Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Red River Radio doing the late winter fund raiser across the hill country of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas


Kelly McDade
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Red River Radio's Spring membership campaign is under way, says Wendy Bryant. She reminds the faithful as well as the yet-to-be-baptized, "Call now or pledge online to support your public radio station."

"As a bonus, if you pledge online, you will be entered into a national drawing for a trip to the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, the Monterey Jazz Festival in California or the Santa Fe Opera Festival in New Mexico," she added.

Can I imagine a life without public radio? Yes. I lived here for a while before the birth of KDAQ.

Media life was stultifying. The overall tenor of existence was like being deep in the piney woods in a penitentiary, surrounded by illiterate guards whose knowledge of the world came primarily from gossip. Life was exquisitely insipid.

Either pledge or give blood, I say.
That's at 800-552-8502

The Movie Casting Process: multimedia show by Hollywood insider Gary Marsh at LSUS, Tue, Mar 6, 6 pm


plaster torso
Originally uploaded by melt.

Breakdown Services and the Movie Casting Process is a multimedia presentation by Gary Marsh, founder and president of Breakdown Services, says Robert Alford.

Breakdown Services, Ltd. is one of the communications network and casting systems that provide the means to reach talent agents as well as actors when casting a project.

Breakdowns are complete synopses of the characters contained within scripts. Approximately 30 television and feature film Breakdowns are sent out every day in real-time through the website www.breakdownexpress.com.

Talent Representatives are able to instantly view the Breakdowns and submit their clients’ pictures, resume and videos via their website to casting directors. These projects include feature films, movies for television, episodics, pilots, commercials, print projects, theater, student films, industrials, reality tv, and many other types of projects that require acting talent.

Actors view projects via www.actorsaccess.com and submit a picture, resume and video to casting directors.

Breakdown Services provides actors with script pages for audition purposes, a discussion board, an online forum and other actor related resources through www.showfax.com.

Gary Marsh will describe the online casting process from the time a casting Breakdown is released to agents.

The presentation will look at actual projects and submissions made on these projects.

In addition the presentation will include how student film makers can use the associated free Actors Access service and how to submit projects to both talent agents and actors in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Florida and receive submissions online.

More info, or to reserve a space: Robert Alford at (318) 797-5283 or 207-1506.


LSUS University Center ~ Webster Room
Tue, Mar 6, from 6 to 7 pm
Free and Open to the General Public.

West Edge Artists' Co-op, 725 Milam, hosts Rapid Rapport, not a speed dating event, Wed, Mar 7, 6 pm

"Bring your brochures," says Danielle Reans, "your biz cards, maps, your v-cards, your moo cards, your catalog, samples of your merch."

"Rapid Rapport is an arts gathering for agencies in NWLA," says Reans.

The shindig lasts from 6 to 8 pm. Eats are by West Edge Co-op and beverages by Robinson Film Center.

Can't say that I found info about Rapid Rapport on the West Edge web site. Maybe an update on who's committed to the event will come round in the next few days.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Shakespeare's Blackfriars stage annual visit to Centenary College March 14 - 17; get reservations, for sooth



Originally uploaded by qshio.
Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Stage Company returns to the Centenary College campus for its annual romp and stomp March 14 – 17, says Patty Roberts.

The popular troupe, once known as Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, will present

* A Midsummer Night's Dream, 7 p.m. March 15 & 1 p.m. March 17, * Julius Caesar, 7 p.m. March 16
* Cyrano de Bergerac at 7 p.m. on March 14 and 17.

All performances: Kilpatrick Auditorium in the Smith Building at the corner of Woodlawn and Kings Highway.

Tickets (cash or check only)
$15 for adults
$13: military & over 65
$10 for students
$8 for groups of 10 or more. Group tickets must be reserved and paid for in advance.
Additionally, those who buy one adult ticket to Centenary’s production of Hair and one adult ticket to any BSC performance can get both tickets for $25.

Tickets: March 5 at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse box office, noon to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. During those hours, Reservations: 318-869-5242
Tickets will be available in Kilpatrick Auditorium one hour before each performance.
For sold-out performances, a waiting list will be started in Kilpatrick one hour before each performance. No-show seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis 15 minutes before curtain.


If you wondered about the popularity of and attendance at these witty productions, the above Robertian Rules should be sufficient.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Taylor Caffery: NPR folk dj in Baton Rouge and blogger at the classic hootenannypower.com

Taylor Caffery, former Shreveporter with regional roots, is a program host and producer for WRKF public radio, 89.3FM, Baton Rouge.

He is an attorney who was born in New Orleans, where he says he once sold American flags door-to-door. He has been a Navy radioman, a college newspaper editor, and a bread truck driver, according to his bio at WKRF. His B.S. degree in economics is from Centenary College, his J.D. is from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and he has attended the intensive American Bar Association Family Law Advocacy Institute.

He is a member of the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance, and is a radio partner of Sing Out! Magazine. He also sits on the board of the American Lung Association of Louisiana.

Every Saturday Caffery presents folk & international music on HootenannyPower from 9 pm to 12 midnight on Baton Rouge public radio. His Hootenannypower.com blog is clean and classy.

Say hello to the lad at taylor@wrkf.org.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Buddy Flett and the Blues Legends at the Strand, Shreveport, Th, Mar 15


056_kenny_wayne_shepherd_std
Originally uploaded by ZKat2.

"Buddy Flett with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the Blues Legends at the Strand Theatre on Thursday, March 15," says Bruce Flett in his etrippin update from thebluebirds.com. " House of Blues New Orleans March 16, Antones Austin March 17, and the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas March 18."

Flett continues, "If you haven't bought "10 Days Out" DVD/CD get it! The "extras" portion on the DVD features Buddy performing 'Third House on the Left' and 'Dance for Me, Girl' backed by Kenny & Double Trouble, and interviews w/ Buddy. It's smokin'! All the performances by legendary blues artists are amazing to watch and hear. I have a different favorite every time I watch/hear it. This week it's Wild Child Butler's vocal on 'Spoonful'."

Bluebirds complete schedule at www.thebluebirds.com

Coming to Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium on Sat, Mar 24: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will strum and growl in Shreveport on Sat, Mar 24, at Municipal Auditorium, says Mandy Perdue. The 8 pm event is a fund raiser for the One Great River Program.

One Great River is an adventure-based program for young people. An outgrowth of Mother's Against Drugs (the event will be alcohol-free) it has an outstanding reputation for stability, safety and service.

Info: 318-220-9434

Rene & Julia Foley produce Musicians' Forum on Law & Taxes at Artspace Mon, Feb 26, 6 pm


Street_Musicians
Originally uploaded by dave_shutterbug.
"We have put together a new Musicians' Forum with the panel made of experts in the fields of Entertainment Law, Small Business Formation and Tax Deductions," say Rene and Julia Foley.

