Mississippi Arts Hour

Lauren Rhoades talks with writer, photographer, and teacher Nadia Alexis, whose debut collection of poetry, BEYOND THE WATERSHED, was just released by Cavan Kerry Press. The book is a moving portrayal of generational trauma, domestic violence, survival, and reclamation. Nadia was born and raised in Harlem, New York City, to Haitian immigrants, and she currently resides in Mississippi. Listen as they discuss Nadia Alexis's journey as an artist, the creation of her debut collection, and her experience as a Mississippi transplant.

Highlights of the 2025 Governor's Arts Awards ceremony.

Kristen Brandt speaks with Mary Anderson Pickard, writer, painter, and eldest daughter of Walter Anderson. Mary has contributed to many publications that explore different parts of Walter Anderson’s artistic practice including A Symphony of Animals, Form and Fantasy: The Block Prints of Walter Anderson, and the recently reprinted Anderson’s Alice which pairs Lewis Carroll’s classic story Alice in Wonderland with Walter Anderson's visualizations inspired by the text. Mary is herself a painter and has been dedicated to the preservation of Oldfields, the historic home built by Alfred Lewis which became the residence of the Anderson family. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

On this episode of the Mississippi Arts Hour, Larry Morrisey speaks with writer David Johnson about his new biography of legendary Mississippi bluesman Booker “Bukka” White. Johnson tells us about his rural upbringing, the records he made in the 1930s and 40s and the revival of his career during the blues revival of the 1960sIf you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

This week on the Mississippi Arts Hour, Leslie talks with Governor’s Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Motion Picture, Tate Taylor. His incredible work includes The Help, Get On Up, Ma, and Palm Royale. In our conversation, he takes a deep dive into his past work, filming in Mississippi, and gives us a glimpse of what’s coming next. He even tells us about his favorite spots to visit in Mississippi. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

Maria Zeringue speaks with 2025 Governor's Arts Awards Excellence in Traditional Arts recipients, The Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. Sharde Thomas Mallory and Chris Mallory are the dynamic duo behind the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. Sharde's grandfather, Otha Turner, known as the father of Fife and Drum music, continues his legacy today. In recent years, the band has grown into a worldwide brand and monumental blues history sensation, playing at some of the best venues in the country, including the Lincoln Center and the Ryman Auditorium, as well as countless festivals around the globe. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

Lauren Rhoades sits down with 2025 Governor's Arts Awards Excellence in Visual Arts and Landscape Architecture recipient Robert Poore. With a 36-year career rooted in artistry and design, Robert has dedicated himself to landscape architecture and creative collaborations with artists and cultural institutions. Robert's visionary work is showcased in some of the state's most beloved landscapes, including the Mississippi Art Garden, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Mississippi Children's Museum Literacy Garden, and the Crosby Arboretum. His legacy enhances the beauty of the South while protecting its rich heritage for generations to come. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

Kristen Brandt visits with 2025 Governor's Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Walt Grayson. Grayson is known for his career as a storyteller in broadcasting. He is a revered figure in Mississippi and has spent over five decades narrating the stories of his beloved state. He currently works as a news anchor and lifestyle/feature reporter for WJTV-12, but his career spans radio and television on multiple Mississippi networks. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.  

Larry Morrisey talks with blues musician and 2025 Governor’s Arts Award recipient Eddie Cotton. Cotton is a nationally touring musician who has recorded a number of well-received albums. His latest, “The Mirror,” was released in 2024 on Malaco Records, the legendary Mississippi record label. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB.  https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast.