Sunday, August 31, 2008

November exhibit in Kansas City: Shreveport artist Rachel Stuart-Haas

Rachel Stuart-Haas has shown widely in Shreveport but her long-time representation is with the Blue Gallery in Kansas City.

Shreveport Blog editor Robert Trudeau listens to her as she paints and muses upon the business of painting.

More background on becoming a successful artist will be offered at the Business of Art workshop to be presented at Robinson Film Center on Sat, Sept 13, 9 am to 4 pm. See more here.

Black Box Theater and nine-play, fresh force field at LSUS under director Robert Alford


Robert Alford, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Presenting plays that are invigorating in nature, that provide expanding opportunities to underserved audiences and artists and that celebrate the full richness of the theatrical tradition," is the new statement of intent from Robert Alford, Mary Jarzabeck and the LSUS Theater dept. "Participation in our productions is open to all interested community members."

Continues Alford, "Our nine play 2008-2009 season, facilitated by our new Black Box Theatre, is our most ambitious ever." The Black Box Theater, which seats 75, is located on the ground floor of Bronson Hall on the south end (to the right when seen from the parking lot).


“East Texas Hot Links” by Eugene Lee, directed by Robert Alford
Featuring Sam Bailey, Stanley Blackshire, Nicki Daniels, Angela Harris, Michael Matthews, Charles Montgomery, Billy Moore and Atonus Perry
A Southern Black Theatre Festival Mainstage Production
September 12 - 27, 2008

“Bulrusher” by Eisa Davis, directed by Robert Alford and Pruitt Taylor Vince
Featuring Ashlei Dominique Alford, Paula Rae Brown, Nikai Clark, Charles Montgomery, James Palmer and Pruitt Taylor Vince
A Southern Black Theatre Festival Mainstage Production
September 18 - 28, 2008

“Copenhagen” by Michael Frayn, directed by Jerelyn Gilstrap
Featuring Reece Middleton, Alton McKnight and Marshall Middleton
October 3 - 12, 2008

“The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams, directed by Mary Jarzabek.
October 23 - November 2, 2008

“The Clean House” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Pruitt Taylor Vince
November 13-23, 2008

“Family Planning” by Julia Edwards, directed by Robert Alford
February 12 - 21, 2009

“Blackbird” by David Harrower, directed by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Robert Alford
Featuring Pruitt Taylor Vince
March 26 - April 5, 2009

“Beyond Therapy” by Christopher Durang, directed by Robert Alford
April 16 - 26, 2009

“Tidewater” by Sheri Bailey, directed by Robert Alford
June 11 - 21, 2009

For more information on the season or auditions, contact Robert Alford at 318-797-5283 or ralford@lsus.edu. Also, find detailed lisitings at ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Krewe of Highland Parade 06

The Krewe of Highland is one of our favorite Shreveport institutions. It is home of the Blanc et Noir Marching Society, which debuted in 07. The Highland 06 parade was the classic, mellow neighborhood deal, representative of the city at its best.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Ballet Under the Stars coming Sat, Sept 6 at 7:30 pm, Festival Plaza.

One of the most popular dance events in the fall, the multi-troupe Ballet Under the Stars, sponsored by Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, will be Saturday, Sept. 6th at 7:30 pm.

See it at Festival Plaza, says Blair Bryson.

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Business of Art workshop at Robinson Film Center on Sat, Sept 13, 9 am

Clyde Connell, the most successful fine arts producer to spring from this region, believed in the power to be gotten from outside experts. She fashioned her career - which took her from the shores of Lake Bistineau to exhibits in Paris, Geneva and NYC - by visiting NYC and listening to the critics and artists from outside this region. If Connell were alive today I think she'd see the merit in this project:

The Business of Art, coordinated by Jane Allison, LSUS

8:30-9:00 Registration/Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:20 Welcome/Introductions
9:20-10:20 Group Session
Thrive, Not Just Survive: Increase Sales with Dynamic Marketing Strategies
General session keynote by Bruce Baker, nationally recognized arts & crafts marketing expert, artist and gallery owner.

10:20-10:30 Break

10:30-noon Breakout sessions—Choose 1
Record Keeping – Deb King, consultant, Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Booth Design & Merchandising for Craft and Trade Shows—Bruce Baker
Crafting Your Artist’s Statement-Veronique LeMelle

Noon-1:30 Lunch—Creating a Buzz on the Internet—Websites, Blogs & Social Networking sites
Panel Discussion: Gene Meneray, Robert Trudeau, Wendy Benscoter, Janet Maines
1:30-3:00 Breakout sessions – Choose 1
Marketing on a Shoestring Budget – Gene Meneray,
Wholesaling 101—Bruce Baker
Crafting Your Artist’s Statement (repeat)
3:00-3:10 BREAK
3:10-3:55 Group Session: The Artist as Entrepreneur: Am I Making Money Yet?
Panel Discussion
3:55-4:40 Group Session: Funding Opportunities & Realities —Loans, Grants, Cultural Products District, etc. – opportunities and limitations of each – Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Small Business Development Center, state agencies

Workshop Speakers
Bruce Baker has led over 600 workshops throughout the United States and Canada in the last 25 years. He is on the faculty of the Arts Business Institute and regularly conducts workshops at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft, the nation’s largest wholesale market of American craft art. He is a regular contributor to national art and crafts publications.

Veronique Le Melle is a management consultant with Artisin, LLC, a New Jersey-based company providing business development and management services for the arts. Previously, Le Melle was executive director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts, where she implemented a streamlined grant application process. She has been director of culture and tourism for the Office of Queens Borough (New York) and served from 1992 until 2001 as the executive director of Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Inc.

Call (318) 797-5144 to register.

Gene Meneray is director of the Arts Business Program of the Arts Council of New Orleans, which has created numerous new programs, including the Arts Market of New Orleans, ELLA Project and the Artist as Entrepreneur program. Meneray has also worked as marketing director for Thomas Mann Design and as public art manager for the SouthEast Effective Development in Seattle.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Nandini does Bollywood at Lotus Center on Sat, Aug 23, 1 pm

"Lotus Studio will be hosting Nandini, of Tyler, TX who will do a 2 1/2 hour workshop teaching a bollywood choreography," says Kathy Fontaine. "It'll be fun and challenging! The workshop is from 1:00 to 3:30 and is $25 / person."

Look for her and her troupe Saturday evening at the Open Mic Bellydance at Actor's Cafe! Shows at 8:00 and 10pm.

Kahina
The Port Belly project
Lotus Studio
(318) 455-3152

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Thurs Night Trolley art tour on Thurs, Aug 21, 5 pm to 8 pm, opens at Artspace, 710 Texas St

The downtown trolley rolls on the third Thursday, says Bonne Summers. It's a tour that takes riders on a free exploration of Shreveport's art, history and culture.

Hop aboard at Artspace, 710 Tex (park free in the First United Methodist parking lot) and ride to SUMAS, the Southern Museum of Art Shreveport, the Historic Davis House, Sciport and the Spring St Museum.

Highly recommended.

Info: 673-6500

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Shreveport musicians and the Mayor: a start toward unity and a city-wide musical consciousness

Shreveport musicians responded to Mayor Cedric Glover's invitation to a town meeting - the mayor's tenth - by filling the large room at Barnwell Center. What they found was a mayor who proclaimed his love of music but who drew the line decisively at the idea of widespread live performances outdoors.

"Shreveport is losing population - we're under 200,000 at this point - but Bossier's gaining people. Folks want a clean, orderly community for their residence. " The mayor's priority is to reverse the population slide by emphasizing a new level of awareness of trash and blight and of keeping neighborhoods free of threatening activity, which includes loud music.

Young Shreveporters who resented the city shutting down their open-air music venue at Big D's BBQ, corner of Caddo and Common Streets, hoped to hear the mayor propose to update the so-called nuisance laws. It was not to be, despite appeals from venue owner Big D, producer Susan Garner, musician Paul Garner and musician Yockie Joe.

