NOLA River Fest ‘24 - Presentations and Panel Discussions

1:30 – 2:15

“Partial Paradise: Documenting Several Decades of Coastal Louisiana"

Talk with the filmmakers Glen Pitre and Kevin McCaffrey

Glen Pitre has written, produced, and directed big screen dramas, cable thrillers, PBS documentaries, and IMAX films, movies --- most often set in his native southern Louisiana --- which have played in theaters and on TV worldwide and been lauded at festivals such as Sundance and Cannes. His other works include novels and non-fiction books, radio programming and still photography, museum exhibit and sacred space design, multi-screen video installations and 4D immersive experiences, and more. 

Kevin J. McCaffrey is an American filmmaker, writer, editor, and oral historian based in New Orleans. His documentary and archivist work primarily focuses on Louisiana history and culture, with an emphasis on the region's culinary history and environmental issues. McCaffrey's work has received both national and regional recognition. He has worked with a number of notable organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Louisiana and New Orleans, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Louisiana State Museum, Historic New Orleans Collection, WYES-TV, Loyola's Center for Environmental Communication, and the Louisiana Folklife Commission.

2:30 – 3:15

Exhibit opening: Umbrellas and Lace

Vincent Simmons has devoted a decade of creativity to the New Orleans Baby Dolls.  His original images of these legendary black women reflect the Baby Dolls motivation, devotion and commitment to their culture and heritage. The photographs honor these remarkable women and the unique character through which they promote the spirit of New Orleans.

3:30 – 4:15

Bobby Rush interviewed by David Kunian

The legendary musician Bobby Rush talks about his life, legacy and the importance of blues. Rush has become one of the most prominent advocates for the blues tradition, and says “it’s the root of all music, it’s the mother of all music. If you don’t like the blues, you probably don’t like your mama.”

David Kunian currently serves as the Curator for the New Orleans Jazz Museum where he has curated exhibits on Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, Louis Prima, Professor Longhair, Pete Fountain, James Michalopoulos’ music paintings, Zack Smith’s Festival photography, painter Frederick Brown, King Oliver, Erika Goldring’s photos of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, and the current Congo Square to the World; Early Jazz in New Orleans. He also does the “Freaknologist Lunatique” Kitchen Sink program on WWOZ-FM New Orleans www.wwoz.org on Tuesday nights at 10 PM.