Friday, November 30, 2007

Natchitoches' new theater company, Cane River Repertory, has Magi for the holiday season; opens Dec 6


Natchitoches Street
Originally uploaded by contrabandbayou
Cane River Repertory Theatre is a new venture in Natchitoches , says Kate Riley. She told me, "A group of us started a professional theatre in town this past summer called the Cane River Repertory Theatre. Please see www.caneriverrep.org. We are getting ready to produce our first play in December: the Gift of the Magi."

Riley's mission is to help develop and employ professional artists as well as to provide "educational opportunities for the students of LSMSA and NSU, and provide quality professional theatre to the greater Northwestern Louisiana and East Texas communities."

Louisiana School for the Math, Science and Arts is filled with the state's best and brightest youngsters. NSU has the Scholar's College as well as the regular program. Thus Riley has quite a talent pool.

She also seems aware of how to fit the theater to "the artistic heritage and economic development of the Cane River Region." She plans to build upon the recognition of Natchitoches as a cultural asset and
a tourist destination for the state of Louisiana.

Cane River Rep brings balance to the image of Natchitoches, a town that should be known for much more than its holiday lights.

1-866-629-9094

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Prima Tazza continues its role as art center; see works on paper by Ellen Soffer beginning Dec 3

Ellen Soffer will exhibit her most recent, colorful and energetic works on paper in a one-person show Mon, Dec 3, through Fri, Jan 4, at Prima Tazza in Shreveport.

An opening reception will be held Sat, Dec 15, from 12:00 - 2 pm, and is free and open to the public.

Prima Tazza: Mon through Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8835 Line Avenue, next to the Outback restaurant.

EllenSoffer.com
318 798-7862

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cooks and other artists of the kitchen get a showcase at Artspace in the December benefit called Bake Your Art Out


kitchen window
Originally uploaded by vw-busman
Donating samples of your artful goodies to Artspace in December will benefit the downtown facility, says Bonne Summers. And you may win glory for your expertise as part of the Bake Your Art Out program.

Kitchen artists are asked to help Artspace by contributing recipes and the foods that result from following those recipes. The product will be publicized and sold during the Thursdat Night Trolley event. The show and sale is Thurs, Dec 20, 10 am to 8 pm.

Bonne: 673-6510
Tracye at Artspace: 673-6535

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

World class event: the Wideman Piano Competition draws solo performers to Shreveport; concerts held at Centenary College Fri, Nov 30 to Sun, Dec 2

Young and highly-skilled pianists from Asia, Europe and the US gather in Shreveport annually for a prominent solo event, the Wideman Piano Competition. The performances, held at Centenary College, are free and open to the public, says Lester Senter Wilson.

The series of concerts begins Fri, Nov 30, at 10:30 am. Performances continue to 6:00 pm.
Concerts on Sat, Dec 1, are scheduled from 9:15 am to 7 pm.
Both days there is a lunch break from 12 - 2:30.
The finals, featuring 6 of the players ranked by the international group of judges, will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec 2; concert time will be announced soon.

Anderson Auditorium, Hurley Music Building, Centenary College campus.

Wideman info: 601-946-2063.

Pardon me for adding that if urbanity and erudition are what you miss as you hoe your row in Shreveport, this is one weekend when you don't have to flee. The lobby at Hurley is filled with polyglot chatter. There is a touching link between local host families and the young pianists. The performers are often vivid creatures. And their performances can be breathtaking.


More at The Times.

Monday, November 26, 2007

The Story of the Velveteen Rabbit, directed by Reagan Cassanova, at Bossier Arts Council beginning on Fri, Nov 30, 8 pm


Cast of Veleveteen Rabbit
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Story of the Velveteen Rabbit is a musical by Marjery Williams, says Anne Susman of the Bossier Arts Council. The BAC production is directed by Reagan Cassanova.

It's a classic, magical tale of a desire to be loved. Perfect theatre show for the whole family, says the theater-wise Susman.

Reservations: 741-8310
Nov 30, Dec 1 , 7, 8 @ 8PM
Dec2 & 9 @ 2PM
East Bank Theatre at Bossier Arts Council
630 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, La.71111
Tickets: Adults $15.00 Seniors, Students, Active Military $13.00

Sunday, November 25, 2007

The Winks (nudge, nudge) and The Funz at Artspace, Shreveport, on Thur, Nov 29, 7:30 pm; show produced by KSCL, 91.3 fm


The Winks
Originally uploaded by sfllaw
KSCL, college rock and eclectic sounds at 91.3 fm, will present Canadian art-rock group The Winks - with opening act The Funz - at Artspace, says Nadine Kaskas. The show will be Thurs, Nov 29, at Artspace, 710 Texas Street. The show begins at 7:30 pm.

The Winks, from Montreal, will be stopping in Shreveport as part of their 63-date tour of North America. Their latest album, "Birthday Party," has been reviewed in Spin Magazine, and the Winks have been recorded with the New Pornographers in addition to sharing the stage with Architecture in Helsinki and They Shoot Horses Don't They?.

Handmade Winks merch.
admission tba
Moinfo: 318-869-5296.

Former Katrina-Shreveporter Steve Allen: what it's like to be back in the Lakeview neighborhood in New Orleans


Debbie & Steve Allen
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Steve Allen, wife Debbie and sons Chandler and Parker, escaped Katrina by leaving their flooded neighborhood in New Orleans and moving to Allen's former home of Shreveport. Allen, sax player and ebullient personality, quickly jumped upon local stages with people like jazzer Doug Rust and R&B pianist Chris McCaa. His horn, smile and distinctive sense of style added a great vibe to Shreveport.

In August they returned to their renovated home in the lake front area of the Crescent City. They recently returned to Shreveport for a weekend while Allen played the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest. Asked for an update on the rebuilding of their lives in New Orleans, he responded thusly:


Our block in Lakeview was about 75% levelled by the various owners due to flood damage and basically it's still mostly flat. On 3 sides of us the neighbors demolished their houses. Two new 2 story homes are nearing completion; they've been built to the flood plain elevation.

We have restored our ranch style one story on a slab to a better version of it's original self. Right now there we and neighbor Susan Spicer, the celebrity chef, are the only residents, but around New Years our near neighbors will be living in their new houses.

My friend and great drummer Ricky Sebastian is building a house in the Musician's Village. He is putting in his 'sweat equity', working on the houses of others and they will in turn work on his as it gets built. All the houses are identical except for the colors, which are bright and varied. There will be maybe 3 or 4 solid blocks of them with a common park and community center when they're all done, maybe a year or 2 from now.

I have been getting calls to work as a sideman in a wide assortment of groups, but haven't started anything of my own since I've been back in New Orleans.

My boys are both in Lusher, in my opinion the coolest public school in New Orleans. Very arts oriented, Chandler is in a music focused curriculum and Parker is in sports and theater a little bit. His cast from the first football game comes off next week.

There is a weekly batch of emails that comes about events in the city. It is organized by a photographer named Pat Jolly. The sheer number of things going on in New Orleans on a weekly basis is really incredible. Art openings with live bands, festivals of every kind, 2 or 3 a weekend, screenings, plays, gigs, meetings, lectures... you just have to admire the spirit of the people behind all this energetic activity. And people come out to the things too. Last weekend there was the Po Boy Preservation Festival, a new one. Packed. Ran out of food.

It is very fun here, and I can't even spell out why. It just feels good here. Our house is very cute and cozy, and I guess knowing where every screw and wire and pipe in the whole thing gives it a special 'pinch yourself' joy to it. We will stay here until forced to leave, just like last time.

Shreveport was wonderful for me these last 2 years, and it felt weird last weekend to be there cause everything is so familiar and known, but our home is really here, in New Orleans.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Young artists and designers and their exploding world: the digital pen and tablet and software options


Wacom demo
Originally uploaded by Matam
The digital pen and graphic tablet are thought of as tools for the designer, not the artist.

Ordinarily a Wacom pen and drawing pad (Tokyo-based Wacom is the industry leader) are mated with Photoshop, the pro level software known for providing a galaxy of graphics-creating options. They are wielded by those creating logos, illustrations and manipulating photos.

But young creators will enjoy playing with a digital paint pad. The key to accessing one, in large part, is the software. The graphic pen will come alive with programs that are are less-costly and simpler than Photoshop.

The cost of a basic graphic tablet, Wacom's new Bamboo Small, for instance, is less than $100.

Then comes the software. Wacom pushes a bundle that includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 (less complicated and costly than Photoshop itself), Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE. The package, with pen and pad, costs about $200. But it seems to me a dubious package.


Creative types in the fine arts who know their direction - whether in painting or sketching - might much more profitably choose programs such as Artrage, a full-featured painter's package for $25. Artrage gets good reviews and has a quite active forum. Mac users have another option that promises simplicity: Lineform (about$80).

There are other realms that can be explored via graphic pen, among them 3-D modeling and animation.

Established artists are certainly Not going to be interested in walking down the digital
road. But the next generation deserves keys to that highway.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Shreveport, My Sleepy Lil River Town, from piano pounder Chris McCaa, aka Professor Porkchop, and his Shreveport All-Stars

Professor Porkchop is journeyman musician-bandleader Chris McCaa. He's using a New Orleans vibe in his pseudonym, the word professor meaning a pianist in the red light district of the Crescent City. And he pounds out a Doctor John-type piano in his ode to his hometown, Shreveport.

In the background of the Shreveport video are musicians Jason Coffield, Kurt Jameson and Rick Willis. You'll find them at the Eldorado casino's Celebrity Lounge on Tuesdays, hosting a blues jam.

Says David M Green, "Our Tuesday night blues jam is a dynamic deal. First, you've got outstanding music from the Professor and the All-Stars, then you have appearances by all sorts of singers and musicians. Recently Jimmy Wooten and a couple of friends came in and sang a Marvin Gaye tune in John Mayer style and got everyone's attention."

Green says the Celeb Lounge has music 6 nights a week. Currently he recommends the country-rock, eclectic sounds of a singer named Palmer with the band 3 Chord Truth.

Next week the high-energy dance band Windstorm returns to the glamorous room. "They present one of the best shows you could imagine," says Green.

Eldorado celebrity Lounge, David Green behind the board, has music from 7 to 11 pm weeknights and from 8 pm to 1 am Fri and Sat.

And Tues nights, Green's favorite, the open blues jam with the Professor.

Eldorado's Celeb lounge: 318-220-0711.

Chris McCaa, 318-344-0499.

Musicians' Local 116: 318-222-5813.





Art auction by design students at La Tech to benefit Domestic Abuse Response Team; call to artists for donations


La Tech ASID chapter
Originally uploaded by trudeau
La Tech students in the Society of Interior Design chapter are presenting an art auction as part of their Holiday Gala. It is a fundraiser, says Natalie Dixon. "We are holding this event to raise money for our local chapter of DART, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team. This organization helps and houses battered individuals and their children," says Dixon.

"We are asking local artists for art pieces that can be auctioned off in efforts of raising money for the DART. If you or anyone you know would like to offer any type of artwork, it would be greatly appreciated."

The gala is to be held on Dec 1 in Ruston. Dixon has offered to pick up art to be donated by Shreveport artists through Fri, Nov 30.

Natalie Dixon
NJD008@latech.edu
318-798-0653

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Downtown Shreveport rock venue Harlequin Alley was 516 Soundstage; benefit show Fri, Nov 23, 2 pm to midnight


Bobby Black
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Impresario Bobby Black has renovated 516 Soundstage and rechristened the Texas St rock venue as Harlequin Alley.

The first show in the new space is an all-day benefit on Fri, Nov 23, says Black.

WickedTickle.com presents Orange and Black Friday, a benefit concert for Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary.

$7 admission, or $5 with donation of materials to be recycled such as
a cellphone or printer cartridge.