"The music industry has long taken advantage of musicians and entertainers, simply because they could. There are many new laws to protect musicians, but most of us don't know what they are or how we benefit from them. Here's your chance to learn from professionals who have nothing to gain from you and are donating their time to build our local music scene."

Mon, Feb 26
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Artspace, 710 Texas Street

Artspace is providing snacks and drinks. Their new cafe - D'Agostino's - will be selling sandwiches and desserts.


Rene and Julia Foley
(318) 402-2398
renefoley@hotmail.com

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Young Shreveporter wins Oscar in Documentaries slash Noise Rock: Alec Holland of Cooper Manor House concerts


Alec Holland / Dale Cooper
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
As citizens of a town inundated by the movie business I don't think there will be any shock if I hand out one of the Academy Awards. This Oscar is in the Documentary category. They chose me to award this one, I think, because I had a few entries in the category Short & Rough Documentaries myself.

Anyway, the awardee is Alec Holland. His oeuvre is wide angle videos of noise rock bands. He won because his videos sling an equivalent energy to the cole slaw jalapenos being documented.

Holland won the Academy's accolade following his piece on a recent appearance by a confabulation from Atlanta called Divided Like A Saint's.

The movie opens with a very Academy Awards drone and atonal mystery but soon reveals much of these hard-working show biz people doing their rhythmic jack. Shadows from the DIY lighting are big and stanky. The ceiling fan mesmerizes; a very skinny person adeptly elbows a fiddle. It ends with a tribute to, simultaneously, the Beatles and Captain Beefheart.

The Academy also cited Holland's work with the cooperized Japanese band Green Milk from the Planet Orange.

Said fellow-nominee Greg Kinnear: "Holland is capturing the essence of rock music in these videos. Few compromises. It's way beyond the rendered walls of our existential big house."

Visual Voices at Barnwell Art Center: exhibit by four Houston artists; reception Fri, March 2, 5:30 pm


In an exhibit entitled Visual Voices the Barnwell Center features the works of four prominent Houston, Texas, artists. The show will span March 2 to April 29. An opening reception will feature food and music on Fri, March 2, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, says Barnwell director Freda Powell.

Artist demonstrations and workshops will take place Sun, March 11, at 2:00 pm (free demonstration) and March 12-16 from 9 am to 4pm.

The March 12 - 17 workshop fee is $200 + supplies and will address
watercolor on YUPO synthetic paper with an emphasis on design and concept. Instructor is Eldon Faries.

Says Barnwell's Powell of the artists:

A. J. Schexnayder is well known for his work in watercolor; however, he also produces etchings and works with pen and ink, pencil, egg tempera and acrylic. He portrays realistic images while expressing creative beauty in shapes, textures, and color in his paintings.

Eldon D. Faries says his first love is teaching art. As an artist, this award-winning fellow prefers watercolor painting and drawing in any
media. He often finds himself in his studio working from sketches, his photographs or previous “plein air” experiences.

Ann Bellinger Hartley is an accomplished “layerist”, having edited the book, “Bridging Time and Space: Essays on Layered Art” and Layering-An Art of Time and Space”. She says, “My love for paper and fabric comes from my grandmother, who was a never-ending source of information and inspiration to me. Together we worked with metal and stenciled fabric. I guess that’s why I work with so many different materials. Found objects especially appeal to me, creating something from nothing. Paper is what I love most, using acrylics, casein, alkyds, handmade stamps, working abstractly, bring order out of chaos; Combining random and unrelated objects to create a cohesive design.”

Ann Armstrong is a renowned sculptor and teacher who has completed monument-sized commissioned works for the City of Houston. Her representational bronze, clay, and stone sculptures are well known for their portrayal of human emotions. Her growing interest in depicting movement and balance in her work is revealed in her series of dancers.


Barnwell Center: 601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Tuesday-Friday 10 am- 4 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm & Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.
(318) 673-7703
www.barnwellcenter.com.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Getting Upon the Same Page: Arts Congress II Sat, Feb 24, LSUS, 8:30 amto 1 pm


Among the issues to be discussed at Arts Planning Retreat II
Sat, Feb 24
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Bronson Hall, LSUS Campus:


* Create a region-wide Map of Arts Resources and Facilities
* Create an Arts List Serve and Chat Room
* Share e-mails to create a master e-mail list for quick dissemination of information.
* Create a Central Website, Calendar and Box Office
* Create a new Performing Arts High School - on the order of the New Orleans Creative Arts Academy, and increase the expectations of the arts instruction in public schools.

* Maintain an active advocacy relationship with the City Council by
attending meetings and speaking about Arts Opportunities; sharing ways to integrate the Arts into City-wide decision making.
* Produce an annual Arts Meet and Greet for the community to meet Artists, Arts Stakeholders, Producers, Presenters, and Educators: An Annual "Open House" event.

* Host Arts Mixers for artists and representatives of arts organizations
to get to know one another.
* Identify a space where artists and arts administrators can gather to
share ideas on a consistent basis; with shared "business" resources.
* Develop Workshops to teach Artists how to more effectively document their work and create successful samples of work.


Bruce Allen, Pam Atchison, Major Brock, Carlos Colon, Jameelah El Amin, Angelique Feaster, Richard Folmer, Gloria Gipson, John Grindley, Paula Hickman, Neil Johnson, Janice Nelson, Danielle Reans and a host of others want to hear from you.

Singers' call at SLT Sat & Sun, Feb 24 & 25, for Great American Trailer Park Musical


The Scare @ Homebake
Originally uploaded by dreadfuldan.

Shreveport Little Theatre is seeking 5 female and 2 male singers, ages 17 - 55, for The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Says Robert Darrow, the show is set in Armadillo Acres, a Florida trailer park, and is more or less Desperate Housewives meets Jerry Springer. This new musical, by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso, recently completed its run in New York.

Robert Darrow will direct and D.J. Harman will serve as musical director.

Auditions will be held at the 812 Margaret Place playhouse on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Alternate audition times may be scheduled by calling the box office. Those auditioning are asked to bring accompaniment music on cassette or CD or be prepared to sing accapella. Those auditioning are asked to bring their personal calendars to discuss any possible rehearsal date conflicts.

The performances are May 3-20, 2007. Evening rehearsals will begin March 19.

