At 12 years old, this musician and composer is already active on the local music scene in New Orleans. Katy Hobgood Ray interviews Arlo for Confetti Park.

In a recent interview, New Orleans based music prodigy Arlo McCracken Allen shared insights into his musical journey that began at the young age of four when he first sat at a piano. Arlo quickly progressed from playing at home to performing with his dad’s band (Luke Allen, Happy Talk Band) and other notable musicians.

Arlo plays piano and cello, but he loves electronic music. Influenced by video game music creator Toby Fox, Arlo aspires to compose soundtracks for games and films. He enjoys creating electronic music using tools like Logic Pro X and making animations. Arlo even created a piece displayed on a large projection for an audience at Luna Fete, working with artist Courtney Egan.

Currently at Homer Plessy middle school, Arlo is preparing to attend NOCCA, a school for creative arts. He is actively involved in collaborative projects, including the development of a video game with friends for which he composed the main menu theme.

In this interview with Confetti Park, Arlo offers advice to other young musicians -- on how to get started playing music, and on finding confidence to perform. Despite having stage fright, playing music liberates him, allowing him to connect deeply with his audience.

Arlo’s vision is to continue building his portfolio and expand his reach through platforms like YouTube. Whether flying solo or collaborating with others, Arlo McCracken Allen’s passion for music is undeniable. We're excited to watch his journey!

Thanks for sharing your talent with Confetti Park, Arlo!

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.

Music can carry powerful memories and emotions through generations, as Scott Durbin of the Imagination Movers shares with us.

Scott, whose grandmother was Native American, recalls participating in powwows at a very young age. His family's tribe would come together to honor their cultural traditions, and music with drumming and dancing was a central component.

"I remember being very young, dressed in garb and doing a powwow, and as much as a six year old can intuit a spiritual elevation because of the music and the beat, I knew this was amazing."

Through experiencing the resonating drum circles and participating in the spirituality of his ancestral heritage alongside his grandmother and family, he came to know the power of music early. Scott believes this may be his first clear memory of music unlocking a moment of revelation.

Journey into the past with more music memories brought to you by Confetti Park.

Confetti Park is supported by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and Music Rising at Tulane University.

Wherever you’re watching the parades– whether it’s out in the parishes, Slidell, Metairie or along beautiful St. Charles Avenue–chances are you will need some shade and respite after a long day of truck floats. Find a tree, have a rest, look around, and enjoy the show. And keep your eyes peeled for the Mardi Gras trees! You know the ones… they glitter like rainbows, dedicated as bead catchers by the people passing by.

In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear the whimsical tale of The Mardi Gras Tree by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust.

“Laissez bon temps rouler! – let the good times roll! It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans and everyone’s excited – including the little acorn who just can’t WAIT to grow into a great live oak and watch high over the parades. But as the Great Oak says, it’s not always about being the biggest or the best. “Whatever tree you grow to be, just be the best that you can be.” ​An endearing tale of growth and self-worth set against the colorful backdrop of one of New Orleans’ biggest celebrations.

You can order the book at https://www.waggingtalespress.com/picture-books
Melinda, thanks for sharing your story and your wonderful talent with Confetti Park!