Sunday, October 30, 2005

Independent film with Shreveport connections opens Nov 4 at Louisiana Boardwalk & Tinseltown

Filmmaker Tom Anton and his wife, Sandi Russell, embrace in the living room of their Connestee Falls, NC, home. They are striking a pose similar to the one of the couple playing them in their first film, “At Last.” The movie is based on the Anton-Russell love story. The independent film, made in New Orleans, will open Nov. 4 at Louisiana Boardwalk 14 and Tinseltown, says the Times. Evidently there will be a bit of hoopla at La Boardwalk.

"At Last" was directed by former Crescent City resident Tom Anton. Jim Davis, a Shreveport attorney and business investor, served as the film's executive director. A small role marks the film debut of Caddo Magnet HS drama club alumnus Amelia Turner.

Here's one version of the story: eKConline .. And here's the IMBD on it.

Woman in Black: drama at Artspace cancelled

The Broken Silence Theatre Company was to present a thriller, The woman In Black, November 3,4,5 at 8pm at Artspace, 710 Texas street in downtown Shreveport, says director-actor John F. Daniel.

"If any of you had tickets to " the woman in black " at Artspace, I thank you deeply for your support of theatre in new venues..it means a lot...but a serious family emergency has caused us to cancel this weekend's performances," wrote Daniel.

Drug dealers' seaplanes using Cross Lake as drop point, say local filmmakers

Photog Russ Friedrich captured a drug dealer-filled seaplane as it made a dangerous drop over Gus Mijalis' cottage on the edge of Cross Lake last week.

Expected to smash into the docks after a reckless swoop over the I-220 bridge, the sponson-rigged dealer-mobile landed competently and taxied to a safe mooring.

At the stick were were co-pilots Ray Burch, of Saline, TX, and Dr. Chris Erickson, local dentist. Indeed, they were flying the plane for Michael Amundsen, assistant director of the movie Road House 2. It will star a Gary Busey look-alike: Gary's son, Jake Busey.

Hollywood on the Red, eh? More seaplane photos on Shreveport faces.com.

Since none of us saw Road House, I found this shortie on themovieblog.com: "Roadhouse is only the greatest film yet made about a bouncer in a small Kansas bar who finds true love at the tip of a boot. Next to it the action scenes in Citizen Kane look flat and uninspired. Mr. Smith goes to Washington pales in comparison and It's a Wonderful Life looks like a steaming pile of garbage."

On the concept for Road House 2: "Some might poo poo the notion of a middle aged Swayze putting forth another ham fisted effort to look tough, cool, and sensitive all at once but I say "bring it on!" If only to keep the budget from going to another Dukes of Hazard movie." As far as we can see, Swayze did not fly on the re-make plane.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Gothic romance: Artscare benefit at Artspace Fr, Oct 28, 7:30 pm

SptBlog is deeply committed to Artspace, believing that it offers the city, the region, a remarkable display center (Peter Pan Centennial, the Making of Robots) and vibrant concert space (Dirtfoot, Ghost Town Flood, Hope St Kids, mvoies, lectures) as well as space for regional artists (NWLaArtGallery.com, Michael Moore/Mark Burt/Thomas Little) and for kids (ArtBreak winning art, craft lessons, dance, video).

Artscare presents an opportunity to support this vibratory engine. Tickets are $50 a head. There's food, dancing, titillating activities and swag on the walls.

Allons danser!

673-6500.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

ArtScare Fri, Oct 28, at Artspace: Vinuous Volatility

Goth thyself for the Artspace benefit ($50 a head) called Artscare.

"Sup and spin," says SRAC, "and play in the Fun-a-torium: make your date into a mummy, toss a ring to win a bout of wine, sensuously traverse the Tactile Room, have your caricature sketched." Additional delights include a cash bar, photo-op in a coffin (maybe the only opportunity you'll have to enjoy such quarters) and dancing to the "Monster Mash."