Perusal scripts are available to check-out with a $20 deposit. Information: 424-4439.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Christopher Alexander releases 12 gigastrykes of rocking CD's by Shreveport-based performers Sat, Feb 24, at Jack Rabbit Lounge


Christopher Alexander & friends
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Most labels dribble their recordings into the market. Poodlie poo. Why the hell not release a dozen good CD's all at once? That's the idea Christopher Alexander, at Whythehellnot.org, is pursuing.

Alexander is a capable singer, prolific composer, colorful designer and gonzo businessman who has collected a number of worthy musicians' recordings and said, "Let's throw this beat into the ether."

The 12 CD's are from Spidermidgetbitchfrog, Doomed in Space, Ian Quiet, Macaulay Johnson, the Alchemists, Mr. Christopher, Ghost Town Flood, Dan Garner and Krazyhorse.

Performances by a pride of the performers are set for Sat, Feb 24, at Jack Rabbit Lounge (formerly Lil Joes). Alexander calls it "one night, six hours, 12 CD releases, 8 performances." WTHN.

Hunter Thompson celebration at West Edge Books on Tues, Feb 27, 7 pm; Michael Parker, host

Michael Parker, who established the Thursday morning Culture Jam Dining Society, is whacking away with his machete, trying to make Shreveport into an urban outpost. Parker is "dedicated to dialogue and dissemination of ideas among the cultural evolutionaries of our area." Seeing his goals in print is not enough. Go, find him, and chat.

Swaggering Hunter S Thompson, the Hugh Hefner of my anti-Playboy generation, seems a good basis for for comedic evolution. Parker offers a Thompson reading on Tues, Feb 27, at 7 pm. The West Edge Books & News is Parker's shop and the site of the Thompson celebration. That's 725 Milam.

The speakers he draws for the Thursday Culture Jams are presented at Stone's Throw Cafe, Jordan St. He says, "Please contact Michael Parker at 227-7685 or mpbookfreak@hotmail.com for further information, or to suggest future speakers."

KDAQ / Red River Radio: the only digital radio broadcast outside of New Orleans, says Poling


Kermit Poling
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
"Red River Radio is becoming the first Digital Radio broadcaster in Louisiana north of New Orleans" says station director Kermit Poling. "Digital radio brings CD quality audio to FM radio. It will also, ultimately, provide additional channels of audio that will carry alternate programming, such as a 24-hour news channel and a 24-hour music channel, for those radios capable of receiving "multi-casting."

"Supplemental and emergency information will also be able to be sent to radios to display as text, similar to what you may already have if you subscibe to satellite radio," added Poling.

You may begin shopping for digital radios. The good news is that they're no longer very expensive.

Says Poling, who loves a good tech toy himself, "Your conventional "analog" radio will still receive the analog signal from KDAQ. But if you're interested in this new digital technology, we will work with local retailers to make sure radios are available. We will also offer some radios through our Web site. Many of the major manufacturers have digital radios for home, office and cars at a variety of levels. Please watch this Web site for future details about the Digital Radio kickoff at Red River Radio."

The splashy announcement of digital broadcasting will take place in March at LSUS.

redriverradio.org
1-800-552-8502

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Ashley Murphy, DaJuan Booker, La Dance Theater and Orchesis Dance perform at Strand Wed, Feb 21, 7:30 pm

Ashley Murphy, formerly of Shreveport and La Dance Theater, is a guest dancer at the Strand Theater performance of La Dance Alive! 2007, says Carol Anglin.

Murphy and partner from Dance Theater of Harlem, DaJuan Booker, will dance as guests on the Wed, Feb 21 performance. See more on Murphy in an earlier post.

Also appearing will be Grambling State University's Orchesis Dance Company.

In the photo at Dancenter: Ashley Murphy, Bailey Anglin, Allison Sauls, Madeline Marak, Elizabeth West, Claire Bayer, Liz Weiss, Rebecca Cunningham, Victoria Wade; also, Alexis Jackson, Allison Hagan.

Tickets are $15, 20 and 25
Carol Anglin Dancenter, Pierrement Mall 318-861-3006
Strand box office 318-226-8555

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Imagineering vs the Impossible: Family Engineering Challenge at SciPort Sat, Feb 24, 2 pm


Engineering Challenge
Originally uploaded by freetheheel.
Artful contrivances will be flying as the Family Engineering Challenge returns to Sci-Port Discovery Center. The event is Sat, Feb 24, from 2 to 4 pm, says Eric Gipson.

Families will be grouped into teams, given materials and presented with a challenge to build something that meets a goal: goes so high, travels so far or supports so much weight, etc.
* Challenges will be appropriate to participants’ ages.
* Participants will then have a time limit for building - and testing - their invention.

“This inspires you to think outside the box to do the most with what you have, just like on the Apollo 13 mission, when unrelated objects were fashioned into objects that saved the capsule,” said Jennifer Tuxen, Sci-Port Programs Director.

“While we put ‘family’ in the title of this event, it is open to all groups, whether they are organizations or friends."

Tuxen did not mention non-friend, non-family, non-organizational teams, which is just as well.

The event promises amusement for spectators watching the on-the-spot design-and-build challenges, admits SciPorters.

* Advance registration is not required.
* Early arrival is suggested.
* Prizes will be awarded in several categories.
* All of the Family Engineering Design & Build activities are free with Sci-Port admission.

Jennifer Tuxen: (318) 424-8683
www.sciport.org.

Multi Cultural Center for the South, Shreveport, seeks artists, craftsmen and activity coordinators


Janice Gatlin, activities director for the MultiCultural Center for the South, is looking for

a) artists appropriate for MCCS exhibits.
b) curators who would like to choose the theme or group of artists for an exhibit.
c) craftspersons ready to present an exhibit or activity.
d) child-friendly workers who can guide groups of children through activity sessions (for a fee that meets regional art-guide standards).

"An example of the kind of artist that is ideal for MCCS is Conchita Iglesias McElwee," said Gatlin. "Last year Conchita presented a marvelous show based on her Dia de Los Muertos art."

An artist's work does not have to be consciously ethnic, however.

Those with questions should call Gatlin at 424-1380 or email a bio and examples of work to jgatlin-mccs@sport.rr.com.

Epicenter of Bibulous Louisiana for the few days preceding Fat Tuesday: Uptown New Orleans


Uptown New Orleans
Originally uploaded by Chompa.
Ah, the notable Fat Tuesday when I got out of bed early enough to see the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club on the street. Caught their black beads and have worn them as a Carnival talisman ever since. Those of you pining for a whiff of Crescent City carnality might check in with Nola.com, the comprehensive Times-Picayune web site. There you will find parade cams and lots of multi-media material, including footage of Lundi Gras. If you were wondering what Blanc et Noir Marching Society was about, you will find its momma & poppa shaking it on Canal St.