Emcee: Ronster Monster
2:00 - 3:00 Red River Rebels - North Stage
3:00 - 4:00 TBA
4:00 - 5:00 Retroverb (acoustic) - North Stage
5:00 - 5:30 Joanna Ballard - South Stage
5:30 - 6:00 Guest Speakers / karaoke
6:00 - 7:00 The Rock Popes - North Stage
7:00 - 7:30 Bobby and Robin Black (acoustic) - South Stage
7:30 - 8:15 BoneDance - North Stage
8:15 - 8:30 Guest Speakers
8:30 - 9:00 Ronster Monster Karaoke
9:00 - 10:00 Rockhouse - North Stage
10:00 - 10:30 Ronster Monster Karaoke - South Stage
10:30 - 11:30 South Of Heaven - North Stage
11:30 - Jam and Karaoke till midnight

More: WickedTickle.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Christian Simeon: After-Thanksgiving funky throwdown at Noble Savage, downtown Shreveport, 9 pm Thurs


Christian Simeon
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Outlaw nation has toured with Sublime, says Christian Simeon. The trio has also shared the stage with a sextet called 311. And with the group called Slightly Stoopid (not named for anyone in Shreveport, we hasten to add).

The idea on Simeon's mind for Thurs night at the Savage is one blessed by the La Board of Health & Human Services: balance the fried turducken, oyster stuffing, creamy gravy and bottles of Merlot that have comprised your holiday repast with some hip-rolling dance.

Might it be that reggae is the perfect antidote to football and holiday eating?

Tim Marshall plays before his supper at Columbia Cafe on Wed, Nov 21


Tim Marshall, Columbia Cafe
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Restaurateur Matthew Linn says, " Listen to Tim Marshall live on guitar and voice at Columbia Cafe Wednesday night, Nov 21. You'll enjoy half price wine on Wed, too."

Kings Highway at Creswell Avenue
318-425-3862

Parodies penned by Peter Pan Players' teens play on Fri & Sat, Nov 23, 24, 7 pm, Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Shreveport

"These scripts are hilarious simply in the reading," says Peter Pan Players director Trey Jackson. "And they're better onstage." Jackson is talking about the send-ups of the Disney classics playfully assembled by his team of teen writer-actors.

Called The Princess Chronicles, the playlets will be presented at 7 pm
on Fri and Sat at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College.

The author-actors are Tyler Krieg, Chelsea Renfro, Lauren Gieseke, Katherine Marak, Elissa Little, Lindsey Anderson, Sarah Ingerson, Lauren Rogers, Taylor Foss and Nick Shelton.

Also acting are Ryan Staggs, Andrew Mayfield, Zac Morgan, Caroline Paxton, Anjuni Singh, Landon Thompson, Elizabeth Ross, Sydney Bartlett, Priya Singh, Megan Jones, Emily Dillon, Alex Adams, Kathy Melancon and Trey Jackson.

$15, adults; $10, children.
(318) 868-9619.
See most of these engaging actors and actresses' photos at Shreveport Faces.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Louisiana's blossoming filmmaking community called to enter Deep South Cinematic Arts Fest, Lafayette; deadline Jan 11 for any form of moving image media in any genre


Danny Lachman, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Videographers and filmmakers may stagger away from their computers after reading the open entry call for the 2008 Deep South Cinematic Arts Festival:

This call for entries is open to any form of moving image media in any category or genre, whether narrative or non-narrative, fiction or non-fiction, representational or abstract, video or animation.

The Festival especially welcomes works that splice good writing with experimental imagery and technique, or that reach outside the frame of any one discipline or genre.

It is open to Louisiana filmmakers as well as other media artists.

Official selections will be chosen by jury.
No entry fee is required.
Multiple submissions are acceptable.
Deadline for entry is January 11th, 2008.

Entry forms and information are available by email at: cerichard@louisiana.edu or dxs7118@louisiana.edu.
Event: campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, March 28-29.

Thunder. Lightning. Mountains crumble.
The festival jury is buried beneath an avalanche.
Fade to black.

Shrevester.com: John Rossitter gathers musicians to create a site for sampling and buying regional recordings


Jerry Beach
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Musician-producer John Rossitter writes, "I have started a new Arklatex music download site called www.shrevester.com. We are a pay site, like iTunes, but we actually pay our artists a 50% royalty on each sale. And all users are welcome to preview every song before they buy."

From the web site:
Why Shrevester.com?
Let's face it.
The music industry is broken.
Artists spend their lives making the soundtrack to yours, and barely get by doing so.
We know you don't want to pay for music downloads.
Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free right?

Well, we made this site because we believe otherwise.
Simply put, we believe that given the opportunity to support your favorite local artists, you would be willing to pay on average $1.00 per download.
Your willingness to participate in our program would be based on your knowledge that:

1) When you buy a track from Shrevester.com 50% of that sale goes directly back to the artist.

2) Other music download services (like the one that rhymes with iTunes) often don't even pay the artist directly. They pay into a fund and artists have to hope to get a royalty

3) When you buy local music, you are supporting the musicians who enrich your lives.

So don't buy local music out of guilt, buy local music because you believe in it.


Shrevester is easy to use, in my brief experience. Quite a few of the recordings there, such as cuts from Rossiter's Photoelectric Defect, help me fill in the gaps in the local musical story.

What's more, Chris Alexander is a supporter, it seems, of Shrevester. Also a musician-producer, Alexander has his own local download sales site at whythehellnot.org. Looks like the two sites are complementary rather than threatening. Not a bad situation, eh?

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Mixed media illustration of the month: Dennis O'Bryant's capture of Mr. Don at the Grand Opening

Says former Shreveporter Dennis O' Bryant of his life in Marshall, Tx, "If you know or have ever seen Mr. Don, he is an older man who walks around picking up cans. Yet he is not what he seems. I met him downtown and stopped to speak with him and found him to have a gentle soul. I was at this event at Jenny's Wine Shop and kind of held my camera up and took a picture and then combined the photo and the painting as only an artist can," O'Bryant said.

