Saturday, June 30, 2007

Arodasi Dance used butoh, bags, burqahs and a solo piano soundscape by Clyde Hargrove


Dorothinia, Clyde
Originally uploaded by trudeau11
Skye Creswell had to learn to breathe inside a large black plastic bag for her opening part in Arodasi Dance troupe's Lost Cities performance. It seemed appropriate, I'm sure. The one hour fifteen minute dance piece was about struggle, in all of its forms.

Suzanne DeLacour, wrapped in swaths of fabric, moved in the slow motion form typical of the Japanese art of butoh. Her burden was palpable.

Tim Sample, in tuxedo, was a foil to the striving women. But the women found ways around the black-clad figure.

Solo piano by Clyde Hargrove rippled through the room. His rhapsody found both melodic as well as staccato, spiky themes. His waves of notes suited the story.

In the climax, the women - including director Dorothinia - appeared in immense fabric cocoons. Under the self-tents they were clad in fabric from head to toe. Fabric flapped at the ends of arms; faces were stylized forms under the burqah-like costumes. The image was reminiscent of sculptor Clyde Connell's series of Bound People.

Life in Lost Cities seemed to echo the current existence of souls in a city called Shreveport. The performance at 327 Texas on Sat, June 30, drew a room full of people. It is a small space; it was a bit warm. Flickeringly lighted, the set featured a projection of a large, red sun.

North of New Orleans magazine open to submissions says new editor, Pam Raintree: fiction, poetry, essays & art

Seeking original writings and/or B&W drawings depicting the cultural aspects of religion in the Ark-La-Tex, as follows:

1 Flash Fiction 100 word limit;
2 General Fiction 700 word limit;
1 Investigative Report 250 word limit;
1 Essay 500 word limit;
1 Anecdotal True Story 750 word limit;
3 Poems 30 line limit;
6 Poems six line limit;
1 Cover Art 4” x 6” format.

Written material should be sent to the editor in the body of an email. Contact the editor prior to sending artwork. Previously published work should be accompanied by the publication information so proper credit can be given. Submission for publication in NoNO constitutes a one-time copyright release for the issue following submission. Two free copies of NoNO will be reserved for each person whose work is published, to be claimed in person. Reserved copies will be held until the next issue is released.

Deadline: 15 July 2007
Send by email to: pamraintree@yahoo.com. Include ”NoNO” in the subject line, please.

Ratatouille a sensual, artful pot au feu from Brad Bird and Pixar


Ratatouille - T-0
Originally uploaded by sebatl
Ratatouille is an audacious story. About an artful rat named Remy, it stretches beyond the safe zone in which you find most Disney productions.

Indirectly, it accuses the non-gourmet world of being garbage eaters. I think that might include the majority of Americans. So, how is Disney going to sell a tale of such lofty integrity?

Curiously, "Anyone can cook," is one of the movie's messages. I know this is true, because as a social studies teacher I have seen many international dishes brought to class by students who were first-timers. I think many Americans might modify that rule to "Anyone can cook who doesn't have the money to stop by the deli or phone a decent restaurant for take-out."

Remy, the little chef, is a super hero only intermittently. He is mostly a quiet lad hampered by existential doubt. And most of the figures in his world, like his rodent family members, are ambiguous: they are both good and bad.

The equally-conflicted human hero, Alfredo, becomes a puppet of the prescient rat so that they can be a cooking team. Alfredo becomes a royal spastic reminiscent of a Charlie Chaplin figure.

Ratatouille's an hour and fifty minutes of subtle fun. Please see it and tell me what you think.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Guitar Player Magazine, August: Papa Mali's new album, the engineering of Kennyne Shepherd's Ten Days Out and coverage of the James Burton Guitar Fest


Papa Mali
Originally uploaded by Steve Hopson
Sometimes the guitar energy of Shreveport rises up like Godzilla. That's the case in the August edition of the award-winning magazine Guitar Player.

GP's Paul McGrath profiles James Burton and his International Guitar Fest and notes that the performances take place on the same Shreveport stage as the Louisiana Hayride, where Burton performed as a teen.

In an article called Tracking Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Ten Days Out, writer Buddy Saleman interviews former Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison, for many years now a record engineer and producer of note. Shepherd's homage to blues masters was recorded on site at houses and clubs across the country by Harrison. It's not easy to make a successful record when you're recording at sites "on the back roads," according to this article. Among their examples: "a jam session with Buddy Flett at Leadbelly's grave."