One of the streetcams shows St Charles Avenue next to Fat Harry's. Some of you may weep for the memories therein awakened.

Carnival Quiz from the other hemisphere: Carnaval de Brasil


Carnaval de Rua / Rio 2007
Originally uploaded by JucaFii.
Found this Carnival Quiz on an English As a Second Language site. Though basic, I found the perspective interesting:

Carnival, the most popular celebration in Brazil, represents the ___ soul.
a. country
b. countrys'
c. countrys's
d. country's

For four days, the joyful atmosphere ___ over the country: from North to South, from East to West.
a. drizzles
b. spills
c. spreads
d. sprinkles

Carnival originated from the ceremonies in ___ of god Osiris in the ancient Egypt.
a. concern
b. honor
c. treat
d. addition

Carnival follies usually happen just before ___ (the 40 days period that precedes Easter).
a. Lent
b. Thanksgiving
c. Nativity
d. Corpus Christi

The samba schools are the ___ attraction in Rio de Janeiro.
a. main
b. mane
c. mayor
d. mean

Luxury and ___ are intrinsic components of all parades and shows.
a. beautiful
b. beauty
c. wealthy
d. aesthetic

The ___ and the music captivate millions of people around the world.
a. customs
b. customer
c. costumes
d. custodies

The samba originated from a ___ the African slaves brought to Brazil.
a. stanza
b. rhythm
c. rhyme
d. rhythmic

Carnival, ___ in Brazil by the Portuguese, has assimilated local elements, mainly from the black culture from Rio and Bahia.
a. was introduced
b. has introduced
c. introduced
d. introducing

The escolas de samba parades in Rio are considered the greatest ___ show in the world.
a. choreographs
b. choreographing
c. choreographer
d. choreographic

The first escolas de samba ___ the beginning of the 30's.
a. date from
b. date
c. have been dating from
d. are dated

Samba is not only a music ___ but also a Brazilian pop type of dance.
a. gene
b. gen
c. genre
d. gender

Shreveport Southern Soul, the Murco Records story: Dee Marais interview on KSCL Tues, Feb 20, 8 pm


Murco
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Writes historian and dj Chris Brown, "If everything goes according to plan, Dee Marais will be on my radio show Tuesday, Feb 20, from
8 - 10 pm, on KSCL 91.3.

Harding Guyon DesMarais (aka Dee Marais) has roots that run deep
in the Shreveport music scene. Dee ran the Bayou Record Shop on 70th St from the late 1950s to the early 1990s, and he helped run a
slew of local labels -- Lucky Seven, Recco, Murco, Peermont, HySign, HyRok, and HyTre. It was on these labels that Dee managed to capture some of Shreveport's most exciting rockabilly and rock and roll in the 1950s. For example, Gene Wyatt, Tommy Blake, and Johnny Ray Harris.

Then, in the 1960s and 70s, Dee issued top notch soul and funk 45s by Shreveport musicians. This included records by such artists as Eddy Giles and the Jive 5, Reuben Bell with the Beltones, Abraham & Marion Ester and the Casanovas, and Dori Grayson.

I'll be spinning the records, and Dee will be telling the stories."

Chris Brown
KSCL 91.3 fm
Art of the Insane
Tuesdays, 8 - 10 pm

Monday, February 19, 2007

Bluebirds at historic Municipal Auditorium Sat, Feb 24, 8 to 11 pm in Friends of the Municipal benefit

Music from the Bluebirds - whose guitarist, Buddy Flett, is fresh from LA and NYC gigs with Kenny Wayne Shepherd - will be featured at the Friends of Municipal Auditorium Dance on Feb. 24 from 8 to 11 pm, says Lynn Laird, Friends of the Municipal Fund Raising Chair.

"What a fabulous fun way to support our Municipal! All
proceeds will be donated to the restoration of our grand lady.
Beautiful and strong though she is, we are still in need of a makeover, as in lights, sound, painting and floor refinishing.

We want to send out a huge thank you to Sandy Tamplin of Sandy's Dance for putting her energy into this event. And to the Bluebirds for their support. With the tunes of the Bluebirds and the incomparable acoustics of our auditorium, this is an event not to miss!"


$15 per person
Cash bar


Friends of the Municipal Auditorium
Mandy Perdue, Executive Director
705 Elvis Presley Ave.
P. O. Box 1543
Shreveport, LA 71165
318.220.9434

Friday, February 16, 2007

Ashley Murphy returns for Louisiana Dance Theater appearance at StrandTheater Wed, Feb 21, 7:30 pm


"Ashley Murphy and her dance partner are returning from Dance Theatre of Harlem, NYC, to perform in the LA: Dance Alive concert on Wed., Feb. 21, from 7:30 to 9 pm," says Carol Anglin. The concert will take place at the Strand Theater.

"Ashley performed at the White House for the President
and Mrs. Bush last year, " continued Anglin, " and was featured on PBS. She also performed for Louisiana Dance Theatre at the
International Ballet Competition's Regional Dance
America performance in Jackson June 2006.

Last year she taught every Friday in Washington D.C.
at the Kennedy Center and the Duke Ellington Center
for Performing Arts as a partnership with DTH and the
Kennedy Center."

LA: Dance Alive
Wed., Feb. 21, 2007
7:30 - 9 pm

Carol Anglin Dancenter Inc
4801 Line Ave, Spt, 71106
(318) 861-3006

David Egan helped Irma Thomas win her Grammy for blues with These Honey Do's

After 50 years of singing and making records, Irma Thomas has won a Grammy for blues. Winning considerable acclaim for the songwriting on her album is Shreveport-raised David Egan. One of the most appealing songs on the record seems to be Egan's 'These Honey Do's.'

Irma Thomas told NPR reporter Michel Martin, '"'These Honey Do's' was written at the studio. My husband is a honey-do husband. It's honey, do this and honey, do that. I don't mind; I got him spoiled and it's my fault. We were living in Milton, La, after the storm," Irma Thomas, "and I realized there was no list of honey-do's." Scott Billington overheard me say that. So I said, "That sounds like a song."

"I wrote down some lyrics that I had in mind about it. When David Egan came over to the studio, I said, 'You're just the guy that can help me with this. See what you can do with these lyrics for me. Sure enough, in 24 hours he came up with 'These Honey Do's' and I love it.."

NPR's Martin said she loved it, too and wondered how she could make it her anthem. "If it's heard often enough, it'll be a lot of peoples' anthem," said Irma. "because it states what really happens when it's honey-do time."

Krewe of Highland parade to be lead by Blanc et Noir Marching Society 2pm Sun, Feb 18, Creswell Ave and Centenary Blvd

The Krewe of Highand parade has been designated the longest of the parades in North Louisiana, says King of the krewe, Chuck Reid.