And let's not forget the art of cruising a series of darkened rooms amongst slinkily costumed art lovers in search, perhaps, of a few truly gothic moments.

Fri, Oct 28, 7:30 pm til midnight. Info: 673-6500.

Halloween continues: Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat at Artspace Th, Oct 27, 9 pm

Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat
will play Art Space, 710 Texas St., in the heart of downtown Shreveport. The show will
begin around 9 pm, says Nic Clark.

Also playing will be Harry Merry, who is from
Rotterdam, Holland, and is another one-man-band like Quintron. The
show is all ages, and there will be a bar for those over 21 years old.
The cost is $10 at the door, or $8 if you show up wearing a costume, since this is a Halloween show.

SptBlog correspondent Brett Roman writes: "I saw Mr. Q in Dallas a few years ago and he is truly amazing. His "drum buddy " invention is worth the price of admission alone. The opeing act one-man-band from Holland should be great as well.
Despite it being a school night, I hope to see you there."

See http://www.quintronandmisspussycat.com.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

New Cello CD from Christopher-Drummond; concert Sunday, Oct 30, 3 pm, Hurley


cello front
Originally uploaded by Minoes.
Cellists Paul Christopher and Ruth Drummond will present a recital of Jacques Offenbach cello duos on Sunday, October 30 at 3:00 PM in the Anderson Auditorium of the Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, says Ruth Drummond.

This concert also marks the official release of their second CD, "The Perfect Gift" which follows last year's "The Gift of Melody". A reception will be held in the foyer afterwards with both CDs available.

Christopher is Instructor of Low Strings at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, having served as Principal Cellist of the Shreveport Symphony from 1989-2005. Drummond is Acting Principal Cellist of the Shreveport Symphony and a member of Baroque Artists of Shreveport and the Premier String Quartet.

Admission is free. Info: 861-3656.

Is there any reason not to value a locally-produced CD? Seems to me it's human nature to place a high value on anything recorded in NYC and look askance at product from a tertiary city in the Deep South. Yet I bought the first Christopher-Drummond CD and have found it well-produced and very listenable. I am delighted that they have the energy to make and release their 2nd CD and hereby recommend it to you.

Also, did you see Jennifer Flowers' article on chamber music in the Times? Well-written and inspiring reportage.

Monday, October 24, 2005

'65 Lincolns wanted . . . in Shreveport, for indie film on Warhol and Sedgwick. Yeah; right: lol! Nah; it's true.


Daddies2
Originally uploaded by angelmae.
Andy Warhol enjoys another guffaw from his grave as that monster of the urbane sees a movie on his intersection with mythical young thing Edie Sedgwick go into pre-production in, ahem, Shreveport.

From the Oct 24 Times:

"Film looking for vintage vehicles, other items

Got a 1955-1965 car? It could be in the movies.

"Factory Girl," an independent film about Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick in the 1960s New York factory scene, is in search (of) period cars, trucks, buses, clothes and furniture.

The movie stars Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon and the band Green Day. It is directed by George Hickenlooper."

The story, evidently legit, says to contact Rob Ortiz at LIFT Productions (318) 631-8330 for more info.

Kelley Taylor and the Soulbenders: Arkansas blues at Tequila Junction, Sat, Oct 29, 9 pm

Kelley Taylor and the Soulbenders, winner of the 2005 Arkansas Blues & Heritage Award, will be appearing at Shreveport's Tequila Junction on 10/29, says Larry Camp.

The Soulbenders play regularly in
St.Louis & Kansas City as well as Eureka Springs and Hot Springs.

Fronted by the charismatic Kelley "Big Red" Taylor on vocals, says Mr. Camp, this is a solid group of roadhouse warriors. They perform standards by the likes of Albert King, Koko Taylor, and Denise LaSalle, as well as a batch of originals.

"This is no boring blues band by a long shot," says Camp. "Known for her electric stage presence & inter-action with the crowd, Big Red will come to boogie!"

Well, I declare.

Tequila Junction, 1605 Marshall St; 9pm-1am.