A big picture was provided for the audience by manager Ken Shepherd, who claimed that Kenny Wayne Shepherd's career is run from Shreveport. "I remember when the musicians' union, Local 116, was strong. It enabled players to be paid and paid a decent fee," he said. "Join your union and you'll be able to sit down with the mayor and negotiate from a position of strength."

The gathering was notable for its demographics. There was a central casting aspect to the seeming equal numbers of black and white musicians as well as old and young music types. One under-represented category: females.

Dirtfoot closed the evening with a tricyclatron show on the Barnwell patio, a lovely under-the-stars venue. Yet in the beginning of the jam the musical attendees seemed occupied with discussions of the session with the mayor. Was there a conclusion to be drawn, a plan to be evaluated?

Many seemed to agree with Jerry Beach, who told the mayor that the music-based town meet was, overall, a good thing. Beach said to Glover, "We need to have another one of these, don't you think?"

How to get guitars into young hands in schools: James Burton presents a weekend of guitar music in downtown Shreveport and proceeds go to kids


James Burton, 2008
Originally uploaded by ShakeFrog
James Burton and wife Louise have found a way to return thanks for James' extraordinary career in music: they give away guitars to students. The money to fund the donations is raised in Shreveport during the annual James Burton Guitar Festival, says Louise.

Here's the line-up for the '08 weekend, a series of events produced by Louise and a group of volunteers:

James Burton's birthday bash will be celebrated Thurs, Aug 21, 7 - 9
pm at Maggie's Hangar, 616 Commerce St, which is the riverfront room which was once James Burton's club. $10; entertainment by Johnny and the Moondogs from Natchitoches.

The Burtons have created an excellent Guitar Trade Show presented in the Shreveport Convention Center. $5 at the door / 3-day pass $12. Under 12 free.
The trade show, which contains worlds of gleaming instruments, is Fri, Sat and Sun from 10 am to 6 pm. I'm going to take my youngest son and see what he thinks about the latest guitars from Fender and Peavey. One of the Trade Show's features is a Guitar Showdown Talent Competition from 10 am to 1 pm.

Party in the District under the Red River bridge is a chance to enjoy a revival of that beautiful but largely neglected space. Fri, Aug 22:
- Keith Horton Project - blues - 6 pm
- BB Secrist - honky tonk piano - 7 pm
- The Nomads - rockabilly - 8 pm
- Dirtfoot - new grass Americana - 9 pm
- Hipshot - country - 10 pm
- the Great Log Jam - surprise players - 11 pm

The James Burton and Friends Concert at the Municipal Auditorium is, points out Louise, only $25. The list of notables sounds like solid entertainment.
- Emmylou Harris
- Phil Keaggy
- Delbert McClinton
- Jim Messina
- Lenny LeBlanc
- Joe Stampley
- Mark Farner
- Danny Seraphine
- Rusty Young
- Jeff Berlin
- Billy Swan
- James Burton

Of course, you can be seated closer to the guitar slingers if you want to pay a bit more, like $75 or $100. Begins at 7 pm on Sat, Aug 23.

Mrs. Burton points out that Shreveport has an opportunity to join hands and make the James Burton Guitar Fest a big show. "Come on out," she says. "we need volunteers, we need participants."

How many of you play guitar or have a person in your inner circle who does? We might show our love for the six-string by supporting one or more of these musical events. With enough guitar player unity and energy no telling how lovely this annual event might become.
More at ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.

Parents magazine designates Sciport as one of nation's 10-best science centers

In the September issue of Parents magazine, Sci-Port Discovery Center has been recognized as one of the top 10 science centers in the country, says Eric Gipson. The article highlights the nation’s best science centers that have special exhibit areas exclusively for young children and their families.

Part of Parents’ ongoing series of 10-Best articles, the survey places Sci-Port at number eight out of the nation’s 150-plus science centers.
Sci-Port is also the only science center in the Southern U.S. to make the top 10 ranking, and its location of Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, is the only mid-sized city on the 10-Best list.

“We are absolutely elated and honored by this outstanding national recognition,” said Ann Fumarolo, Sci-Port President & CEO. “It serves as wonderful testament to the work and support of all who make Sci-Port possible.”

To figure out which of the nation’s science centers are the most exciting and educational, Parents sent them an extensive survey, asking for details about the exhibits as well as science demonstrations, special events, camps and classes. The magazine also considered the stroller-friendliness of the facility; dining options; the quality of staff; conveniences like family restrooms; and whether the center was a good value based on the admission price in relation to the number of exhibits. Staff interviews were also conducted.

“The science centers we profiled make learning fun for young children,” says Sally Lee, editor in chief of Parents magazine. “So when kids begin studying in school, they’ll be enthusiastic about it.”

According to the Parents survey, the 10 Best Science Centers for Families in order of their ranking are:

1. Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Columbus, Ohio
2. Exploratorium, San Francisco, California
3. Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts
4. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, New Jersey
5. St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri
6. New York Hall of Science, Flushing, New York
7. California Science Center, Los Angeles, California
8. Sci-Port Discovery Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
9. The Franklin (formerly The Franklin Institute), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Maryland

Full results will soon be available at parentsmag.com and in the September issue, which is on newsstands Tuesday, August 19.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Donna ... Service with a Smile exhibit continues at Barnwell until Sept 11


Donna Service, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The exhibit called Donna…Service with a Smile will continue at the Barnwell Center Main Gallery until September 11, says Ariej Alexander.

Those hoping for a second chance to bid on artwork will be granted their wish. Service with a Smile will also be shown at Columbia Café. The reception will take place Sun, Sept 14, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Patrons will have an opportunity to bid on the works until Fri, Oct 3, 5:00 p.m.

Artists include Donna Service, David Nelson, Melody Kiper, Walter Washington, Bob Ward, Dan Garner, and many more.

The art collection is comprised of works donated by Donna’s friends and family, illustrating the magnitude of the impression she made in the lives of everyone she met. To ensure Donna’s vision remains a reality, these pieces are being auctioned to raise funds for the continuation of The Renzi Education & Art Center’s free art and academic based after-school program.

Renzi Education and Art Center
435 Egan Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-222-1414

Monday, August 11, 2008

Shreveport begins to change: Everything Green Expo on Aug 22 - 24, Shreveport Convention Center

The US Green Buiilding Council / La Chapter invites you to attend the Everything Green Conference & Expo held on August 22, 23 and 24 at the Shreveport Convention Center, says Marion Marks.

If you care about environmental, economic or social improvement, you will learn from this demonstration of products, services and business opportunities supporting smart building and renovating ideas, he says.

Green Expo will reflect a movement toward re-cycling, re-shaping and re-thinking to reduce our consumption of resources.

The USGBC, Green Expo supporter, is the leading national non-profit resource for sustainability efforts in the US, says Marks. It will offer Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) classes, the leading-edge system for certifying design, construction and operations of green buildings.


Registration for the USGBC classes, 9 am – 4 pm, Aug 23, is recommended, as seating is limited.

A mayor who loves music, Cedric Glover, wants to hear from musicians at town meeting at Barnwell Center on Wed, Aug 13, 6 pm

In a first-of-its-kind effort to get “Shreveport N Sync” with local musicians, Wed, Aug 13, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Barnwell Center, Mayor Cedric B. Glover will host a Town Hall Meeting, says Gwen Campbell.

“As we begin to grow Shreveport with a new, dynamic and specialized approach to economic development, I want to hear the ideas, suggestions, concerns and vision of those whose careers, business or interest is in the area of music and entertainment,” says Mayor Glover. “This open dialogue will begin a conversation that’s needed in our City. We all will benefit.”

The Q and A session led by Mayor Glover will end with a Jam Session. Those who would like to bring instruments are welcome to take part.

“The talent pool in this region has always been tremendous,” says Brady Blade, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “The Mayor meeting with musicians representing all genres of music is exciting.” “We want to begin a unique partnership and a plan to expand the City’s support of Shreveport’s music community.”

