Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Meet a world of neat people: volunteer with Shreveport Farmer's Market, opening Sat, June 1, Shreveport

"We still have volunteer opportunities available for June 1," says Noma Fowler-Sandlin. "We need counters, and carry-out. Call 455-5788, or email farmersmarket@redriverrevel.com. We'd love to have your help!"

Singer, multi-instrumentalist Theresa Andersson @ Fairfield Studios, Shreveport, on Sat, June 1, 7 pm

Theresa Andersson is one of the most musical beings we will ever meet.

Inside her appealing head are the rhythms of Sweden, her home, New Orleans, her adopted home, and maybe even Shreveport, her Ratchet Home.

Thus she frequently begins a song with drum beats. She instantaneously records the percussion patterns so that she can add melody atop the beat.

Andersson's melodic tools are many: violin, guitar, record samples, fingers, and above all, voice. She can sing Euro style or she can dig in and wail, Louisiana-style. She records her own harmonies as needed (the technique is called looping).

She draws her compositions from cosmic sources: Mahalia Jackson, Bobbie Gentry, Satchmo, her washing machine.

Andersson's tunes are uplifting and danceable; they are simultaneously simple and complex. As a global performer - frequently touring Europe - she is accessible, warm and understanding.

Her show at Fairfield Studios is highly recommended.

Sat, June 1, 7 pm
1510 Fairfield Ave
$20 (cash only, please)
shreveporthouseconcerts.org, reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
318 933-2514 (Please leave a message).

Friday, May 24, 2013

Adrian Gallegos, Maddison Gilcrease lead Academy of Children's Theater in salsa, hip-hop and jazz in musical In The Heights @ MLP, June 7-8, 14-15, 7 pm

The Academy of Children’s Theatre will present the smash Broadway hit musical, In the Heights, June 7-8 and 14-15, at 7:00 p.m. at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on the Centenary College campus, says Lauren Ross Wooley.

- Directed by Cynthia Hawkins Whitaker with co-direction and choreography by Lauren Ross Wooley. Musical direction is by Daniel Ley with sets by Zac Blackwell.

The cast: Adrian Gallegogos, Maddison Gilcrease, Juan Aguillar, Jan Reedy, Earleen Bergeron, Nia Savoy, Carter Whitaker, Thomas Keys, Meagan Tinsley, Madeline Wagnon and Kaelon Gerard.

Tickets: 318-869-5242
$15, students and $25, adults.
Language not appropriate for children under 12.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Austin Laenger, Clare Shelborne. Zoey Lex, Matthew Torma: The Wedding Singer, Shreveport Little Theater Academy, May 23 - 26

Top teens in the Shreveport Little Theater Academy present The Wedding Singer, May 23 - 25, 7:30 pm, and May 26, 2 pm

Shreveport Little Theatre
812 Margaret Place
318-424-4439

Austin Laenger Robbie
Clare Shelburne Julia
Zoey Lex Holly
Matthew Torma Sammy
Milla Gonzalez George
Taylor Wilmore Glen
Madeline Collier Linda
Avery Mayes Angie
Lisa Ann Kemper Rosie

Ensemble
Chris White
Leslie Townsend
Joey Bills
Ricky Bills
William Windham
Julianne Bigham
Lauren Hollins
Alex Moody
Maggie Boston
Elizabeth Smith
Bethany San Pedro

Technical
Andrew Ray Director
Laura Beeman Choreographer
Katie Mook Music Director
Allison Hannon Stage Manager
Ridley Walker Lighting Operator

Christus Schumpert on Margaret Place: a vast health care center announces a shutdown; the community begs for a compromise

Dear Stephen Wright and the Christus Schumpert board:

Health care management is a monstrous job. I appreciate the difficult task on your desk.

But I beg your your reconsideration in the closing of the huge Margaret Place facility.
The loss of that service center and those jobs is going to be devastating to Highland and Shreveport.

I hereby request that you open up a window of strategy to the effect of How CS plans to Keep Alive part of the MP facility.

Your precipitous announcement of the closing (not even warning City Councilman Jeff Everson, for instance) lets the public know that you feel sheepish about the closing.

Transparency in your decision making - reasons for the closing plus figures to back them up - is not something Louisianians expect. But an ethical organization ought to feel obligated to offer details to the community and its leaders. No matter how embarrassing. And there's an obligation - if you're a soulful organization, which I believe you are - to work with them to seek compromises in the revamping.

Here I call upon the mayor and city council to work with CS in this transition. We are, gentlemen, all in this together.

Free enterprise is not entirely free. I respectfully request a forum for the investigation of this horrendous shift of business. I hope to see city leaders and CS address this closing with options open.