It all began with bicycles, walkers and motley vehicles with improvised trailers. The perception of the fun involved in the parade created by Matthew Linn and cohorts was so strong that Highlanders built actual floats. A good example is the Rolie Polie float built by Bill Joyce.

Another landmark effort has been the Krewe de Bar B Kewe, a gang of jesters headed by Jeff Clark. They cook, wrap and toss hot dogs to the crowd. This year some 3000 dogs - and candy, and toys - will be flung, says Clark.

The Blanc et Noir Marching Society is new to the parade. The group of some 15 to 20 second liners has hired a brass band from Grambling called the Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band. Consisting of 8 horns and 2 drummers, the band will bring the Crescent City spirit of jazz and dance to the revelers.

The route is north on Creswell to Herndon, east on Herndon, south on Centenary Blvd. Afterwards the Bluebirds will play in Columbia Park at a post-parade festival.

For info on joining Blanc et Noir, see the web site or call 318-861-6809. And pardon me if I shout Laisser les bon temps rouler.
New to the second line? Here's a second line video created for visitors to the Faces of Katrina exhibit.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Musicians' Forum at Artspace Mon, Feb 26, 6 to 8 pm, hosted by Julia Foley of Ren Ten Music



"We have put together a new Musicians' Forum with the panel made of experts in the fields of Entertainment Law, Small Business Formation and Tax Deductions," says the intrepid Julia Foley.

"Too many of us are taken advantage of or just don't get what we deserve, because we don't know what we are entitled to. The music industry has long taken advantage of musicians and entertainers, simply because they could."

"There are many new laws to protect musicians, but most of us don't know what they are or how we benefit from them. Here's your chance to learn from professionals who have nothing to gain from you and are donating their time to build our local music scene."

The event is sponsored by Ren Ten Music, LLC, Shreveport Sound Syndicate, and Artspace.

Mon, Feb 26th
6 - 8 pm
Artspace, 710 Texas Street, downtown Shreveport (just 2 doors down from Tipitina's)

Artspace is providing snacks and drinks. Their new cafe - D'Agostino's - will be selling sandwiches and desserts.

We hope to see you there!! Please let us know if you have any questions. We're here for you.
Rene and Julia Foley
Ren Ten Music, LLC
9050 Youree Drive, #908
(318) 402-2398
renefoley@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/rentenmusic
www.myspace.com/renefoley


If you got hot upon seeing the Peekers photo above you can catch them at Jack Rabbit Lounge (formerly Lil Joes) w/ The Happy Bullets! and The Tah-Da Feb 16, 9 pm.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Celebration of Bob Marley at Ron Hardy's H&H Performing Arts Center, 717 Hope St, Sat, Feb 24, noon to 10 pm


Final 9feb07 BobMarley Flyer
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
"Live music, reggae videos, Rasta philosophy discussion, a one heart~one love drum circle for world peace, Ital food by Gordon, fresh-squeezed juices, coffee, tea, conscience vibes, good people and much more," is what musician-community leader Ron Hardy promises on Sat, Feb 24.

The H&H is a sort of comunity center / lounge on Hope St. that Hardy told me he inherted from his late uncle and dad. Hardy helped operate it as a bar for several years, but his purpose has changed. His dream is revitalize the Hope St / Milam St. (the H&H is adjacent to the site of the defunct Pete Harris Cafe) area. There are lots of empty lots and a few historic houses and some renovated shotgun houses. Hardy believes that an arts community could be assembled here based on cheap but stylish housing and proximity to downtown.

If you care about urban planning and the city's future, check out the H&H and Hardy's plans. Across the street from the H&H is the center for Playaz & Playettes Inc, his award-winning outreach and education center.

Save visits to Pete harris cafe, it's a part of Shreveport traditionally shunned by the middle class. But neighborhoods change. When was the last time you went to Allendale and checked out the housing and community?

717 Hope St.
424-9297
tarumbae@bellsouth.net

Hugs and cookie dough to SptBlog readers


Valentine's Cookies!
Originally uploaded by Madeline G.
The Valentine's eye candy is from the oven of my daughter in Ohio, Madeline.
Merci, Mad!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Mr Brooks lives a double life: South Highlands, Cross Lake & Portland; see the trailer here


Shreveport kids with Mr Costner
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
The trailer for Kevin Costner's movie, Mr. Brooks, is exceptionally glossy.
While we aren't in the business of evaluating thrillers, this trailer looks promising.

A certain amount of the film work was done in our neighborhood. So we care.

The arrival of the movie industry stimulated some of the best wine-sipping block parties the neighborhood has seen. The neighbors ignored the gastroenterology boiling inside the house that was tricked out for the film.

Costner was the diplomat, practically selling tickets through his charming approach to the locals. William Hurt acted as though the neighborhood was infected with hepatitis. Demi Moore was, hate to say it, mostly a dismissive diva. Occasionally she was seized by a spasm of noblesse oblige.

No wonder Hurt looked so woebegone when he arrived for shooting on Oneonta St. Just past the door of a pleasant house on a tree lined street in a golden suburbia he knew he was facing co-reticulated coitus and blood-spurting spruel.

Let us ask it once again: is not the movie business grand?

Monday, February 12, 2007

Arts Congress II Sat, Feb 24, LSUS, 8:30 am to 1 pm


"As a result of a one-year study through the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the arts were identified as one of the strong resources / assets upon which to build the Shreveport-Bossier area as a more unified regional destination," says Pam Atchison.

Thus she and a steering wheel committee have been working to implement. "A follow-up arts Planning Retreat is scheduled for Sat, Feb 24, from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm, at Bronson Hall on the LSUS campus. Director for the LDA, Veronique LeMelle, will join Dr. Norm Dolch of LSUS and Paula Hickman, director for The Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier to lead the discussion. We will serve a snack lunch and work quickly to accomplish much!

Here’s a recap of our progress through our first planning meeting, held last November:

Paula Hickman, Executive Director for the Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier, volunteered to lead the effort to initiate the ULI recommendations. A handful of volunteers agreed to meet with Paula on a monthly basis to discuss ways to strengthen and unify the arts; and remembered that Arts Planning Retreats that involve the community of Artists and Arts Organizations have been successful vehicles for dialogue and goal setting.

In November more than 100 artists and arts administrators met at LSUS to discuss the four ULI recommendations:

1. Increase the Visibility of the ARTS in Shreveport-Bossier City
2. Strengthen the Perception of the ARTS as integral in all areas of Civic Life
3. Strengthen Administrative Operations through Collaboration
4. Strengthen Relationships within the family of Arts Organizations
Interestingly, much of the conversation focused on the need to promote the Arts resources in the region, and suggested Outcomes were initially project oriented."

