Sunday, February 28, 2010

Cirque de la Symphonie's acrobats accompany SSO on Fri, Mar 5, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's Leah Escude says, "We are so excited about our upcoming concert on Friday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. It promises to be a wonderful experience for all.

Tickets are going fast. If you are planning to attend you need to get yours soon. You can call the box office or log on to our website to purchase tickets. See you there."

With the Cirque de la Symphonie comes an international array of breathtaking aerial fliers, says the SSO web site; acrobats, jugglers, and dancers to strike a resoundng chord with your inner child.

The orchestra performs music by Dvorak, Bizet, John Williams, and many others. Says Escude, "The Cirque production is winning raves from sold-out audiences across the country."

Now you can buy tickets online.

In 1969; a Beatles story

A first attempt at animation, via cut paper and hand.

When Kristi Dorothinia Hannah began work on her dance show, The Beatles Garden, I began to create a Beatles remix and video as accompaniment.

The story as it emanated from my exploratory first-time animation workshop tells of how the Beatles came into our world as godly bearers of melody and rhythm and how the world was topsy turvy with their tunes. But John was shot dead (red pool of blood by his head) and George died, too, reminding us that all golden times are evanescent.

Looking forward to more cut paper animations now that I've learned beaucoup lessons in making this one.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Ellen Soffer and 50 additional artists in the Meadows Museum NW Louisiana Triennial; exhibit opens with a reception on Sat, Feb 27, 5:30 pm


Ellen Soffer art, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Some 50 artists juried by Louisiana painter Luz-Maria Lopez and Louisiana collectors David & Nicole Holcombe are to show their work in the Meadows Museum Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition, says Diane DuFilho.

The show opens with a reception Sat, Feb 27, 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

Artists from Ruston and Natchitoches are included in the exhibit, which was open to artists from the 10-parish NW region of the Bayou State.

Ellen Soffer is one of the most active artists on the Triennial roster. Get a preview at ellensoffer.com.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The late Dale Hawkins and the need for a Rockabilly Museum in Shreveport, Louisiana


Dragstrip Phantoms.
Originally uploaded by Bachelor Girl
"Boogie Woogie Teenage Girl," "See you soon, Baboon," "Yeay Yeay, Class Cutter:" With a replay of the music of Dale "Suzie Q" Hawkins on Chris Brown's KSCL show on Tuesday night, the idea seemed inescapable.

Shreveport wants a Museum of Rockabilly Music.

Hawkins recorded the original "Suzie Q" in Shreveport. Most of the first explosions of rockabilly surrounded the young Elvis Presley and his time on the Louisiana Hayride.


But I don't think we should aim for a normal museum of pop music history.

If it were designed by Moonbot Studios it would be strange and kinetic and a must-see stop on I-20.

It's easy to make a boring museum of pop music. I think the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle is a yawner. The building itself is worth the admission. Love the aluminum skin, the steel trusses, the sky church lobby. But how to bring music to life escapes whoever designed the EMP.

The web site for the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame Museum in Jackson, TN, implies that it is one heck of a predictable place.

I think Shreveport's Rockabilly Museum ought to be about movies, moving floors, stunning lights, fast cars and giggly surprises.

If you're thinking "Now, where are we going to get the money for that?!" then you've got Shreveportitis. Maybe you should retire to a house on a lake somewhere.

If you're thinking, "The rockabilly material should come under the display to be created by the Louisiana Hayride," I agree. But there's no huge reason the two could not co-exist. One would be an orthodox center. The other would be a head-shaking, skirt-blowing Telecaster explosion.

The real key to a successful design and execution of a Shreveport Rockabilly Museum is imagination.

And, by the way, the rockabilly cats who played here included Dale Hawkins, James Burton, Johnny Cash ("Get Rhythm," "Ballad of a Teenage Queen"), Johnny Horton ("The Battle of New Orleans"), Faron Young ("Going Steady"), Sonny James ("Young Love"), Claude King ("Wolverton Mountain"), Webb Pierce ("Teenage Boogie"), Bob Luman ("Red Hot") and Elvis Presley.

Is Shreveport deserving of a Rockabilly center? Ha. I hope to tell you so. Do we have the imagination to see it through? Well. Gulp. We'll never know til we try it.