Writer Jimmy Leslie calls Papa Mali, born Malcolm Welbourne in Shreveport 50 years ago, "a musical shaman." His new album is called Do Your Thing (Fog City). Welbourne gives credit for some of his background to the late Shreveport bluesman John Campbell.

Papa Mali was one of the founders of the Killer Bees reggae band; he sometimes returns to Shreveport to play the Mudbug Fest. Otherwise he treks across the world playing festivals and slips home to Austin for regular "all-night raves."

Mali also explains his musical personality by explaining the importance of New Orleans in his life. The Meters and the Wild Tchoupitoulas touched him. Afterwards, "Along with Jimi Hendrix, Leo Nocentelli was my hero."

Do Your Thing takes up a thread laid down by Dr. John in his magnificent gris-gris era. But on songs like "Girls in Bossier City" and "Sugarland" he defines his own spongy part of the swamp turf.

Catch more of his funk and psychedlic soul at Myspace.com/papamali.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Farmer's Market brings a whiff of the organic to Festival Plaza on Sat, 7 to 11:30 am, and Tues, 4 to 7 pm

Says Noma Fowler-Sandlin, "The Shreveport Farmers' Market is off to a great start with all of the Saturday booths rented and plenty of interesting products from fresh veg and live plants to home-made sausage and books.

It occurs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Festival Plaza in front of the Red River Revel offices at the intersection of Commerce and Crockett. At the first Saturday market each month, a blue grass band will play.

The Tuesday version of the market, which has less vendors, is still diverse and certainly interesting.

The Happy Hour Market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. encourages folks to stop by after work, grab a cocktail from the cash bar and stroll through the pavilion making purchases for dinner to the tunes of a live band.

It's really catching on, although last Tuesday, high winds and rains forced many of the vendors to leave early. Tuesdays have also sported events such as cooking demonstrations.

Shreveporters now have two chances to pick up locally-grown fresh produce, some of it organic, and home-made artisans breads, jams, dips, salsa, soaps and the lot. It seems to have really caught on this year, with the Saturday market being exceptionally busy.

There's plenty of parking, bathrooms near by and even ceiling fans to keep the air circulating. Take advantage of the two styles and days of market to check it out."


And I must recommend Noma's wittily named and delicious jars of jelly.

Tyler Krieg: hardest working teen in local show business at Thespian Fest in Lincoln, Neb


Tyler Krieg
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"This week Tyler is in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the annual Thespian Festival with the other students in Caddo Parish's Talented and Arts Program," says Tyler's father, Fred Krieg. "Until his final performance of Lady & the Tramp, Tyler has, literally, never been idle--he has continuously been in rehearsals or performances."

"It has been nonstop since his first endeavor as Patrick Dennis -- in "Mame" at MLP (that was 2001 or 02). On occasion he's been involved in three productions at one time...often two. But he absolutely loves acting. To get an idea of his busy activity check out his roles at www.tylerkrieg.com."

Krieg is a rare talent: he can sing, act and somehow excel in his studies at Caddo Magnet High. He can also play guitar and lead a band: when he was a first-year at CMHS he had a trio called The Escape and their versions of Green Day songs rocked a gym full of listeners.

You'll notice that he's savvy about communications, too, when you see his web site. Sad to say, many actors in this region seem to be unaware of the importance of having a personal site with credits and photos. Krieg (means lightning in German) is from the new generation, and in several ways he's showing local show biz types how to project.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Clearing the odds and sods at Minicine, 846 Texas, Sat, 8ish to 3 ish


Mosquitosophagus
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Saturday morning to mid-afternoon, says artist and arts producer David Nelson, it's a minicine? Indoor Yard Sale.

See office furniture, chairs, building supplies, clothes, set-abouts, fish'n poles. Nelson believes there's Something for Everybody.

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM @ 846 Texas Avenue

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Arodasi dance performance Sat, June 30, 8 pm, features Clyde Hargrove III, formerly of The Terms


arodasi
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Is there any more anarchic yet channeled, outrageous yet unselfconcious group in town than Arodasi? Kristi Hanna, aka Dorothinia, is the wizard. Suzanne de LaCour is the acolyte, and an additional priestess is Skye Creswell. In the background is the lapidary Bruce Allen.

Numerous additional dancers and music creators come and go, as schedules permit, but Kristi and Suzanne and company continue in the avant garde tradition.

New for this series of performances - on the final Sat. of each month -is musician Clyde Hargrove III. Hargrove was lead guitarist for The Terms and now is recording a solo collection of tunes. See myspace.com/bandofclyde for his willy and luneful tatest.