At the November meeting I found optimism, a variety of people and ideas and a sense of cooperation. My favorite idea of the session came from seasoned leader Major Brock (city government, Southern Univ, etc). He said that the arts community needs a political base so as to get recognition. He believes that leverage by the city can enhance art sales. "Having an arts advocate at the table of city politics - it's a part of a city government's development plan."

Of course, nothing trumps personal entrepreneurship and high achievement in artistic production.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Video interview: Charles Lovelace & Walter Coatney at Barnwell: multi-media pieces, paintings and historic Palace Park nightclub

Artists Charles Lovelace and Walter Coatney are proud of the fact that they can see art materials where you and I see the detritus of everyday life.

Their paintings and multi-media pieces document their community and answer questions about what's beautiful and what's do-able.

A brief interview with Lovelace and Coatney is on YouTube.

See their work at Barnwell Art Center. It's adjacent to the Riverview Fountain on the riverfront. They are part of a show called Kindred Spirits. Painter Jane Heggen is the third of the Kindred Spirits on exhibit.

10am - 4:00pm, Tues-Fri
10am - 5pm, Sat
1pm - 5pm, Sunday
Closed Mon.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Valentine's evening with Jay Leno, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Buddy Flett, 10:30 pm


Buddy Flett at Artspace
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
From Bruce Flett at thebluebirds.com: "Buddy Flett will be special guest of Kenny Wayne Shepherd on the Jay Leno Show, Wed, Feb 14!

Kenny, Buddy, Double Trouble(Chris Layton & Tommy Shannnon), Hubert Sumlin, and Bryan Lee will perform "Tina Mare" from "10 Days Out: Blues From the Backroads."

Continues Flett," Jason Coffield will be filling in for Buddy while he's out On the Road with Kenny & the Blues Legends. You remember Jason from the original Voodudes. Jason is a brilliant young blues/rock guitarist, singer and alto saxophonist. And yes, he plays slide guitar! Jason is THE guy to get to fill in for Buddy.

Sun, Feb 18 Buddy returns back home to play the Highland Mardi Gras after Parade party at Columbia Park in Shreveport 4-6pm. Parade starts about 1 30pm

Sat Feb 24 Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium. DANCE to the Bluebirds on the greatest Biggest Dancefloor around! 8-11pm

Complete schedule (well, these days its impossible to keep it totally up to date) at www.thebluebirds.com

Continuing, Flett says, "Nick Spitzer , host of NPR's "American Routes" spoke in Shreveport last night about New Orleans music and re-building the City. With a PhD in Ethnomusicology and the hippest show on Radio; you missed it if you weren't there. He called Bruce yesterday afternoon wanting to know if "anything" had ever been recorded at LeadBellys grave! He was unaware of the Live Recording of "Honk Tonk" with Buddy and Kenny Wayne on acoustic guitars at that hallowed spot for the 10 Days Out DVD/CD, so we made sure he gets a copy right away! And he's looking forward to seeing the Bluebirds at the New Orleans Jazzfest Sunday, April 29."

See Buddy in recent action at YouTube.com.
www.myspace.com/thebluebirdspage


Also see more at www.kennywayneshepherd.net

Friday, February 09, 2007

Writer-artist Michael Harold on artmaking and Shreveport over the recent haul


Michael Harold, visual & conceptual artist and writerly writer, recently wrote, in regards local historic perspective, "In the early 70s, I would take a bus to the Craft Alliance on Dalzell Street to see the (local) artists. Remember, it was late 60s, early 70s and the U.S. was in the middle of a high renaissance where art and culture was concerned. (Wars always bring out the best in artists, I think. I know that during the past six years I've done some of my best work ever. Mostly writing, though.) Even here in Shreveport, when they were not busy smoking dope, having sex and being routed out of various public parks by George D'Artois, the young people were walking around with Burroughs, Kerouac, Heller, Vonnegut, Plath, Beckett and Pynchon in their backpacks and listening to Hendrix, Zeppelin, The Doors, etc. Visual art was no different. Everyone with an interest in visual art was exposed to Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Body Art, Happenings, Environmental Art, and all the other art isms of the period.

The older artists in Shreveport, especially the ones you mention in the At-the-Loft blog, were fully aware of the larger cultural currents. Clyde Connell with her "church" and "ladder" and "reliquary" sculptures made of paper mache, hammered nails, stones and found objects. Talk about hidden (or not so hidden) meanings related to slavery, poverty, education, religion and judicial injustice. There were David Horner's and Jerry Slack's installations. There was Lucille Reed's minimalism.

These people were amazing. I followed them from Dalzell to the Craft Alliance at Centenary (now the Turner Art Center), to the Craft Alliance on Stoner (later renamed the Stoner Art Center).

And then there was At-the-Loft. The artists in this group are a big part of the reason I do art.

The At-the-Loft artists were the same people who brought Judy Chicago and Alan Sondheim to Shreveport. They invited artists like me and Bruce to put installations in the space (which was a very big deal to me). They participated with other groups such as the Artist's Transit, the Princess Park Works-In-Progress group, SRAC's public sculpture projects, the Red River Revel, the Eye-20 group and lots of others. And they set the example, especially the women. Donna Service (and her art partner, Donna Moore), exhibited the same type of no holds barred artistic guts as the At-the-Loft artists. Dorothy Hanna, too.

Thank god for the women artists in this town is all I've got to say. Many of the younger artists in the area (Allison Dickson comes to mind) are part of this larger work-in-progress. There is a lot of continuity here."

Please see more artists on the regional memory at the At-the-Loft Shreveport blog. And please consider contributing your thoughts and images. Send all to trudeau@earthlink.net.
Don't fail to dig into the archives - past months - if you like the history.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

The getting of a new Mercedes-Benz and the aiding of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra: the annual Luxury Raffle opens

Purchasing a ticket for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's 18th Annual Luxury Raffle benefits the operation of the SSO, Louisiana’s oldest continuously operating orchestra, says Scott Green and Michael Butterman.

Grand Prize: 07 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sports Sedan. Value: $35,000
1st Prize: A Fine Jewelry shopping spree at Sid Potts Jewelry. Value: $2,500
2nd Prize: A Year’s worth of Fresh Cut Flowers (one arrangement per month for 12 months) from Rose-Neath Flower Shops. Value: $600
3rd Prize: 52-Weeks of Car Washes at the Auto Mall Car Wash. Value: $550

Tickets are $100 each.
Only 2007 tickets will be offered for sale.
Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard & Discover accepted.

