POV: You're Harry Connick Jr. at Mardi Gras

This episode features musician and New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr., who shares a mix of humorous personal anecdotes about growing up and raising his own children, alongside his deep passion and advocacy for his hometown's culture and post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Connick Jr. offers listeners an intimate glimpse into his life, blending lighthearted storytelling with a serious call to action for supporting New Orleans.

Connick Jr. recounts vivid childhood memories of Mardi Gras, including mischievous antics at Gallier Hall where his District Attorney father and judge mother would watch parades. He describes sneaking underneath the stands as a young boy to catch beads and balloons, a secret adventure away from his preoccupied parents. The conversation then turns to the New Orleans Jazz Fest, an event he cherishes, having played his first one at just eight years old with his hero, the legendary pianist James Booker. He emphasizes the festival's diverse musical offerings—gospel, R&B, Cajun, zydeco, jazz—and its critical importance for New Orleans tourism and economic rejuvenation.

Transitioning to his experiences as a parent, Connick Jr. shares relatable and often comedic stories about his three daughters. He humorously describes his frustration at his oldest daughter's first ice skating competition, where he found himself yelling, "But she does tricks! She does tricks! She can do tricks!" from the stands, despite the limited requirements of the routine. He also recalls a mortifying incident where he made a 13-year-old soccer referee cry after disputing a call during his middle daughter's game, illustrating the intense emotions that come with parental involvement.

Beyond personal stories, Connick Jr. highlights his profound commitment to New Orleans through his Musician's Village project. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, this initiative aims to provide low-income housing for musicians and other families affected by Hurricane Katrina. The project, spanning five city blocks, plans for 70 houses and 10 duplexes, with an ultimate goal of 1500 homes in surrounding areas, and includes the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music to preserve the city's rich musical tradition. He laments the "painfully slow" recovery in many residential areas, which still look as though the hurricane happened "two weeks ago," and earnestly encourages listeners to visit New Orleans to support its struggling economy.

Listeners will walk away with a richer understanding of Harry Connick Jr.'s multifaceted personality—his wit, his devotion as a father, and his unwavering dedication to the unique spirit and ongoing recovery of New Orleans. The episode serves as both an entertaining listen and a heartfelt plea for continued support for a city still rebuilding.