Art by James Hunter, Clementine Hunter's grandson, at Columbia Cafe; reception Sun, Dec 3, from 4 - 6 pm

Art by James Hunter, Columbia Cafe
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Folk artist James Hunter's paintings are a vivid mixture of bright colors and memories of what it was like to grow up on a plantation on Cane River in Natchitoches Parish, says Marion Marks.

Hunter is the grandson of folk artist Clementine Hunter. His work was recently on display at the Louisiana State Museum, and his first show outside of the state was at the Stephens Gallery in Northport, Alabama in conjunction with the Kentuck Art Festival.

Says Marks at JamesHunterFolkArt.com, "We are fortunate that her grandson, who spent much time with his Clementine, learned much of her history and also her love for paint. For when he picked up a brush, he brought back to life relics of an almost forgotten past.

James Hunter emerged just recently to pick up where his grandmother left off. And his colorful images of southern life and culture capture images that will never again be seen. As he grew up at Clementine’s feet, he spent almost twelve years in her shadow. He watched, and captured images, which are just now coming to canvas."

Reception: Sun from 4p.m. till 6p.m. at Columbia Cafe, northwest corner of Kings Highway and Creswell Avenue.

Marion Marks: 424-0880

Pianists perform Fri - Sun, Dec 1 - 3, at Centenary College in the international Wideman Piano Competition; concerts open and free

Wideman Piano Competition finalist: Christine Bethanne Johnson
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Once a year a small part of Shreveport resembles New York or Berlin, given the number of high-level musical performers gathered. The place is the Hurley Music Building at Centenary College and the event is the Wideman Piano Competition.

This weekend the small crowds who stop at Anderson Auditorium, Centenary, will hear extraordinary piano solo performances by young performers who've worked for years at an Olympic level.

Last year I had the good fortune to meet Wideman contestant Christine Bethanne Johnson at her host family's Yamaha grand piano. We discussed 20th century music and what I knew of Poulenc and Ravel. I asked for a brief performance of a modern piece from her repertoire. She chose a concerto by Dutilleux.

Told I had to leave soon, Johnson sat at the keyboard with her eyes closed for a couple of minutes. It is my belief that she was mentally running through the complex piece, finding the point at which her playing would match my time requirements. What followed was one of the richest concert experiences of my short life. Her very physical attack against the keys produced a salty wave of melody. We were drenched in music.

Having been baptized in the Wideman experience at the home of Kevin and Mary Virginia Hill, I attended several of the competitions. The lobby at Hurley was filled with an international group of performers and attendees. The performances were cerebral and energizing. Shreveporters who want to live as though they weren't cut off from New York and London might well find their home this weekend amidst those who bring us the Wideman.


Wideman Piano Competition: free admission.
Preliminary rounds begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Starting times for Sunday's semifinals and finals depend on the number of finalists selected.
Hurley School of Music at Centenary College in Shreveport.
Mrs. Lester Senter Wilson and the Shreveport Symphony Guild.

World AIDS Day in Shreveport Wed, Nov 29 & Fri, Dec 1, LSUS

The Obelisk in Buenos Aires...
Originally uploaded by amyceline.

Please join the Philadelphia Center & LSU-S American Humanics Student Organization in commemorating, says Adrienne Critcher,

World AIDS Day

Wednesday, November 29, 2006
6 PM Faces of AIDS Photo Exhibit Opening Reception
(exhibit ends Friday, Dec. 1, 2006)
@ LSU-S Noel Library - 3rd floor lobby area

Thursday, November 30, 2006
10 AM - 1 PM Free HIV Testing
@ LSU-S Business & Administration Bldg., Room 115

6 PM Frontline: 25 Years of AIDS PBS documentary
@ LSU-S University Center Theater

Friday, December 1, 2006 (actual World AIDS Day)
6:30 PM Candlelight Ceremony
@ Betty Virginia Park

Please bring cash to support the food pantry
3901 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport 71106
(between Fairfield Ave. & Line Ave.)
In case of rain - Shreveport Church of HOPE
1714 Highland Ave.

Philadelphia Center @ 222-6633 ext. 25 or
LSUS American Humanics Student Organization @ 795-4262

House Concert series at Fairfield Studios, Shreveport: Randall Williams at 7 pm Sat, Dec 2

House Concert series at Fairfield Studios, Shreveport: Randall Williams

There's no clearer alternative to the bar and concert hall scene than the House Series at Fairfield Studios. No smoke. No idiots. Every nuance of the picking and singing of these well-traveled performers can be enjoyed.

Starts early. Easy parking. Like-minded people with whom to chat during the intermission. I think you can even bring in your own libations.

More info: 220-0400 or reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
$15

This week: Randall Williams, troubador.

Gannett, Alan English, digital site building, you and the future of local media

Bill Joyce, Alan English
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Gannett Co, the nation's largest newspaper chain, is opening its news space to bloggers. Why?

Across America, newspapers are losing circulation and profit. As the media morphs, even as news staffs are cut, the papers are suffering. Gannett has decided to see whether bloggers can add value and vitality to their online package.

Accordingly, Alan English, Times executive editor, and Scott Anderson, new media editor, have signed me as a *community blogger.* There's a link to SptFaces on the online front page. Expect to see a link to ShreveportBlog on the online Times front page in December, says English. It's an arrangement that I proposed to them in June of 05.

English has long been intrigued by the idea of linking to blogs because he's a tech-minded editor. He was the first to publicly recognize the value of SptBlog (Feb 13, 05).

In the meantime shreveporttimes.com has been striving for readability and building an audience. It remains a jumbly site but seems to have a cleaner look each month. So far it has a weak search engine. But the number of daily hits the front page earns is impressive, according to English.

Bloggers are mosquitos. We can do the easy stuff, the hit & runs. And bloggers like me revel in posting images with every story. Newspapers are ponderous, armed tanks. They may be slow and image-poor but the thing is, they make money. Few bloggers have been able to monetize, as we call it.

Somewhere between us lies the cash for both readers and journalists. Managers like English and the Gannett honchos need to rebuild the tank as an all-terrain hybrid. I think a continually updated web site could - somehow - pump up their print product.

So the Times is exploring digital options. Staffers are being given videocams. Cool. Video is not an easy skill to acquire, but it's worthy in a world that gets much of its news from YouTube.

Why isn't each reporter using a blog for quick updates on the stories they're assembling and composing? So far the Times uses staff blogs as a sort of add-on. My favorite Times staffer blog is Alex Kent's Louisiana Movies Blog.

Reporters probably see podcasts as an untenable burden. In the future savvy newsprint reporters will piggyback aural interviews almost as second nature. The online paper is moving in that direction: the Times multimedia production on the Space Center at SciPort is effective.