"36.24.36:" art by Debbie Buchanan Engle at Prima Tazza; reception Monday, Oct 24, 6 pm

Recent work by artist and arts activist
Debbie Buchanan Engle will be shown at Prima Tazza this month and next. The show is entitled 36.24.36.

Art appreciators from the Shreveport-Bossier, Minden-Ruston, Longview-Tyler, Dallas-Ft Worth and Mansfield-Natchitoches areas are hereby invited to attend a reception at Prima Tazza on Monday, October 24, 2005, at 6:00 PM.

Prima Tazza is located inside the Well Necessities building at 8835 Line Avenue - at Ashley Ridge.

Info: 221-6961.

"Engle's work...includes graphic images of '50s-style women with cheeky slogans against solid backgrounds that play on feminist themes. I feel the older generations are more consistent; the newer generation's work is more dramatic and more experimental...Debbie Engle seem(s) to be taking it a step further."
- Rebecca Hudsmith, Bistineau Gallery, 2005

Peppino D'Agostino, guitarist: 7 pm, Sat, Oct 29, Fairfield Studios


Peppino: Sat, Oct 29, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Adventurous guitarist Peppino D'Agostino has released eight acclaimed albums and a DVD in the US and two CDs in Europe. D'Agostino has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as "a poet...among the best talents around", lauded by Acoustic Guitar as "one of the most capable composers among
fingerstyle guitarists," applauded by the San Diego Times as " potentially a giant of the acoustic guitar," and touted by Jazziz as a "phenom in the
same league with John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson and John Renbourn."

His touring schedule has sent him from Carnegie Hall to Wolftrap, says Fairfield Studios' Dana McCommon, and to places such as the Vancouver Festival, where he's shared the stage
with such noted guitarists as Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, David Grisman, John Lee Hooker, and Egberto Gismonti.

This concert's production cost has been unwritten by John E. Settle, Jr. Attorney at Law, says McCommon. Still, the tariff for music and supper is $15.

Info: 220-0400, or see peppinodagostino.com and fairfieldstudios.com.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

"Kids welcome - we like to eat them." Copious costumery at crazed Castle Joyce

William Joyce, David Otto and Jim Cowles chat at the bash called The Halloween Party Thrown by the Joyces.
The invite read "Wear a costume or you'll be scrutinized by intelligences vast, cruel and unsympathetic."

And costume the crowd did. See photos of some of the celebrants at Shreveportfaces.blogspot.com.


BTW, the Google-owned Blogger is ill at the moment. There are some two score images yet to be loaded to Shreveport Faces. Stand by, s'il vous plait.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Artspace this weekend, before the Artscare Halloween Party on Fr, Oct 28


Courtney Mott Byrd HS
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
In Artspace underground, called Coolspace, you'll see award-winning student art. Upstairs you'll find a major photo exhibit of New Orleans artful cemetaries called Elysium.

Giant, technicolor paintings by Michael G Moore are spaced with intricate pen and ink fantasies by Mark Burt and stone sculture by Thomas Little in an additional upstairs exhibit.

On the main floor visitors will be awed by gigantic images from the Highway haiku series as well as by the tschotchkes in Giftspace.

Artspace hours:
Mon - Wed 9 to 2.
Th to Sat 9 to 9 pm.

Sup: 673-6535.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Outdoor movies return to Shreveport's parks - can the Drive-in be far behind?

The Robinson Film Center, in partnership with Shreveport Green and Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) - I thought it was Spt Parks And Recreation, but I guess I'm still living in the D'Artois era - is pleased to present Movies & Moonbeams, an outdoor cinema experience showcasing family-friendly films in Shreveport’s public parks.

Movies & Moonbeams will begin in Betty Virginia Park on Sunday, November 13 at 6:30 P.M., with a screening of a Spielberg family film, says Clare France.