Mayor Glover’s Town Hall Meeting for Musicians
Wed Aug13, Barnwell Garden & Art Center, 601 Clyde Fant Parkway
6 pm - 8 pm
8 pm - 9 pm Jam Session


Btw, this represents a change in time from the info I obtained last week , which said the event began at 4 pm. I've updated the earlier post.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Gloria Gipson and Theater of the Performing Arts, Shreveport, to be honored by Southern Black Theater Festival, Sept 18 - 28


Gloria Gipson, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Mahogany Ensemble Theatre, says Angelique Feaster, will host the first Southern Black Theatre Festival, a cultural arts experience celebrating the tradition of African American theatre in the south. The two-weekend event will be held September 18-28. Activities will be held in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Minden, Louisiana.

This inaugural festival will pay tribute to the achievements of Louisiana natives—National Honoree, Douglas Turner Ward, dramatist, actor, and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company; and Regional Honoree, Gloria Gipson, founder and executive director of Theatre of the Performing Arts. This year’s national chair is Louisiana native and veteran Hollywood playwright Judi Ann Mason.

The Southern Black Theatre Festival will feature a host of activities for youth, adults, and families to enjoy. The Opening Festival Weekend (September 18th-September 20th) will feature a kick-off reception, celebration of Gloria Gipson and the Theater of the Performing Arts,, cultural films, workshops, and youth talent showcase. The Closing Festival Weekend (September 25th-28th) will feature live theatre, college one-act competitions, workshops, drama awards gala and after-party, national honoree celebration, and celebrity appearances.

Festival submissions are being accepted for plays, staged readings, youth talent performers, and workshop presenters. For deadlines or more information, call 318-745-2787, or visit www.southernblacktheatrefest.org.

Isaac Hayes: 1942 - 2008


Isaac Hayes
Originally uploaded by Kyle Dean Reinford
Isaac Hayes dropped dead on his treadmill at home in Memphis, says the NY Times.

The Associated Press obit said, "Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was 1 1/2. The family moved to Memphis when he was 6.

Hayes wanted to be a doctor, but got redirected when he won a talent contest in ninth grade by singing Nat King Cole's ''Looking Back.''

He held down various low-paying jobs, including shining shoes on the legendary Beale Street in Memphis. He also played gigs in rural Southern juke joints where at times he had to hit the floor because someone began shooting."

Of course, he overcame.

"In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners like Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.

His career hit another high in 1997 when he became the voice of Chef, the sensible school cook and devoted ladies man on the animated TV show ''South Park.''

The album ''Hot Buttered Soul'' made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image.

''Hot Buttered Soul'' was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a ''cool'' style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with ''raps,'' and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements.

Next came ''Theme From Shaft,'' a No. 1 hit in 1971 from the film ''Shaft'' starring Richard Roundtree.

''That was like the shot heard round the world,'' Hayes said in the 1999 interview."

And there was also a tune about a gentleman named John Shaft, if we remember correctly.

Impact of the Haynesville Shale in Shreveport: Marcy and Jack Everett gift of $250,000 to Shreveport Regional Arts Council

Marcy Everett, a SRAC volunteer and donor since 1984, understands that it takes a generous community to keep the arts scene alive. As a former manager of the biennial fund raiser called Christmas in the Sky, she knows the cycle of exhibits, grants and funding managed by Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

Thus when she approached her 75th birthday and thought about what she'd like to have, she decided on a major donation to SRAC. Her husband, oilman Jack Everett, thought about it for a while, she reports. Then he agreed on the dramatic gift. He wrote a check to SRAC for $250,000. He saw it as something that might shake up a somnolent city.

The Haynesville Shale has enhanced the money flow to the Everett family, said Everett, and was a factor in their generous gift.

Atchison noted that it is the largest ever single gift to SRAC. She said the money would allow Artspace to put on exhibits for the next 5 years. The mainspace at Artspace has been named the Marcy and Jack Everett mainspace.

"They've given us the gift of stability and innovation," noted Atchison.

Meanwhile, the Everetts have led the way for what could be an upswell of donations to worthy non-profit organizations.

A day prior to the Everett donation photographer-author-artist Neil Johnson wrote a piece for the Times encouraging a new wave of giving based on the riches to be had in the Haynesville Shale natural gas discoveries. Little did he know that community leaders were already on the move.