Dan Sanchez benefit going on at The Tiki Lounge, Shreveport, til 2 am on Tues, Feb 23

The Tiki was packed early tonight with buzzing people enjoying drinks, red beans and rice and listening to a stream of capable bands. It was all in honor of Dan Sanchez, a popular musician whose cancer treatments are not offset by any insurance.

The Tiki Bar, 639 E King's Hwy, adjacent to Taco Mania, is a classic Louisiana roadhouse. Smoky, yet somehow comfortable. At least while the music's roaring.

See more of the Tiki at Shreveport Faces.

Paula O'Neal and friends at Ronin's Broadmoor Kitchen & Tavern on Thursdays, 7 to 10 pm


Paula O'Neal
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Reminding you of our weekly acoustic gig, writes Paula O'Neal, at Ronin's Broadmoor Kitchen and Tavern, 4460 Youree Drive (at Leland). I and a few friends play there every Thursday night from 7-10pm.

Musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and we'll rotate them in when we can. (The place is a bit small.)

Broadmoor Kitchen is under new ownership and management by our friend John Meaders who was a big jam supporter at Bears. We are trying to get the word out! The food is very good and there is never a cover charge. They are working on having live music Thurs through Sat nights.

Best musicians in the region gather to perform: Dan Sanchez Benefit at the Tiki Lounge from 4:30 pm until 2 am Tues, Feb 23

"Everyone come out to the Dan Sanchez Cancer Benefit on Tues at the Tiki Bar, 639 E Kings Hwy! Great bands, food, and a good cause. Come help at a musician who really needs it!" says Eric Gardner of Dirtfoot.

Bruce Flett, of the Bluebirds, writes, "Guitarist/singer Dan Sanchez has lung cancer and no Health Insurance. He is one of the most admired/loved musicians in this area. For many years, NO one has been more dedicated to pursuing a music career than Dan. He has crisscrossed America many times- touring incessantly, with a passion, talent, and a shoestring budget. Dan is the Don Quixote of our local music family."

Tiki Lounge is adjacent to Taco Mania on E King's Hwy.
Donation: $10

Featuring Performances By:
A.J. Casio and The Two Tone Blues Band, Jerry & Robin Beach, Russ Brabham, Caddywompus, Dirt Foot, Dan Garner, Kandu, Space Travelers, Stiff Necked Fools,
Scotty Daniel Blues Band from Kansas City MO, Don Durham MC, Buddy Flett, Joe Nadeau,
Cameron Mechelle, Jimmy Wooten Trio, Pocket Change, Wake and Bake, Everyday Hemingway
Keith Nicholson, Charles and the Bottom Line and other special guests.

Photo by Barbara Beaird.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Puntry gypsum roogie sextet Dirtfoot and Centenary College dance troupe Escaped Images collaborate on Fri, March 12, 8 pm, MLP


Dirtfoot_0026-1
Originally uploaded by I Am Jones Designs
Escaped Images Dance Company, Centenary College, and Dirtfoot are collaborating on a dance concert, says Erin Berry.

Date: Friday, March 12, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Marjorie Lyons Playhouse
Cost: $15; And this is a steal!, says the very aware Mrs. Berry.

Photo by Casey Jones.

Kat Eggleston and Kate MacLeod harmonize at Fairfield Studios on Sun, Feb 28, 7 pm

"Two wonderful performers harmonize together with instruments and voices to form Kat & Kate," says Jim Huckabay. See Kate MacLeod at katemacleod.com and Kat Eggleston at kateggleston.com.

These ladies weave harmonies that entrance the listener - "summoning thoughts of the more beautiful and mysterious side of life".
A Celtic influence is definitely in there, too. Between them, they play guitars, fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

Your reservation helps us plan seating and the excellent hor d' oeuvres served up at intermission.
Hope you can join us this Sunday evening!

RESERVATIONS: Email reservations@fairfieldstudios.com or call 219-7688
Donation: $15 (cash at the door, please)

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Beautiful Beatle Garden: modern dance by Visual Sound & Movement on Fri, Feb 26, Sat, Feb 27, Sun, Feb 28, @ Artspace Shreveport


Genevieve Ress, Lucia Hamm
Originally uploaded by trudeau
In the lower cavern of Artspace you are invited to enter The Beautiful Beatle Garden, a modern dance performance presented by Shreveport’s Visual Sound and Movement Company. The dances unfold to rare recordings by EMI recording artists, the Beatles.

