CityBusiness announces 2008 Women of the Year honorees
NEW ORLEANS — CityBusiness has announced its Women of the Year Class of 2008.
The 10th annual event honors 50 women whose success in business and contributions to the community set the pace in our region. This year’s honorees are innovative leaders with energy, ideas, achievements and a commitment to excellence.
Honorees will be recognized at a noon luncheon Nov. 21 at the Sheraton hotel on Canal Street where an overall Woman of the Year will be announced. A Women of the Year insert spotlighting all honorees will run in the Nov. 24 issue of CityBusiness.
The 2008 honorees:
- Jackie Alexander
- Heather Alleman
- Sandra Andrieu
- Therese Badon
- Jesyka Bartlett
- Lauren Baum
- Penny Baumer
- Dottie Belletto
- C. Lynn Besch
- Julia Bland
- Kim Boyle
- Cindy Brennan
- Christine Briede
- Debbie Brockley
- Nancy Cassagne
- Jackie Clarkson
- Michelle Craig
- Bernie Cullen
- Beth Dannewald
- Nancy Scott Degan
- Dell Dempsey
- Johnette Downing
- Patti Ellish
- Cathi Fontenot
- Lisa Futrell
- Jocelyn Greely
- Samantha Griffin
- Jayne Gurtler
- Kristine Hatfield
- Donna Klein
- Priscilla Lawrence
- Deborah Lea
- Nancy Marshall
- Anne Milling
- Cheryl Mintz
- Beverly Nichols
- Michelle Nugent
- Beth Payton
- Tara Richard
- Jade Russell
- Elizabeth Scheer
- Rachael Schorr
- Laura Held
- Stacy Seamon
- Pamela Senatore
- Kristin Shannon
- Jessica Soileau
- Carol Solomon
- Charlee Williamson
- Rachel Wisdom
- Ellen Zakris•
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Read A Song of Louisiane
Here is a great review written by Marigny Dupuy in The Times Picayune for my new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane.
Books to Grow On
Read a song of Louisiane
Johnette Downing's latest book focuses on the state's food and music
The Times Picayune
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By Marigny Dupuy
Johnette Downing is a powerhouse in the world of Louisiana children's music -- she's a singer, songwriter, performer, traveling educator, writer and illustrator, and a Louisiana native. Author of three books for children (with another coming in the spring), all related to songs, and creator of seven CDs (several of them award-winning), Downing also travels extensively throughout Louisiana, the United States and internationally (she is scheduled to perform in Dubai in March 2009), spreading the word about all-things-Louisiana through a variety of programs and workshops. Music -- specifically Louisiana music -- defines everything that Downing does.
The appealing text in her latest book for young children, 'My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane,' written and illustrated by Downing (Pelican Publishing Company, $15.95, ages 3-7), is an adaptation of a traditional song, as were the words in her two successful previous books, "Monday is Red Beans in Louisiana" and "Down in Louisiana." Focused on the food and music of our state, the gently rhyming text leads the reader from well-known places such as New Orleans and Lafayette to lesser-known spots in Louisiana such as Mamou, Albany and Ruston, gathering delicious food and musical instruments along the way. Downing's colorful collage illustrations add to the playful spirit of the text.
Music to accompany the adapted lyrics appears at the back of the book, along with a glossary with helpful pronunciation guides and additional information about the Louisiana cities and towns in the text. Anyone who has heard Downing's sweet, clear voice singing to a zydeco beat will long to hear her perform this new song.
Thanks Marigny! You're a powerhouse book reviewer!
Books to Grow On
Read a song of Louisiane
Johnette Downing's latest book focuses on the state's food and music
The Times Picayune
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By Marigny Dupuy
Johnette Downing is a powerhouse in the world of Louisiana children's music -- she's a singer, songwriter, performer, traveling educator, writer and illustrator, and a Louisiana native. Author of three books for children (with another coming in the spring), all related to songs, and creator of seven CDs (several of them award-winning), Downing also travels extensively throughout Louisiana, the United States and internationally (she is scheduled to perform in Dubai in March 2009), spreading the word about all-things-Louisiana through a variety of programs and workshops. Music -- specifically Louisiana music -- defines everything that Downing does.
The appealing text in her latest book for young children, 'My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane,' written and illustrated by Downing (Pelican Publishing Company, $15.95, ages 3-7), is an adaptation of a traditional song, as were the words in her two successful previous books, "Monday is Red Beans in Louisiana" and "Down in Louisiana." Focused on the food and music of our state, the gently rhyming text leads the reader from well-known places such as New Orleans and Lafayette to lesser-known spots in Louisiana such as Mamou, Albany and Ruston, gathering delicious food and musical instruments along the way. Downing's colorful collage illustrations add to the playful spirit of the text.
Music to accompany the adapted lyrics appears at the back of the book, along with a glossary with helpful pronunciation guides and additional information about the Louisiana cities and towns in the text. Anyone who has heard Downing's sweet, clear voice singing to a zydeco beat will long to hear her perform this new song.
Thanks Marigny! You're a powerhouse book reviewer!
October 2008 Tour Schedule
October 3 at 9:00 & 1:00, Educator Workshops, SPALS Conference, Cajun Dome, Lafayette, LA
October 4 at 11:00, Book Signing, Pelican Publishing Booth, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 12:30, Storytelling Tent, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 1:45, Book Talk, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 2:45, Book Signing, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 5 at 1:00, Sugar Fest, West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, LA
October 10 at 5:00 p.m., Kids Alive, Festivals Acadian, Downtown Lafayette, LA
October 12 from 3:00-5:00, Book Signing, Country Day School Book Fair, Metairie, LA
October 16 at 2:00 & 4:00, Washington Parish Fair, Franklinton, LA
October 17 at 6:00 p.m., Kent House Halloween Concert, Alexandria, LA
October 18 from 9:00-12:00, Educator Workshop, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
October 19 at 1:30 & 3:00, Trolley Tales, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, LA
October 24, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 25 at 10:00, Monster Mash, Bogue Falaya Park, Covington, LA
October 25, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 26 at 9:30, Buddy Walk Concert, Zephyr Stadium, Metairie, LA
October 27-28, Red Ribbon Week Concerts, St. Francisville, LA
October 4 at 11:00, Book Signing, Pelican Publishing Booth, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 12:30, Storytelling Tent, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 1:45, Book Talk, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 2:45, Book Signing, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 5 at 1:00, Sugar Fest, West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, LA
October 10 at 5:00 p.m., Kids Alive, Festivals Acadian, Downtown Lafayette, LA
October 12 from 3:00-5:00, Book Signing, Country Day School Book Fair, Metairie, LA
October 16 at 2:00 & 4:00, Washington Parish Fair, Franklinton, LA
October 17 at 6:00 p.m., Kent House Halloween Concert, Alexandria, LA
October 18 from 9:00-12:00, Educator Workshop, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
October 19 at 1:30 & 3:00, Trolley Tales, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, LA
October 24, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 25 at 10:00, Monster Mash, Bogue Falaya Park, Covington, LA
October 25, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 26 at 9:30, Buddy Walk Concert, Zephyr Stadium, Metairie, LA
October 27-28, Red Ribbon Week Concerts, St. Francisville, LA
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Downing Combines Music and Writing in Winning Way
Here is a great review for my latest book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane:
Downing combines music and writing in winning way
By JUDY BERGERON
News Features staff writer
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA
Published: Sep 21, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.
Johnette Downing’s children’s books come from her music for children, which in turn comes from her love of Louisiana, its music and its children. As a singer, songwriter, musician and author, Downing says she puts a little Louisiana spice in everything she creates, her latest project the children’s book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane.
The book takes its title and inspiration from the song, “My Aunt Came Back,” often heard around Girl Scout campfires. In the traditional version, the aunt travels around the world, bringing back gifts from exotic countries. Downing has narrowed the scope of her adaptation to Louisiana’s boundaries.
“I thought this would be a good geography book for our children in Louisiana and I’m sort of like the aunt in the book because I bring my nieces and nephews back things from all over Louisiana,” Downing said.
Written in simple rhyming verse, the aunt travels to different Louisiana towns and cities, always bringing back a sample of something the area is noted for: red beans from New Orleans, file gumbo from Thibodaux, crawfish stew from ’ti Mamou. Young children can easily read or sing along, learning little tidbits as they go. At the back of the book is a word map, giving pronunciations for some of the more difficult towns mentioned, with explanations for the foods, or in a few cases, musical instruments they’re associated with. The sheet music for the adapted song follows.
In synch with the simplicity of the text are the illustrations, which Downing created herself. Deborah Kadair had illustrated Downing’s first two children’s books, Today is Monday in Louisiana and Down in Louisiana, but encouraged her colleague to try this one on her own. “This is my normal format, collage. It’s childlike, children can relate to it. It’s cut foam and construction paper, which gives it that soft quality,” Downing said. The brightly-hued illustrations clearly identify the subjects, without bogging down the young readers with a lot of intricate detail.
Downing, who lives in Uptown New Orleans, has been catering to a young audience for years, since leaving a folk band to devote herself full-time to Louisiana music for children.
“It’s been such a wonderful thing. My whole career has been organic,” she said, adding that a friend encouraged her career change, saying she would be good with kids. First performing her songs around Louisiana, she soon went national, and eventually, landed an appearance in Puerto Rico.