How much brainpower can Shreveport muster in an effort to renew the news model? A lively and varied media is essential if the quality of life here is to improve. But can we create a sustainable series of digital sites that will both stimulate the public and generate money? We shall see.

Plenty of elbow room in the Big Easy, says Matt Gross in a NY Times Frugal Traveler weekend

french market artist, new orleans
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

In a story called Back to New Orleans, Gently, NY Times Frugal Traveler Matt Gross writes (Nov 26), "This emptiness, disturbing and depressing as it was, turns out to be perversely beneficial for visitors — the city of exuberant indulgence has, almost overnight, become even more affordable. It’s a strange kind of affordability, though: Because tourists have yet to return en masse, the budget options sit wide out in the open, just waiting to be picked. Although rates have actually risen slightly, hotel deals still abound, last-minute reservations at hot restaurants are a phone call away and curbside parking actually exists. The Big Easy may no longer feel big, but it’s easier than ever."

Catch up on the state of the Crescent City via this article as well as the sites listed on SptBlog links: Gambit, Offbeat and Nola.com.

Fresh from the painter's studio: Dennis O'Bryant's commissioned work, Caddo with Duck Mill

2006-11-25 Caddo with Duck Mill / artist Dennis O'Bryant
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"Caddo with Duck Mill" is, says Marshall, Tx, artist Dennis O'Bryant, "A return to painting Caddo Lake via a commission work for a friend. Shimmering reflections and long shadows; appropriate for this time of year. Your comments and critiques are welcomed.

For a look at more of my work, please visit
Denoart.com and denoart.blogspot.com. "

His work was recently on in the Louisiana Artists exhibit at Barnwell Center. That exhibit came down on Nov 20.

Sharpest show in Shreveport: Eye Twenty group exhibit upstairs at Artspace, 710 Texas

Laura Noland Harter & Enoch Doyle Jeter
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Laura Noland Harter, painter-sculptor, and Doyle Jeter, artist-printmaker, are part of the Eye-Twenty Group, a gang of artists from Monroe, Ruston and Shreveport.

The paintings in the Eye-Twenty Group show at Artspace (Deck the Halls is downstairs, Eye-Twenty's show is upstairs) are the work of visualists who have made the cut. They are the artists who had the technique, the voice, the ability to grow, the sustainability and drive to stay in the art game.

Enoch Doyle Jeter, proprietor of Enoch's Pub, Monroe, and, formerly, Shreveport, was founder of the Eye-Twenty group almost 16 years ago. "It had its beginnings as part of the Seis Barachos show at East Bank Gallery in Bossier in 1989. The core group is made up of the late Donna Service, Bruce Allen, Bob and Linda Ward, Jack Lewis and close to 30 other artists. Eye-Twenty is made up of artists from Shreveport, Ruston and Monroe/West Monroe, Louisiana, and is a means of communication between artists along the Interstate 20 corridor, as well as a means for exhibition and educational opportunities." Jeter adds proudly, "Noted artists Clyde Connell and Deborah Luster have also shown with the group."

In this show, Edmund Williamson's droll fish-eye lens view of a crazy photog in Jackson Square is emblematic of the Eye-Twenty Group: it's witty, self-assured, a piece by an uneqivocally talented painter. Laura Noland Harter's quiet but sassy views of her children demonstrate a subtle grace and subversive eye. Linda Snider Ward's cozy shadowbox unfolding of her life with a beautiful daughter is also the work of a skilled and schooled artist.

Charlie Meeds, one of several Louisiana Tech faculty members in the gang, displays small, highly-detailed pencil portraits of Creole women. Despite their diminution they stand out, and are among my favorite works in the show.

Kristi Hanna's portraits in this show are simultaneously romantic and monstrous. The faces are archetypal and angelic and emanate from the particular cosmos of the dancer-choreographer-painter of the many names (Dorothinia being the latest). See more at Arodasi Studio, 327 N. Market, Shreveport.

Lynn Simmons' color-drenched dreamscape of a child and teddy bear on the tracks as a full-speed train bears down is another painting that leaps from the wall.

When you've seen the show, tell me what you think.

Artspace hours have lengthened, so what's keeping us?

Among the artists:
The Edmund Williamson Art Gallery is at 131 N. Second St., inside Sugar Studios, downtown Monroe (325-6108).
Arodasi Dance Center & Studio
http://www.myspace.com/arodasidancecenter

Artspace:
10 to 6, Tu - Sat
673-6535

Stones' Throw Cafe hosts All Ages Songwriter's Sunday beginning Dec 3, 4 pm to 7 pm

dan garner / photo ron stroope
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"The maiden voyage of the Stone's Throw Songwriter's Sunday, which is for all ages, with no cover," writes Susan Garner, "will be Sun, Dec 3rd, from 4 pm to 7 pm." It will be hosted by her dad, Dan Garner.

"The Stone's Throw Cafe is at the corner of Line and Jordan in that cool old boxy Motor Hotel. It's owned by my friend Rachel Stone, who is a songwriter, herself. Good coffee, good food, and a good vibe. Hope to see you there!"

The proprietor and picker, Mrs. Stone herself, might be able to perform, might not: "Depends on how busy the kitchen is and how many musicians show up! Dan said since Java Junction closed and they had problems with the a/c at 516, there was no place for the underage musicians to go. That's even more retro...back to the days of a true coffee house?"

They're looking at a weekly series. More info:
myspace.com/dangarner
A Stone's Throw Cafe & Catering, 318-221-8544
Open 7 am to 4 pm daily

Christian Simeon and Outlaw Nation alight at Noble Savage Sat, Nov 25, 9 pm, at end of national tour for CD called Shine

Outlaw Nation in Vancouver
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Christian Simeon, fresh from a tour that took his trio, Outlaw Nation, to Canada and cross America, says they will be performing at the Noble Savage on Sat, Nov 25, and will be doing an instore performance at Sam Goody in St. Vincent Mall, Sun, Nov 26th.

Simeon says, "We are about to release a live DVD and CD at the first of the new year as well. Give our tunes a listen at www.myspace.com/outlawnation."

Here's a click: Outlaw Nation on YouTube.

Eros Jelly, first editions & the skating rink: downtown cheery from Holiday Market at Festival Plaza; shop & skate Fri, Sat, Sun 10 am to 10 pm

Noma's Eros Jelly / photo Neil Johnson

Noma Fowler-Sandlin, artist and food maven, sends an invitation from the farmers, artisans and cooks at Farmer's Market. The Pavilion shopping at lower Festival Plaza is back as Holiday Market.