Directed by local artist Dorothy Kristin Hanna, it features dancers Lucia Brucia Hamm, Skye Creswell, Michael Gil, Stephanie Harrell, Jessica Canfield, Genevieve Ress and Madeline McClure.

Additional musical contributions come from artist Alan Dyson. Design and lighting are by Bruce Allen


Friday, 2/26, and Saturday, 2/27, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2/28 at 3:00 p.m.
Admission $10.
Artspace: 710 Texas, Shreveport. (318) 673-6535.
A Visual Sound & Movement Co: (318) 834-0948.

Anil & Neera Chhabra, Laura Noland Harter, Steve Ross, Delton Harrison: Collector's Eye opens at Artspace with party on Fri, Feb 26, 5:30 pm


ganesh
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Collector's Eye is an eclectic exhibition of a variety of art works from over 25 arts collector’s who represent the artspace Legacy Donors, persons who have contributed significant funding to support artspace, says Pam Atchison.

Included in the exhibition are artworks collected by
- Delton O. Harrison
- Laura Noland Harter
- Drs. Anil & Neera Chhabra
- Steve Ross
- and many others.

The Chhabras are sharing pieces from their collection of over 50 pieces of Indian art from their native homeland. Anil Chhabra said, “They have gained a greater appreciation for the gold-trimmed ceramic pieces that are commonly seen in India but rarely in America.” One of his favorite pieces is a carved sandalwood sculpture of Indian dancers that is over 100 years old and was handed down from Neera’s grandfather.

It opens with a public reception at
- artspace, 710 Texas Street
- Friday, February 26th at 5:30 pm.
- the café @ artspace will be serving edible collectibles
- entertainment will be provided by neo-soul specialists Muzikology, featuring Larry Ellis, Chris Washington, Zefrem Smith, Ricky Jones and guests.
- participate in a community “Paint-by-number” project of an animated painting designed by William Joyce, artspace Artistic Director, that will be in the artspace Fun-A-Torium.
Event admission is $10.00.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Dale "Suzie Q" Hawkins Night on the radio: listen to Chris Brown's Romp & Stomp on Tues, Feb 23, 8 to 10 pm at KSCL fm


Dale Hawkins
Originally uploaded by stacystajcar
"I'll be playing songs from the late Dale Hawkins demo recordings, Checker 45s, his 1969 LP on Bell, and maybe even his 2007 Ponderosa Stomp performance," says Chris Brown at KSCL.

"Following the songs featuring Hawkins, I'll dive into songs produced by Hawkins. Expect to hear: Bobby Charles, Bruce Channel, The Five Americans, The Five Jets, The Gentrys, Mouse and the Traps, Banny Price, The Uniques, and more."

Tuesday, February 23, 2010; 8-10pm
KSCL 91.3 FM
Romp and Stomp: Tribute to Dale Hawkins (1936-2010)

Online streaming at
http://www.centenary.edu/kscl

Friday, February 19, 2010

Carol Anglin's La Dance Theater: 2010 Dance Alive! at the Strand Theater on Sat, Feb 20, at 7:30 pm

Carol Anglin and the Louisiana Dance Foundation presents, on Saturday, February 20th, 7:30 pm, a performance of LA: Dance Alive! 2010 at the Strand Theatre.

The evening of dance features the well-trained Louisiana Dance Theatre, Dianne Maroney and the Grambling State University’s Orchesis Dance Company, and Impulse Dance Theatre from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.


Tickets: Shelly Ezell, 318.861.3006

Classical Guitarist Jeffrey Bianchi performs From Dowland to Youtube at Artspace on Sat, Feb 20, 1 pm to 3 pm

Jeffrey Bianchi will perform Saturday, Feb. 20th, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Artspace Shreveport, says Julia Foley.

On his first national tour, Classical guitarist Jeffrey Bianchi presents the history of the Classical Guitar entitled "The Classical Guitar: From Dowland to You Tube", tracing its roots from 17th century England to modern times. Following the presentation, Jeffrey will give a recital featuring music by John Dowland, Johann Anton Losy, Fernando Sor and Heitor Villa-Lobos.

$5 Suggested Donation.