Let it not stop here, eh?

Saturday, August 09, 2008

"Confessions of a wayward artist" in Moonshine: essayist and artist Rodrecas Davis, Grambling


Rodrecas Davis, Grambling
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Drék Davis is a writer, mixed media artist, and Professor of Art at Grambling University in Louisiana. This week the online arts magazine Moonshine, at southerncreativity.com, published one of his satirical essays and I discovered more insightful writing on art in the Moonshine archive of his articles.

Davis showed work at the Masur Museum of Art, Monroe, earlier this summer. Wish he would apply for a show in Shreveport.

Much of his work is online at his flickr.com account. His mixed-media work is edgy and thought-provoking.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Mayor Cedric Glover wants musicians' thoughts in town hall meet at Barnwell Center on Wed, Aug 13, 6 pm

"The Musicians' Forum sponsored by the City of Shreveport has been moved to Wed, August 13 at the Barnwell Center on the Riverfront," says Bruce Flett. "Mayor Cedric Glover and leaders of the music community will be there. All interested musicians should attend. Brady Blade, Jr will be there!"

Says Jay Bratlie of Dirtfoot: "Brady Blade and the City of Shreveport are holding a Musicians Town Hall meeting so locals in the music industry can meet each other and network. Anyone who works with music: players, sound guys, club owners, whoever, is invited."

"Dirtfoot will be performing a short set. Come take part in a meeting that will help build a core for future music industry work in this town."


318.673.5050 / mayor@shreveportla.gov

An Evening of Art with architect Mike McSwain at Bossier Arts Council on Fri, Aug 15, 5:30 to 7:30 pm


Dolly, Mike McSwain
Originally uploaded by trudeau
While many will know that architect Mike McSwain has made a name for himself designing the Bill Joyce office, Howdy, Inc, and the Robinson Film Center, few will know that he has been a painter. One of the few places that his paintings have been shown: the Montessori Art Auction in its heyday. McSwain may discuss his art as well as his architecture Fri at Bossier Arts Council as part of the West Edge Evening of Art series. If he doesn't, the audience may bring it up in the Q & A.

An Evening of Art has been one of the snazziest projects of the West Edge Artists' Co-op. Guests like Jerry Wray and Michael Harold have presented their history and philosophy of art in these sessions.

Doors at the Bossier Arts Council's annex on Barksdale Blvd. open at 5:30 pm and McSwain's talk will begin at 6:30 pm.

Refreshments.
No charge.

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Dance stage part of the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, presented Oct 25 - 26 in West Monroe by Doyle Jeter


Dancing on Air
Originally uploaded by renoir7777
Amazing music maven Doyle Jeter, proprietor of Enoch's Irish Pub in Monroe, never stops scheming about bringing vivid music to Louisiana. Thus he created the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival some 4 years ago.

Held October 25 - 26 at the Hamilton Expo Center, West Monroe, Jeter presents "performances by some of the world’s most renowned Celtic musicians and storytellers; workshops on Celtic language, instruments and history; a dance stage and children’s stage; Highland games; Celtic wares and exhibitors; food and beverage, and more!"

He continues, "As founder of the festival, I am constantly asked why we feel a Celtic festival should be held in Northeast Louisiana. More often than not, this question is asked by someone who has grown up in our region, and who has a surname like Kelley, Murphy, Collins, Whatley, McKeithan, Riley or Sullivan! My answer is: “Have you ever looked in a local phone book or visited one of the cemeteries in our area? Are you not aware, man, that your name is Irish?!" After a bit of ribbing, I go on to explain that at least 76% of our area can claim Scots-Irish, Irish, or Welsh heritage, and that Northeast Louisiana was actually listed on an 1851 map as "Celtic Louisiana"!"

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Best and brightest in the region: Louisiana Dance Theater, Shreveport, schedules auditions on Mon, Aug 11, for ages 8 through teens

Auditions for Louisiana Dance Theatre’s 2008-2009 Season will be held Mon, Aug 11, at Carol Anglin Dancenter at Pierremont Mall, says Mrs. Anglin.