Movies & Moonbeams events, which will be held once a month, hurricanes permitting, will present films on a mega-inflatable screen with theater-quality projection and sound. When inflated, the system stands almost four stories tall, says Chris Jay. When deflated, well, never mind, says Sylvia Goodman.

Gates (believe it or not, Betty Virginia recently gave birth to fences and gates) will open at 5:30 P.M. The film will begin promptly at 6:30 P.M., or this isn't Louisiana. You may learn the film title (E.T.) by contacting (318) 424-9090 or info@robinsonfilmcenter.org. Rain date: Sunday, November 20th.

Admission to Movies & Moonbeams is 50 cents. Boxed-lunches, concessions from Marble Slab and the Hot Dog Man, as well as candy and popcorn will be sold for cash money on site. While a limited amount of reserve seating will be available, the public is encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets and scaffolding to create their own comfortable spot on the park lawn.

To reserve a seat or table, contact Shreveport Green at (318) 219-1888. Outside beverages and ice chests are not permitted, says the insiders.

McCartney interview on NPR, Th, Oct 20, during an amazing low-key redriverradio.com fund drive

National Public Radio is a biblical reservoir for many of us. If you like SptBlog, I'm pretty sure you like NPR.

This week the gang at Red River Radio has begun the most low-key and unintrusive fund-raiser that I've ever heard. General manager Roy Gerritson says, "We’ve tried to focus more on our goal this time around, and have made an effort to shorten the drive, both in the number of days and the amount of time we spend on air."

"As you know this is a very important time of year for Red River Radio, as we need to raise funds to continue operating and paying our bills. I hope others in the audience are recognizing and appreciating the changes we’ve made in our on-air fundraising."

Hope you will be generous in giving to this enormously important local institution. And if you miss the McCartney interview, not to worry. Redriverradio.com connects you to an amazing world of news and music. And while there you can make your contribution fretlessly.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Tattoo Parlor Art Show and Halloween Party Fri, Oct 28, the Body Electric

Friday of Halloween weekend the art party's at Sizer Yerger's tattoo shop, Body Electric. Will any artist's rendering best this droll poster produced by the host?

Costumes, music and formaldehyde!

Ink: 681-0990.

Ladies Night Out Chamber Concert: Premier Quartet at Hurley Music Bldg, Centenary, Th, Oct 20, 7:30 pm


Ladies
Originally uploaded by Hollyhock.
The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's development director, Jennifer Akers, says "Ladies' Night Out is the title of our female inspired Spotlight concert
featuring the Premier Quartet, Thursday, October 20. The concert will begin at 7:30 pm at Hurley School of Music, Centenary College. Tickets will be
available at the door!"

While the tree-lined campus is a romantic spot, Centenary College's Anderson Auditorium, inside the Hurley, is a gem of acoustical delight.

More on the Premier Quartet: Shreveportsymphony.com.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

San Francisco's new Golden Gate park museum, the DeYoung, is open; Shreveport to build a similar structure as part of the Cross Bayou plan


The Tower
Originally uploaded by Baba Dawn.
Just kidding about Shreveport, of course. Though I'm happy to see that, according to the Times, a Cross Bayou plan is alive.

At SptBlog we welcome reviews of new structures such as the DeYoung. Will someone please go out there, look at it and get back to me?

Also, I will happily accept reviews of other Archimedian structures. The Calanthean Temple comes to mind, somehow.

What the Bleep Do We Know? at Centenary Film Society Tu, Th, Oct 18 & 20, at 7 pm, Mickle Hall


Natural Rorschach IV
Originally uploaded by mark(s)elliott.
What the Bleep Do We Know? is a cult movie about quantum physics, I'm told by local members of its cult. "Physicists, neurologists, biologists and philosophers provide commentary as the viewer observes the fictional unraveling of a young photographer's life (played by Marlee Matlin)," says the Centenary Film Society copy.

Evidently the movie has provoked people across the globe to join discussion groups, book clubs and other purgative assemblies. Then there are the, ahem, quantum physics/film cults.