Come for lunch in the cafe' & stay for a musical experience!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Highly recommended: selection of paintings by Donna W Moore, Shreveport, 1956 - 2010, at Meadows Museum of Art

If you care about paintings, portraiture, anatomy, symbology, feminism and the history of art, please do not miss this show in its last day at Meadows Museum.

The 4-day exhibit of her paintings will span Tuesday, Feb 16, to Friday, Feb 18. It will be on display from noon - 4:00 PM daily, says Mischa Farrell.

The Opening/Memorial will be on Thursday, Feb 18, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM..

Susan Nobles: all aspects of being a woman in mixed media at Gallery Fine Art Center, Bossier City; reception Thurs, March 4, 6:30 pm

Gallery Fine Art Center, Bossier, introduces original mixed media works by artist Elizabeth L. Noble. The exhibit Elizabeth L. Noble: Ladies Room, Paintings on Canvas will begin February 11th through April 18th.

Elizabeth L. Noble is a painter interested in the effects of the mass media on images of women.

She uses bright colors on top of dress patterns (or transparent, unprinted papers) adhered to the canvas and worked over with paint. The dress patterns call attention to a tradition of women’s work and create a system of lines and measurements beneath the surface of the paint.

"Elizabeth L. Noble's art work reflects all aspects of being a woman," says Susan Brunner.. "From eating a cupcake to putting on make up and getting ready in the morning, she shows the every day rituals of women. With paint on top of dress patterns on top of canvas, her color combinations and figures draw the eye in and keep the viewer intrigued. This exhibit is exciting and fun for every viewer."

Gallery Fine Art Center is an affiliate gallery of Brunner Gallery with locations in Baton Rouge and Covington, LA. GFAC will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 5pm and by appointment. The Gallery is located at Airline Plaza at 2151 Airline Drive, Suite 200 in Bossier City.

A Public Reception for the Artist will be held March 4th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

For more information contact sbrunner@brunnergallery.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Dirty Redd, Space Travelers, Russ Brabham, Prof Porkchop, Bluebirds, Deidre & Bob, Buddy Flett, Dan Sanchez and Dale Hawkins in Bruce Flett's subterranean communication


Bruce Flett, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Bruce Flett's underground newsletter seemed particularly pregnant with performances this week, so I am compelled to publish it in the light of day.

Wednesday, February 17 2010
- Buddy Flett solo at Bear's, 1401 Fairfield Ave 7-930pm
- Dirty Redd @City Bar, next to the demolished Murrell's grill 9pm
- Space Travelers play their asses off at Tiki lounge 9 30

Thursday, February 18
- Dale Hawkins' funeral in N. Little Rock, AR 10am
- Russ Brabham & Hominy Ranch at Bear's 6- 9pm
- Prof Porkchop at El Dorado Casino
- Dirty Redd @Noble Savage, next to formally Jordan & Booth Men's store

Friday & Saturday Feb 19&20
- The Bluebirds & Robin at Boomtown casino in the Cantina, 8-12
- Deidre & Bob at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 630- 10

Friday, Feb 19
- Buddy Flett at Os2 in Marshall, TX

Saturday, Feb 20
- Steve Howell at the Blue Frog grill in Marshall, TX
- Hominy Ranch and WINDSTORM both at Private Parties.

Sunday, Feb 21
- Memorial Service for Dale Hawkins at Robinson Film Center, followed by Musical Tribute at 516 Texas street.

Monday, Feb 22
Birthington's Wash Day(official)
- Jerry Beach's Blues Jam at Lee's on Kings Hwy 8-12

Tuesday, Feb 23
- Dan Sanchez Benefit at Tikil lounge, in front of Lee's from 4pm til 1:30am. Dozens of area's top musicians play to help a truly great guy, Dan Sanchez.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Jamie Norwood, Jenna Glorioso: Dannie 'n' Laurence, a Romantic Comedy by Sheri Bailey, at LSUS Black Box Theater Feb 13 - 21

The LSU Shreveport Black Box Theatre will present a production of the play “Dannie ‘n’ Laurence” by Sheri Bailey, says Robert Alford.

The romantic comedy, directed by LSUS Associate Professor Robert Alford, revolves around the developing relationship between two complete opposites: a driven visual artist and a wise-cracking slacker.