Ticket Outlets:
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra office, Holmes European Motors, Sid Potts, Inc., Auto Mall Car Wash, area Porter’s Cleaners, Boswell Insurance Agency or at www.shreveportsymphony.com.

Drawing to be held on Sat, March 31, on the stage of Shreveport’s Riverview Theatre immediately following the SSO’s “Carmina Burana” Master Series Concert.

Winners need not be present to win. Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes on prizes.

shreveportsymphony.com
318.222.7496

So buy, already.

Dan Penn & the Equally Legendary gather in New Orleans for the annual Ponderosa Stomp May 2 at House of Blues


Dan Penn
Originally uploaded by 33-13.
After a year in exile in Memphis, says the press release, the 6th annual Ponderosa Stomp, a music festival that celebrates and pays tribute to the unsung heroes of rock ‘n roll, rhythm & blues, and other forms of American roots music, will return home to New Orleans on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at the House of Blues® from 6pm – 2am.

Slated to perform: Master arranger Wardell Quezergue and the New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Revue, soul songwriter supreme Dan Penn, rockabilly wild man Dale Hawk, R&B soprano Little Jimmy Scott, Texas Tornado co-founder Augie Meyers, Stax sessions guitarist Skip Pitts, Gulf Coast guitar empress Barbara Lynn, Mardi Gras king Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Excello harp master Lazy Lester, keyboardist extraordinaire Willie Tee, President of soul Rockie Charles, hillbilly bopper Jay Chevalier, tough Texas shouter Roy Head, and rockabilly wailer Joe Clay, with more to come.

“Put on your high heel sneakers 'cause were back in New Orleans – the Stomp's spiritual home and the birthplace of rock n roll,” says Ira (“Dr. Ike”) Padnos, executive director of The Mystic Knights of the Mau-Mau, the 501c3 organization that produces the Ponderosa Stomp.

Since its inception in 2000, the Mystic Knights of the Mau-Mau, a non-profit group organized by rock ‘n roll fanatics who consider it their mission to rediscover and celebrate America’s overlooked musical pioneers, has partnered with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sun Studios, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, The New Orleans Musicians Clinic, and The New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund to help resurrect the careers of several legendary musicians.

“The Ponderosa Stomp is a one-of-a-kind celebration of the roots, derivatives and other offshoots of the art form that we call rock ‘n roll,” says Terry Stewart, President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Five plums on Thur, Feb 8, including the $trip at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse

The Nerve Ensemble (see earlier posts on all these stories, please) is a NYC group who's worked with Centenary College drama students for the past month as they developed a musical on the American dream called The $trip. They open a four-night run on Th, Feb. 8.

Also vying for your attention on Thursday eve:

* Nick Spitzer, host of American Routes music program - airs each week on Red River Radio - and major musical folklorist, gives a talk at Centenary on the future of New Orleans.

* Fiddler Amanda Shaw & band at SciPort, along with a wetlands exponent and supper and the terrific Imax movie, Hurricane on the Bayou.

* Hot preview of a cool movie presented by Robinson Film Center at LaBoardwalk cinema.

* Short story writer Jill McCorkle speaks at Caddo Magnet High School. She is the Mary Jane Malone series author.

Bon chance.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Short story author Jill McCorkle to speak at Caddo Magnet High School Thur, Feb 8, 6:30 pm, PAC


Author Jill McCorkle
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Short story writer Jill McCorkle is such a winning story spinner that she already has a book about herself: Understanding Jill McCorkle, by Barbara Bennett.

McCorkle will speak to the public Th, Feb 8, at Caddo Magnet High School. She is the Mary Jane Malone Lecture Series author and will spend the day working with students and teachers at Caddo Magnet.

Her talk and reading is free and open to the public. The lecture begins at 6:30 pm and is in the PAC, back of campus.

McCorkle will sign books afterwards, says lecture coordinator Kris Clements.

CMHS: 221-2501
In an earlier post on McCorkle I mistakenly wrote that she would speak at 7:30. As you see above, it's 6:30.

Mahogany Ensemble presents one-act Ritual Murder at PAC on Sat, Feb 10, 4 pm & 7:30 pm


Author Tom Dent, New Orleans
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Mahogany Ensemble Theatre will present Ritual Muder, a one-act play by the late New Orleans playwright,Tom Dent, says Angelique Feaster. The performance is Sat, Feb 10 at the Performing Arts Center, First United Methodist Church.

There will be two performances on Sat, Feb 10 — 4:00 pm and 7:30 p.m.
$10 adults, $5 senior citizens & students, $3 for children

Ritual Murder is a one act drama set in New Orleans during the 1970s. It probes the life of a troubled young man's search for answers and communal understanding of his self-destructive actions. Ritual Murder is a timely production, says Feaster, that blends theatre, dance, and song in a way that leaves a touching message about the senseless acts of violence plaguing the community.

Angelique Feaster, director, has assembled an ensemble cast featuring Neverlyn Townsel, Terrell English, Jessie Stinson, Dorothea Townsel, Mary Thompson, Margie Ferrell, Joanna Ballard and Angelique Feaster with choreography by Roshanda Spears. This marks the company’s second season of plays.

For ticket information call the box office at 318-870-2787 or email mahoganytheatre@hotmail.com.

www.mahoganyensembletheatre.org

Monday, February 05, 2007

Nick Spitzer: NPR's American Routes host at Centenary College to discuss the Crescent City, Katrina and the creative class Th, Feb 8, 7 pm


0 Nick Spitzer 1
Originally uploaded by dinomonster.
Dr. Nicholas R. Spitzer, creator and host of Public Radio International's American Routes, will discuss the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans musicians, craftspeople and other members of the "creative class" during a public lecture Feb. 8 at Centenary College.

He will speak at 7 p.m. in the Whited Room, Bynum Commons.
The event is free and open to the public.

He will argue that the creative class has a central role in rebuilding the city.

Spitzer is an internationally recognized folklorist. He has served as host and producer of the award-winning "Folk Masters and American Roots" Fourth of July concert series and as documentary, record, film and festival producer for the Smithsonian Institution and PBS.

He has also been an independent cultural producer for National Public Radio's All Things Considered. He is currently on faculty at the University of New Orleans.

Steely Dan to John Legend: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, Ap 27 - 29, May 4 -6


p1090451
Originally uploaded by Araneo.
Jazzfest has announced a sublime schedule for their 2 weekends, April 27-29 & May 4-6.