Louisiana Dance Theatre available positions include:
- Corps de Ballet division (ages 14 and older by Sept 1),
- Youth Ballet division (ages 12 - 13 by Sept 1)
- Trainee division (ages 8 - 11 by Sept 1).

Monday’s schedule for all prospective and returning members:
4:00 – 5:15 pm…audition for dancers ages 8 - 11
5:30 – 7:00 pm…audition for dancers ages 12 and older

LDT’S '08-09 auditions are open to dancers throughout the Ark-La-Tex who have a minimum of two years of classical ballet training. The audition class will include ballet, modern, and jazz dance.

Members of LDT will participate in the company’s '08-09 season of performances including the Red River Revel, the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker; LA: DANCE ALIVE!, SRAC’S ArtBreak, and Stars of Tomorrow 26th Annual performance at the Strand Theatre.

LDT members 12 and older who qualify will attend the 2009 Regional Dance America/SW Festival at the Stafford Centre, Houston, TX.
Dancers have the opportunity to attend the Louisiana Dance Foundation’s month-long 26th Annual Summer Dance Festival to train with internationally renowned guest artists.

Company members sign a one-year contract from Aug 20, 2008 – July 31, 2009, that adheres to the standards as set forth by Regional Dance America and the Louisiana Dance Foundation Board of Directors.

Louisiana Dance Theatre is the resident dance company of Louisiana Dance Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered in the state of Louisiana in 1984. LDT became a member of Regional Dance America in 1991 and was named an Honor Company in 1995, becoming Shreveport’s first and only regional ballet company. The local company received RDA’S prestigious Stream Award in 2004
.
In addition to local performances, Louisiana Dance Theatre has performed throughout Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas in Houston, Dallas, Galveston, Amarillo, Abilene, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio; Orlando, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C (Kennedy Center); Pittsburgh, PA; in Russia; and in three European Tours of Austria, Germany, and Italy where LDT was one of four American companies invited to perform at Tanzsommer International Dance Festival (1999, '04, & '08).

Louisiana Dance Theatre was recently invited by the Dallas Dance Council and Dallas Morning News to perform at the 2008 Curtain Call Festival on Sept 27 & 28.

Members of Louisiana Dance Theatre have progressed to college and professional careers in internationally renowned institutions and companies including Dance Theatre of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Jacob’s Pillow, Julliard, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, Boston Conservatory, Marymount Manhattan, Boston Summer Dance Festival, Pennsylvania Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Miami’s New World School of the Arts, New York University, and more.

Applications are available at Carol Anglin Dancenter at Pierremont Mall. Contact Mario Harper at (318) 861-3006.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Kenny Bill Stinson at Jayne Marie with the Bluebirds on Fri, Aug 8, 7 pm to 11 pm

"Louisiana Legend Kenny Bill Stinson is returning to Shreveport for the first time in almost 2 years," says Bruce Flett.

Stinson will play Jayne Marie's lake-view upstairs room Fri, Aug 8, at 7 pm. The Bluebirds will accompany.

In the 70's and 80's Stinson crisscrossed the region like crazy and we got to know him as a blues and roots rock singer who could perform New Orleans style as well as pound the boogie woogie a la Jerry Lee Lewis.

A perennial favorite at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Kenny Bill now lives in Downsville, Louisiana, at the "Stinsonian," notes Flett.

"In 1996 Kenny Bill and the Bluebirds were the backup band for Margaret Lewis Warwick at the Atlanta Olympics in Centennial Park. They were on one of the main stages about 2 hours before the bomb went off," remembers Flett.

Stinson has released 2 CDs and has toured with Charlie Rich, Lil Band o'Gold, and Rodney Crowell.

He has been featured on national television and radio shows, including PBS' River of Song and NPR's American Routes.

Jayne Marie on Cross Lake
318 631 0919
Free Admission

Monday, August 04, 2008

Deep Roots, the life and legacy of Clyde Connell, opens at Artspace Shreveport on Fri, Sept 19

The show "Deep Roots, the life and legacy of Clyde Connell," opens Fri, Sept 19, at Artspace Shreveport. You can follow the planning and development of the show at the Clyde Connell blog.