The zipless announcement of "We're outta here" is not good enough.

regards,
Robert E Trudeau

Monday, May 20, 2013

Christus Schumpert to close vast complex on Margaret Place; end of an era and blow to Highland

Marler-Trudeau-Schumpert by trudeau
Marler-Trudeau-Schumpert, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"Definitely saddened to hear the closure of Christus St. Mary on Margaret Place," said Jeff Everson on Facebook. "This is a huge loss to Central Shreveport/Highland, and the NWLA healthcare sector. It sits just a few blocks from the empty and abandoned Doctors hospital. I hate to hear this."

Judy Williams responded, "Christus has hired a firm, Dynamis, that specializes in helping companies repurpose buildings. They will be meeting with the community to determine community needs and hope to find new uses for the St. Mary campus."

Jeff Everson: "Thanks for letting me know, Judy. As the Council representative for St.Mary's campus, I feel a little blindsided by today's announcement."

Among the flood of remarks lamenting the decision, April Dahm said, "I'm tired of empty and abandoned buildings littering our city. I hope it can be repurposed and continue to be a diamond in the Highland and Fairfield neighborhoods. Sutton's Children's hospital made a horrible hospitalization for my daughter so much better. The environment alone could make a kid well again."

Yoga Jai: asanas in AC Steere Park at 3 pm Sun, May 26

Yoga Jai: in the park by trudeau
Yoga Jai: in the park, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Yoga Jai would like to invite you to yoga in the park Sunday, May 26th at AC Steere at 3:00!

Be sure to bring your mat, says Jill French Anderson, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily. We will have some mats available and some water. We will also have some blocks and straps!

Please try to arrive fifteen minutes before class starts to get settled and ready for class to begin.

We will be hosting a weekly Sunday class at 3:00pm appropriate for all ages and skill levels! But I would say the best for beginners!

All classes are donation based! Our donations for month of May go to HOPE for the Homeless!!! http://nwlahope.org/

Jimmy Lynch sings his point of view on the Mayor vs the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance

"Thank you, Jimmy Lynch, for making this appropriate song available to the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance. Thank you, Tom Pace, for the first public airing of this song. The images are predominantly from Dog Park support activities," says Marion Marks.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Shreveport Regional Arts Council Roster Artists meeting on Th, May 23, 4 pm, Central Artstation

SRAC's Roster Artists Meeting will be Thursday, May 23, at 4 p.m, says Vicki Marshall. Upstairs at Central Artstation, 801 Crockett Street; 318-673-6500.

If you are an accomplished artist and are interested in qualifying as a Roster Artist, see shrevearts.org or email vivkie@shrevearts.org.
That includes, of course, musicians, performance artists, video-based artists, writers and more.

Shreveport Little Theater Academy presents musical comedy The Wedding Singer on May 23 - 25, 7:30 pm, and May 26, 2 pm

Shure (mic) by XoDoS
Shure (mic), a photo by XoDoS on Flickr.


SLT's teen troupe presents The Wedding Singer under Andrew Dylan Wray, director,
Katie Mook, musical director, Laura M Beeman, choreographer, David White, lighting designer & Adam Boyd, set design.

May 23 - 25, 7:30 pm, and May 26, 2 pm
Shreveport Little Theatre
812 Margaret Place
318-424-4439

Saturday, May 18, 2013

"Around the World in One Note" Day Camp

Around the World in One Note Day Camp


Does your child have a wholesome education? How would you like to expand your child's diversity? Does your child have difficulty in their core subjects such as Math, English, Science and Social Studies? "Around the World in One Note" features a concentrated week of music study and enrichment for Musicologees (music learners) which includes a muilti-cultural study of a country and genre of music each day:  Asian, African, Hispanic, European and American. There will be a culminating performance at weeks end.

Enrollment is open to beginners, young musicians and vocalists. Students will have the opportunity to further their skills and love of music in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Musicology International has developed a reputation for its outstanding faculty, community atmosphere, performance and raising of educational test scores.
A concentrated week of intense study and enrichment for Musicologees (music learners) includes a multi-cultural study of core subjects, geography and performing arts in correlation to Common Core Standards Curriculum. There will be a culminating performance at week’s end. Enrollment to all learners with interest in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages and Performing Arts. Students will have the opportunity to further their skills and love of music in a fun and supportive atmosphere at Louisiana State University-Shreveport Campus. Musicology International has developed a reputation for its outstanding faculty, community atmosphere, performance and raising of educational test scores.

The mission of Musicology International is to educate, train and develop students using music as a catalyst. For the first time locally, the progressive, trademarked curriculum (Pianomatic) addresses a concept that focuses on the benefits of a diverse education —something that has proven results in raising intelligence and test scores in students.

You can contact Sereca Henderson at Musicology International by calling (318) 459-8211, or by email at
sereca.musicology@gmail.com.

RSVPs can be made through the Facebook Event page
Or register at the LSU-S signup page

Thursday, May 16, 2013

WTF Party on Sat, May 18, 6 pm, @ CoHab, benefits little rag called Shreveport Catalyst; all-ages show with music, art and vendors

Shreveport Catalyst's seasonal event showcasing local artists, makers, and musicians is called a WTF Party, says Spencer Teekell.

"We are documenting the events with video & photography, and uploading them to our website in a series about Shreveport's underground culture," says Christine Bradley.

Event is all ages with a $5 suggested donation.
CoHab is at 610 Commerce, half a block from Festival Plaza.

6:10- 6:40 Mr. Christopher
6:45- 7:15 Alexandra McCullough
7:25- 7:55 Street Rats String Band
8:05- 8:35 Don't Forget Your Dinosaur
8:45 - 9:30 Mikey Tyner
9:40 - 10:25 AJ Haynes
Alexandra McCullough Music Video Premiere
Some Weirdnessness by Ian Quiet
10:45- 11:45 Surprise Guest Rock Band in Heels.

Ian Quiet, Michael Bryant, Dacoda Montana,
Chris Alexander.

Alex Kenley Youngblood, Rachel Ellen McDonald, Ashley Dowden, Heather Evans, Halley Rachal, Jules Smith, Emily Daye, Robert E Trudeau, Jessica O'Donnell, Deborah Allen, Jennifer McCown, Kelsey McClure
Aw, Snap, Mallori Brandon, Sarah Lyles, Heather Evans, Micah Harold.

Day Old Blues Records
Circularity Hoops
Greenhouse Natural Products
Falling Embers
Some Like it Hot Food Truck

Sponsors include
Co-Habitat Shreveport
Thrifty Liquor
Fairfield Studios
Stir Tapas
Maccentric

Email info@shreveportcatalyst.com for more info on how You can help!

Step into a vibrant after-school program @ Renzi Education & Art Center, Shreveport

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Checking on the progress of local teens in art: reception for exhibit by students at Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport, at Meadows Museum of Art 5 to 7 pm Tues, May 14

Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport by trudeau
Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Pottery as well as paintings made by teens at Caddo Magnet will go on display at Meadows this week, says Diane DuFilho.

A string quartet and refreshments will bring civility to the reception on Tues, 5 to 7 pm.

Heather Scarano opens Olive St Thrift & Vintage @ 444 Olive St, Shreveport

"It's located at 444 Olive St, in Highland. The hours are 11-7. It's awesome," says designer vintage clothing maven Amy Lynn Treme.

When owner Heather Scarano relocated to Shreveport recently she quickly recognized that there weren't enough thrift shops for the population.

Scarano's mission at Olive St Thrift includes pet rescue.

http://olivestreetthrift.com/
and Facebook.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Chamber music by Mozart from the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sun, May 19, 3 pm, Anderson Auditorium, Centenary College

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra by trudeau
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The Shreveport Symphony’s new chamber music series, sponsored by The Noel Foundation Inc., continues with a free concert featuring SSO musicians on Sunday, May 19, 3 pm, says Lois Robinson.

The Chamber Concert will be performed in the
Anderson Auditorium at the Hurley School of Music, Centenary College.

It's an all-Mozart show and expected to run approximately one hour without intermission. The concert is free and open to the public, with general admission seating.

Shreveport Farmer's Market vendor map is interactive at www.shreveportfarmersmarket.com

"The interactive map on the website is up and running," says Noma Fowler-Sandlin. "There may still be some movement of vendors as opening day nears, but I will try to keep up with it. That will let you plan your attack!"

www.shreveportfarmersmarket.com

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Exploring one of Shreveport's almost-hidden resources: Cross Lake

A useful discovery: crosslakeshreveport.com.

Theater review: Blayne Weaver, Jason Guy, Patrick Kirton cut in River City Rep's production of Yasmina Reza's comedy, "Art"

Sharply-dressed men with whip-sharp articulation reconsider their friendships in River City Rep's comedy, "Art." In a superb ensemble performance, professional actors Blayne Weaver, Patrick Kirton and Jason Guy brought comedy and pathos to the stage at East Bank Theater on Sat night.

The brief (less than 90 mins, no intermission), action-packed and thought-provoking story about how well-educated guys make friendships was written by female playwright Yasmina Reza.

Timing was rapier-sharp on Saturday as Weaver and Kirton faced off like fencers. Jason Guy's show-stopping soliloquy was acrobatic and hilarious.

Performances continue Sun, May 12, 3 pm, and next week: Th, May 16, Fri, May 17 and Sat, May 18, 7:30 pm.

Highly recommended.

Direction and design: Patric McWilliams. Light design, Tristan Decker; set, Jim Hayes.

Tickets: $35, 318 868 588.
River City Rep @ East Bank Theater, 1302 Barksdale Blvd. Easy parking round back.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Three-part harmony folksters Brother Sun performs at Fairfield Studios House Concert Series, Sun, May 19, 7 pm

Brother Sun by folktraveler
Brother Sun, a photo by folktraveler on Flickr.

"National touring artists Joe Jencks, Greg Greenway and Pat Wictor have made their mark as veteran touring singer-songwriters. Fusing folk, Americana, blues, pop, jazz, rock, and a cappella singing, Brother Sun is an explosion of musical diversity and harmony, in the finest of male singing traditions," says their kit.

Fairfield Studios House Concert Series
$20 (cash only, please)

Reservations: shreveporthouseconcerts.org, reservations@fairfieldstudios.com Or 318 933-2514 and leave a message.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Art, a comedy by Yasmine Reza, by River City Rep at East Bank Theater May 9 - 18

Art Email Promo by trudeau
Art Email Promo, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The comedy "Art," which raises questions about art and friendship, concerns three long-time friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan, says Wikipedia.

Serge, indulging his penchant for modern art, buys a large, expensive, completely white painting. Marc is horrified, and their relationship suffers considerable strain as a result of their differing opinions about what constitutes "art." Yvan, caught in the middle of the conflict, tries to please and mollify both of them.

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Movie review: "Mud" a highly-recommended river tale starring McConaughey and Witherspoon

"Mud" is a new Matthew McConaughey-Reese Witherspoon movie set on a river much like the Red, in the woods much like those of Bossier and Caddo. A compelling adventure reminiscent of Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, the movie features 2 well-directed teens and a cast of characters evocative of people in and around Shreveport.

McConaughey is superb as "Mud," a guy who, for all his warmth and wisdom, has maybe 50% of life down tight.

The young teens, Ellis and Neckbone, are somehow as characterful as the adults.

For many the movie "Mud" will be a vivid reminder that unvarnished stories about redneck life in the hackberry and sycamore woods of NW Louisiana can be powerfully affecting. Of course, the key to making valuable entertainment, whether the tale takes place under the Dupont Fish Market or is set in and around the Hilton, is the writing.

The young writer-director of the movie, Jeff Nichols, is a lad that, said the NY Times, "Came into an undergraduate program having read almost all of Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy." Nichols apparently knows his Mark Twain and Eudora Welty inside and out, too.

Highly recommended.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

"Samuel's Ladder" a piece of the soul of artist Alan Dyson at East Bank Gallery in the month of May; party on Sat, May 11, 3 to 6 pm

"'Tablet' - improvisations with god - is a collection of new work made from construction materials - limestone panels, brick, dimension lumber, and paper," says multi-media artist Alan Dyson.

"Some materials, saved for years, bear the traffic marks of weather, vegetation, and mineral stains which i have responded to with watercolor, marker, and etching tools. The result is reminiscent of my daily piano improvisations - carefully, but randomly balanced, colorful and fun."

"The signature piece of the show," Dyson adds, "is a structure I am calling "Samuel's Ladder". It's a tower built like shoji screen panels - clad with photocopy enlargements of my father's hand-written sermon notes. It is illuminated on the inside much like a Japanese lantern. The sermon, from Corinthians, and the limestone panels bearing the marks of nature are the inspiration for the title 'Tablet'."

"This new collection utilizes the materials of my work as an architectural artist but feels like my musical meditations...only in stone, brick, and wood."

East Bank Gallery, Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Blvd, Tues-Sat, 11:00 am-6:00 pm or by appointment. 318-741-8310.

The Chi-chi Chihuahua Challenge on Sat, May 4: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Shreveport

Lake St Dance Hall music schedule, May, 2013

"Allons danser!"

Caddo Magnet HS students lead Young Artists Competition; performances by six teens Sun, May 5, 4 pm, LSUS UC Theater

Winners of the 2013 Young Artists Competition have been announced by Red River Radio. They will perform Sun, May 5, at 4 p.m. at the LSU Shreveport University Center Theater, says Kermit Poling.

This year's winners are:
Erik Eklund, age 15 from Ruston
Kelsi Cox, age 17 from Shreveport
Neil Nathan, age 15 from Shreveport
Sean Nathan, age 18 from Shreveport
Venkatesh Sivaraman, age 14 from Shreveport
Twila Gaston, age 18 from Baton Rouge

Works to be performed include selections by Ravel, R. Strauss, Kabalevsky, Sarasate, Brahms; and the song "A New Life" from Jekyll and Hyde.

The 4 Shreveport-based performers attend Caddo Magnet.

"The concert is free and open to all. Come share in their music and support these young artists. The concert will be recorded and broadcast at a later time," added Poling.