Someone from Costa Rica saw the show and booked her for an event there. Then it was on to Guatemala and Egypt. In all, she’s now performed in 11 countries. “That is the great thing about Louisiana music. People all over the world know about our music and our culture and when I travel to other countries they want me to do my Louisiana music for children and they want me to bring my instruments that are from Louisiana and I bring all my books and they just love Louisiana culture. And it’s so nice because that’s who I am, you know, that’s what I do.”
Downing said her music is inspired by Dixieland jazz, jazz, Cajun, Creole and zydeco music. Her parents were both musicians and singers at their church, and Downing said she grew up performing. Downing dedicated her new book to her mother, who died last year.
“In memory of my mother, who always had a song in her heart and a child on her knee,” the dedication reads.
Like mother, like daughter, it seems.
Downing combines music and writing in winning way
By JUDY BERGERON
News Features staff writer
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA
Published: Sep 21, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.
Johnette Downing’s children’s books come from her music for children, which in turn comes from her love of Louisiana, its music and its children. As a singer, songwriter, musician and author, Downing says she puts a little Louisiana spice in everything she creates, her latest project the children’s book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane.
The book takes its title and inspiration from the song, “My Aunt Came Back,” often heard around Girl Scout campfires. In the traditional version, the aunt travels around the world, bringing back gifts from exotic countries. Downing has narrowed the scope of her adaptation to Louisiana’s boundaries.
“I thought this would be a good geography book for our children in Louisiana and I’m sort of like the aunt in the book because I bring my nieces and nephews back things from all over Louisiana,” Downing said.
Written in simple rhyming verse, the aunt travels to different Louisiana towns and cities, always bringing back a sample of something the area is noted for: red beans from New Orleans, file gumbo from Thibodaux, crawfish stew from ’ti Mamou. Young children can easily read or sing along, learning little tidbits as they go. At the back of the book is a word map, giving pronunciations for some of the more difficult towns mentioned, with explanations for the foods, or in a few cases, musical instruments they’re associated with. The sheet music for the adapted song follows.
In synch with the simplicity of the text are the illustrations, which Downing created herself. Deborah Kadair had illustrated Downing’s first two children’s books, Today is Monday in Louisiana and Down in Louisiana, but encouraged her colleague to try this one on her own. “This is my normal format, collage. It’s childlike, children can relate to it. It’s cut foam and construction paper, which gives it that soft quality,” Downing said. The brightly-hued illustrations clearly identify the subjects, without bogging down the young readers with a lot of intricate detail.
Downing, who lives in Uptown New Orleans, has been catering to a young audience for years, since leaving a folk band to devote herself full-time to Louisiana music for children.
“It’s been such a wonderful thing. My whole career has been organic,” she said, adding that a friend encouraged her career change, saying she would be good with kids. First performing her songs around Louisiana, she soon went national, and eventually, landed an appearance in Puerto Rico.
Someone from Costa Rica saw the show and booked her for an event there. Then it was on to Guatemala and Egypt. In all, she’s now performed in 11 countries. “That is the great thing about Louisiana music. People all over the world know about our music and our culture and when I travel to other countries they want me to do my Louisiana music for children and they want me to bring my instruments that are from Louisiana and I bring all my books and they just love Louisiana culture. And it’s so nice because that’s who I am, you know, that’s what I do.”
Downing said her music is inspired by Dixieland jazz, jazz, Cajun, Creole and zydeco music. Her parents were both musicians and singers at their church, and Downing said she grew up performing. Downing dedicated her new book to her mother, who died last year.
“In memory of my mother, who always had a song in her heart and a child on her knee,” the dedication reads.
Like mother, like daughter, it seems.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Music Monthly - September 2008
I offer a music activity each month in my email newsletter that goes out to 5000 fans and friends. I have had such positive feedback from educators and parents on the email newsletter list who say they use the activity each month with the children in their care. Therefore, I am going to offer the Music Monthly activity each month here on my Blog as well. Feel free to use the activity with the children in your care and give proper usage credit. Thanks and enjoy!
Roll Call
by Johnette Downing
Copyright 2008 Johnette Downing
Let’s add a little music to roll call in school or at home by singing the names of children in your care. An easy way to do this is by using the tones in do, ra, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do. For two syllable names, I use “so-ra” for the syllable tones. For three syllable names, I use “so-ra-do.” Play around with tones to see which ones you like.
If you are musically inclined, play the notes on an instrument while you sing roll call. For a greater challenge, assign each child their own name tone and use it throughout the school year. You just might be amazed to see how quickly the children learn the name tones and sing each other’s name as well.
Have a musical month!