Tuesday & Thursday, Oct 18 & 20
Mickle Hall auditorium, Rm 114 (halfway down the hallway, ground floor)
7 pm / No charge / USA 2004 / 108 mins.
318-424-9090

SSO's Symphonic Fright concert is vivid but somewhat a headless horseman


HalloweenSSOLaDanceTheater.JPG
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Symphonic Fright produced a wall-to-wall audience at the Civic Theater Saturday. That's around 1500 tickets sold, said operations manager Janice Nelson. For the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, like any orchestra today, that's a satisfying upturn.

Pop concerts are the key, it seems, to the survival of the orchestra. But venturing into musical theater can be tricky. The SSO's Halloween concert was playful and seemed to please the audience. Artistically, it was a somewhat of a headless horseman.

The most difficult stretch of the evening was the musical theater called Hollow. It is a colorful piece of symphonic music, as far as we could tell. Sadly, the narrators of this piece of musical theater were put in the position of trying to outshout the orchestra. Richard Folmer and Ryan Williams read this version of The Headless Horseman. There were appearances by the young dancers of Louisiana Dance Theater. But the act rambled across the riverfront. Ryan Williams was pleasingly silly as Ichabod, but his choreography was amateurish. Richard Folmer's narration was professional, to be sure, but the script was wordy and competed with the music. Tuba player Mark Wolfe appeared with an additional bit of farce that allowed him to walk out from the orchestra while playing his sonorous instrument. But the audience didn't know whether his turn was a capella or scripted. Wolfe handled it well, but there seemed to be no blocking, nor was his voice amplified. The dancers also seemed to lack a full plan. They were charmingly costumed and brought color and atmosphere to the stage. But their gothic segment was random.

Indeed, a bit of musical theater can broaden the appeal of an orchestra concert. But this musical theater lacked artistic vision. Nor was a director credited by the SSO.

Otherwise I found the SSO's Halloween gambol to be clever. The romantic Overture to Der Vampyre was followed by the Funeral March of the Marionettes, which people of my generation know as the theme to Alfred Hitchcock's TV dramas. The LDT dancers were costumed as skeletons as they accompanied St. Saens' Dance Macabre. They were cute; they brought a lighthearted vibe to the stage. But artistically their dance was not at the SSO level.

The brass section kicked like a Belgian draft in the Mussorgsky piece, Night on Bald Mountain. The hall was filled with glorious orchestral gallop. Bald Mountain gave the SSO an opportunity to say to the audience, "We perform many quiet and subtle things but we can also rock."

Indeed, the SSO is aware that the traditional orchestra concert format is more or less a casket. Fresh approaches are popping. And, to judge from attendance at the first 2 concerts, so is the audience.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

This Animated Century shows at Artpace Th, Oct 13, 8 pm


the stealer is done
Originally uploaded by normocon.
This Animated Century is a comprehensive look at the history of animation worldwide. Animated characters, pin screen, pixillation, rotoscope, and cutout and puppet animation; all are discussed in this flic, says the press release. It goes on to proclaim, ta da, that this film is suitable and recommended for all ages.

"A terrific, entertaining, intelligent history of the animated film. From the earliest scratchings to the latest computer graphics, this fascinating story tells it all." -- Ken Burns.

Artspace
8 pm Th, Oct 13, $5
Info: (318) 673-6500 or 349-1541

John William Davis and Sean Kelly at Fairfield Studios Wed, Oct 12, 7 pm

Singer Sandra Odom says of John William Davis, "One of my Kerrville favorites, he was soo laid back while his music was sooo sophistocated, innovative and creative that I was truly taken aback.
One can't help but enjoy a conversation with John; he's quite a personable kinda guy. Then when he gets up to play you think "Whoa! I didn't expect to hear that kind of stuff from him!" Add his symphonic stand up bass player to the mix and it's "Whoa-whoa!" He's more of a rocker that the artists we've had to date at Fairfield Studios; just a real good rocker with a good sense of humour."

