Rebuilding the "Land of Dreams": Expressive Culture and New Orleans' Authentic Future

Abstract

Folklorist Nick Spitzer, host of Public Radio International’s American Routes, discusses the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans musicians and craftspeople and argues for their central role in rebuilding the city. He considers a repertory of New Orleans music filled with references to the city’s geography and past natural disasters, illustrating how contemporary musicians revisit and revise tradition.

Keywords

• Disaster and Relief
• Music
• Urban and Suburban Studies
• @Emory