Media: photography, paint and ink.
Denoart.com
www.denoart.blogspot.com

West Edge Artists Co-op continues to find exhibit spaces: show at Waves of Color salon has reception Sun, Nov 18, 3 pm


Danielle, Tony Reans
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Waves of Color is our our newest Citywide Gallery location," says Danielle Reans. "We hope you will join us today from 3 to 4:30 pm to mingle with the artists of West Edge and enjoy goodies from A Stone's Throw Cafe' and Catering."

Waves of Color is adjacent to the Peace of Mind Center,
280 Southfield Rd
3 to 4:30 pm
Among the artists: Tony Reans, Robin Rothrock, JoAnna Littlefield

Danielle Reans, 465.7773.
Waves of Color, 861-7458.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

On the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest, the Blanc et Noir Marching Society and Shreveport

Dorothy McDonald, Charles Gerard and confreres of the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival know they have a cool thing on their hands. Highland is the city's most bike-riding and artistic area and the most diverse part of Shreveport. They've got a festival line-up that fills the pocket.

But they're not going to be mobbed. One day the Highland Fest will be the happening place to be for a few hours each year, but that's not likely to happen in 07. This fest has been building since 04. It is terribly, terribly young by Shreveport standards.

I know how they feel. When Jerry and Tarama Davenport and I inaugurated the Blanc et Noir Marching Society last year we felt like we had the tout le tout for Shreveport. We felt like Shreveporters might rush to join us in support of a second line brass band and the essence-of-Carnival spirit embodied in a marching krewe.

Unh un.

Shreveport has a wait-and-see syndrome. "Build it and they'll come" would not be the operative phrase here."Build it and they'll get interested in it just as you're about to close it down" is what I've observed.

Like the Highland fest organizers, the core group of Blanc et Noir is not going to give up.

In fact, we have a common interest today. The fest will kick off with a second line starring Daryl Williams and his red bass trombone. Williams leads the Red & Black Brass Band, the band associated with Blanc et Noir, though at this fest he is part of the Zillionaires.

Blanc et Noir appreciates the synergy. And wishes everyone success in getting involved in the pageant of the city.


The Blanc et Noir marches in the Krewe of Highland parade on Sun, Feb 3, 08.
Membership is $30.
The Columbia Park fest takes place from noon to 6 pm.
Free.

The Action Design hits the concrete apron at Big D's BBQ on Sun, Nov 18; Righteous Bucks open at 7 pm


The Action Design: Jaycen
Originally uploaded by Lauren Wiest
The Action Design, I was told several times this week, was formerly known as Tsunami Bomb and was an item. In their new package they're touring what they refer to as "the bottom of the US," appearing in such places as Flamingo Cantina, Austin, and Tin Pan Alley in LaPorte, Tx. After Big D's BBQ in Shreveport ? On to Ft Walton Beach, Pensacola and Clearwater, Fl.

Opening: the Skanks. Also, the Righteous Bucks.
7 pm
Nov 18
101 Common St., Shreveport
$5

Friday, November 16, 2007

Moscow Ballet tip-toes into Strand Theater on Mon, Nov 19, employs young guest dancers as well as principal corps


ballet de moscow
Originally uploaded by sejacriativacaralho
The Moscow Ballet will bring its 2007 Great Russian Nutcracker to
Shreveport's Strand Theatre on Nov 19 at 7:30 pm, says Bobbie Fachini.

Celebrating its 15th annual USA tour, the Moscow Ballet’s artists are
crossing the country in November and December, with artistic directors Anatoli Emelianov and Vladimier Trashenko leading simultaneous tours of the holiday classic.

Acclaimed for exquisite dancing and spectacular sets and costumes, critics say that Anatoli Emelianov’s Great Russian Nutcracker is “dazzling.”


The Children's Cast is from the Carol Anglin Dance Center, Inc., and includes,

Sarah Applewhite, Maisy Brocato, Bria Caldwell, Catherine Colvin, Alex Crevoiserat, Elizabeth Cush, Sheridan Graham, Mallory Johnson, Baylee Jones, Cyvanie Ramkelawan, Nina Rinaudo, Gabbi Sorensen, Sammy Stroud, Sarah Tamplin, Millicent Trimble, Devin Williams, Colin Cochran, Gracie Baukman, Zoe Collum, Sarah Jayne Driskill, Lily Herron, Caroline Irby, Claudia Kemper, Rikki G. Love, Monica Middleton, Ye-rim Noh, Bethany Pearce, Rachel Van Doren, Madison Atkinson, Madeline Belt, Savanah Bowman, Bradie Davis, Alicia Edwards, Carrigan English, Lucy Engman, Amanda Hanks,
Caitlyn Martin, Grace McKeller, Imani Powell, McKenna Reed, Vicki Stroud, Hannah Grace Taylor, Laura Tucker, Mary Claire Walker, Lilly Herron, Madisyn Parson, Camille Cucjen, Allison Hagan, Madeline Marak, Alexis Jackson, Bailey Anglin, Allison Sauls, Emily Dean, Kimi Rousseau and Hannah Grace Taylor.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Deck the Halls, Artspace, features 100 artists and artisans; opening party is Thurs, Nov 15, 5 to 8 pm


Ray Holt, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Painters galore downtown; some 30 painters have packed their latest oils and acrylics to Artspace, 710 Tex St, for Deck the Halls, a Juried Artists Holiday Art Market. In addition to fine arts paintings, there are some 70 artisans with wares for sale.

Pam Atchison, of Shreveport Regional Arts Council, says the reception for the event is 5 to 8 p.m. Thur, Nov 15. Art lovers who purchase on opening night will get a 10% discount, says Atchison.

The gathering will feature music by the Shreveport Symphony Brass Quintet.

Beginning Fri, Nov 16, Artspace will be open 10 am to 6 pm, Tues through Sat. The show continues through Dec. 29.


Also on Thurs night: the TNT Express Art Trolly runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. The trolly has group tours and hands-on activities available for adults and students at $5 per person.

Upstairs at Artspace is a solo show by much-awarded painter Michael Graham. His exhibit is entitled Hot Sauce: Short Stories in 2Dimensions.

