Social fear run amok: Arthur Miller's The Crucible directed by Heather Peak Hooper at SLT Dec 3 - 7

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible: the historic drama, will be directed for Shreveport Little Theater by Heather Peak Hooper. It is an American classic about fear and suspicion run amok. Written as an allegory of the 1950’s hunt for communists, Miller’s dramatization of the Salem witch trials of 1692 continues to resonate with generations since.

The cast, which seems to have found a balance between capable youths and proven veterans, includes Emma Cate Dailey, Robin Smith, E. Grace Rambo, Lorna Street Dopson, Maddie Tinsley, Logan Barbee, John Bogan, Caroline Paxton, London Todd, Stephen Scarlato, Camille Gladney Schmoutz, Rick Stovall, Rachel Havird, Erik Champney, Kate Gilbert, Tony Hobson, Jeff Baker, and Courtney Loggins.

In addition to Hooper, the creative team includes Regina Price,stage manager, David White, lighting designer, Chris Gonzales, set designer, Su Stella, scenic artist, Phil Stewart, sound, and Peggy San Pedro, costumer.

The Crucible is scheduled for December 3, 4, 5, 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. and December 6 and 7, 2014 at 2 p.m. at SLT.

All tickets are $17; group rates are available.

Soaring voices: performance of the Messiah, Centenary College, Shreveport, Sun, Nov 3, 3 pm

Hiking and biking along the Red River: two recommended riparian realms

The Coates Bluff Trail, almost hidden in East Shreveport, and the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Trails, relatively new and almost hidden in Bossier City, are a winter priority. Both can be helpfully identified on Google maps.

The Coates Bluff Trail is a quarter-mile path and can be leisurely hiked to and fro in 45 minutes. There are two entrance points. One is at the Montessori School for Shreveport (2605 CE Galloway Blvd, adjacent to Anderson Ave) parking lot that faces Sevier St. The trail runs alongside Anderson Bayou and goes north.

The entrance at the north end of the trail is near the corner of Olive St and Viking Drive. Parking at the Valencia Community Center is a good idea. The entrance to the path is near the Valencia Community Garden. Go to the corner of the open property and you will see a gate in the chain link fence. Past that gate is the trail.

Maurice Loridans, member of A Better Shreveport and one of the informal custodians of the Coates Bluff Trail, says, "When you find a junked Monte Carlo half-buried in the slough, you've found a bridge that will take you to the newer section of Coates Bluff Trail." Loridans built the wooden tongue that extends from the windshield area of the wreck to the bank. He adds, "The new trail runs parallel to the original path but on the higher side of the bank along the old bayou."

The archaic bayou that forms the basis for the Coates Bluff Trail is Bayou Pierre. It was an active waterway when the course of the Red River was compromised by the log jam called the Great Raft by the Caddo Nation.

Feico Kempff, who is another maintainer and mapper of the trail, says "If you strike out north of the Monte Carlo bridge you will be on what I call the Red River Link. It's a an unimproved trail that can be enjoyed by the more adventurous types."

To reach the several woods trails of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge (150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, 318-742-1219), take the Teague Parkway south of the Jimmie Davis Bridge. In about 1 mile you will see the entrance to the RRNWR on the right.

The RRNWR Center is a sustainable-model building filled with well-designed displays (love the giant garfish) that teach the flora and fauna of the region. Here you can pick up a map that will help you negotiate several paths.

Alternative shopping in Shreveport: Small business welcome mat downtown on Sat, Nov 29, 10 am to 6 pm

- Norsworthy Gallery – 10% off any purchase.
- On Time Fashion – 40% – 60% off suits & 2 piece suits; Some shoes – 50% off.
= Martha’s Hallmark – Purchase a tote bag for $5.99 and anything you can put inside is 20% off (excludes Hallmark ornaments); Dessert plate on stand free with $35 purchase or $7.95; Lots of bargains and specials storewide.
- Robinson Film Center– $10 credit for every $40 gift certificate purchased. $200 purchase limit.
- The Agora Borealis- big trunk show featuring sale pricing, lagniappes, drawings, and samples! Come meet the artists and check out the locally made art and goods Sheveport-Bossier has to offer. See more information here.
- Bayou Some Junque-20% off all antiques, 2-for-1 turkey and ham sandwiches.
- Hippie Baby- 20% off lillébaby Carriers, 20% off Rumparooz and GroVia Buy 2 Get 1 Free. See the flyer here -Hippiebaby_Small Business Saturday.
- Lena’s Shoes- $10 additional off all shoes discounted 50%.
- Holiday Market Pop UP at Red River District- Deals Aplenty. See them right here.