Among the anointed: Harry Connick Jr., Steely Dan, Norah Jones, ZZ Top, John Legend, Van Morrison, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, New Edition, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Irma Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis, Counting Crows,

Allman Brothers Band, Allen Toussaint, Better Than Ezra, Joss Stone, Calexico, Taj Mahal, Johnny Rivers, Lucinda Williams, Branford Marsalis, Richie Havens, Soulive, Cowboy Mouth, Tony Joe White, Gillian Welch, Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir, T-Bone Burnett,

Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, The Radiators, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sonny Landreth, Danilo Perez, Ivan Neville, Ba Cissoko of Guinea, George Porter, Jr., Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Les Amazones of Guinea, World Saxophone Group, Buckwheat Zydeco, Anders Osborne, Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Rosie Ledet,

Amanda Shaw, The Iguanas, Marva Wright, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews & Orleans Avenue, Elysian Fieldz, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Ellis Marsalis and over 500 more groups.

At $45 a day ($35 in advance), Jazzfest 07 remains a bargain. Those nostalgic for the more comfortable days at the Fairgrounds might look at $600 a day *straightens tie* for the Big Chief VIP experience.

Ticketmaster.com
(504) 522-5555
(800) 488-5252

Guessed the name of the singer above? Norah Jones.

Singer-guitarist-percussionist Billy Jonas at Fairfield Studios Fri, Feb 9, 7 pm, "Bangin & Sangin"


Billy Jonas
Originally uploaded by 2reillys.
"Ace percussionist and all-around master musician and humorist Billy Jonas storms our house concert stage next Fri, Feb 9," says Jim Huckabay. "All of my guitar playing buddies need to stick around - despite the photo of Jonas surrounded by djembes & bongos - because believe me, Billy is one major talent and entertainer.

We saw him at the Kerrville Folk Festival last summer and he Stole The Show. He's a genuine channel of power and it all unfolds right before your eyes and ears.

Don't be surprised if Billy doesn't pull one of two of us up on stage for some spontaneous experience. Join me for blastoff next Friday!

Oh, yes! This show would be great fun for all the budding musicians in your home."

220-0400
reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
$15 per

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Jesse Winchester in Shreveport 02.02.07

After a superb show of bittersweet tunes sung in a lilting, melodic voice accompanied by fluent guitar, Jesse Winchester roused the crowd at LSUS Theater with an amusingly spazzy, stand-up sing-along. Eleven year-old Jett Trudeau grabbed the camera and captured one of the concert's best moments.

Horacio D'Agostino opens cafe at Artpace Sat, Feb 3; sandwiches,desserts & coffee M- Sat, 10 am to 6 pm


Horacio D'Agostino
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Featuring panini, soups, salads, coffees and pastries, a new version of the Artspace Cafe opens today. Horacio D'Agostino, chef and operator of the revivified Cafe, has made quite a name for himself as a downtown purveyor of high-quality lunches and catering. The young chef says "I put my emphasis on fresh ingredients, making items from scratch; there's something different about that kind of food."

Having D'Agostino's food in Artspace certainly seems a good idea. Artspace is one of the city's splendid rooms, and the cafe, designed by Chris Fowler-Sandlin under Sandy Kallenberg, is a boite waiting
for a tony chef.

Hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Mon through Sat.

Also, Artspace premiers a clothing & couture show this week: it is called In Fashion, the Art of Style. And the reception was thronged with ladies who lunch. Buono apetito.

Stephen Holden reviews Factory Girl and does not entirely trash it in the NYTimes


ST310.Edie Sedgwick,1965(01)
Originally uploaded by wu062841.
Factory Girl, filmed mostly in Shreveport, has its NY Times review. In the trailer the movie looks seriously misbegotten. Somehow writer Stephen Holden manages to squeeze out an even-handed review in "Warhol’s Anointed Starlet, Drowning in the Glitterati." A chunk of his article:

"When making a movie set in the recent past, you’re dead if it doesn’t look authentic. And the kindest thing to be said about this deluxe photo spread of a film is that Sienna Miller’s Edie and Guy Pearce’s Andy capture their characters’ images and body language with relative precision. (Mr. Pearce is much prettier than the real Warhol; if Ms. Miller doesn’t have Sedgwick’s throaty smoker’s voice and aristocratic air, she gives a furious, thrashing performance as a lost little rich girl.) The crinkled tinfoil glitter of Warhol’s East 47th Street “Silver Factory” is accurately rendered, and the actors cast as members of the Warhol entourage are reasonable physical approximations.

It’s the captions that are the problem. How do you discover the inner life of people determined to live so fast and hard that they can outrun their demons? How do you bring substance to charismatic personalities whose glamour may camouflage a void?"

Sign in at the NYTimes to read more.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Charles Lovelace: images of Allendale at Barnwell Center

The new show at Barnwell Art & Garden Center is called Kindred Sprits, says director Freda Powell. Work by artists Jane Heggen, Charles Lovelace and Walter Coatney fills 2 rooms at the center.

Heggens' acrylic paintings portray local people and each has a story.
Coatney works in a variety of media, including paint, paper and cement. Lovelace has paintings of local life. Both Lovelace and Coatney are keeping alive the folk art of model house building.

Lovelace has made an important contribution to local musical history by presenting a model of Palace Park, a restaurant and nightclub whose heyday was the 1930's and 1940's. Jazz and R n B stars played to the black side of Shreveport in this Allendale social center.

One day I'd like to write more about Palace Park. Those of you with stories about the performers and customs of Palace Park might give me a call at 318-861-6809.


Barnwell Center
601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Closed Mondays
10am until 4:00pm, Tue-Fri
10am until 5pm, Sat
1pm until 5pm, Sun
www.barnwellcenter.com
director@barnwellcenter.com

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Jesse Winchester at LSUS Theater Fri, Feb 2, 7:30 pm; Buddy Flett opens


jesse winchester / gary mattingly
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Jesse Winchester is a classic folkie and successful songwriter. His performing style is very much like Lyle Lovett, says concert producer Johnny Palazotto. Winchester is swinging through Shreveport with a gut-string guitar on his knee.

Buddy Flett is a classic bluesieand songwriter. Now that he's on the cd/dvd Ten days Out, with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, will things ever be the same?

LSUS Theater
Fri, Feb 2; 7:30 pm
$20 at the door

Ernest Hill, author & creative writing teacher, at Wallette Branch Library Th, Feb 1, 4:30 pm


earnest
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

All ages are welcome at a talk by author Ernest Hill at Wallette Branch Library on Thur, Feb1, at 4:30 pm, says LeVette Fuller.

Hill is the author of five books dealing with contemporary life
including Cry Me A River, and, most recently, A Person of Interest.

Reviews of Hill's books have appeared in the Washington Post, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Review, Booklist, and The New York Times.

Mr. Hill teaches Creative Writing at Southern University, where he is
currently the Writer-in Residence.