Please check him out at: "www.LostTribeDreams.com"
or: "www.fairfieldstudios.com" and click on "house concerts."

$15/person suggested donation.
Bring your drink of choice.
Food donated by Superior Grill, Bella Fresca and Logan Farms.

Reservations: 318-220-0400
Email: dana@fairfieldstudios.com

Monday, October 10, 2005

SSO to present Symphonic Fright concert Sat, Oct 15, 7:30 pm, at the Civic Theater


Red Witches
Originally uploaded by zeitspuren.
Symphonic Fright, a fun and powerful blast of orchestral literature, will be performed by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Sat, October 15, at 7:30 PM, says Kermit Poling. He will embody the
gothic spirit - to be sure, Mr. Poling is up for costumes and hijinks - as he conducts the orchestra.

Flying across the stage in will be dancers from Carol Anglin's Louisiana Dance Theater. And master thespians Richard Folmer and Ryan Williams will read the audience's collective crystal ball.

On the bill:

Marshner Overture to Die Vampyre
Saint-Saens Danse Macabre
Gounod Funeral March of the Marionettes
Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain
Fusco The Hollow

Tickets: 227-8863.
More at Shreveportsymphony.com.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Jason Anderson, the Big Positive plus Tigersaw and Casey Dienel at Centenary, on the lawn, Mon, Oct 10, 6 pm

KSCL radio's Sara Hebert says of multi-instrumentalist Jason Anderson, "This show is not to be missed! Jason Anderson puts on a great, fun show that will make your evening super awesomely special!!"

The 4-group freee show, Monday, Oct. 10, at 6pm, is to be held in Centenary College's Crumley Gardens. That's adjacent to Centenary Blvd and King's Highway and across the street from Turner Art Center.

"Please bring a blanket and enjoy the sounds of music in Centenary's lovely quasi-natural landscape! It's brought to you by KSCL 91.3 FM and the Centenary Activities Board," adds Hebert.

Local trio The Big Positive is who I hope to see. Based on their myspace.com recordings and local word of mouth, we can say that they are a cannily musical trio.

New bayouscape from New Iberia, LA, painter Melissa Bonin

Melissa Bonin Gallery, 220 West Main St,
New Iberia, Louisiana, invites you to visit for the Art Walk on “Gumbo Cook-off Saturday,”
October 8, 2005, in historic downtown New Iberia.

You may know Bonin from her exhibit at Rebecca Hudsmith's Bistineau Gallery.

5:00-8:00 pm or by appointment
337 369 6759
337 380 6927

Please see MelissaBonin.com.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Camellia Grill: post-Katrina landmark check


No Western Omelette
Originally uploaded by Nuke La Louche.
People may be returning to New Orleans and some businesses may be open, but the Crescent City remains a battered and broken region. The new tide of photos coming out on services such as kodak.com and flickr.com offer saddening proof of the long road ahead.

A brief review of uptown sites on flickr.com showed that in the absence of flooding, the tree damage was devastating. Here's an informative if saddening site: flickr.com/katrina.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Art call: small works in a dark, halloween theme for Body Electric


night ripples
Originally uploaded by fotogail.
Organizing an art show/party for October
28th at Body Electric, Sizer Yerger's tattoo parlor/gallery on Jordan St, is Aubre Bauer. "I am looking for artists that would be interested in hanging some pieces. We are looking for 'dark' works of photography, paintings, etc. We are trying to get a halloween theme going."

Notes Michael G Moore, who sent Bauer's message, "The wall space is not too large, so be thinking of smaller work you could show." Bauer works at Prima Tazza.

Monday, October 03, 2005

New Dimensions Brass Quintet at the Revel: elegant sounds on a non-crowded night


SteveEdwardsMalcolmSpencer.JPG
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
The sounds of the New Dimensions Brass Quintet were sublime on Monday night at the Revel. They were parsing a Stevie Wonder tune via the sonorous and epoch-arching sounds of silvery instruments when we discovered them. Pardon me for saying I would recommend them for any reception, festival or elegant concert.
See and hear more at NewDimensionsBrassQuintet.com. Or phone 318-425-5983.