"The hours for the Holiday Market are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend (Nov 24, 25, 26), then the same hours for Saturdays and Sundays the three weekends thereafter," says Noma. " I'll have jam; Chris'll have collectible books (signed, first editions, art and antique). I don't know what other vendors will be included. And I'll be selling my Eros (Champagne and 24K Gold Leaf) Jelly, which makes a great, flirtatious stocking stuffer."

Some 50 vendors are expected, says shreveporttimes.com. Booths will flank the Red River Revel Ice Skating Rink at the new Pavilion.

Have you tried the skating? The cost is $8 per person for two hours, including skates; $6 each for groups of 10 or more. Hours for the fun on ice: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 3 to 10 p.m. Nov. 24.; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.

Skate and shop. Then, for additional cosmic expansion, visit SciPort's trippy new Space Center Building. There you will find 90 new hands-on activities, it says at sciport.org.

See the Ice Rink schedule at redriverrevel.com.

Art for your collection or as a gift: Artspace curator MaryBeth O'Connor has analysis & a ton of art; Artspace hours 10 to 6, Tues - Sat

Artspace director MaryBeth O'Connor was joined by staffers Dawn Back & Derick Jones after Deck the Halls opening night. Some 400 people partied to the sounds of Kellee Johnson and the Chris Worthy Band in a vast roomful of paintings, sculpture & jewelry.


The arrival of MaryBeth O'Connor as director of Artspace benefits art lovers of the region in at least a couple of ways. She has taken firm hand at Artspace and has begun to demonstrate her well-traveled sense of how to show art. And she is now available as a public resource for analysis and choice in art purchasing. What level of value to attach to a Jerry Wray or Bill Gingles painting? Who's got classic appeal and why? Who's up and coming? She's articulate and vibrant; like Michael Butterman at the symphony, she's new and unfettered by Shreveportitis.

"Work will be rotating on a weekly basis," O'Connor says. "We're showing 95 artists who submitted up to 15 pieces each. So I've got work to replace the pieces that sell as well as to refresh the exhibit."

Artspace hours:
Tues through Sat, 10 am to 6 pm
By appointment at 673-6535.
marybeth@shrevearts.org

Hands-on folk art & craft for families at Meadows Museum, Centenary College, Sat, Nov 25 & Sun, Nov 26, 1 to 4 pm

Self portrait by Mose Toliver from the Hennessee collection, now on view at Meadows Museum.

Hands-on folk arts and crafts projects, along with gallery tours and refreshments, will be on the agenda Nov. 25 and 26 when Centenary College's Meadows Museum of Art holds its Family Folk Art Weekend, says Lynn Stewart.

Admission and all activities are free and open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.

Family Folk Art Weekend is presented in conjunction with the current folk exhibitions "Louisiana Collects: The Folk art Collection of Simone N. Henneessee and the late Rev. Dr. R. L. Hennessee of Shreveport" and "Louisiana Collects: Works by M.C. Jones from the Collection of Sam and Jan Wallace of Shreveport."

For more information, contact the Meadows Museum of Art at 318-869-5169. For information about the exhibits see CentenaryNews .

Bowling for Speed & Built for Soup at Flanagan's on King's Highway Wed, Nov 22, 9 pm

My 10 year-old son and his friends like this band. Do Not let him know they're ripping Flanagan's apart on Wed.
Openers are local faves about which more at myspace.com/builtforspeedmusic. Then there's mypace.com/flanaganspub, too.

West Edge Artists Co-op party: having done the Soft opening, it's on to the Grand: Fri, Nov 24, 10 am to 6 pm, 725 Milam St

More at westedgeartists.com or 318.221.6961

Pushing the regional boundaries: Shreveport Artist Fellowship recipients named by Pam Atchison, Shreveport Regional Arts Council

Centenary College's Escaped Images; co-director is Renee Smith-Chevalier.

New neighborhood plan, new theater, national dance recognition: the boundary-pushing Shreveport Artist Fellowship awardees were named by SRAC's Pam Atchison last week. Among them were Ron Hardy, multi-disciplinary artist, who produced and performed on a couple of music CD's last year, produced the Leadbelly Arts Fest and developed a plan to restore historic Allendale, among many activities. Fellowship winner Renee Smith-Chevalier took the Centenary dance troupe Escaped Images to Kennedy Center via her choreography.

Patric McWilliams established Shreveport's first professional Equity company, River City Repertory Theater; McWilliams won the Fellowship in theater. Dorsey Summerfield, Jr, performer and professor for Southern University Shreveport, established a new curriculum in recording arts. Painter Randy Hedgecock was the Fellowship recipient in visual arts and poet Dorie LaRue was the Literary Fellow.

Please see photos at ShreveportFaces.

Jesse Winchester will sing in S'port Fri, Feb 2, 07, LSUS Theater; bluesy Buddy Flett opens

Jesse Winchester will meet Buddy Flett and folk fans - those who care about Robbie Robertson and The Band, among them - at LSUS Theater Fri, Feb 2, says Johnny Palazotta. A veteran producer of Louisiana records, media and musical events, Palazotta has brought many a sweet concert to town, such as Eric Johnson and Dr. John.

Winchester, one of the handsomest singer-songwriters of the 70's, is touring the boites and luxury stages of New England nowadays with forays into the Deep South.

There's pleasant reading at jessewinchester.com.
Check on Johnny Pal's many activities at Louisianasmusic.com.

Flett is a Bluebird as well as witty solo artist and songwriter. He gives an impassioned and vividly musical history of the blues lecture at schools nowadays. Check in with Bluebird activities by getting onto Bruce Flett's droll email newsletter. He's blucebird@aol.com. There's www.thebluebirds.com, too.

Holiday guitar with sustain: Trans-Siberian Orchestra check presentation to Tipitina's Office Co-op, Shreveport

KVKI's Robert J. Wright, Stone City Attraction's Jack Orbin and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Al Pitrelli presented Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op Shreveport director Dan Garner with a check representing their donation to the Shreveport facility for over $5000, says Garner. This was a portion of the proceeds from their concert at Century-Tel Arena on Monday, Nov 13th.

Last year TSO contributed to the Northwest Louisiana Foodbank, said Garner. "We like to give to a local non-profit in the communities where the performance takes place and it's important that we know the contributions will be used locally," observed Larry McGuffin from Stone City Attractions of San Antonio, Texas. The concert doubled the attendance from last year's, he said.

Garner added, " I'd like to personally thank Larry McGuffin for tracking us down to make the donation, Jack Orbin for running herd over everything (and for spending a few moments giving pointers to my daughter, Susan, on the ins and outs of the promoter biz) as well as Al Pitrelli who is not only a jaw-dropping guitar player, but also one really nice guy, for putting on a stunning show and being there to present the check in front of the thousands of fans that showed up to one truly great concert!"