SRAC: 673-6500
Artspace: 673-6535

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Shreveport Symphony performs scores for cinema on Sat, Nov 17, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater


William Ludwig, bassoonist
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Dmitri Shostakovich said, “ I believe that the purpose of a film score is not to illustrate the action but to add an entirely new dimension.” In its “Cinematastic” concert on Sat, Nov 17, at 7:30 p.m., says Scott Green, the Shreveport Symphony will explore that dimension.

Music director Michael Butterman will feature works by film composers Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1597), Nino Rota (1911-1979), and John Williams (b. 1932).

He also features works of three art composers for film, Aaron Copland (1900-1990), Dimitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), and George Gershwin (1898-1937).

Guest performers are William Ludwig, bassoonist, and Brain R. Utley, saxophone.

Pro-rated season tickets: (318) 227-TUNE (8863).
Single tickets: $10, $20, $30 and $36.
Students with ID have a special rate of $5.

Limited valet parking is $10. There are free shuttles.

Enjoy a pre-concert dinner at The Cambridge Club of Shreveport or Columbia Café benefiting the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.

See more at shreveportsymphony.com

Monday, November 12, 2007

West Edge Artists Co-op Evening of Art: Rachel Stuart-Haas at Stone's Throw Cafe, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Fri, Nov 16



Originally uploaded by rasputina1
"Each month we spend an evening highlighting artists of various professions in our arts community," Says Danielle Reans of the West Edge Artists Co-op.

Friday, Nov 16, we’re honored to bring you an art talk with painter Rachel Stuart-Haas. Her rising career has already seen major accomplishments; with an education from the Art Institute of Kansas City, she went on to pursue opportunities studying painting in France, and be part of the vibrant art world of New York City. Her work has been featured in many galleries and exhibits."

There will be time to mingle as well as a formal presentation by Rachel, showcasing her work. We're also honored to collaborate with A Stone’s Throw Café for the event and are thrilled to hold the event in Rachel Stone's new location, 3033 Hilton Drive. It's inside the Roadway Inn, near the corner of I-20 and Airline.

Danielle Reans, 465.7773.
West Edge Artists’ Co-op, 221.6961
A Stone’s Throw Café, 221.8544

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Highland Jazz and Blues Fest: food, crafts and two stages filled with foot-stomping musicians in Columbia Park on Sat, Nov 17, noon to 6 pm


Highland Blues 2006
Originally uploaded by oneeyeddogblues
Gordon Nurse will be cooking jerk lentils and goat, island style, I'm told, and sweet BBQ smoke will certainly bring an evocative haze to Columbia Park on Sat, Nov 17, for the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest.

Noon to 6 pm.
And to be opened by some second lining a la Bruce Gay and the Zillionaires.

PAVILION STAGE
Zillionaires
12:10
Saxy Guys
1:10
Bluebirds w/Miki Honeycutt
2:15
Howlin Henry & the Harp Tones
3:15
Dan Sanchez & The Kings of Pleasure
4:15
A. J. & The Two-Tone Blues Band
5:15

GAZEBO STAGE
Junior, III
12:25
Pocket Change
1:30
Symphonic Jazz Summit
2:30
Professor Porkchop
3:30
Dorothy Prime & the Bluesjumpers
4:30

www.HighlandAreaPartnership.org
869-5706
Photo of George Hancock by Barbara Beaird.

Norman Mailer, celeb author and journalist, was not cowed by Nixon


norman-mailer-rip
Originally uploaded by jarvic7
Blustery celeb author Norman Mailer wrote a hairy account of the anti-Vietnam war protest march in Washington. The book was called Armies of the Night and won a Pulitzer. For that I want to thank him.

He also helped found the Village Voice, says the NY Times.

He sort of knew too much, did too much, talked too much. But he wrote 30 books and, says the Times, "Mr. Mailer belonged to the old literary school that regarded novel writing as a heroic enterprise undertaken by heroic characters with egos to match." Lol.

Mailer didn't fit into this century. So, at age 84, he checked out.

Academy of Children's Theater, Shreveport: Revue at 7 pm, Mon, Nov 12 to raise funds for upcoming shows

Academy of Children's Theater is doing their annual fundraiser, ACTing Up, on Mon, Nov 12, says Tyler Northen. The song and dance event will pop out upon the stage at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College, at 7 pm.

Among the shows represented in the Academy revue are "Les Miserables," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Jekyll & Hyde," "Seussical," "Hairspray," "Wicked," "The Sound of Music," "Newsies," "Cabaret," "Gypsy" and "A Chorus Line."

Says Northen, "Admission is $5 per person. We're trying to make money for our upcoming production of "The Diary of Anne Frank," our spring production of "The Sound of Music," and our summer production of "Hairspray.'"

Louisiana regional literary magazine NoNO open for writing, illustration and photography submissions; deadline Nov 24


Dennis O'Bryant raku
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Sports in the ArkLaTex is the topic for the winter edition of North of New Orleans, or NoNO, says Pam Raintree.

Raintree encourages, "Be creative with the subject definition. Is Armadillo Dodging a sport? What about the Happy Hour Bumper Crumpler Tag Team matches?"

Is raku firing a sport?

The summer edition assayed the subject of religion and writers used both reverence and irreverence in their explorations.

Prose pieces, fiction or non-fiction, of 500 to 1000 words will be
considered for publication. Flash fiction should be 100 words or less. Poetry is limited to thirty-six (36) lines, blank lines inclusive.

Black and white drawings up to 4" by 6" will be considered for
publication on the front cover. Graphic files must be in a "TIF" or
"GIF" format to be considered.

Contributors may submit a biography of up to 125 words.

Submissions to NoNO: pamraintree@yahoo.com. Please include NoNO in the subject line. Those published will get a free copy.

North of New Orleans deadline: Sat, Nov 24.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Moviesauce Film Fest 08 awaits the completion of Shreveport's Robinson Film Center; deadline Feb 15, fest to be held May 30 - June 1

Evan Falbaum, founder - with Hunter Carter and other classmates - of an international film fest that came about because their school disallowed the student film fest, said today, "As some of you may have already noticed, the third annual moviesauce film festival has been pushed back from christmas to summer. It's now going to be May 30th - June 1st, 2008, in order to correspond with the completion of the Robinson Film Center in Shreveport."

The good news is that the late deadline has also been extended so you can now submit entries through February 15th.

There's a script in the very birth of this tiny nation.

Moviesauce.org.

Howlin for Hubert in Yonkers: Buddy Flett sliding strings and singing alonside David Johansen, Levon Helm and blues legend Hubert Sumlin


Howlin_for_Hubert_07
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Here's what can happen to a Shreveport artist when he gets a break: Buddy Flett is being celebrated in Yonkers, saluted in Istanbul, feted in Athens, pumped on the House of Blues Radio Hour.

The break was provided by former Shreveporter Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who produced a DVD and record called 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads. Slide player Flett is in the movie, on the record and performed on the cross-country tour.

The next step was a sort-of musical partnership with Hubert Sumlin, also featured on the 10 Days Out project. Sumlin is age 76 and a blues legend. He recorded with Howlin Wolf and his playing has influenced Clapton, Page and Hendrix, among others.

Hubert and the Bluebirds did Istanbul together and now Buddy's on the Sumlin bill in Yonkers and in NYC at Terra Blues.

Happily, Flett was in an unusually good position to dust with this broom. He recently released a solo acoustic blues record called Mississippi Sea.

Lordy, looka here: Buddy even has a myspace site. It's a good place to sample the solo record.

There's a lesson for regional artists in the Buddy Flett story. First, don't be afraid to work on your art, singlemindedly, for a few decades. Second, keep the faith. Third, have some product ready when that sweet moment arrives and you find that "there's a hole in the bottom of the Misssissippi Sea."

Friday, November 09, 2007

Wifi access for Shreveport? The biggest bang per buck might be gained by serving Highland neighborhood rather than downtown

Calvin Lester and Bryan Wooley were recently assigned to serve on a task force exploring downtown wifi, said the Times. Wifi is a term that means wireless connection, usually to the internet.

The Times: "The purpose of the committee is to find out what the city can do and look at what other cities are doing, said Lester, who proposed creating the task force earlier this year."

Downtown wifi has become a symbol of cities' friendliness to high-tech endeavor. Example: Austin.

Downtown wifi is a glamor item, a bragging right.

In the minds of proponents, people would take their laptops to Riverview Park to read their email and blog. City of the future and all that. Have you tried reading your laptop screen outdoors in Shreveport? Rotsa ruck.

The downtown idea is sexy but empty. Let's say you're a starving artist. You can get a computer and internet connection in the Shreve Memorial Library. For a nominal fee you can get both high-speed internet and instruction in how to use it at Tipitina's Office Co-op. Build a myspace page with art and music on it and reach out to the world from Tips on Texas. If you're lucky enough to own a laptop, you can snap a bit of wifi in Artspace.

There are probably a lot of additional places downtown where you can get an unprotected signal. And I believe that business types all across downtown do their work through existing office wifi systems.

But I know of no such advantages in Highland. Yet it's in Highland where we can identify a significant concentration of the region's artists. In Highland we see an ethnic diversity and co-existence that might be called laudable. Fledgling businesses of Highland such the Lotus Center (illustration) and Lila's bakery would be given a pick-me-up.

Highland has historic architecture and a tradition of vitality that is preservable, in my humble opinion. WiFi would be the salt atop the gumbo of old and deserving Shreveport.

Wish there were a way to quantify the benefits of installing wifi in downtown vs giving it to my sweetheart, Highland.

Masks, dancers, music and prose of Mayan culture in El Popul Vuh at LSUS Theater, Sat, Nov 10. 7 pm

Voces Castellanas, an organization of Iberoamerican women, is presenting its second theatrical production at LSUS under the direction of Ana Alba. The LSUS Spanish Club and Fine Arts Department will sponsor the event, which is free and open to the public.

It will be held at the LSUS University Center Theater Sat, Nov 10, at 7:00 p.m.

The spectacular presentation in music, dance and prose recitation entitled “El Popul Vuh" will recount the story of Creation as imparted in the Mayan culture. Four dancers will represent the creative gods, an indigenous “grandmother” will pass on the oral tradition to the youth and a modified “Greek-style” choir will perform.

Elaborate masks and shields for the dancers have been created under the direction of artist Kelly McDade, art instructor at Bossier Parish Community College, and Zarco Guerrero, who recently visited Shreveport under the auspices of the Shreveport Regional Art Council.

Lillian Moskeland, 318-797-5137
Lillian.Moskeland@lsus.edu.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Folk from Chicago bands the Gunshy and Judson Claiborne presented by KSCL, Centenary College, Sat, Nov 10, 7 pm, adjacent to Turner Art Center


The Gunshy
Originally uploaded by oh it's amanda
The Chicago groups Gunshy and Judson Claiborne will perform on Centenary's campus on Sat, Nov 10, 7 pm, says Jon Schleuss, .

The latest Gunshy album is There's No Love In This War. It was inspired by letters from WWII written by the lead singer's grandfather. Singer Matt Arbogast's voice "sounds like Tom Waits in need of a cough drop," says one listener, "but it fits the ragged and raw emotions expressed in his lyrics."

The Gunshy & Judson Claiborne
Free Admission
Sat., Nov. 10 @ 7pm
Behind Turner Art Center
(Rutherford & Centenary Blvd.)

More at kscl.fm

Enter Laughing at Caddo Magnet High on Th, Nov 8, and Fri, Nov 9, at 7 pm: Krieg, Wuellner, Wood and Derozier

Caddo Magnet High School's production of Enter Laughing runs tonight, Th, Nov 8, and Fri, Nov 9, at 7 pm, says drama teacher Patti Weaver. It will take place in the Performing Arts Center at CMHS.

Tyler Krieg, Elizabeth Wuellner, Andrew Wood and Emily Derozier are the principals.

The comedy Enter Laughing is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Carl Reiner. It centers on the journey of an aspiring actor as he tries to extricate himself from protective parents and girlfriends in 1930s New York City.

Caddo Magnet High, the parish high school for the performing arts, is at 1601 Viking Drive. Tickets are $5.

Info: 221-2501

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Shreveport's Highland neighborhood remains a center for artistic energy; see work by Kathryn Usher at Jackrabbit Lounge, Meadows Museum of Art and more at the Highland Jazz & Blues Fest, Nov 17

"Made from reclaimed materials from the streets of Highland in Shreveport," is the description given this representation of a Highland house by emerging artist Kathryn Usher. She adds, "This one is currently hanging at Meadows Museum of Art. More will be for sale at the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival on Nov 17."

Usher has a piece in the Jackrabbit Lounge show curated by Conchita McElwee. It is called Summer of the Dead and resulted from materials collected during her ground-breaking work in founding Shreveport Spirit Tours. If you haven't enjoyed her Red River Blog Jam, please do. It's a good way to keep up on Highland. It's a place for Usher's observations on the city as a whole. And it's home for work by an important new regional artist.

Yo Yo Ma and the New Pornographers: music interviews and free songs and concerts at the new site called NPR Music


Yo Yo Ma
Originally uploaded by jeremy_singer2002
Part of the answer to whither the music industry is to be found at NPR Music, a beta site. While it's not a mass market answer, this site has the potential to give the likes of me a place to congregate. It seems truly eclectic.

At the top of the page is Yo Yo Ma, who talks about his favorite recordings of late. Among them he cites the New Pornographers, whose singer is Neko Case. There's a feature on Animal Collective, called "Unique, experimental, crazed."

A feature that caught my ear this week is called Project Song. In this edition, a songwriter named Stephin Merritt was sonically tracked as
he performed the piano, percussion and layered vocals of a new tune.

At NPR Music there's lots of free music: singles, concerts, interviews.
This might be the place that gets me back into buying CD's.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Dobson, Boyd and Gaston present Antigone at MLP; preview Wed, Nov 7, 7 pm

Antigone, a play about a rebellious young woman, was written by Sophocles some 2,500 years ago. Centenary student Courtney Gaston has the job of staging it for the new era. Gaston has been in the background during her tutelage at the college; she has been part of play after play as a person in lights and sound. Recently she slipped onto the stage; this time, she waves the sceptre.

Leads are Adam Boyd and the capable Lorna Dobson.

In Gaston's version the year is 2024 and the buildings are in ruins. King Creon's power gives way to pride as he refuses proper burial to his nephew, Polyneices, for acts against the former king.

Antigone defies the King's edict against burial of Polyneices, her brother. This production asks if tragedy remains as inescapable and predictable as Sophocles has implied, says Jennifer Strange.


Preview performance: Wed, Nov 7, at 7 pm, at $3 per ticket.

Performances Nov 8 through Nov 11 are $10. Through Nov 10 shows start at 8 pm; the Nov 11 performance is at 2 pm.


Marjorie Lyons Playhouse: 318-869-5242.

Event listings get 60,000 unique visitors a month at shreveport-bossier.org; see submission forms here


Diwali Shreveport 07
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Events must be tourist-oriented and open to the public," says Patsy Zitrauer, of info submitted to the shreveport-bossier.org tourism calendar site. Please "Do not submit meetings of organizations and events of interest to locals only, events which are not open to the public such as fundraisers, chapter meetings, etc., and events whose major interest is commercial."

The free website reaches more than 60,000 unique visitors a month, says Zitrauer.

Complete a separate form for each event.
Do not send calendars, lists or other prepared material.

Submit your information as outlined in the Internet Form below -

- Internet form, which is preferred.
- Email: pzittrauer@sbctb.org
- Postal Mail: SBCTB, 100 John Wesley Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111
- Fax: 318-429-0647

Deadline: Thurs, Nov. 15 to be included in the printed Calendar of Events

Call to artists for participation in the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener's le Tour 08, May 3


Kimbell Museum garden
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener's Le Tour 2008 will be Sat, May 3, 10 - 5 pm, and Sun, May 4, 1 - 5 pm, says Brenda McCart. "We would love to feature area artists "at work" in 2 gardens," she says.

Participating artists will be offered free vendor space to
sell their artwork. This year the vendors will be at the LSU Pioneer
Heritage Center. Artists will receive 2 tickets to Le Tour 2008.

Artists will be able to preview and take photos of the featured garden they will paint. All media welcome.

There are indoor and outdoor vendor spaces please let me know ASAP if you're interested, so we can reserve your spot.

Brenda McCart at BMcCart181@aol.com
318-798-2061

Deidre and Bob sing at Jayne Marie on Thurs, 6 to 9:30 pm, as well as Fri and Sat, 8 to 11 pm


Deidre Malbrough, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Deidre may very well be the best vocalist in this area these days," says musician and promoter Bruce Flett.

"She can sing anything from Patsy Cline to Joni Mitchell to Dianna Ross to Anita Baker. She is also the female singer for Windstorm, currently the biggest draw of Shreveport/Bossier bands at local casinos," adds the analytical Flett.

"Bob Ingram is musical director, guitarist, keyboardist, and programs the drums. The sound he gets is big and totally pro. He was Production Manager at a Casino in Mississippi and has been a professional musician all over the country."

Deidre and Bob will be appearing Thurs, Fri, and Sat at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake.

Thurs 6 -9:30,
Fri & Sat 8-11pm.
Most of their repertoire can be viewed at shreveportbossierweddings.com; click on Deidre & Co.

"Deidre is a fashion statement every time she performs; her outfits and hairstyles are glamorous and seemingly limitless," adds Flett, a fellow who knows from hats and shoes.

Evangeline Trio to present concert at Anderson Auditorium, Hurley Music Building, Centenary College, Mon, Nov 12, 7:30 pm

The Evangeline Trio, including Jennifer Carsillo, violin, Ruth Drummond, cello, and Gay Grosz, piano, will present a concert
Mon, Nov 12, at 7:30 pm, says Drummond. The performance, to be presented at Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, is free and open to the public.