Sat, June 30, 8 pm, $10
Parking is easy and safe across the street from Arodasi, 327 Market St.

Suzanne: 518-6282
Dorothy: 834-0948
www.arodasi.com

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Pedestrian bridge across the Red: is the lack of response due to lack of vision or are there solid reasons to X this one?

London has the world's newest and best-known pedestrian bridge. Having been completed in 2000, it's called the Millenium Bridge. The southern end of the bridge is near Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern art museum, the north end below St Paul's Cathedral. Recently, we strolled across it alongside thousands of walkers and bicyclists.

Having ridden the London Eye, the largest observation wheel in the world, prior to the walk, the Millenium Bridge was anitclimactic. Nor did the foot bridge wobble, as it famously did before modifications. But it reminded us of what it would be like to saunter across the Red River.

The idea of a foot bridge across the Red has been offered for consideration by Shreveporters. Did the concept produce a yawn in the body politic? Ha.

Maybe that's because the people of Shreveport-Bossier are too busy making the rent to think about such options.

The tourism bureau has not, as far as I know, offered a significant push to the idea. Yet it seems to me that such a bridge would make a terrific anchor for touristic activity.

The Louisiana Boardwalk would benefit from this bridge, which would a dd a lilt to a shopping trip. So would Red River Entertainment District. The casinos, too. A group called Friends of the Barnwell is at work to upgrade the aging facility on the edge of the Red. All these groups could gain, I think, goodly benefit from this plan.

Imagine jogging across it in the morning. Think of biking across in the afternoon. Families would stroll from the Red River Entertainment District to the Boardwalk. Nightlife is always a bit sweeter when you have a bridge to vary the terrain.

If you go to the river for fireworks on July 4, cock an eye toward the design of a foot bridge, will you?

Tourists would put it over the top. And if there were proper signage, the facility would be an educational spot, an instructive adjunct to SciPort.

Is Shreveport-Bossier like a student who has not experienced enough success to get fully engaged with his work? One who has not been fired up by a passionate instructor?

Let's find a way to research and discuss this audacious foot bridge.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Learning from the Europeans about how to save the planet and still have wheels: the mini-compact


C1 [on Woodbury] 3
Originally uploaded by acra
Crossing Belgium and part of France over a couple of days drive has shown us that a mini-compact, the Citroen C1, is a viable vehicle.

Into the miniscule auto went 2 adults, an 11 year-old and 3 suitcases plus 3 stuffed book bag-type backpacks. Indeed, our son was a bit cramped in the back seat. Overall, it worked surprisingly well.

For the driver, the 5-speed joy-of-driving transmission was a winning item. It did not feel underpowered exiting toll booths, nor ramping into big highways. In 5th gear I would ease up to 80 mph (130 kph) and felt at ease alongside the Audis and Aston Martins.

Inside, it felt like we were riding in a standard sedan. When we got out and looked at the, well, motorized shoebox, we were amazed.

Evidently the 3-cylinder engine gets 60 miles per gallon. And it's a twin to the Toyota Aygo (sold in Europe, not the US). It was developed between Toyota, Citroen and Peugot.

The mini-compact is an enormously popular car in Europe. We hope it will be available in the US one day, because this planet saver costs about $10,000 US. That's much less than a Toyota Yaris or Corolla and about half the cost of a Prius.

Some 60 miles per gallon. All of a sudden, Americans can dig it.

Friday, June 22, 2007

What's the sound of your city? A brief proposal to exploit the sounds along the Red River to add personailty to Shreveport-Bossier


Horseshoe
Originally uploaded by Paul J Whaley
In Europe the cities and towns have ancient bells hanging from the towers. The bells ring and ripple, they intone with vast, round tones. Twelve noon seems to be a major deal with the keepers of the bells. But each hour may be marked with a minor but stylish flourish.

Shreveport has a few institutions that bring bells to the city. First Baptist Church brings a lovely, spare sound to East Shreveport. I'm not sure who else broadcasts the bronze. King's Highway Christian Church?

Regardless, I am not here to make a case for carillons. It can be argued that the steamboat whistle is Shreveport's signature sound. There's some 150 years of tradition to buttress that point.

Since I'm not a denizen of downtown except after hours, I don't know how magnificently our Red River boats blow. Do they all join in at noon? Is there a boat with a noticeably rich whistle? Is there a sounding that marks each hour of the day?