If you're all, like, "Intriguing name, but I don't know that I've ever," Kansas City journalist Geoff Harkness compresses it thusly in The Pitch: "If you think Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a weird name for a band, wait till you get a load of these dudes in concert. Over-the-top doesn't begin to describe TSO's live show, a spectacle of light, sound, smoke, fire and flash pots that makes your average Broadway musical look like open-mic night at the coffee shop. Paired with this visual extravaganza is actual music -- full-blown heavy-metal operas that sound like Iron Maiden realized by a guitar-centric orchestra. And if that ain't freaky enough for you, keep in mind that all of the above is set to a Christmas theme that's safe for kiddies, headbangers and geezers alike, making for an unforgettable night at the hard-rock opera."

More numbers and baroquery at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Orchestra.

Via Colori, street of colors, a Houston art event that offers a model and even turn-key opportunity for other cities

Via Colori, a Street Painting Festival, was one of the many art events this weekend in Houston. It was designed to attract families throughout Houston to observe some 150 artists, professionals and amateurs. who painted original work in a pastel medium. Food, entertainment, children's activities and a Saturday night street party were part of the charity event, held in Sam Houston Park and partly on Allen Parkway. Free to the public, the organizers pointed out that the street painting "provides a vehicle for the community to witness the act of creation, for artists to display their talent, and to raise awareness of the Center's mission to help children with hearing impairments."

Via Colori is a licensed charity vehicle, you'll see if you visit www.viacolori.com. The organization Identifies your fund-raising and festival tasks and shows you how to bring on hundreds of volunteers.

Via Colori is a modern version of a medieval event. In Renaissance Italy, returning veterans of the wars, many maimed, were able to eke an existence out of begging. One of the neater forms of street solicitation was chalking scenes on the streets near the cathedral. Inasmuch as that era was all about religious art, these men created liturgical scenes. They were called Madonnari, owing to the ubiquity of images of the Virgin Mary.

In shady Sam Houston Park, downtown Houston, the art teams and solo practicioners were adept. Many were professionals. One could observe their progress, their dynamic, their errors as well as expertise.

"In Mary Poppins the chimney sweep Bert was a sidewalk artist on the side. He rendered scenes on the parkside streets in late 19th century London," reminded artist Talbot Hopkins.

Via Colori seemed to us a superb art & media event and would not be a bad one for a regional incarnation.

viacolori.com

Super 8 screener Melinda Stone, San Francisco, visits minicine Mon, Nov 20, 8 pm

At minicine? David Nelson has another show, which is nice because renovation will shutter 846 Texas for an extended time. Coming Mon night is Melinda Stone, (San Francisco / Super-Super 8 Film Festival), who, says Nelson, "will screen new work and tell stories from the frontier... A somewhat anachronistic film maker, curator and researcher, Melinda Stone dabbles in it all to create an eclectic show that highlights her on-going interest in land use, amateur filmmaking and outdoor film extravaganzas.

A kind of present day film impresario, Stone borrows from the past and infuses each of her unique shows with sing-alongs and other participatory fare. Stone is currently on tour with a program entitled “I’ll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Yours” – and she stands behind the implied promise. Come find out what she means and check out her recent offerings including selections from her most recent site-specific film events – The California Tour and A Trip Down Market 1905/2005, a brand new sing-along, and Audience Analysis film. A grand time is sure to be had by all, as is always true when Stone visits Shreveport!"

Inasmuch as Under the Ground local films is not going to happen because of renovation, filmmakers are invited to grab complete work and go to 846 tonight. "Show us yours... Do you have a film to screen! minicine? ask any interested filmmakers with a new short (under ten minutes) laying about to bring it down to add to the program for the night... Email us some info and we will include your work... minicine?"

Mon, Nov 20 / minicine?
846 Texas Avenue
8PM / $5 Donation
swampland.org

Jimmy Cousins opens for touring songster Josephine Foster at Minicine, 846 Texas, Sat, Nov 18, 8 pm

"Put down those tools," says David Nelson. "minicine? will host local artist/musician Jimmy Cousins and traveling singer/songwriter Josephine Foster... Two, guaranteed to resonate, back to back performances marked by unique vocal and word quilts.

Jimmy Cousins, in a rare appearance, takes the stage with Ted Lindsay, to deliver a set of his magically "Jimmy" tunes... Best described in Google Land.... " his compositions “Peppermint Candy,” “Rusty Metal Sky” and “Pajamas & Platform Shoes” play like colorful collages of Louisiana landscapes, bourbon-soaked love stories and vagabond characters. Imagine a collaborative effort between Gershwin, Leadbelly, Tom Waits and the creators of Sesame Street, and you’ve got Jimmy Cousins". Note: "Virgin Mary Cosmos" will be animated live by Lovette and Miki...

Josephine Foster, on tour from Table of Elements/Locust, Colorado born, and fresh from release of her timely "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"... has, over the course of just a few years, captivated audiences and critics alike through a magnetic patchwork of recordings ranging from broken spirited balladry as one half of Born Heller, fiery psych rock gestalt with her rock outfit The Supposed (All the Leaves Are Gone) to the voice of an outsider folk siren (Hazel Eyes, I will Lead You). The one constant is the utterly overwhelming strength and seductive unease of her voice and the bravery of an iconoclastic spirit."

Sat, Nov18, 8 pm
minicine?
846 Texas Avenue
$5 Donation
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/39475/Josephine_Foster_Sings_Across_America

Happy Birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! Michael Butterman leads the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in festivities Sat, Nov 18, at Riverview Theater;

Pianist Alon Goldstein will jet into Shreveport to pound the piano, Susan Yankee returns home to sing soprano, and Michael Butterman will conduct the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in a Mozart fest Sat, Nov 18, 7:30 pm, in Riverview Theater (formerly Civic Theater).

"In Mozart's day he was white hot," Butterman told Times writer Jane Bokun. "He was able to work in so many different venues, including orchestral and chamber music. Madonna is always adapting her style as well."

A recent airing of the new documentary In Search of Mozart (see review on SptBlog) reminded me of the lives of Lennon & McCartney.

What's not to like about the entrancing melodies of Wolfie?

More at shreveporttimes.com/living and shreveportsymphony.com.
Tickets: 227-8863

Blue Man Group schedules a stomp at Centurytel Center, says Shreveporttimes.com

Blue Man Group 2
Originally uploaded by go2disney94.