"We are opening and closing with trios of Mozart and Saint-Saens. In between is the Duo for Violin and Cello by Kodaly," says Drummond.

Jennifer Carsillo, wife of Shreveport Symphony Music Director Michael Butterman, is a concert violinist having just returned from successful concerto and recital performances in Florida and Georgia. She is also a member of the Shreveport Symphony.

Ruth Drummond, principal cellist of the Shreveport Symphony and Shreveport Opera, also performs with the Baroque Artists of Shreveport and the Premier Quartet.

Gay Grosz, piano faculty with the Hurley School of Music, is principal pianist with the Shreveport Symphony and performs with the Baroque Artists of Shreveport.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Blanc et Noir Marching Society, Shreveport, planning to lead the Krewe of Highland parade on Sun, Feb 3, 2008; now open for membership

If you love jazz, dancing and marching and want to support the Krewe of Highland, we want you to join the Blanc et Noir Marching Society.

Blanc et Noir has no floats. Nor do we sponsor a ball. We simply hire a New Orleans second-line style brass band, put on motley costumes and face paint, and parade ahead of the Krewe of Highland Parade.

Dues for 2008 are $30 per person for adults and teens. The money goes to pay the brass band.

This is a eclectic krewe: artists, dancers, bohemians, Carnival fans and people who simply want one day a year to have a ball are equally welcome. The basic costume is an umbrella plus a decorated black and white suit. But these are themes, not rules. All costume styles are welcome.

Blanc et Noir is proud to be diverse in age, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status.

There will be a photo shoot for The Times in early December. Our parade date is Sun, Feb 3, 2008. There will probably be a few gatherings along the way.

More info: click on the link above or email trudeau@earthlink.net. Or simply write a check and flip it into the mail as per directions on the B & N blog.

Laisser les __ __ __!

Friday, November 02, 2007

Ellen Soffer, Pamela Hamilton, Roshanda Spears, Ashley Havird, Kermit Poling are Arts Fellowship awardees for 07


Ellen Soffer
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The 2007 SRAC Fellowship Recipients were announced last night at an
awards ceremony at artspace, says Pam Atchison. The awarded?

Multidisciplinary - Pamela A. Hamilton
Visual Arts - Ellen Soffer
Dance - Roshanda Spears
Literary - Ashley Mace Havird (also awarded SRAC fellowship in 2000)
Music - Kermit Poling (also awarded SRAC fellowship in 1996)

Fellowship winners get a $2000 grant. View the applications and deadline online at shrevearts.org. Previous winners are eligible, by the way, to reapply after five years.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Line-up for the Dharma Bums reading at 846 Tex at 7 pm on Sat, Nov 3

The Beat generation reading at 846 Tex, Sat, Nov 3, says Michael Parker, will unfold along these lines, reader and material to be read . .

Kevin Meaux - Walt Whitman & original material
Michael Steinberg - Jack Kerouac & Carolyn Cassady & original work
Noma Fowler-Sandlin - reading Allen Ginsberg & original work
Kevin Willey - William S. Burroughs
Charles Stein - Charles Olson
Laura Flett - Denise Levertov
Michael Harold - R. Buckminster Fuller and original work
Sara Hebert and Chris Jay - audio/visual piece inspired by female Beat Generation writers

Intermission

Robert Trudeau - Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Adrienne Palmer - original work
Pam Peak - Allen Ginsberg
Michael Parker - Bob Kaufman
Steven Soffer - Jack Micheline and Tuli Kupferberg
Joanna Ballard - Joyce Johnson and Kerouac (with Michael Parker) Steve Parker - Frank O'Hara
Debbie Buchanan Engle - Anne Waldman
Uriah Oxford - Jack Kerouac

Chris Lyon and Luke Lee, videography

Parker: mpbookfreak@hotmail.com

Multicultural Center of the South presents an exhibit by sculptor Matt DeFord; reception Thurs, Nov 1, 5:30 pm

The Multicultural Center of the South invites the public to a show by Natchitoches-based sculptor Matt DeFord, says Valerie Gunn. The exhibit is called Temporal Tug.

DeFord completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2004 at Kansas State University, Manhattan, and also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from Brigham Young University. His work has been exhibited in several locations including New Jersey, New Mexico, Kansas and Canada.

Reception 5:30 to 7 pm Thurs, Nov 1.
401 Texas

Dia de los Muertos on King's Highway: art show at Jackrabbit Lounge curated by Conchita Iglesias-McElwee; Fri, Nov 2, 8 pm

Conchita McElwee says she has 26 artists showing their work - Dia de los Muertos-related - in a tavern on King's Highway.

But the Jackrabbit Lounge, site of the show, is no ordinary rock bar; it's a thrift-chic mutant room. The Jackrabbit is the spawn of David Nelson's Zebra Room and the lepidal brain of manager Jen Wasson.

Please see an earlier sptBlog post on the Jackrabbit Lounge.

Angela Harris in East Texas Hot Links, LSUS Black Box Theater Nov 2, 3 and 4 at 8 pm

LSUS presents East Texas Hot Links, a play by Eugene Lee. Directed by Robert Alford and Mary Jarzabek, the drama features Sam Bailey, Kermit Burns, Nicki Daniels, Michael Matthews, Charles Montgomery, Billy Moore, James Palmer and Angela Harris.

It's summer, 1955, in the piney woods of East Texas; local men wander into Charlesetta's Top o' the Hill Cafe almost every night for comfort, solace and companionship. Times are changing, but the Klan is still active. This night, Delmus wants to celebrate getting a new job but the other regulars are skeptical.

Costumes and lighting designed by Mary Jarzabek. Set designed by Charles Montgomery and Mary Jarzabek. Sound effects and special properties designed by Chris Pierce.

LSUS Black Box Theatre ~ Bronson Hall, #111
Nov 2, 3 & 4 at 8 p.m.
$12 in advance/$15 at the door
$8 for Students/Educators/Seniors/Military
797-5283
Mature themes and language; recommended for age 13 and older.

Times writer Donecia Pea profiled the cast in a recent piece.