If not, we're neglecting a resource. While the casinos are still open, encouraging a coordinated and full use of the boat whistles on the Red is a way to create a sonic personality for a city that ought to consider a myriad small upgrades.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Imagine Shreveport's tourist corps in historic drag: re-enacting local history on the terraces of Riverview Park on a regular basis


Anne Boleyn, White Tower
Originally uploaded by acdesigns121
Exploring the Tower of London was a pleasure, recently, because we'd arrived in the late afternoon when the crowd was disappearing. Also, the historic explanations were well-written and posted.

In the innermost precinct of the complex is the White Tower, the first of the several fortresses built as the royal residence.

There we came across men in tall boots with velvet waistcoats, forsooth. Another, m'lord, was in royal robes. And there were lasses in billowing skirts with their bodices overflowing. They were actors in period costume, readying themselves to deliver dialogue that would bring history to life. A crowd quickly gathered. We were enthalled by their presentations and followed them for some time as they moved about the grounds.

You are perhaps asking yourself, "Why doesn't Shreveport have a costumed troupe of actors whose job on the weekends is to bring the pioneer days into vivid action?

The are numerous scenarios that could be plucked from the pages of local history for such an enterprise.
- A gunfight between the town bully and a righteous, avenging physician.
- Banter between Annie McCune, Shreveport Madam, and one of her girls.
- The romance of Mary Bennett, founding female of this riverside community, by the man to be her second husband, Mr. Cane.
- Huddie Leadbelly Ledbetter coming to town to perform on the streets of St Paul's Bottoms.
- Dancers moved by the rhythms produced by Leadbelly's 12-string guitar.
- Capt Shreve and an assistant trying to figure out the last step of his snagboat design.
- Kaddahodacho tribesmen discussing the land settlement between themselves and the US Army.

Riverview Park and fountains offers a terrific backdrop for such presentations. It would be folly Not to use this stage for such infotainment. We're talking about an investment in tourism and education as well as in the art of street drama.

Developing such a program would mean learning from communities who have successfully pursued this scheme.

And at Caspiana House, Pioneer Heritage Center, there are people who have learned a great deal about such presentations by their annual Pioneer Days, a production that we've enjoyed and remember well.

Jan Pettiet, one of the region's most successful tour guides, likes to meet her visitors in pioneer costume. When I do Louisiana heritage shows for visitors I most often wear a tuxedo, which is classic entertainers' garb.

Riverview Park is a grand piece of work. And Shreveport has a story to tell. I say let us tell it with flair.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The art of cross-platform promotion: Young Chef's Academy, Youree Dr, has open house coinciding with Disney's animated Ratatouille


Young Chef's Academy
Originally uploaded by partyengineer
"For the promotion of Disney's new animated movie, Ratatouille, Young Chef's Academy will have an open House, free to the public," says matt Sciba. "Doors open at 4pm and the event lasts until 7pm. We will have four stations, each with their own recipe which guests can prepare and taste. Guests may come and go as they please. This is not a formal class session. Feel free to bring your family."


Young Chefs Academy
Joe Sciba
3950 Youree Dr., Ste. 150
Shreveport, LA 71105
318-865-6260
sciba.yca@gmail.com
www.youngchefsacademy.com

Monday, June 18, 2007

Coming to Shreveport in the future: giant graphics that reach out to the public, locals and visitors alike


Holland 07
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Budgeteers are going to resist the idea, but I think the tone of Shreveport's art offerings could be enhanced by the addition of large image panels displayed outside the facilities.

Can you think of any reason not to?

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Star Party on the rooftop at SciPort Th, June 28; hear astrobiologist Paul Butler, aka the Planet Hunter


Planet Bluebellwood
Originally uploaded by Bobasonic
Explore the Universe with internationally acclaimed Planet Hunter Dr. Paul Butler, says SciPort's Jennifer Tuxen.

This represents, she says, "A rare opportunity to meet one of the world's most accomplished astrobiologists!"

Planet Hunter Star Party
featuring Dr. Paul Butler
Thursday, June 28

Presentations at 6 & 8 p.m.
Optional Dinner at 7 p.m.

Plus, activities for all ages including stargazing on the rooftop until 10:30 p.m.

Reserve your spot today! (318) 424-8660

Memphis folk-pop group Giant Bear playing Sully's Tavern Fri, June 22; new album includes guest spot by Dirtfoot's Scott Gerardy


Giant Bear
Originally uploaded by Kellen!
Giant Bear is a rock band from Memphis, TN, coming to Shreveport on Friday, June 22, says kerry.hayes@gmail.com. Earlier this week, Hayes says, the Memphis Flyer said that "Giant Bear might be the next Americana-flavored group from Memphis to break onto the national scene." Check it out here.