State of the art stomping good multimedia fun promises this American entertainment institution. See more at Shreveporttimes.com

Don Crenshaw, aka Dirty Redd, plays both Highland Blues & Jazz Fest as well as festival rap up party at Holiday Inn Downtown 8 pm to 2 am Sat, Nov 18

Don Crenshaw, aka Dirty Redd
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Don Crenshaw is the Miles Davis figure on the scene in Shreveport. Possessed of a melodic and rhythmic style and thick tone, Crenshaw, aka Dirty Redd, sits in with numerous bands. There's no telling the jazzy or bluesy group in which you will see him. One thing is certain about the stylish Redd: he is a possessed player and he Will be performing.

At the Highland Fest in Columbia Park expect to see him with Professor Porkchop (Chris McCaa). But you may see him with Stanton Dossett's Jr III, or, who knows, with Dirtfoot. Having deep ears and mondo bondo, Redd seems to be able to fit himself to the musical needs of almost any group.

"Dirty Redd and Company will be performing at a rap up party for the Highland Blues Festival at the Holiday Inn Downtown, 102 Lake Street, Sat, Nov 18, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight," says lounge manager Harmony Moore.

Harmony's at 318-573-2430.

One thousand artists at Artspace to open Deck the Halls art sale Fri, Nov 17, 7 to 10 pm

Dawn Back views a Michael G Moore
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

A three-ring circus of art and people is what you will see at Artspace, 710 Texas, on Fri, Nov 17. Having previewed the exhibit I must say the big building at 710 Texas St is bursting with well-displayed art. It seems to top last year's inaugural Deck the Halls.

The big names are there, including Bill Gingles, Jerry Wray, Tama Nathan, Mary Jane Potts, Ray Holt and Michael G Moore. There are also the folksy artists and some cute stuff. Something for almost everyone, as one would expect in a show designed to put art under the viewer's arm and his cash on the table.

The sale will run through Xmas. Last year many buyers went home from the reception with the choice pieces.

At 5:30 the 2006 Shreveport Artist Fellowship recipients will be feted.They are -
dance - Renee Smith-Chevallier
literary - Dorie LaRue
multi-disciplinary - Ron Hardy
music - Dorsey Summerfield
theater - Patric mcWilliams
visual art - Randy Hedgecock

Upstairs is a strikingly cool show from artists abiding in Ruston, Monroe and Shreveport. They call themselves the Eye-Twenty Group, says Enoch Doyle Jeter, former Shreveporter and proprietor of Enoch's Pub. See his work and work from Linda Snider Ward, Charles Meeds, Laura Noland Harter and Kristi Hanna, among some 30 accomplished art mongers.

The clever ad man and artist Byron Gates has a one-man show upstairs, adjacent to the Eye Twenty show. Then there's art from YWCA youngsters in the Anderson Funtorium. That makes it a, gee, four-ring circus.

Easy parking, across from First Methodist.
One thousand artists.
Cash bar and large bowls of nichas.
Musica.
673-6535.

Folksinger Diana Jones in Shreveport Sun, Nov 19, 7 pm, in House Concert Series at Fairfield Studios

Diana Jones in S'pt Sun, Nov 19
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"This is going to be a good one," says musician Sandra odom. "I
met Diana in Kerrville last May. She was a New Folk Winner! and
definitely one of my pics. I got to hear her play in a number of the
song circles and she was on the top of my list of folks to invite to
play our series. Please check out her music/bio on:
www.dianajonesmusic.com and www.myspace.com/dianajonesmusic. I truly hope you can make her concert."


Diana Jones, folksinger
Sun, Nov. 19
7:00 P.M.
Fairfield Studios
1510 Fairfield Ave (Fairfield and Jordan), Shreveport, LA 71101
Reservations: 318-220-0400
www.fairfieldstudios.com

Joan Rivers and her Clementine Hunter collection and a decorating riff; enough, already

Clementine Hunter at Artspace
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Here's a wry article by Fred Conrad from the NY Times Home & Garden section: "I live very formally,” says Joan Rivers when the subject of decorating disasters comes up. “My apartment is very 18th-century French and English formal. I have finger bowls at dinner. Marie Antoinette and I could have been friends.”

This is why Ms. Rivers’s passion, the paintings of the folk artist Clementine Hunter, has created what she sees as a disaster. Brightly colored (or as Ms. Rivers describes them, a mixture of African art and Grandma Moses on acid), they depict slavery-era scenes of cotton picking, slave burials and weddings, and do not work at all with the gilded columns and ornate objets (for instance, a huge crystal bowl once owned by Czar Nicholas II) of Ms. Rivers’s Fifth Avenue duplex. Worse, Ms. Rivers cannot stop buying them.

How did Ms. Rivers get hooked on Southern primitive? “I was playing Natchitoches, way down in the South — this goes back to the ’80s — and somebody asked, do you want to meet this primitive artist named Clementine Hunter. She was 101 then, an old, old, old lady who painted these insane primitives, almost three dimensional. I think the first painting was slaves carrying cotton. I brought it home and Vincent Price, who was a great art collector, said, ‘Are you crazy?’ ”

The cost?

“I gave her $35 and a meat pie.”

Ms. Rivers now owns six Clementine Hunters, for which she estimates she’s spent $12,000. This is not a lot of money for a woman whose jewelry, often sold on QVC, has, according to her spokeswoman, grossed half a billion dollars since its inception. The problem is, there is nowhere for the paintings to go. When Ms. Rivers puts them up in her very modern jewelry-business office, the president of the company just as quickly takes them down. Her own apartment is, of course, out of the question. “My decorator threw a fit and just said, ‘Where? Where? Where?’ ” Ms. Rivers said. “ ‘Next to the Coromandel screen? I don’t think so.’ ”


Hmpf *shakes head*. I think we have the same problem at our house.

Dancers who dig Dirtfoot will tango at Highland music fest in Columbia Park & at Jack Rabbit Lounge, aka Lil Joes Tavern, on Sat, Nov 18

eric gardner & dirtfoot revel 06
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Dirtfoot, the acoustic Shreveport sextet that calls their sound " Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie," will do an all-ages performance at Columbia Park (5:15 to 6 pm) as well as a smoky bar job at the Jackrabbit Lounge (9 pm until) on Sat, Nov 18, says Matt Hazelton.

Upcoming shows include:
Sat, Nov. 18th - Highland Jazz and Blues Festival - Columbia Park
Sat, Nov. 18th - Lil Joe's Tavern aka Jack Rabbit Lounge
Sat, Nov. 25th - Maxine's - Hot Springs, AR
Sat, Dec. 23rd - The Noble Savage - Shreveport, LA
Sat, May. 26th - Mudbug Madness Crawfish Festival - Shreveport, LA

There's lots to read at Dirtfoot.com and free music at myspace.com/mydirtfoot.