See more at DDA.

Where to walk and bike around Thanksgiving: Red River National Wildlife Refuge, Teague Parkway, Bossier City

"Kinglets, brown creepers, white-throated sparrows, winter wrens and juncos can only be seen in the south during winter," says Terri Jacobsen of Red River National Wildlife Refuge. "Migrating ducks like Northern shovelers, green-winged teal and gadwell fly south to spend winters on Refuge waters."

"Be sure to take a break from the bustle of the holiday season to enjoy nature’s gifts," reminds Jacobsen.

"Refuge buildings are closed on Thanksgiving but the property is open to visit during daylight hours."

See more about RRNWR.

Photo Ronnie Maum.

Chamber music: Elizabeth O' Bannon accompanied by Kermit Poling at St George's Episcopal on Sun, Nov 30, 2 pm

Violinist Elizabeth O'Bannon will perform "Inward Journeys" in the sanctuary of St. George's Episcopal Church, 1959 Airline Drive in Bossier City. The concert, part of the St. George's Bossier Masterworks Series, takes place on Sun, Nov 30, at 2 pm. It is free and open to the public.

Featured music on the program will include Vaughan Williams' "The Lark Ascending", one of the most beautiful and meditative works for violin, says Kermit Poling. Composer and musician Poling will accompany Ms. O'Bannon on piano and organ.

318746-2571 or 318-573-6513; kermitpoling@gmail.com

Call to artists for WPA style posters on the theme of See America

President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) created the first See America poster series, featuring locations that might increase tourism and stimulate the economy after the Great Depression.

Centenary’s Design Communication students will select the WPA's See America posters to be displayed in the Meadow galleries Feb 28 - May 2. Additionally, there is a call to artists for "See America" posters.

"Students may submit, as well as artists of all ages and backgrounds," says Lisa Nicoletti. The deadline for inclusion in the exhibit is Dec. 20.

"Every design submitted will appear digitally in the Meadows' exhibit and on the Creative Action Network's website," says Nicoletti. "Some will additionally be selected for printing and prominent display at the Meadows. The Creative Action Network also provides a royalty to artists whose designs are popular and get ordered by others. A percentage of those proceeds also goes to support the conservation of our national parks."

Alternative Thanksgiving for Shreveport: Bicyclists meet at 3 pm, Fri, Nov 28, Columbia Park, to ride Cranksgiving

Shreveport's Inaugural Cranksgiving is a two-wheel banquet that has been infused with butter, herbs and sweat.

"Meet us at Columbia Park to ride out at 3pm," says Stephen Pederson.

"It’s simple. Bring your bike, some cash (we’ll get to that a little later) and probably a coat, socks and you know, stuff so you’re not cold. We’ll head over to the grocery store and buy items for those in need (it’s the reason for the season). Things like soap, deodorant, can goods, etc. The items will be donated to The Philadelphia Center."

"We know your bike has a basket or you have a backpack in which to carry those items. We’ll then pedal to Great Raft Brewing to drop off donations, drink beer and listen to local live music."

Entertainment at Great Raft Brewing, 5-10 PM:
Alexandra McCullough
The Devil Anse
The Dubonauts
Madeline & Shay with Michael Brown
The Bristol Hills

Oil Pollution Awareness Month in Louisiana? Yes; listen to testimony in Columbia Park, Shreveport, at 2 pm, Mon, Nov 24

Across the Bayou Oil State people are mobilizing to find a compromise between the interests of big oil - and the checks written to a huge part of the Louisiana population - and the interests of the environment - especially in regards coming generations.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade, GreenARMY, Captain Planet, and Louisiana Progress Action are hosting a gathering in Columbia Park on Mon, Nov 24, at 2:00 PM, to speak to the environmental abuses caused by oil producers. Interestingly, Mayor Cedric Glover issued a proclamation for the city of Shreveport recognizing November as Oil Pollution Awareness month, says Frances Kelley.

"The Louisiana Bucket Brigade will release a Calumet Accident Report detailing accident numbers for 2013 to Shreveport residents concerned about the impacts of pollution on their air and health. Community members will rally demanding greater industry accountability and political action to protect the environment. Citizens will also ask for greater investment by Louisiana in clean energy to protect the health of communities and the climate," says Kelley.