Their new album features guests Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Rick Steff (Lucero, Cat Power), and Scott Gerardy (Dirtfoot). It's available now on GiantBearTN.com and in music stores everywhere on Aug 14, says Hayes, who adds, "You can stream the whole album free right here: www.RedWaxMusic.net."

"The group is on tour all summer and the June 22 show at Sully's Tavern is their first appearance in Shreveport in quite a while, but they have always been well-received there," adds the lad.

Europe a model for visually enticing the tourist; signage a key


Holland 07
Originally uploaded by trudeau
If you'll think back upon your notable travel experiences I think you'll agree that signage was one of the turning points of whether the trip was sweet or not.

In this current holiday we have found Europe both exemplary and frustrating in signposts.

Yesterday we took the tram from the Van Gogh Museum to Ann Frank House. A map and a fair amount of concentration upon the key and the colored route lines have made the tram experience in Amsterdam mostly a good one. And street names, which do not remain stable along the street's length, are clearly posted.

But after detraining at Westermark Square we found no sign whatever to guide us the final block to Ann Frank House. The site was around the corner and along the canal some half block. Did they simply overlook the final step? Or is it in the nature of the Dutch sensibility to reserve signage for events and advertising?

Regardless, there's plenty for Shreveport to learn by observing other communties. No, Shreveport is not a mighty magnet for travelers. But it is a stopping point and could become a stayover (look at the map and you'll see that we're clearly a regional center) if the city positioned itself to take advantage of the opportunity.

An example of a spot where I've frequently seen Europeans is the Elvis statue in front of the Municipal Auditorium. How do travelers find it? It may be that, like the even more difficult site of Leadbelly's grave (Shiloh Church near Mooringsport) there are internet sites that help the aficionado home in.

If you were a traveler looking for Meadows Museum of Art, a world class jewel, would the signage help you get there? Would you be likely to find someone who would help you find it? If you were walking on Texas St looking for the Southern Museum of Art, again a small but worthy site, you might use up an hour or so in locating it.

Is there a citizen's board that exerts pressure on city planners to look ahead and take a bold stand in regards the community's direction? If so, I volunteer. The fruits of such work may be a while in bearing, but I believe it would be a relatively inexpensive way for Shreveport to make another mark in the competitive world of tourism.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Hip hop, indie, country: Astronautalis at Big D's BBQ, corner of Caddo & Common, June 15, 8 pm


IMG_0458.JPG
Originally uploaded by slight
"It was only after having chosen the name Astronautalis for himself while in high school in Jacksonville, FL, that the rapper (born Andy Bothwell) began to make himself heard in the local circuit, winning battles and competing at the Scribble Jam," says the kit. "Though he was known for his witty freestyling, Astronautalis' musical influences and interests fell outside the hip-hop realm, as well, and he performed on the Warped Tour for three years. It was his rhyming, however, that he pursued while studying theater at college in Dallas, and in 2003 he self-released his debut, You and Yer Good Ideas (which was sold only at his live shows), with production help from friend and fellow musician Ben Cooper (from Radical Face). It wasn't until two years later that the album was picked up by Orlando-based Fighting Records (who signed him after seeing him perform), which reissued it and then in 2006 released his follow-up, Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark Theaters, a record that found Astronautalis moving away from rapping and more toward shoegazer-inspired indie rock." ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide

An earful at myspace.com/astronautalis
susan garner
318-780-0605
impactanalysis@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Art that reflects the anguish of a custody battle: Debbie Engle, Alan Dyson, Tony Reans at West Edge Artists Co-op June 9 - 16

Debbie Buchanan Engle will host an art exhibit, Judge Not, at the West Edge Artists’ Co-op, located at 725 Milam Street. This exhibit will document the effects of Ms. Engle’s 10-year custody battle for her children.