Performances will take place February 18, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and February 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, Bronson Hall Room 111.

Photo Chelsea Beth Hockaday.

Dannie is being played by Ariane Perideaux and Laurence is being played by Jamie Norwood. The cast also includes Jenna Glorioso, Chelsea Beth Hockaday, Justrick LaCour, Charles Montgomery and Harvard Taylor.

For more information, call 797-5283 or email theatre@lsus.edu.

Tickets
$15 with advance reservation
$18 at the door

Memorial for the late artist Donna W Moore, 1956 - 2010, at Meadows Museum, Shreveport, on Thurs, Feb 18, 5:30 pm to 7 pm

The Trojan Tea Party is a selection of paintings by Donna W Moore to be shown at the Meadows Museum of Art, Shreveport, says Mischa Farrell.

Moore died of a serious illness at age 54, yet she left a strong imprint on the Shreveport art scene via her paintings, writing and performances.

The 4-day exhibit of her paintings will span Tuesday, Feb 16, to Friday, Feb 18. It will be on display from noon - 4:00 PM daily.

The Opening/Memorial will be on Thursday, Feb 18, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.


Asked about the show's title, Mischa Farrell replied, "Donna Moore, as you probably know, used tea cups and tea parties as a theme in her work long before the anti Obama crowd ever adopted the term.

The Trojan Tea Party was a catch phrase we would use for seemingly innocuous events that became particularly surprising and traumatic. When Donna was at Texas Tech in Art School, her answer to an assignment the Professor had given was to invite some of her transgender and gay friends to speak before the class about their views and to promote understanding. Her friends bravely bared their souls, the students sat dumbstruck while the Professor engaged in a shouting match with the participants, pronouncing them wretched. At one point the Professor shouted at Donna, "This is not a Fucking Tea Party!" ...In fact it was one of those Trojan Tea Parties."

Monday, February 15, 2010

We Landed on the Moon in the Shell @ Centenary College on Tues, Feb 23

Says KSCL personality Cazes Verbois, "The Amazing Band "We Landed on the Moon" Returns for a Fantastic Concert on Tuesday Feb. 23rd with Special guest "Elsinore!"

Come kick it @7:00pm in the Centenary Shell!

Celebration of Spirituals at Galilee Baptist Church Friday, February 26 through Saturday, February 27

The 20th Annual Celebration of Spirituals will be held February 26-27, 2010, over a two day period.

On Friday evening, a lecture-recital featuring veteran members of New Dimensions Choral Society will take place.

Day two is the ever popular "Festival of Choirs." The morning session will consist of local school groups: elementary, middle and high school, performing their very best Negro spiritual selections. The afternoon adult division will be comprised of community-church and professional choirs and higher education-college and university choirs, performing again, the very best possible renditions of Negro Spirituals, a capella.

Friday night event will be held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church. The Saturday events will be held at the Galilee Baptist Church.

Dates

* Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
* Saturday, February 27, 2010 @ 10:00 am
* Saturday, February 27, 2010 @ 3:00 pm

A Shreveport love affair: the Krewe of Highland and Blanc et Noir Marching Society in the Krewe of Highland Parade


Blanc et Noir '10
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Creswell Ave seemed to have bigger crowds than ever as Blanc et Noir Marching Society and the Red & Black Brass Band rolled in the 2010 parade, "Goin Green."

What a mellow neighborhood! Every step brought us smiles of affirmation from the crowd.

More people than ever danced to the band as we passed their spots. And, happily, the krewe was joined by several capable ad hoc dancers who stayed with us for much of the parade. One was an outstanding lad dressed all in black - wish I'd gotten his name. One dancer was middle-aged, rumbly, stubbly and dancing in tall rubber boots. Another nice development were several groups of people who spontaneously applauded the krewe and band.

If you wondered about the hula hoop girl: her name is Lisa and she said she teaches hula hoop dance at Lotus Studio on Olive St.

The Red & Black Brass Band played the night before the parade for the Krewe of Harambee, said Jerry Davenport, and impressed everyone. In our 4th year together we thought they played better than ever. And they told us they're getting more gigs than ever.

One of my favorite developments: 15 year-old Larsson McSwain brought his long-legged dance moves to the krewe and sort of instantly learned all of Jerry Davenport's routines and kept the energy high block after block.

