One of the best things about producing Zydeco Nation was the chance to collaborate with John Noltner, a Minnesota-based photographer whose work has been published in numerous national magazines.
Noltner is also the creator of A Peace of My Mind, a multimedia arts project. His work exhibits regularly across the country, and he leads lectures and workshops around the idea that art and storytelling have the ability to transform hearts and communities.
Noltner’s visual documentary style complemented and augmented our audio style. His big and gentle heart made our interviewees feel comfortable and valued. His photos appear throughout these web pages. Here are a few more.
Entrance to a zydeco dance in Palo Alto.
Andre Thierry and his band perform in Palo Alto.
A zydeco dance in Palo Alto.
A zydeco dance in Palo Alto.
Charlmaigne Chavez-Thibodeaux (center) and Linda Francis (right) at a zydeco dance in Palo Alto.
A zydeco dance in Palo Alto.
Andre Thierry and his band perform at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco,.
Lisa Mitchell and Lance Henry at a zydeco dance for the Oakland Black Cowboy’s Association at the No Name Ranch in Hayward.
Mark St. Mary performs at the No Name Ranch in Hayward.
Andrew Carriere and his band perform at Ashkenaz in Berkeley.
Andrew Carriere and his band perform at Ashkenaz in Berkeley.
Eagles Hall, an old fraternal lodge in Alameda that now hosts zydeco dances.
Dana DeSimone teaching zydeco dance at Eagles Hall in Alameda.
Andre Thierry’s accordion.
All photos Copyright 2024 John Noltner.