The exhibit will be on display Saturday, June 9, through Saturday, June 16. See it during gallery business hours: Tues - Fri 10am - 6pm, and Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Herewith, an excerpt from Engle's case as presented in the gallery:

V.
During the course of this case, personal relationships, disregarded evidence, ex parte orders, collusion, and bias have determined outcomes. Due process and the truth have been ignored. Witnesses have been dismissed without being allowed to speak.
VI.
After consulting with 21 attorneys, Ms. Engle still cannot gain access to her children.
VII.
Ms. Engle has never committed a crime. She has never been arrested. She has never been investigated by child protective services; in fact, she worked closely with them for two years protecting and advocating for abused and neglected children. Ms. Engle is a teacher, a leader and a long-standing role model for single parents throughout the community.
VIII.
This art exhibit is a visual expression of the trauma suffered by a family that has been manipulated by those with intimate access to “the system.”
IX.
Left in the wake of this disaster are two children, ages 16 and 12, one very confused mother, and an outraged community.
X.
The artists who collaborated on this project are Debbie Buchanan
Engle, S. Alan Dyson and Tony Reans. “Where pride, prejudice and bias are embraced, the truth is not,” according to Alan Dyson, the co-creator of this project and a key witness to the proceedings in this case.


The photo above is from a series taken by Engle and sons Joseph Kammer and Chris Buchanan in 2006.

Jayne Marie's Restaurant on Cross Lake has music fest Sat, June 9: Nicole Atkins and the Sea, Rachel Pearl, Steve Krase, Linnzi Zaorski, Missoni Lanza, the Bluebirds, Erik Neff, Remington Rafael


Scotland Rocks New York 7
Originally uploaded by cadd
"We are hosting a grand celebration for opening of the summer season on Cross Lake," says Jayne Marie from her deck atop the edge of the sparkling lake.

"The show begins at 11:00 a.m., and we have a fabulous array of music lined up:

Nicole Atkins & The Sea (Rolling Stone magazine featured her as an up & coming artist)
Rachel Pearl from Nashville
Steve Krase & The In Crowd from Houston (this group of guys are fabulous)
Linnzi Zaorski (my favorite Torch Singer from New Orleans)
The Bluebirds (Shreveport's Favorite) with Miki Honeycutt
Missoni Lanza (my daughter who is recording her first full length CD)
Erik Neff (Dallas based who will be opening for John Mayer later this month in Dallas)
Remington Rafael (Dallas based Rock -n- Roll artist)

Of course the food will be fantastic as we have all kinds of fun Barbecue Cuisine planned! Hope you can make it."

Best Always,
Jayne Lanza
Jayne Marie On Cross Lake

Robin Rothrock: Highway Grrls Gallery & Studio, 327 Market St (formerly Bistineau Gallery) opening Th, June 21, as part of Thurs Night Trolley agenda


Robin Rothrock / Lora Fairchild
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Robin Rothrock is selling art in Eau Gallie, Florida, at her Highway Grrls gallery, says Noma Fowler-Sandlin of Musebite Management. And soon Rothrock will open the Shreveport version of Highway Grrls. It will be in the Market St space that housed Bistineau Gallery.

Rothrock has shown her art widely. Among local spots: Prima Tazza, Bella Fresca, Artspace and her first space, Backroom Gallery. Now she moves to the front space at 327 Market St, Arodasi Center.

Noma@musebite.com

Monday, June 04, 2007

At the intersection of poetry and painting: West Edge artists prepare reading for Thursday Night Trolley tours


West Edge Art Co-op
Originally uploaded by trudeau
When Pam Atchison and Jan Pettiet envisioned the Thursday Night Trolley tours, they were hoping for something like this, I believe.

In a project called Standing at the Edge, poets will write artful responses to several pieces of visual art that are on display in the West Edge gallery. By the way, I think the art in that gallery is highly worthy and worth everyone's drop-in time.

Writings chosen by a panel of poets will be recited by the authors when guests visit the West Edge Artists' Co-op on the Trolley Tours, says Carlos Colon.

To write your responses or simply to enjoy a visit, go to the gallery, 725 Milam, Tues - Fri, 10 - 6 and Sat, 10 - 4.

Representatives of Standing at the Edge will be present from 5 - 7 pm on Fri, June 8, to answer questions. Among them: Becky Haigler, Pamela Raintree, Michael Parker and Laura Flett. Email your entries to pamraintree@yahoo.com. Poetry chosen will also be published in a chapbook, says Colon.

More at the West Edge web site; see the SptBlog links.
See more on the Thurs Night Trolley tours in a previous SptBlog post.

Let the Good Times Roll Festival, June 15 to 17, Festival Plaza: largest African American Music & Arts Festival in North Louisiana


Nicole Keys
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Rho Omega and Friends, Inc., celebrate 21 years of hosting the hot Let The Good Times Roll fest in June, 07, says Lyndon Johnson. He notes that it is "the largest African American Music and Arts Festival in North Louisiana."


