Ethan Ellestad is the Executive Director of the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO). We sat down with him and our host David Adams to talk about his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New Orleans, his work in Jamaica with the Peace Corps, and how those experiences shaped his passion for equitable urban development and cultural advocacy.

We also dig into the work MaCCNO is doing to fight outdated ordinances, legalize outdoor live entertainment, and ensure that the entire ecosystem of cultural workers—from musicians to sound engineers—gets the support they need. This conversation highlights the ongoing challenges facing artists in New Orleans, the vision for a future where New Orleans’ culture thrives through community-driven policy and advocacy, and the importance of supporting communities in the creative industries.

Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. 

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