Highland Blues & Jazz Fest to bop with Dirtfoot, Prof Porkchop, Bluebirds, Dan Sanchez in Columbia Park Sat, Nov 18, noon to 6 pm

Highland Blues Fest: Chris McCaa's band
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Highland remains Shreveport's utopian neighborhood. Here you'll find it all: swells & subsistence farmers, artist & artisan, students & professors, shut-ins & sultans, hunters & gatherers.

The diversity of the population enables it to provide the city with 2 of its most soulful events: the Krewe of Highland carnival parade and the Highland Blues & Jazz Fest.

At the blues fest Sat, Nov 18, the musicians will spiel their songs from the Pavilion Stage as well as the Gazebo Stage of Columbia Park. There will be beer & BBQ and other conjumptibles, says Amy Lowe.

By a partnership with West Edge Artists' Co-op, there will be hand-made stuff, art & books. If you were from out of town you'd swoon over the Austinacious vibe.

Here's the agenda, according to the Highland Area Partnership (HAP), a mainstay organization of the city:

General Lee - Opening, 12:00
A. J. & The Two-Tone Blues Band, 12:10
The Bluebirds, 12:25
Group Therapy, 1:10
Jazziana, 1:30
Dorothy Prime, 2:15
Howlin Henry & the Harp Tones, 2:30
Howell & Caskey, 3:15
Junior III, 3:30
Professor Porkchop, 4:15
Dan Sanchez & The Kings of Pleasure, 4:30
Dirtfoot, 5:15

Sponsors include Red River Radio; Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau; SPAR; City Printing, Inc.; Marsha O. Millican, CPA; Nelson Cameron, Attorney; Thomas G. Carmody; Brookshire’s #78; Mall St. Vincent; Querbes & Nelson; Grace Bareikis and the Anonymous Friends of HAP, says director Dorothy McDonald.

"Eclectic, bohemian, funky fun," is how McDonald sees the fest. She also offers an insight into the city's relationship to the oak-lined neighborhood: "Everybody in Shreveport has less than 2 degrees of separation from Highland."

Minicine presents video spontabulist Matterlink & beat-happy Parisian crooner Elmapi at 846 Texas on Tues, Nov 14, 8 pm

Vampler Matterlink & singer Elmapi on the road

Minicine? host David Nelson encourages avant-gardists to (tongue in cheek) "*check this out!"

Tues, Nov 14
Jon Mackey(SHV) + Elmapi(PARIS) + Matterlink(DC)
http://www.swampland.org
846 Texas Avenue
8pm
$5 donation
vampler.net
myspace.com/elmapi

&/OR

if you need something on WED >>>

THE PLOT TO BLOW UP THE EIFFEL TOWER
www.myspace.com/theplottoblowuptheeiffeltower

KETEA
www.myspace.com/ketea

^AxOxB^
(no myspace yet)

VIDEO OF THE PLOT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgE0P3Zc2Vs

Nov. 15 - Cooper Manor
122 E. Dalzell
8:00 PM (get there by 9:00!)
$7.00

Indie movie maven Chris Jay helping change your viewing experience via the Robinson Film Center

Chris Jay chats up a Centenary College indie movie audience
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Chris Jay, Robinson Film Center, explains lightheartedly that "I must be under a good sign lately," given the strong receptions to the movies being presented by Jay and RFC director John Grindley.

Their recent airing of the indy movie Half Nelson at Regal Cinema / La Boardwalk drew far more people than might have been expected for a one-nighter on a week night. "What I loved about that showing was the diversity of the audience," Jay says. "About half the people attending it were shaggy hipsters. And half were in suits. I felt like I was in Freaky Friday."

This week the RFC partnered with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra for a Mozart birthday celebration. The SSO produced its Premier Quartet (Kermit Poling, Libby O Bannon, Ruth Drummond and Adrienne Gabriel) and the RFC presented a new documentary called In Search of Mozart (see review on this blog).

The venue for the Mozart movie was across the river. It was shown at the LSUS University Center Theater. Surprisingly, to those of us who've watched the art scene for years, the audience was double anyone's expectations. There were over 120 people and most stayed for the 30-minute quartet concert and 2-hour movie. Additionally, the diversity was again a factor. "I met so many people of European background that night. There was a group of 8 Italians and there were European accents in many groups across the room."

Asked to interpret what he sees as a growing reception to art-minded movies, Jay says, "Shreveporters have been told we're a goat herding community for so long that we started to believe it. Lately people are shaking off a bit of their Shreveportitis." He also credits his RFC email newsletter. "It's self-subscribing, meaning you sign up for it." He also praised Sparklist.com software for providing a method for maximizing his email efforts.

As a person who's watched Jay work, I'd say there's another goat-teed factor at work. That's the ubiquitous and witty Jay himself. Rarely does a film-related event happen without Jay's presence. He's the face of RFC at numerous events. And what a face; he's sociable, witty, committed and generous.

In Search of Mozart movie artfully musical, if lo-ong; Premier Quartet lively openers for Mozart celebration at LSUS Fri night

Premier Quartet, intro by Libby O Banon
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Striking close-ups of European performers - fingers trilling on the keyboard like bees, comments delivered in luxurious accents - allow the viewer a sensual analysis of the complexities of performing Mozart in a new British documentary, In Search of Mozart. It is a terrific companion to the classic 1984 movie, Amadeus.

At 2 hours and 8 minutes length, In Search of Mozart is a bit much. But it offers smashing concert footage. The camera goes over the shoulder and almost down the sleeve of its vigorous performers.

The musical lives of Lennon-McCartney came to mind often as the story of Mozart's hot music was examined.

While In Search of Mozart is a new movie, you can order a copy at www.insearchofmozart.com and, frankly, I'd suggest it for groups of art-minded people as a stimulating addition to supper and wine. At home you could watch it in 2 parts. There is a tiny bit of nudity and a discussion of the history of scatological humor, but I would still recommend it as a family film for intellectual and musical clans.

BTW, I've found that you must include the www. with insearchofmozart.com to reach their informative site.

Some 120 people converged on the Mozart concert at LSUS Fri night. There they enjoyed the fruits of a cross-platform art scene: the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's Premier Quartet (Kermit Poling, Libby O Bannon, Ruth Drummond, Adrienne Gabriel) joined forces with Robinson Film Center to produce a synergized evening of live performance and independent, thoughtful film.

Call to S'port videomorphers and filmslingers from Minicine: submit Under-10-min-Pieces for Under the Ground Film & Video Showcase; deadline TBA

minicine / Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

David Nelson, architect of the successful Minicine film and music events, is rescheduling the Local Productions event due to construction on the 846 Tex site. Says Nelson: "The show date has been changed to spring with more info to follow. We definitely want the local film and video show to be the opening show for our space."