Oil Pollution Awareness Month (OPAM) comprises a series of events in several cities around the state to highlight the economic, health, and environmental impacts of oil pollution.

Absorb image energy from Meadows Museum, Shreveport, via three glowing exhibits

Two photography exhibits make Meadows, on the edge of Centenary College campus, one of the very appealing art exhibits this month.

The work of much-published, Texas-based photog Keith Carter is there. Mysterious people and equinal, primal forces will be discerned in his work.

Waiting to grab viewers are historic captures of Louisiana life in 1937 - crawfish, rice and LSU - by O. Winston Link.

Organic sculptures made of glass are the work of Kathleen Elliott. Leaves, fruit, pods, and flowers are reimagined into new species.

Meadows is open Sat, Nov 22, 12 - 4 p.m. Closed Sun and Mon. Tues, Nov 25, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Nov. 26 - Dec. 1

Golden emanations from ginormous gongs at Calanthean Canyon; Tatsuya Nakatani and Royal Percussion Society of Shreveport

Lane Bayliss strained to produce a pure if enormous note by bowing the edge of a giant bronze gong on Thurs night. A circle of gleaming suspended gongs and players surrounded percussion master Tatsuya Nakatani, the guest artist. Adam Davis bowed a gong, as did Jesse Gabriel, AJ Haynes, Zach Friday and Tom Fasho. On a catwalk atop the site was a gong being played by Pete Fetterman.

With slashing signals from his hands and arms, Nakatani conducted the performance while drumming.

The night air was damp in Calanthean Canyon on ancient Texas Ave under the shadow of the historic Calanthean Temple. Yet quiet, worshipful watchers filled the many nooks on the site. Lighted to maximize drama, the site was also rife with stealthy photographers.

The droning and blooming bronze discs gave forth a train-like sound akin to a roomful of singing bowls.

The New Orleans Airlift team of Delaney Martin and Taylor Lee Shepherd, original architects of the musical houses at Calanthean Canyon, produced the event. It was underwritten by Pam Atchison and Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

The Nakantani and friends performance was one of pure sonic artistic ambition.

Butterman on the music at 6:45 pm on SSO concert night, Sat, Nov 22, Riverview Theater

In his pre-concert talk Michael Butterman will demonstrate a lot of the characteristics owned by the late Leonard Bernstein. 'Tis an urbane experience.

Cream and salt, science and art: hand-made ice creams by Fleur de Creme in Red River District through Dec 20, 10 am to 6 pm

"We have a salted sweet caramel flavor" says Summer Black of Fleur de Creme ice cream, "to create a sweet and a savory sensation on the palate." Not only does it add to the sensuality of the treat, "it leaves a person kind of desiring more because both sides of the palate are being sensitized."

"I can have fun making ice cream," continues Black, "but it is truly a science. And it's really an art."

Listening to Black and husband Jayson Salter explain the background of their ice cream making is part of the fun in visiting Fleur de Creme. Their current location is under the Texas St Bridge, the Red River District, through Dec 20 - from 10 am to 6 pm. Single scoop, $3, double, $5.

Gong demonstration with Tatsuya Nakatani at MLP, Wed, Nov 19, 7 pm; all ages and free; performance at Calanthean Canyon Thurs, Nov 20, 7 - 9 pm

"Lecture, demonstration, and master class by Tatsuya Nakatani at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, 2911 Centenary Blvd, on Wed. Nov. 19, 7pm. All ages & Free," says Adam Davis.

"Nakatani and 7 Shreveport players will be performing his orchestral arrangement at Calanthean Canyon, 1001 Texas Ave, Thurs. Nov. 20, 7-9pm. All ages and free. Outdoor event so space heaters will be provided," adds Davis.

Urban rehab by Roland Von Kurnatowski: Lofts @ 624 Texas St at lease

Tipitina's Foundation founder Roland Von Kurnatowski, an urban turn-around specialist who, for example, announced in Jan the purchase and plans to renovate the Orpheum Theater, New Orleans, has completed renovation of the stylish former Sears Bldg, corner of Louisiana and Texas St, Shreveport. Each week we hear reports that he is busily filling the building's retail space with cool tenants. See more at lofts@624.

Into the vibratory woods with Tatsuya Nakatani at Calanthean Canyon, Shreveport, on Thurs, Nov 20, 7 pm

"Visceral, non-linear and intuitively primitive, expressing an unusually strong spirit while avoiding any categorization," is what people say about percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani. He will perform in Shreveport on Thurs, Nov 20, at Calanthean Canyon, says Pam Atchison.

