Mississippi Arts Hour

Larry Morrisey travels to Malaco Records in Jackson to talk with label president Tommy Couch, Jr. Malaco has just published a large-format book that documents the history of the music label, from its beginnings as a small music booking operation and growing into a highly regarded independent record label focused on blues, R&B and gospel music.

Sarah Story speaks with Cali Larson Noland, Griot Youth Program founder, and Leonette Henderson, Griot’s new executive director. Sarah speaks with the two about the founding of Clarksdale-based Griot and the diverse arts programs they offer for grades 3 – 12. They share their excitement for the opportunity to create new community in Clarksdale and talk about their local coffee shop, Meraki, which gives workforce development training for young adults.

Leslie Barker talks with theatre artist and Jackson native, Melissa Mickens. Melissa is an actress, writer, director, producer, and teaching artist based in New York. She is the director of Adler Youth and Summer Shakespeare and the Black Arts Institute coordinator at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. The discussion includes thoughts on the vital importance of arts education and all aspects of the collaborative theatrical process.