It’s Carnival time, and we’re hitting the streets for feasting and toasting, dancing and prancing, masking and merriment. We’ll visit with Maroon Queen Cherice “Reesie” Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indian tribe, as she sews this year’s suit. Then we’ll chat with Cha Wa, who combine funk and feathers to create their Mardi Gras Indian-infused New Orleans brass band sound and style. Plus Mardi Gras music from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, West Africa and Brazil, and right here in New Orleans.

We’re taking a trip to Tinseltown to explore the music that brings movies to life. We’ll hear from trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, who worked on soundtracks for almost all of Spike Lee’s films, including 2018’s Oscar-nominated BlacKkKlansman. Then, we delve into the life and music of pianist Don Shirley in Green Book, and revisit a jaunty conversation with the Coen Brothers about the songs featured in their offbeat films, such as The Big Lebowski, True Grit, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? Plus, music from Pulp Fiction, Cadillac Records, The Big Easy, and Baby Driver. So please, silence your cell phones, and set your radio for “picture” on American Routes

We travel from Mississippi juke joints to the streets of the French Quarter to hear from those who record and perform music. Folklorist Bill Ferris recounts his experience documenting blues, gospel, fi fe & drum music, and folk arts in the Mississippi delta and hill country. Ferris recently compiled his recordings in the Voices of Mississippi boxed set. Then, New Orleans’ queen of the clarinet Doreen Ketchens serenades us from her post at Royal and St. Peters Street. Doreen tells how the clarinet brought her from the family’s sweet shop in Treme to a global stage. Plus, hot takes from Hot Tuna, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lavern Baker, and Marvin Gaye.