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PICNIC PARTY MUSIC WITH THE PONDEROSA STOMP

Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend with American Routes. We’ll hang out at the Ponderosa Stomp for the best in swamp pop, garage rock and surf music, all live from the House of Blues in New Orleans. Then we’ll visit with the music maestro and arranger known as the “Creole Beethoven,” Wardell Quezergue and learn how he helped build the New Orleans sound. Plus classic New Orleans music to get your party started.

LOS ANGELES: SOUNDTRACK FOR THE ANGELS

In this special program American Routes host Nick Spitzer uncovers the music and cultural traditions of Los Angeles: from Hollywood to neighborhood. Join Nick as he travels across the City of Angels to hear from L.A. legends – including Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and songwriter Randy Newman – and explores musical cultures with Cambodian-born rapper PraCh Ly in Long Beach, Louisiana Creole zydeco accordionist T-Lou in South Central, and East L.A.‘s Ersi Arvizu. Plus conversations and music from Mexican-American rock band Los Lobos, R & B saxophonist Big Jay McNeely, and rockabilly guitarist Glen Glenn.

SOUTH TO LOUISIANA

Allons! Join in as American Routes heads west from our New Orleans studio to Southwestern French Louisiana. For a small area on the map, this area of the state has produced a huge amount of music. We’ll speak with swamp popper Rod Bernard about his breakout hit “This Could Go On Forever.” Guitarist Lil’ Buck Sinegal recalls the heyday of Clifton Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band. There’s a historic interview with the late fiddler that helped break Cajun music to the world, Dewey Balfa. Plus a live set with Creole accordion player Zydeco Joe.

MOTHER'S DAY WITH MARTY STUART

American Routes celebrates Mother’s Day with Marty Stuart and his mom, Hilda. We’ll talk about their shared love of photography and a certain girl singer, Connie Smith. Then we’ll hear stories about mothers from Fontella Bass, Sonny Rollins, Bo Diddley, and Geno Delafose, among others. Plus songs from blues to bluegrass about and for dear old mom.