Call to artists from SRAC; specs for billboard art, coolspace, folk art, etc, at Shrevearts.org

Artspace re-opens with a reception Thursday, Oct 6, at 5:30 pm, says Pam Atchison.

Shreveport Regional Arts Council - SRAC - has also released an acrylic palette of projects into which regional artists may dip their fingers. Please see Shrevearts.org.

* Elysium - a Gathering of Souls, is the principal exhibit in Artspace. It is a show of photography by New Orleans artist Sandra Russell Clark.
* Of Men and Monsters is the new coolspace exhibit. It features paintings by Michael G Moore, Christopher Mark Burt and Thomas Little.
* Highway Haiku have been a part of the region for 3 years. Artspace presents an overview of the genre.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Philosophical questions and perceptions in art; contribute a question

You are hereby invited to submit your favorite philosophical questions to be used - with due credit - in an art project. Painter Tony Reans and I are working on an exhibit that will display a variety of his color field paintings (think eye exam: dots of color from which emerges a pattern which is seen in dots of a contrasting color) to which have been added epigrammatic questions.

Sharing the space will be a sonic score of my design. Part of this soundscape will be your voice. There will be recordings of you - some of you - asking questions. Questions that reflect your cosmic interests and long-held curiosities and philosophical moments.

For instance, one of mine is, Why are humans hardwired for envy? How is it that some people leap over this hurdle?

One from Tony: How can you have all the answers if you haven't asked all the questions?

Please post your question in the Comments section or email it to me at trudeau@earthlink.net. Aware that many of you are probably going to feel like posting something satirical, I must say it's OK. Like "Where are my Birkenstocks, asked Socrates." Behind every such lighthearted jab lies a surgeon yearning to help the ill.

Banned Books Week: a reminder posted by the Tin Cup Cafe, Natchitoches


Blue Dog
Originally uploaded by bluehour.
Top of the list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000, according to Banned Books Week:

Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth's Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl

The list arrives courtesy of poet Carlos Colon and the Tin Cup Cafe, Natchitoches. The Tin Cup hosts a regular series of readings by locals desirous that their work may be banned one day.


From the BBW itself: "For twenty-three years Banned Books Week has been celebrating the freedom to read. This freedom, not only to choose what we read, but also to select from a full array of possibilities, is firmly rooted in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press."

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Poetry by adult readers at the Revel, 5:30 Monday - free admission night


ransom note 1
Originally uploaded by flickrwegian.
Nadine Charity is a considerable poet, which means she's adept at wordplay and insightful about matters of the heart. She's an effective reader and a good audience member, too. For some years now she has been the Poetry Stage volunteer for the Revel. She has encouraged and coordinated scores of readings by students. Today her message is about another group of language lovers:

Hello friends,

There will be an open mike for adults night at the Revel this year on
Monday starting at 5:30 on the Barnwell stage. This stage is a little
off the beaten path, back behind the Barnwell Center. It is quiet and
secluded and there isn't a drink or food booth near by, so you might
want to bring a drink, and convince a friend that it is worth the walk.

I hope lots of readers turn out for this. It is the first time in a
long time we have had adult readers. Please remember that this is a
family type venue and the poems should be appropriate for all listeners,
within reason. Don't want it to be a child centered reading, but you
understand what I mean I hope!

Monday is free entry into the Revel night, so everyone just come on down
and we will do it like in the old days, or am I having a moment of fond
reminiscing? Were there ever good old poetry days? I hope so.

For those of you who are story tellers or fiction writers, if you have a
shortish offering that would be wonderful as well. I hope to see
everyone there.

Nadine

And the student poetry nights are Wed, Oct 5, and Thurs, Oct 6. At 5:30 p.m. each night the stage is for elementary school readers. At 7:00 p.m. there will be readers from regional high schools.