To join my monthly email newsletter list, click here:
http://johnettedowning.com/newsletter.html
Roll Call
by Johnette Downing
Copyright 2008 Johnette Downing
Let’s add a little music to roll call in school or at home by singing the names of children in your care. An easy way to do this is by using the tones in do, ra, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do. For two syllable names, I use “so-ra” for the syllable tones. For three syllable names, I use “so-ra-do.” Play around with tones to see which ones you like.
If you are musically inclined, play the notes on an instrument while you sing roll call. For a greater challenge, assign each child their own name tone and use it throughout the school year. You just might be amazed to see how quickly the children learn the name tones and sing each other’s name as well.
Have a musical month!
To join my monthly email newsletter list, click here:
http://johnettedowning.com/newsletter.html
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
CHEF CREOLE - New Book Coming this Spring!
Illustrator Deborah Kadair and I have teamed up for another picture book titled
This book is my adapted version of the beloved traditional song “Aiken Drum.” Following the familiar repetitive pattern of the song, his hair is made of rice, rice, rice; his eyes are made of red beans, red beans, red beans; and his mouth is made of a praline, praline, praline. With a King Cake body and beignet feet, this Louisiana Chef is good enough to eat! Published by Pelican Publishing, this book is slated for a spring 2009 release.
Check out the book cover on my Store page today!
Chef Creole.
This book is my adapted version of the beloved traditional song “Aiken Drum.” Following the familiar repetitive pattern of the song, his hair is made of rice, rice, rice; his eyes are made of red beans, red beans, red beans; and his mouth is made of a praline, praline, praline. With a King Cake body and beignet feet, this Louisiana Chef is good enough to eat! Published by Pelican Publishing, this book is slated for a spring 2009 release.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane book RELEASED!
My new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane (Pelican Publishing Company) has just been released and is available on my website at:
http://www.johnettedowning.com/store.html
This rhyming picture book offers children a tour of the Louisiana traditions of many beautiful towns and cities of the state. Based on a traditional song adapted by the award-winning Louisiana singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, the book invites children to learn the various cultural nuances of each area. Along with the whimsical song lyrics, interesting facts about Louisiana are included on the word map. Children will learn that the town of Albany was settled by Hungarians and is known for its large, sweet strawberries, and the small Florida parish town of Franklinton is famous for its delicious watermelons. In Ruston, a town in northern Louisiana, peaches are the special fare, and in Thibodaux, it is the filé gumbo. Many more interesting facts are presented in a unique, enjoyable fashion.
Get your autographed copy hot off the press today!
http://www.johnettedowning.com/store.html
This rhyming picture book offers children a tour of the Louisiana traditions of many beautiful towns and cities of the state. Based on a traditional song adapted by the award-winning Louisiana singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, the book invites children to learn the various cultural nuances of each area. Along with the whimsical song lyrics, interesting facts about Louisiana are included on the word map. Children will learn that the town of Albany was settled by Hungarians and is known for its large, sweet strawberries, and the small Florida parish town of Franklinton is famous for its delicious watermelons. In Ruston, a town in northern Louisiana, peaches are the special fare, and in Thibodaux, it is the filé gumbo. Many more interesting facts are presented in a unique, enjoyable fashion.
Get your autographed copy hot off the press today!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hurricane Gustav
I made it home safely after five days near Alexandria (yes, I evacuated to where the eye of the storm and the worst weather passed). I was trapped by flood waters with no electricity, Internet or phone service at my friend's lovely house and we could not leave. As an evacuee, I volunteered helping my sister at an evacuee animal shelter in Alexandria the day before the storm. The best part of the evacuation experience was that I was with my sister Robbie, my dear friend Rose Anne and Rose Anne's gracious and welcoming family.
My house, my dog Emma and I are fine. Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, text messages, calls and emails. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow Gulf Coast citizens who are still evacuated, sustained property damage and are still without electricity. Many blessings for a speedy, safe return.
My house, my dog Emma and I are fine. Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, text messages, calls and emails. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow Gulf Coast citizens who are still evacuated, sustained property damage and are still without electricity. Many blessings for a speedy, safe return.
Friday, September 5, 2008
September 2008 Tour Schedule
September 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Book Signing, Barnes & Noble, Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA
September 27 from 11:00-12:30, Book Signing, Maple Street Children's Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
September 27 from 11:00-12:30, Book Signing, Maple Street Children's Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
Publishers Weekly
My new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane received a brief mention in the July 21, 2008 Fall Children's Listings issue of Publishers Weekly (page 90).
"My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane ($15.95) by Johnette Downing adapts and illustrates a traditional song. (5-8)"
"My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane ($15.95) by Johnette Downing adapts and illustrates a traditional song. (5-8)"
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