Madama Butterfly will fill Riverview Theater - formerly Civic Theater - Sat, Nov 11, 7:30 pm

Madama Butterfly chorus of Spt Opera: Gary Tubbs, Marcia Moffatt, Rachel Sicard, Jeanne Osborne, Caitlin Coley
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"We're moving toward a full house for Madama Butterfly," said Shreveport Opera director Eric Dillner on Thursday afternoon. "We've been selling tickets like crazy all day."

With a short season this year, the town's gone opera mad.

Adding to the opera mania is the soprano cast as Butterfly, the melodious Amy Pfrimmer. She's a sweetheart, says Shreveport Opera Chorus member Rachel Sicard. Said the Caddo Magnet High School student, "She's an inspiration to me."

Pfrimmer, a Louisiana native, is jetting to jobs across the country - from Florida to Montreal. Her appearance in Shreveport Opera's Rigoletto last year added many fans to her list, said singer Susan Yankee.

Get the Civic Theater's last tickets to the Puccini by calling (318) 227-9503.
More: shreveopera.org

Blues for Ed Bradley, a Yankee reporter who fell in love with New Orleans and Louisiana

Dirty Dozen
Originally uploaded by HammHawk.

Requiescat in pace: we honor the passing of a Philadelphia newsman who fell in love with Louisiana Creole culture, CBS News' Ed Bradley. Jimmy Buffett told the New York Times that Bradley couldn't get enough of the Mardi Gras experience. Ed and wife Patricia were fixtures at Jazzfest, said New Orleanian LisaPal on Flickr.com.

The newsman with the earring.

In Search of Mozart: new British documentary plus Premier Quartet Fri, Nov 10, 7 pm, LSUS Univ Center

Mozart
Originally uploaded by Wiesigheid.

The Robinson Film Center and Shreveport Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of music and film exploring the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose 250th birthday is being celebrated worldwide this year, says the SSO's Scott Green.

The Premier String Quartet will perform a mini concert at 7 pm. The Quartet is led by SSO concertmaster Kermit Poling and includes Elizabeth O’Bannon, violist Adrienne Gabriel and cellist Ruth Drummond. At 7:30 pm, The RFC will present “In Search of Mozart,” a full-length documentary film that explores the personal and professional life of the composer.

This event is the first Louisiana screening and one of the first American screenings of “In Search of Mozart.” Produced by a UK-based documentary company, the film approaches Mozart’s music and life in an investigative manner, seeking to answer long-standing questions about the life and mind of Mozart.


7 pm Fri, Nov 10
LSUS University Center Auditorium.
$5.00 for non-students
RFC (318) 424-9090
SSO (318) 222-7496
www.insearchofmozart.com
PG rating for mild coarse language.

Preview Shreveport's newest art center, the member-supported West Edge Artists' Co-op, Sun, Nov 12, noon to 5 pm; 725 Milam

Soft opening invite

Take a painter's and sculptor's shake-down cruise on Milam St Sunday afternoon when the West Edge Artists' Co-op has its pre-party, aka the Soft Opening.

This is the first group I've heard use the term soft opening, which is PR Industry-speak for a preview, a non-formal event at which the glitches will be spotted and marked for re-painting.

It should be quite a celebration. The work crews have been gilding the cobwebs and mildew for months. Arts scene gaffer Debbie Engle says to expect "Way more than 50 pieces of art....and I think we're up to 38 member artists. Due to space constraints, we'll have to start a waiting list at 40 members."

Parking in the big lot near First Methodist would be a pretty good idea. The co-op is nearby at 725 Milam. That's noon to 5 pm.

See their freshened website at http://www.westedgeartists.com/
or
318.221.6961
weaco_op@yahoo.com.
PO Box 1785, Shreveport, La. 71166

The election of Cedric Glover and what artists can do under a new local regime

Richard Florida - 2000
Originally uploaded by fixbuffalo.

During the campaign for mayor, Cedric Glover was fond of quoting the lessons derived from Richard Florida's book, the Rise of the Creative Class. Basically, Florida points out that the young physicians and architects of our world don't want to live in a boring city.

Part one of a Floridian solution has been delivered. Shreveport is going to be a lot more politically interesting with a young black mayor.

Part two: a small group of artists who volunteered for the task at the recent Arts Congress (Nov 3, LSUS) are ready to lobby for policies and budget commitments that enhance the city's artistic growth.

One idea that won favor at the congress: the city will be encouraged to join with arts organizations in producing a street fair. People at the congress were nostalgic for something that emulated SRAC's Neon Saturday Nights. A downtown street fair with responsibilities shared between arts organizations might be helpful in bringing factions a bit closer together across this racially-hampered community.

The implicit message to the world upon the election of Glover is that we are a city ready for change. The art producer class has never had such a good opportunity to trumpet the local imagination.

I say let's make the inauguration of Glover an artistic statement. What would you like to see at the ceremony that would tell the world that Shreveport is an arts center?

Bluebirds, Dan Garner & Randy Cassell to headline Poor Man's Supper on Sun, Nov 12, 5:30 pm

Bluebirds.jpg
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

The 2006 Poor Man’s Supper, a benefit for the Christian Service program, will be held on Sun, Nov 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in The Hunter Building at First Methodist Church, says Judy Williams.

Attendees receive a fabulous meal. It consists of a bowl of soup, bread and water. They are asked not to eat anything else for the rest of the evening to absorb what it is like to go to bed hungry.

Tickets will be $3.00 at the door. Entertainment will include music by The Blue Birds, a gospel quartet and Dan Garner and Randy Cassell.

The Poor Man’s Supper was created in 1970 by Sister Margaret McCaffery, who founded Christian Service. The event was originated to raise awareness of the needs of the hungry and homeless and the role Christian Service plays in meeting those needs.

The Sister Margaret McCaffery Award for 2006 will be given to Maxine Sarpy and her family. The award is given each year to someone who has made significant contributions in helping the hungry and homeless.

Key Club members from area high schools will be serving the meal.

Bill Gingles paintings on view at Ogilvie-Pertl, in sleek, historic River East Art Center, Chicago

Bill Gingles / Ogilvie-Pertl / River East Art Center, Chicago
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Bill Gingles' exhibit of recent work on canvas is at Ogilvie-Pertl in the River East Art Center, called Chicago’s newest destination for artists and collectors.

At rivereastartcenter.com it says, "In addition to fine art galleries and artist studios, you’ll discover artfully elegant spaces that make River East Art Center the ideal Chicago venue for corporate events, weddings and other receptions, trade shows and more. See Fox & Obel food market, Kensington’s Fine and Rare Wines and Chicago From The Lake . There is a spectacular outdoor promenade and picturesque waterway to explore."