"What a great idea. This is the first time I've watched an exhibit being built," wrote Kathryn Usher when she recently found the blog.

"Is this what's missing in the artist/art collector relationships in SB Land? Do we need to do more relationship building even before the show opens?"

"Deep Roots" will be both a Clyde Connell retrospective and a legacy show. Upstairs there will be a large display of art by Clyde's descendants. Among the artists who are progeny: her son, Brian Connell, grandson Dixon Ent, great-grandson Anthony Colvin, nephews Dr. Pat Sewell and Dr. Bennett Sewell. The curator and another of the artists is great niece Talbot Hopkins Trudeau.

Artspace artistic director Bill Joyce believes the show will find a goodly audience. "The struggle, pain and successes in her life have the elements of an involving story," he notes. "Everyone will relate to her," he believes.

In brief the show will establish that Clyde Connell, a woman with a man's name, was one of the greatest-ever Louisiana visual artists. Born in a large plantation house to a large plantation family in 1901, she lived her long life - she died in 1998 - almost entirely in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

Her sculpture, nonetheless, was exhibited in NYC, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Paris (see illustration) and Geneva. Her unusual life was captured by author Charlotte Moser in the book Clyde Connell: the art and life of a Louisiana Woman.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Nancy Ferrari on the backgound of her fanciful vessels on display at Bossier Arts Council

Elsie Faith, when asked how long it took to paint a particular watercolor piece, answered, " three hours--but I spent 50 years learning how to do it".

Thus writes artist Nancy Ferrari of her work on display at the Bossier Arts Council Gallery. She continues:

I, too, am a mature artist, but working in clay. Mediterranean by ancestry, my interest in creating art was kindled in the sensual sights and sounds of Turkey, where I took a pottery class as a military housewife with two children. I continued to try to soak up every drop of knowledge about the craft by taking classes at the Creative Craft Alliance when we moved to Shreveport. Now, I mentor others learning to express their creativity in clay by networking with other clay people.

My pottery is made by hand in slab form or on the wheel. An individual piece may be composed of several clay pieces joined, or I may shape it, allowing for shrinkage, so it can accommodate a driftwood handle. One feature that is my trademark is carving in the greenware stage to provide sculptural depth to the work.

Although many of my pieces are functional, I started out with gigantic, Romanesque goblets and sets of liqueur carafes with tiny cups because I wanted clients to enjoy the pieces as they enjoyed their lives--I also sometimes do nonfunctional work such as framed wall hangings featuring segmented low relief carved fish. The work is always sculptural and enriched by influences from many cultures. For example, now I make bowls and platters that have stylized oriental feet. This came from my interest in learning the proportions and structure of bonsai pots and bases. Other interests feed into the development of my pottery. My years in jewelry design and making (silver and copper with stone setting) taught me the power of detail in the effectiveness of the piece.

Gardening saturates my mind with natural shapes and patterns from which to draw.

Perhaps my work, which celebrates eating, drinking, and serving interesting dishes to friends and family, is a reflection of my Italian heritage. I do not believe in making "dust-catchers" -- my pottery slows you down to savor that amaretto. After all, the simple experiences of our lives can and should be filled with beautiful, sensual things.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Someone's in the Kitchen with Chef Frank Harris on Tues, Aug 12, at Artspace Shreveport

Someone's in the Kitchen @ artspace, says Bonne Summers, and it is Chef Frank Harris on Tues, Aug 12. The Taste of Northern Italy
that Harris will cook has -

Hor d’oeuvres:
Roman Style Cheese Stuffed Rice Fritters
Tuscan Style Crostini with Chicken Livers

Mussel and Clam Soup with Saffron

Spaghetti with Pesto, Green Beans and Parmigiano Reggiano
Poached Calamari Salad with Basil and Lemon

Pork Shoulder Braciole-stuffed with mint, pecorino romano and orange wedges
with Sweet Potatoes

Italian flourless chocolate cake with orange scented whipped cream

Seating limited. Reservations required.
$75
RSVP: (318) 673-6500