The fresh meat that Shreveport-Bossier craves: Shreveport Symphony Orchestra music director / conductor Michael Butterman

New Shreveport Symphony Orchestra music director / conductor Michael Butterman
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

In his witty comments from the stage, Michael Butterman, new musical director and conductor for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, diasarmed and entertained the Holiday Pops audience. Quite an audience it was; the show was sold out.

The SSO is on a streak. "We've had record crowds for each of the concerts this year," exclaimed development director Jennifer Akers. What's going on? "I think it's partly due to executive director Scott Green's sharp insights into marketing," responded Akers. "Partly it's the high quality of the orchestra. After that, I'm not sure."

Next concert? Jan. 13, the Annual People's Concert (your ticket has been comped by the Community Foundation of Spt-Bossier). More at Shreveportsymphony.com.

Two Christmas gift ideas?
* A set of anytime tickets that will take you into the 7 concerts of the new year.
* Or a Luxury Raffle Ticket ($100 each; only 2000 will be sold). The raffle is the SSO's principal fund raiser.

Crowds may be high, but the SSO's funds are momentarily low. Have you made a contribution to the Annual Fund?