From June 15 to 17 at Festival Plaza numerous musical performances and hot food and cold drink will feed some 20,000 partiers, says the Let the Good Times Roll web site.

Rho Omega, founded in 1994, has initiated numerous notable programs, including Project Manhood, building social and survival skills in high school males, Education 1st Choice, assisting inner city elementary schools and kids with school supplies and Community Youth Athletic Program, offering financial and coaching support for city youth groups.

There is a Golf Tournament and Awards Program and scholarship fundraiser. Also, there's a Community Essay Contest Program for students. Winners are given monetary awards. And there's Project Uplift, which comprises "various programs organized to help within the community."

Rho Omega's officers and board include Lyndon B. Johnson, Lawrence Anderson, Melvin Lock, Timothy Graham, Fred Moss IV,
Earnest Baylor, Jr., Kenneth Thomas, Sr., Reginald Abrams, Charles Cason, Louis Nelson, Roy Lester and Dr. Marlon Henderson.

CSI LSUS: free comp camp for high school students to be offered by LSUS computer science dept


CMHS Library; Zoe & Jared
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Computer Science Department at LSUS will host a session called Computer Science Investigation - LSUS to familiarize high school students with the field of computer science and careers thereupon.

The free week of classes will be co-sponsored by local companies in computing and will include presentations and discussions with reps from the companies, says Jennifer LaPierre.

CSI-LSUS will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mon, June 25, through Fri, June 29, in the Technology Center on the LSUS campus.

Optional afternoon sessions will comprise field trips to local companies and/or involvement in on-campus projects.

Eligibility is limited to high school students, with preference given to students who have just completed their junior year. Transportation to and from the campus will be the responsibility of the attendee.

To sign up, contact Melinda West by June 15, 2007 at 318-797-5093 or by e-mail at mwest@lsus.edu.

Thursday Night Trolley rides coming to downtown on Th, June 21, 5:30 - 8:30 pm; to be an every-Thursday event


Jan Pettiet
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Raise your hand if you've enjoyed a visit to the MultiCultural Center of the South on Texas St. Or to Southern Univ Museum of Art, Shreveport. Or, heck, to Artspace, the place that I've so often written about for the past 2 years.

If you've checked out one or more, you're a Medici. If you haven't tasted any of the above, you're what we call the Latent Culturati.

Downtown arts organizations want to make it easier for you to become a Medici. They've found the funds for a Thursday night bus tour that will let you effortlessly absorb the art, history and trivia of Shreveport. And it's a complimentary ride.

In a narrative written and produced by Jan Pettiet, tour guide extraordinaire, riders have a choice of fourteen trolley stops during the 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm trek.

Participants:
ArtSpace
Tipitina’s Co-op
West Edge Artists' Co-op Gallery
Municipal Auditorium
Logan Mansion
SciPort Discovery Center
Barnwell Center
Spring Street Historical Museum
Highway Grrls Gallery
Arodasi Dance Center
Multicultural Center of the South
Southern University Museum of Art
Meadows Museum
The Strand Theatre
Firefighters and Antique Car Museum
Millennium Mural
J. Bennett Johnston Riverway Center
Sports Museum at the new Shreveport Convention Center
Hilton Hotel
Robinson Film Center
Riverview Park, and more.

Each of the stops will be interactive and many will offer refreshments, says Bonne Summers of SRAC.

Busses will arrive at designated stops about every 30 minutes. Guests have the option of visiting all of the locations in one night or utilizing a few more third Thursday nights to complete their journey.

Thursday Night Trolley
3rd Thurs of the month, beginning June 21st
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Busses will begin at Artspace (710 Texas Street)
No fee.
Reservations Required for Large Groups
673-6500 or 673-6535
Bonné Summers, 673-6510

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Stephen Handwerk, founder of Louisiana Stonewall Democrats, to speak at Gay Pride Dinner, Sat, June 16, 7 pm


Stonewall Democrats
Originally uploaded by djwudi
Time for the second annual Gay Pride celebration, says Adrienne Critcher.

PACE (Political Action Council for Equality--a northwest Louisiana LGBT advocacy organization) will host its second annual Gay Pride Dinner on Saturday, June 16.

Guest speaker is Stephen Handwerk, founder and co-chair of the Louisiana Stonewall Democrats, and Board Member and Personnel Committee Chair of the National Stonewall Democrats. Handwerk is active in mainstream Louisiana Democratic Party circles and will be speaking to mainstream involvement instead of "preaching to the choir," says Critcher.