"Visit 435 East Illinois Street. To learn more, phone (312) 321-1001
or email us at info@rivereastartcenter.com." Also, there's opgallery.com


To some it will sound ridiculous to have a big dream for the quiet city of Shreveport, but it has a waterway, an art street and the uptown art centers called Artspace and Southern U. Museum of Art. Coming soon: West Edge Artist Co-op gallery.

There are several lessons for Shreveport-Bossier planners in the Chicago neighborhood where one of our coolest painters, Bill Gingles, has made a landing.

Natchitoches artist Brother Michael David Elstrom shows recent mixed-media work at Turner Gallery, Centenary College; reception Sun, Nov 5, 3 - 5 pm

Polyptych of My Childhood in Rural America, Br. Michael Elstrom
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Brother Michael David Elstrom teaches in Natchitoches at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. His recent sketches and paintings, which combine graphite with gold leaf and prismacolor, are on display at Turner Art Center, Centenary College, says Kathy Brodnax.

In a style that brings Durer to mind, the figures and portraits by Elstrom seem to portray both the historic and contemporary. He also reaches from the ecclesiastical to the secular within the framework of churchly gilt.

Elstrom has an MFA from the University of Iowa. His work has been exhibited in the US, Finland and England.

The show's title is Drawings from the songs My Mother Sang for Me.

Info:
Dr. Lisa Nicoletti, Turner Gallery Director
lnicolet@centenary.edu
(318) 869-5261

Mixed media paintings by artist Ellen Soffer at Prima Tazza; reception Th, Nov 9, 6 - 8 pm

Ellen Soffer's Boat Bottom, Meadows Museum, Shreveport

Ellen Soffer will exhibit 11 of her mixed media paintings on paper in a one-person show Sat, Nov 4 through Thurs, Dec 7, at Prima Tazza, 8835 Line Avenue, in the Ashley Ridge Pointe Center, Shreveport. An opening reception will be held Thur, Nov 9, from 6-8 P.M., and is free and open to the public.

Soffer is a Philadelphia College of Art BFA grad who got an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her paintings are sure-footed explorations of the environment conducted with a crooked eye and a child's sense of play. Her colors are amped but adept.

In fact, Talbot Hopkins and I have a collection of Soffer's pieces that we've purchased mostly at the Montessori Art Auction. I can report that her pieces stand up well over time.

This collection includes 11 pieces produced in 2004 and 2005. The series of works on display will include colorful abstractions created with acrylic, watercolor and gouache.

Prima Tazza is open Mon - Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sat from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Ashley Ridge Pointe Center is located between the Outback restaurant and Hwy 3132.

More:

EllenSoffer.com
318 798-7862

Saturday Farmer's Market remixes for the Fall; downtown Shreveport, Festival Plaza at Market St

Fiery discussion at the farmer's Market, Shreveport

"Wrap up in your longjohns and come down to the Farmers' Market on Saturday morning," writes Noma Fowler-Sandlin. "I can't promise what you'll find, but I know I'll be there. Last week was pretty disappointing, despite the beautiful weather.

If you're into chocolate, Lance and Alyssa have amazing chocolate everything. Susan's salsa is excellent. Eric the Aussie makes really delicious breads. There's a woman with free range smoked and frozen chickens and game hens. Of course, there are still a few farmers in it, too. The sweet potatoes are my choice of the fall. They are really far better than what you get in the stores.

So come on down and get some good food and support your local jamminatrix."

East & West Shreveport artists and arts orgs can meet on neutral ground at LSUS Sat, Nov 3, 8:30 am to 1 pm, says Hickman

Pam Atchison & Billy Wayne / Artspace
.

Paula Hickman wrote, when I asked her about attendance at the Sat, Nov 3 Arts Congress, "Hope there is a good showing, since this is a chance for the art community to assess the state of the arts and build alliances."

Hickman, director of the Community Foundation of Spt-Bossier, a major grant source, continued, "For me, the "why be there" question is answered by the fact that this gathering provides an opportunity for the art community explore ways to strengthen our community's perception of art as integral in all areas of civic life. As our community gets a better understanding, attendance and funding should increase."

If you care about art in the region, you know that we have a long way to go in regards building a truly intelligent scene. Have you ever wondered how to build your market for your type of art? Let's try this Arts Congress.

This editor's focus in the Congress will be on enhancing digital communication as well as bridging East and West.

Hickman added, "Don't know if I shared our community report card, Community Counts, with you. You can access by going to our website, www.comfoundsb.org and click on news you can use."

Hope to see you about 8:30 Sat morn at Bronson Hall, LSUS. Lunch is compliments of the ComFound, I'm told.

Parisian singer-mediawoman Elmapi & DC's sensoral sampler Matterlink at minicine Tues, Nov 14, 8 pm, 846 Tex

elmapi -- DC Sonic Circuits 2006
Originally uploaded by TheRoss.

David Nelson's shows at 846 Texas continue to be mesopolitan opportunities for cortical contusion and cosmic comics.

Next week he has a Parisian woman who won these accolades from a snapper on flickr.com: "elmapi's music was the most accessible (and beat-driven) of the night; check out samples at elmapi.org and myspace.com/elmapi."

Also on the doock is a vampler from Wash, DC, who calls himself Matterlink. He is a filmmaker and time/space experimenter.

At vampler.net it says "sampling performances of Matterlink lie somewhere between the movie and concert experience. Working both solo or teaming up with various musicians, he samples from thousands of digitized film/video fragments both shot and found, playing the space/time pockets from a midi-keyboard. These raw elements are then reworked, looped, altered forming sound and image-scapes punctuated by spoken and sung words."

Tues, Nov 14, 8 pm
846 Texas
$5 donation

swampland.org
elmapi.org
myspace.com/elmapi
vampler.net

Blanc et Noir Marching Society info meeting at Columbia Cafe Fri, Nov , 5 to 6 pm

Blanc et Noir founders & marchers at Artspace
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"We will have our own brass band and march and dance around it the entire length of the Krewe of Highland parade on Sun, Feb 18, 2007," said Robert Trudeau of the aim of the Blanc et Noir Marching Society. Founded on the model of the New Orleans marching groups, the jiving krewe aims to bring fresh meat to the Carnival scene.

"Please join us at Columbia Cafe Fri, Nov 3, about 5 pm," said Trudeau. "You don't have to immediately pay dues and join," he continued. Basic dues are $25. People who want to be patrons can become Louis Quatorze members at $100.

Info about our group and about Carnival is the main stuff of B & N meetings, said Trudeau, author of How To Mardi Gras.

More info
http://blancetnoirmarchingsociety.blogspot.com
trudeau@earthlink.net
318-861-6809

In the photo above: Jerry & Tara-ma Davenport, Trudeau, Cyndi Chamlee and MaryBeth O Connor.