(Louisiana Statewide – November 27, 2024) – The people, places, and history of Louisiana are in the spotlight this December with a slate of special programs airing on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB). From a look at special holiday traditions across the state to two new documentary premieres, there’s something for everyone this December on LPB!

A Louisiana Holiday | Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 PM
No other state does the holidays like Louisiana! From the world-famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival to the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee along the Great River Road, our state is full of unique traditions that make celebrations during this time of the year unlike anywhere else. Come along as we explore holiday traditions – both old and new – around our state that reflect the distinctive and diverse heritages that make up a Louisiana holiday.

Art Rocks! The Series: Holiday Special | Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 8:00 PM
Celebrate the holidays with a little Louisiana lagniappe! We’ll visit artists from around our state whose work celebrates more than just the season; it celebrates the uniqueness of Louisiana. Unwrap the gift of beauty and artistry with this special holiday edition of the popular LPB series Art Rocks!

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue | Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7:00 PM
George Rodrigue - his story, his artistic contribution, his entire life - are a vivid part of the Louisiana landscape and continue to be an important part of the art world in America and beyond. A vigorously collected and admired figure, the “Blue Dog” painter has a legacy that endures. From his bayou-inspired Louisiana cultural works, literally putting the Cajuns on the map, to his world-renowned Blue Dog catalogue, Rodrigue’s work is full of life, a deep ethos, color, narrative, and joyous storytelling. WLAE-TV and LAE Productions share the story of this prolific artist, from his childhood in New Iberia to his explosion of fame across the globe. This documentary weaves together the story of an artist who remains an important figure in contemporary art, and has ever remained, “The Cajun Man”.

Hidden Louisiana | Monday, Dec. 9 at 7:00 PM
Join Peter Greenberg as he introduces viewers to a side of Louisiana you might never knew existed, uncovering an ancient past, a cutting-edge future, along with vibrant and diverse cultures. Peter grooves with a New Orleans brass band, practices with the LSU baseball team, uncovers artifacts at a Native American archaeology site, performs at the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, chows down on unique gas station grub, and kayaks in a majestic swamp.

How We Got Over | Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:00 PM
After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people left Louisiana and moved to the North or out West in search of better opportunities. This is the story of those that decided to stay behind in West Feliciana parish. Their success in the post-war world and the unbelievably difficult times ahead hinged on the impact of education and industry and the work of men like educator John Dawson and others. Hard work eventually propelled African Americans in West Feliciana to a level of prosperity not seen in many of Louisiana’s communities. It’s a story that has many Black Louisianans looking back on the challenges and wondering just exactly, “How we got over?”

These new programs premiere alongside an encore broadcast of the LPB two-part documentary series Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! Host Jay Dardenne takes viewers from New Orleans to Natchitoches, exploring Louisiana’s rich and diverse history. This sweeping documentary uncovers all of the ways our state is unique and special and more importantly, explain why! Part one airs Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 PM with part two airing the following week on Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 PM.

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For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225)-767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.

About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.