Saturday, June 16, 2007
Ralph & Kacoo's, 1700 Old Minden Road, Bossier City, LA
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Happy Hour (cash bar)
7:00 p.m.: Dinner
Tickets: $25 for members; $30 for non-members; reserved table for 7 purchased by a member: $250; reserved table for 7 purchased by a non-member: $300.

Pay via PayPal at www.loveandletlove.org or send a check payable to PACE to Gary McCollister, 538 Red Baron Dr, Spt, LA 71115

Friday, June 01, 2007

Lotus Center for belly dance and yoga, 444 Olive St, opens with party Sat, June 2, 6 pm

Lotus Center, founded by Kathy and John Fontaine with the aid of their daughter Susan and their friends, is opening with a party Sat, June 2, says Fontaine.

Kathy (center in photo) is, like her husband John, one of the town's quality of life repairmen. Kathy, aka Kahina, along with dancer Al Beeba, aka Rebecca Nebitt Prosino, founded the Port Belly Project. She has taken her dancers to numerous shows, from Xmas in the Sky to Mama Mia's. She organizes and promotes and teaches belly dance. She has stimulated dance-oriented drum circles by producing a hand drum workshop with the group Yulssuvy, of Tyler, Tx. Today the outcome is the Logjam drum group.

The Lotus center is also to be a site for a number of yoga classes. Among the teachers are Cheryl Hagar (above, left), Monica Fayad, Heather Provenza, Pam McDonald and Karin O Bannon.

For Sat night's opening Fontaine and Page Bodden (above, right) have a considerable lineup of dancers, starting about 7 pm.

Saidi
Erin's Solo
Rabekin
Arabian Spices (Karla & Barbara)
Al Beeba
Marco Polo (Page & Julie)
Astarte
Desert Dance
Haole Hula
Desdemona
Special surprise for dancers from LogJam drum group

There will also be a video documentary on the Yulssuvy Hand Drum workshop. Of 10 minutes duration, it was shot and edited by me. The Yulssuvy video will be aired at 6:15 pm.

See more at lotusstudio444.com.

There is a bit of parking behind the 444 Olive St but the recommended site is in the Highland Center's parking lot on the corner of Highland and Olive. It is a half block walk to the studio.
Also, SUV-type vehicles will almost not fit the spaces behind the block of buildings on Olive of which 444 is a part.

Drama bug in the house? Actress Mary Thoma adding June 9 Shreveport Little Theater workshop for students grades 4 to 8


Mary Thoma from IMDB.com
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Shreveport Little Theater has added an additional Saturday Session of the Student Drama workshop on June 9, says Mary Thoma. "The demand for an additional workshop was terrific," she added.

Sat., June 9
Hours: 1-5 pm
Limit: 12 participants
Age: Open to entering 4th-8th grade students
Fee: $ 50
Snacks with be furnished.

Call SLT at 424-4439 to register. Payments must be complete by Fri, June 8. Info: mmatters3@bellsouth.net

Saturday Sessions are short-term, intensive workshops developed to provide the young actor with an opportunity to learn and practice the craft of acting. Students may expect to learn solid acting theory and process through fun and engaging acting exercises, games and group work. These skills build confidence and flexibility regardless of whether the student is interested in stage/radio/television or film work.

Mary Alfred Thoma is a professional actress, director and drama teacher. Mary has credits in theater, radio, television and film. She is the creator of two theater companies: The Sign Company (hearing and deaf performers) and This Is Who I Am (c) Summer Program for youth. She currently teaches fifth through eighth grade drama at Southfield Middle School in Shreveport and directs the middle school musicals.

Film credits: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2245081/

Bring on the dogs and cats: Peter Pan Players presents The Lady and the Tramp June 7 - 10 at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse


Randy Graves, Trey Jackson
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Imagine 46 students costumed as dogs and cats. The potential for unselfconscious and spontaneous, even, comedy is everywhere. This singular menagerie is to be presented by Peter Pan Players in their production of Lady and the Tramp. Catch it next weekend.

The show was directed by appealing actor Trey Jackson, with lead roles owned by Lauren Rogers and Tyler Krieg. Stage maven Krieg must be one of the hardest-working 15 year-olds in show business.

7 pm, Th, June 7 and Fri, June 8
2 and 4:30 pm Sat, June 9
2 p.m. Sun, June 10.
Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport.
$13, adults; $10, children ages 12 and younger.
Box office: 11 a.m. to 4 pm, Mon - Fri.
(318) 869-5242

See more on the production from Times writer Donecia Pea.