Aura Fedora talks to New Orleans-based progressive hip hop artist Truth Universal about his early influences, the culture of music in New Orleans, and his latest release, the EP Polygraph.
Includes excerpts from tracks off of Polygraph. Also features bump music from Jeff "Snake" Greenberg and Jealous Monk. 

Like what you hear? Please support the artists and performers featured on this show by buying music and merch or attending shows! 

Speaking With Truth

In this special episode of Backstage on the Bayou: Join host Aura Fedora as she talks to Playing for Change's Mark Johnson, along with band members Mermans Kenkosenki, Jason Tamba, and New Orleans' own Grandpa Elliott on location at their Jazz Fest shows at Margaritaville. (May 2011) Includes a clip of live recording of the band performing the classic "A Change is Gonna Come" with Grandpa Elliott and Clarence Bekker (both pictured left) on lead vocals. 

Photo also by Aura Fedora.

Playing for Change - In the Business of Joy

Director Andrew Larimer gives Aura Fedora the inside scoop on the making of The NOLA Project's super-successful and over-sold-out production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, that has been running this month in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

Midsummer in the Making

Host Aura Fedora talks to trumpet-player and vocalist Shamarr Allen about touring the globe as a cultural ambassador representing the United States with his band the Underdawgs, creating and filming a commercial jingle for a local lawyer, and the release of the album 504-799-8147

Shamarr Allen: Horse Meat and Horn Solos

Host Aura Fedora talks to singer/songwriter Olga and indie director Ryan Shovey on the set of the video "Just Take Your Time" It's the first single from Olga's new release "Whatever You Want." Part 1 of 3 ... stay tuned to www.backstageonthebayou.com for more! 

Making of Just Take Your Time

Up and coming lyricist, rapper, hip hop artist Luke Saint John talks to host Aura Fedora about his background, his philosophy, and his message. 

Features bump music from tracks off of his "Vivid Vibes" sampler. 

Luke Saint John Drama Class to Dragon's Den

I recorded this on my Zoom H2. I was riding my bicycle through the Marigny. I went around several blocks and eventually crossed Frenchmen Street, where a brass band was performing on the street corner. I then passed the band, made a left turn, then came around the block and crossed Frenchmen again further down. I love the ticking of the wheels, the soft wind, the chatter of conversations and the rise and fall of the music as I pass. 

Cruiser Crossing Frenchmen

30 Days of Audio, Day 3. 
I'm surrounded by my biggest fans. 

Keep Feeling Oscillation

This is a selection of some dialogue I created effects for in a play that ran last fall. Theatre Louisiane and Four Humours Theatre presented "Feeding the Moonfish" by Barbara Weichmann at Byrdie's Gallery on St. Claude Ave in New Orleans. Producer/Director/Actress Amy Woodruff recorded the voices of our theatre company actresses as the voices of the Moonfish. I layered the dialogue and added effects. 

Moonfish BB

Aura is a writer, content manager, audio storyteller, and performer devoted to exploring the relationship between creation, curating, and community. 
Her background in theatre and film informs her love of communication and connection with an audience, which she applies to various media. While her first loves were the stage and screen, the intimacy of writing and radio are the motivation of her current work.
Past articles, credits, and appearances may be listed as Aura Fedora and Aura Shannon.

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