A shout-out to this year's Big Shots, a group of sustainers who contribute $100 or more as their membership fee: Lee Spruell, Stuart & Elysse Orchard, Marion & Ginger Marks, David & Beth Wells, Mike & Dolly McSwain.

Another shout to the Blanc et Noir Queen, Jennette Ginsberg, and King, Lee Spruell. Both have been golden in bringing new people to our party. And a salute to my co-founders and co-admins, the artful Jerry Davenport and tireless wife, Tarama.

A tip o' the top hat, too, to the Krewe of Highland, who took Blanc et Noir under its wing from the beginning: Matthew Linn, Queen Kathy Melancon and more.

The effervescence of the Krewe of Highland's Bal Masque should also get a note. It was packed (hail to the Krewe of Justinian for their neon!)and it was all about dancing. The 2010 music was amazing: David Egan and Twenty Years of Trouble were hot. And they were joined by Buddy Flett on slide and by Kenny Wayne Shepherd on sunburst Strat.

Wish I had more of the names of the Krewe of Highland producers; they have given a huge gift to the city and the neighborhood.

If you want to hire the Red & Black Brass Band, their leader is trombonist Daryl Williams; reach him at basebone1898@hotmail.com.

If you want to join us in Blanc et Noir, and we would love to have you with us, see more at the krewe blog.

Ryan Williams presents Funny Girl at Byrd High Feb 18 - 20; show features students alongside community theater regulars


The Byrd High School Drama Department opens the musical Funny Girl on Thursday, February 18, says Ryan Williams. The show runs through February 20 in the school auditorium.

Funny Girl is a musical about the life of the most famous Ziegfeld Follies star, Fanny Brice. The musical is also what helped make Barbra Streisand a star, and audiences will be familiar with one of the most popular musical scores. Songs include, "I'm the Greatest Star", "People", "Who Taught Her Everything She Knows", "Don't Rain on My Parade", and "My Man".

The Byrd production boasts a cast of students as well as some community theatre regulars.

The Cast -
Fanny Brice / Taylor Foss
Nick Arnstein / Nathan Gauthier
Rosie Brice / Seva May
Eddie Ryan / Brandon Stewart
Mrs. Strakosh / Christy Bickham
Flo Ziegfeld, Jr. / John Georgiafandis
Georgia / Brooklynn Johnson
Emma / Keyshae Robinson
Vera / Mary Megan Sealy
Mrs. Meeker / LeeAnn Prunty
Mrs. O'Malley / Sue Moyers
John / Travis Harris
Mr. Renaldi / Edwin Goldston
Ensemble
Brendan Doran, Jarvarreay Harris, Jordan Ward, Casey White, Christian Stamps, Allen Smith, Alyssa Farmer, Madison Pugh, Kristen Patrick, Hayley Cooper, Maddie Layton, Annalise Gunn, Katie Merryman, Abbie Bumgardner, Sara Pate, Tara Watson, Cody Griffin

Director--Ryan Williams
Choreographer--LeVette Fuller
Rehearsal Accompanist--Becky Gerardy
Conductor--Amy Wakefield (conducting a 21 piece orchestra)
Lighting Designer--Courtney Gaston
Stage Manager--Caitlin Eades
Assistant Stage Manager--Samantha Lewis

Performances are at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $5, general admission, and can be purchased at the door. Call Byrd at 318-869-2567 for additional information.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Blanc et Noir Marching Society and the Red and Black Brass Band invite you to join the krewe in the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, Feb 14, 2 pm

Mask and meet in front of the Columbia Cafe to join the Blanc et Noir Marching Society as it leads the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, Feb 14, 2 pm.

Daryl Williams and the Red & Black Second Line Brass Band are ready to Who Dat as they blow Saints Go Marchin In up Creswell Ave and down Highland.

Last minute second liners are welcome. Dues are $50 per family.

Laissez les bon temps . . .

Friday, February 12, 2010

Kalmbach and Levingston: stars being born in Shreveport Little Theater Academy's production of Big River; see it Feb 12 through Feb 21

Roger Kalmbach, barely age 16, captures the winsome contrariness of Huck Finn in the Shreveport Little Theater Academy production of Big River. His movement, singing and sense of timing were excellent on opening night at Southfield School's Dickson Theater.

