famous New Orleans Italians including one of New Orleans' most beloved sons, musician Louis Prima. March 19 is Saint Joseph's Day and Salvadore explains the old Italian tradition of Saint Joseph's Alters. He talks about the origin of the tradition and everyone's favorite good luck token, the "Italian Lucky Bean."

Fatma Aydin is an owner and the general manager of the newly opened La Vita restaurant in Fauberg St. John. Born in Turkey, Fatma has the spirit and love for New Orleans of a true Crescent City native. She radiates optimism and hope for post-Katrina New Orleans. In fact, she is investing in New Orleans by purchasing the old Santa Fe restaurant in the Marigny, which will open in April. Fatma recalls that following hurricane Katrina she had no doubt she would return. In fact, one of her restaurants was one of the first to serve hot meals after Katrina.

Dr. Henri Roca is the Section Chief for the Integrated Medicine Section at LSU Medical Center. According to Dr. Roca, "Intergrated Medicine is a form of Holistic Medicine that brings all types of complimentary modalities together with conventional medicine, basically, whatever works". Dr. Roca explains that post- Katrina New Orleans is a huge experimental cauldron and stress can produce physical illness. The doctor assess patients for imbalances to prevent illness, in contrast to conventional medicine's focus on treating symptoms.

Monsignor Kern is the Monsignor at historic Saint Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. On Ash Wednesday, the Holy Day following Mardi Gras, we talked about the meaning of the Lenten Season in the Catholic faith. We also discussed the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center that includes both Saint Louis Cathedral and the old Ursulines Convent on Chartres Street. Monsignor also describes the beautiful Vatican Mosaic exhibit currently on display at the Convent.

Dr. Morgus, also known as "Morgus the Magnificent", updates us on Chopsley's love life and Chopsley's unusual way of impressing girls.We talk a little about Mardi Gras 2007, then move on to more serious discussions. Dr. Morgus has a plan to get rid of New Orleans crime. He explains how he is presenting a plan to the New Orleans City Council to perform "Brain Jobs" on every convicted criminal. He reminds us to tune into Cox 10 on Friday night to see his latest experiments.To learn even more visit Morgus.com. Interview date 2.7.07

Charles Hamilton is the president of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Charles is a wealth of information about the organization's history. He describes Zulu's early beginnings and the memorable 1949 parade when Louis Armstrong ruled as King Zulu and appeared on the cover of Time Magazine. Charles also recalls the organization's crisis during the Civil Rights movement, when membership dwindled to16. And, of course, we had to talk about the famous Zulu coconuts.

Arthur Hardy, nationally recognized authority on New Orleans Mardi Gras, publishes "Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide". Arthur shares the good news that Mardi Gras 2007-- the second Carnival celebration since Hurricane Katrina-- will be a typical Mardi Gras in terms of the number of parades rolling. "Also, we have approximately 3,000 more hotel rooms than last year", Arthur says. He expresses optimism about New Orleans' ongoing recovery based on his own business and many other businesses in New Orleans that are doing well.

Carlton Dufrechou is the director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. Carlton describes the organization's role as catalyst and facilitator. The Foundation brings together diverse parties to achieve the common goal of creating higher water quality in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin region. Carlton discusses one of the group's favorite projects, the rebuilding of the beloved landmark south shore lighthouse that was severely damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Interview date: 1-31-07

Scott Cowen is the President of Tulane University. In this interview Scott recalls how the University was on life support for the first two months following Hurricane Katrina.To ensure the University's health, he borrowed the neccesary funds to move forward immediately rather than wait for Federal assistance or insurance money. Scott is encouraged by the appointment of Dr. Blakely as Katrina recovery czar, the rejuvenation of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, and the almost entirely new, New Orleans City Council.

Mary Beth Romig is Director of Communications and Public Relations for the New Orleans Convention and Visitor Bureau. She describes how the fully restored Convention Center is even better than before Katrina. Mary Beth explains the importance of hotel rooms to New Orleans, heralds the re-opening of the Hyatt Hotel, and shares the good news that all of our major tourist attractions have returned, except the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar.

Bobby Herbert, former Quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, shares his thoughts on the team's upcoming playoff game. According to Bobby, the stars are lined up for the Saints. He predicts the playoff game will be similar to the team's emotional victory over the Atlanta Falcons in September when the Saints returned to the Superdome for the first time since New Orleans and the Dome were devastated by Hurricane Katrina."Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?"

Hokie Gajan is a former Running Back for the New Orleans Saints football team. Hokie talks about the Saints' division championship this season and how the team has exceeded everyone's highest expectations. He also explains the role of an NFL team owner in helping or hindering the team's performance, and offers his thoughts on Saints owner Tom Benson. Hokie comments on Head Coach Sean Paytons's play calling and the New Orleans Saints' chances to "win it all".

Rocco Vitale III is the Louisiana General Manager for Pyrotecnico, a fireworks display company. The family owned company is donating the fireworks display for New Orleans' New Year's Eve riverfront celebration in the French Quarter. Rocco explains how the sparkling midnight display, celebrating the beginning of 2007, will be synchronized with New Orleans music. He also gives us a rare insider's description of how dazzling fireworks displays are created.

Julie LaCour is the Director of Special Events for New Orleans City Park and organizer of "Celebration In The Oaks". She is particulary excited about the old fashioned French Christmas exhibit depicting how the French celebrate the holiday. Julia describes the new laser exhibit and shares news about the recent re-opening of the amusement area and the return of everyone's favorite: the very popular City Park train. We take a holiday train ride and talk to Santa and his little friend, Sophia. Thanks Sophia, and I hope you get your "remote control dog".

Peggy Scott Laborde, the host of "Steppin' Out", is Senior Producer for WYES, New Orleans Public Broadcasting television station. Peggy is well known for her documentaries chronicling New Orleans' history and unique culture; her latest is "Christmas in New Orleans". I visited with Peggy at her office where she discussed the extensive damage to WYES following Katrina, and the station's plans to rebuild a bigger and better facility.

The Ramsey and Bowman families co-own the Simon Hubig Company, maker of New Orleans' favorites, Hubig's Pies. Andrew Ramsey takes me on a tour of their plant, where the famous sweet treats are made. As Andrew points out, the company is about people, not money, and he explains how the business could have replaced workers with automation, but chose not to. Back in his office, Andrew talks about Hubig's challenges, and their many successes