"He creates sound via both traditional and extended percussion techniques, utilizing drums, bowed gongs, cymbals, singing bowls, metal objects and bells, as well as various sticks, kitchen tools and homemade bows," says his bio.

Calanthean Canyon, 1001 Texas Avenue, is adjacent to the 4-story Calanthean Temple. It is a hidden but magical village where the structures make musical sounds. Constructed under the aegis of New Orleans' Airlift, a large number of Shreveport's underground artists participated in the sawing, hammering and welding. The project was a part of Shreveport Regional Arts Council's UnScene series.

Because it has a limited seating area, is an outdoor experience and because of the designers' emphasis on raw sound experience, the site has hosted performances sporadically. Yet it is a jewel of Texas Ave. This show is highly recommended.

Logan Sledge debuts as director at MLP with Alburn drama, Proof; performances Th, Nov 13, through Sun, Nov 16

In a black box theater at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse the award-winning drama Proof will be performed by a 4-person cast, says director Logan Sledge. Performances are Thurs, Nov 13, to Sat, Nov 15, at 8 pm. There is a 2 pm performance on Sun, Nov 16.

"I was drawn to this play primarily because it is one of those pieces that present an incredible opportunity for actors," said Sledge. "The situation that David Auburn has created for his characters is one in which the stakes are incredibly high. Auburn does not use spectacle to create intrigue. Instead, he uses the psychological needs of the characters to drive his story forward."

A talk-back session will follow the performance on Fri, Nov 14. Participants will include Sledge, associate professor of mathematics Dr. Katherine Brandl, director of counseling services Tina Feldt, and Dr. Keith Kessel, MD.

SeeTickets online.

Beethoven and Mozart performance by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sat, Nov. 22, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

Join 2013 Wideman Piano Competition Gold Medalist Yegeny Yontov for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and the SSO in Mozart’s joyous Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter,” says Michael Butterman.

Sat, Nov 22, 7:30 pm, RiverView Theater. Tickets.

The SSO board recently announced that Michael Butterman has extended his contract as music director with the orchestra for an additional four years, a commitment that takes him through the 2017-18 season.

Also: The Noel Foundation, Inc. Chamber Music Series performance is Sun, Nov 23, 3 pm and features Yevgeny Yontov, piano. There is no charge for the concert, to be held at Anderson Auditorium, Centenary College.

Highland Jazz and Blues Fest parking? Bicycle or complimentary iShuttle from Mall St Vincent on Sat, Nov 15, noon to 5 pm

With the success of the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest (Sat, Nov 15, 12 to 5) has come parking problems for the surrounding homeowners.

Says Kenney Koonce, "Area law enforcement will be looking for people parking illegally along the streets and at area businesses. Remember, we want the festival to be an asset to the neighborhood. Please do not park in a manner that prevents our neighbors from conducting their lives as normal. Meaning, do not park at area businesses or where blocking traffic."

So the HJBF will continue to offer free alternatives. "If you arrive by car, plan to park at Mall St Vincent and take the free iShuttle in heated comfort. You'll be dropped off right inside the grounds," says Koonce.

This year bicyclists will have a parking rack courtesy of River City Cycling. Seek the bike park near the Creswell St entrance.

"There's no curbside parking in the neighborhood anymore?" asked one observer. Replied city councilman Jeff Everson, "There is, but it runs out quick!"

Documentary on East Texas photographer Keith Carter on Thurs, Nov 6, 7:30 pm, Robinson Film Center; meet and greet Carter

The Photographer's Series: Keith Carter (USA, 2006. Dir. John Spellos. 60 mins. In English.)

This documentary presents a comprehensive overview of internationally acclaimed photographer Keith Carter. A native of East Texas, Carter shoots black and white images of small Texas towns, landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and interiors -- images that have resulted in ten books and hundreds of exhibitions world-wide. Keith Carter will be present for questions and answers after the film.

Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm.

RFC.

Realist artists Jim Huckabay, Dave Ivey at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum; reception Sun, Nov 16, 2 to 4 pm

"The Friends of Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is hosting a reception and exhibit for me and fellow artist Dave Ivey," says artist Jim Huckabay. Reception is Sunday, November 16, 2-4 p.m. at the museum, 3015 Greenwood Road. "We'll each feature 25 pieces— most are our latest paintings. There are original framed works, but signed and numbered giclee prints will also be available. If you can't attend the reception, our work is on display (and on sale) through December 30 in the West Wing Gallery during regular business hours." More at huck.focus@att.net.

Art, the Joyce-Oldenburg Dalmatian, unveiled at the corner of Crockett and Common St, Shreveport, Th, Nov 6, 6 - 8 pm

"The centerpiece for the exterior of the Central Artstation is an 18' Dalmatian named Art who will welcome visitors to exhibitions and presentations," says Pam Atchison. "ART is a gift from William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg and MoonBot Studios with funding from the Educational Foundation of America." Join Atchison, the Moonbots and downtowners for the official lighting of fiberglass Art on Th, Nov 6, 6 - 8 pm. Btw, the dots light to recognize donors. Your donation of $101 will put you and your family on Art.

Red River Clean-up on Sat, Nov 8, Stoner Boat Launch; 8 am til noon

More info.

Thirty Louisiana artists on Texas St at Norsworthy Gallery; reception Sun, Nov 9, 2 to 4 pm

Thirty Louisiana artists show recent work in all sizes and media.

Reception on Sun, Nov 9, 2 - 4 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and libations, says Chris Bailey.

Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.

Comestibles at the corner of Crockett and Common Nov 3 - 7, plus art and entertainment, Shreveport Common

Garden of the Fugitives, aka poetry reading, Central Artstation, Mon, Nov 3, 5 to 7 pm

"Pop Up Poetry," Mon evening, Nov. 3, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Central Artstation (not artspace). Readers include Katie Bickham, Ashley Mace Havird, Melvin Lars, Dorie LaRue, Mike Sledge, Karen Wendt, Crystalyn Whitaker, and Steve Zihlavsky (The Anomalous Brush). Ashley will be signing copies of her new collection, The Garden of the Fugitives.

NYC street artist Patrick-Earl Barnes at Central Art Station; party Tues, Nov 4, 5 to 7 pm

"Patrick-Earl Barnes will exhibit in the Central Artstation Lobby from Mon, Nov. 3, to Fri, Nov. 7th" says Kelly Rich. "There will be Foodie PopUp projects in and around Central Artstation all week. The Barnes Shotgun House Art reception is Tuesday night, Nov 4, from 5-7."

Above is the SoHo store front where Barnes sells his art on weekends. Born and raised in Shreveport, he explains to one and all the background of the shotgun house.

Return-to-original-size Texas Ave Makers Fair on Sat, Nov 8, 2014, Shreveport, 10 am to 4 pm

"Nov 8, 10am - 4pm. Three events in one: Texas Avenue Makers Fair (original or repurposed) Vintage Village (yep, cool stuff not repurposed or original) and Mini Makers (the happy meal crowd)," says Dan Keele.

"This event is going to be superb," continues Keele. "We have spent days, literally, reviewing who is coming, what they're bringing. We have commitments for two outstanding anchors for Vintage Village. The MiniMakers area will have at least 3 activity areas, with take-home to show Mama what Daddy and I did. I'm so excited I can't sleep (that, and answering hundreds of emails to make it work.) Special thanks to Monty Walford and Catherine Kennedy and some other folks at SPAR and behind the scenes getting us ready logistically."

The future? "We're doing TAMF in The Big Event with our partners April 11, 2015, but this smaller, more intimate TAMF will set the bar for the Fall, as we recapture our original feel and add two new events alongside."

More fair info at Eventbrite and Facebook.

Shreveport Regional Arts Council is producing music for the TAMF:
11:00AM - 11:45AM (Stage A)
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet
12:30PM - 1:15PM (The Portal Sculpture)
Luther Cox, Inter City Row Modern Dance Co.
12:30PM - 1:15PM (Stage B)
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet
1:30PM (Calanthean Canyon)
Angelique Feaster & Mahogany Ensemble Theatre
3:15PM - 4:00PM (Stage at the Portal)
Luther Cox, Inter City Row Modern Dance Co.

Nia Savoy and live orchestra revive The Wiz at Caddo Magnet HS on Nov 5, 6 and 7, 6:30 pm

Well-rehearsed student drama at Magnet featuring the superbly talented Nia Savoy: it's The Wiz. Tickets $12 and 6 (10 and 5 in advance). 318 221 2501.

Also, check out guitarist Matthew Davidson, a member of the orchestra.