Matching him with voice and style was Zhailon Levingston, 15, who played the slave, Jim.

Big River is a long show. But the sweet harmonies of the chorus and standout singers such as Kalmbach, Levingston, Kaylah Williams and Lindsey Fileccia made the stage glow in scene after scene.

SLTA director Jared Watson mixed adult actors with teens to seamless effect. Among the standout non-teens were Carolyn Bryant, Bradley Silman, Matt Carroll and Mark Crawford.

The greatest moments in Big River, however, arrived when the teens had their breakthroughs. Favorite scenes: Christopher White singing "Arkansas," Kaylah Williams wailing on a gospel tune, Lindsey Fileccia cannily elevating the intensity of a romantic tune, Levingston revealing Jim's passion, and Levingston and Kalmbach harmonizing. Gentry Williams was a winning dancer and singer as Tom Sawyer. And the whole company rocked on "The Royal Nonesuch."

One wishes there was a way to magically improve the teens' enunciation.

But the acoustics of the Southfield's new theater are helpfully lively. The Americana music of William Parsons' seven-piece band, located behind the stage, added richness to the show.

Big River is a vast production but Watson and the SLTA team were successful in making the performance roll like a wheel. If you enjoy seeing the young stars of tomorrow hitting their early marks, you'll particularly enjoy this evening of musical theater.

Tickets: $10, $18.
SLTA box office, noon to 4 pm: 424-4439.
Southfield School, 1100 Southfield Road
Shreveport, LA 71106

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Moved to B'nai Zion Temple: talk by science writer Michael Sims @ Magnet High on Thurs, Feb 11


Michael Sims @ Magnet
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Inasmuch as Caddo Schools facilities are closed Thurs afternoon and Fri, the Mary Jane Malone lecture series speaker, author Michael Sims, will give his public talk at B'nai Zion Temple, 245 Southfield Road
Shreveport, LA 71105-3608
(318) 861-2122.

The lecture is free and open to all.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Requiescat in pace, Donna W Moore, Shreveport, 1956 - 2010

Artist Donna Waylene Moore has passed away following a severe illness, said Chuck Loridans. A resident of Shreveport, Moore was born in 1956.

The Strand Theater is the site of an enduring collection of her work. In the upper reaches of the walls of the Strand are panels depicting the Muses. Moore was commissioned to paint the images of the Muses during the Strand's renovation.

Moore was an an analytical feminist who was, additionally, a warm and positive presence in the Highland community.

Her art, though, offered a biting critique of America's lack of balance in regards the lives of women. Her images also explored sexuality, sexiness and sexual roles.

She and the late Donna Service(1964 - 2004) created D2, an artistic partnership that resulted in numerous satiric performances and feminist art installations in regional galleries during the 1980's. In a photo shot by Michael G Moore at the SRAC West Edge performances, her sense of humor is well apparent; she is performing in a pirate show dressed in tunic, garters and white hose, sporting a large strap-on beard and swinging a plastic sword.

To make memorial gifts in honor of Donna please contact Mischa Farrell 318-564-1565.

Said Farrell, "We will be planning a suitable all encompassing memorial, however, in the meantime we are trying to hang a very limited engagement show of her paintings at Meadows Museum next week."

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Laconic yet expressive Colin Firth as directed by Tom Ford in A Single Man continues to Feb 18 at Robinson Film Center


Colin Firth and Tom Ford
Originally uploaded by karon.liu
A Single Man, the quietly absorbing story of a day in the life of an English professor, a gay English professor, continues through Feb 18 at Robinson Film Center.

I recommend it highly.

It is rated R. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. The film features much smoking and drinking, adult expletives and a wealth of shoulders, backs, eyes and buttocks in place of breasts.

99 minutes.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Look for the Fleur de Lis: topical tune by Kathryn Hobgood Ray and the Sham Rockers, New Orleans

From former Shreveporter Katy Hobgood Ray and friends comes a tuneful Celtic piece called "Look for the Fleur de Lis." Here tis on Youtube.

When Sir Bienville found the spot to start a colony/ He impaled a flag at the crescent bend on the Mississippi/ And what were the words Bienville wrote informing the Company?/ The very same Sean Payton said to a kicker named Garrett Hartley./

Look for the Fleur de Lis! Look for the Fleur de Lis!/ That sign is our goal, the sign of our soul/ Look for the Fleur de Lis!/

Once you've been to New Orleans, you know its worth fighting for/ Such joy you'll feel to be alive -- your heart cries out for more/ We wear our hearts upon our sleeves for all the world to see/ Sewn on our flags, tattooed on our flesh, the mighty fleur de lis/

Notes the singer, "We were at a little studio uptown owned by the local band Chef Menteur... there were 4 guitars, a banjo, mandolin, beer bottles and various percussion, snare, bass, and me on fiddle. It happened fast! Oh, and Johnny Wessler's niece Lauren, a rollergirl here, is my fellow singer. "

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Animation ratcheting at Shreveport's Moonbot Studios; Oldenburg blogging the filming of A Lunar Art Adventure


moonbotstudios.blogspot.com
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Fellow robo-beings of the universe!" says Brandon Oldenburg, "We are now in the stage of (mostly) filming our first big project here at MOONBOT. We have an amazing team, lots of artists, builders, lighters, computer nerds, and a couple savvy directors bullying us around.

Here are a few shots of today's work. We will continue to reveal behind-the-scenes shots and production stills for your enjoyment at Moonbotstudios.blogspot.com. "

Sheveport Who Dat Rally at Govt Plaza, downtown, on Fri, Feb 5, 4:00 to 7 pm: music by Robin & the Bluebirds

Mayor Cedric Glover and Robin & the Bluebirds will whoop it up in downtown Shreveport on Fri afternoon, 4:00 to 7 pm, says Bruce Flett.

Stage and lights will be at Government Plaza, Travis St, for a pep rally honoring the New Orleans Saints and recognizing the Who Dat energy in Shreveport.

Prepare to second line in the street with music from Flett's seven-piece Mardi Gras group.

SLTA's Big River / Huckleberry Finn @ Southfield School PAC Feb 11 - 21


SLTA @ Southfield School PAC
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Shreveport Little Theater's biggest musical in years," says Darrow. Reservations: 318 424 4439.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

SciPort: audience participation in program on Black influence in music & dance on Feb 5, 12, 26 & 27

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will celebrate Black History Month in February through four presentations that invite audience participation as they explore Black Influence in Music and Dance.

Developed and led by Sci-Port’s Greg Andrews, programs include:
* Wit with Words - Freestyle
Friday, February 5, 11 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Visitors will test their skills in rhythm, rhyme and freestyling. A popular trend in the music world, freestyling also tests the use of the English language, coherency, memory and quickness of brain power.

* Steppin’ it Out!
Friday, February 12, 11 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Visitors can bring a simple clap, stomp and slide to generate a flow of dance moves that get the whole audience involved.

* Stop, Pop and Roll With It!
Friday, February 26, 11 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.
This program will explore the history of Black Americans who have contributed to and revolutionized dancing, including James Brown and Michael Jackson. The importance of coordination and aerobic exercise and the body parts and muscles that facilitate dance movement will also be examined.


* Putting It All Together
Saturday, February 27, 1:30 p.m.
Highlights of the previous three programs will be presented and visitors can share a freestyle rhyme or any form of dance movement.

(318) 424-3466, toll-free (877) 724-7678 or see www.sciport.org

80's musical The Wedding Singer @ the Strand Theater on Fri, Feb 5, 8 pm


Wedding Singer @ Strand
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Rock star wannabe Robbie Hart is everyone’s favorite wedding singer, the life of the party — until his fiancée leaves him at the altar. Crushed, Robbie makes every wedding a disaster.

Enter Julia, a sweet-tempered waitress who wins his affection, but who is about to be married to a Wall Street shark. Unless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will disappear.

The Wedding Singer has been nominated for numerous Tony Awards and has a score that pays homage to pop songs of the 1980's.

Performance: Fri, Feb 5, 8 pm
Tickets: $59, 49, 36.00
Email: strand@thestrandtheatre.com
Phone: (318) 226-8555
Phone: 1-800-313-6373

Adds the Strand's Sara Hebert: "I promise there will be plenty of big 80's hair and new wave ballads for everyone. With all those crowds going see 80's cover bands bands like the Molly Ringwalds at the casinos, those children of the 80's are going to inhale The Wedding Singer."

Check out The Wedding Singer on video.