Frequent Flyer Aerialists will not fall upon the violinists of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sat, Nov 28, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

Mid-air muses the Frequent Flyer Aerialists will add excitement to the SSO performance of Appalachian Spring on Sat, Nov 28, says Michael Butterman. The SSO music director knows the acrobats from his residency in Boulder, where he is music director for the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra.

Highly recommended. As is the pre-concert talk by the articulate director.

Tickets.

From the Gourds to Shinyribs, Kevin Russell writes and sings effortlessly about the Deep South; catch him Thurs, Feb 26, Bears on Fairfield, Shreveport

"Shinyribs in Shreveport? Yes, indeed, this Thurs night, Feb 26, at Bears on Fairfield," says David M Green. "For those of you who don't know, Shinyribs is Kevin Russell and band."

"He's my old friend and band mate from the Picket Line Coyotes. This will be a fun night and I am looking so forward this show."

Liston to "Sweet potato" and more by Shinyribs.

Artists who donated to Cirque de Shreve, Meadows Museum benefit, get comp tickets to the historic drama Mr Turner, RFC; opens with talk and supper Fri, Feb 20

Iconic painter JMW Turner was both celebrated and reviled in his time. Thus the new Academy Award-nominated movie, "Mr. Turner." The 150 min. movie opens at Robinson Film Center on Fri, Feb 20, says Lisa Nicoletti, co-sponsored by The Friends of the Algur Meadows Museum and The Centenary Film Society.

Friends of the Meadows Museum, Artists Who Contributed to the Friends' Cirque de Shreve; and Centenary College community are admitted free – tickets courtesy of the Centenary Film Society.

A preview dinner at 5:30 pm on Fri, Feb 20,features speakers Lisa Nicolleti, Bruce Allen, and Jefferson Hendricks commenting on J. M. W. Turner's life, times, and artistic achievement. Cost is $30 or $22 to Friends and Artist contributors. The movie begins at 6:45 pm.

"Mr Turner" will be shown until Thurs, Feb 26, at the Robinson Film Center.

Thorazine shuffle in the Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport: Govt Mule performance Thurs, Ap 23

Liking Govt Mule is a bit like liking Harleys and the Prius in equal measure. Yes, Warren Haynes plays every blues rock cliche in the big book and uses a tonality that you've heard since the halcyon days of the Allman Bros. But he also composes very interesting songs like "Thorazine Shuffle" and "Beautifully Broken."

Me, I think he's a steaming avatar from the bleached jawbone of an unidentified biped who romped in the Olduvai.

Tipitina’s presents Gov’t Mule on Thursday, April 23, 2015, in the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.

$50 Floor, $45 Orchestra, $35 Balcony (Ticket prices do not include fees) Tickets: The CenturyLink Center Box office, All Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000. Starting March 2 – tickets will also be available for purchase at Shreveport Municipal Box office – weekdays.

Krewe of Highland parades Sun, Feb 15; 4-mile Shreveport party rolls at 2 pm

"Do what you want" is the Latin motto for the 2015 Krewe of Highland Parade, says LeVette Fuller. It rolls at 2 pm from the edge of Bayou Pierre at the corner of Fern, Gilbert and Ockley.

One of the more widely circulated questions of the year is whether Ringo Starr will jump upon a Beatle-themed float. He performs Fri, Feb 13, at the Riverdome. Alas, he is scheduled to perform in Birmingham on Sun, Feb 15, 8 pm, according to Ticketmaster.

Nonetheless, the Highland Parade is known for surprises and for general silliness. Parade watchers will be alert for almost any sort of shenanigans.



Krewe of Highland Parade Route 2015

Pedal the Gemini and Highland parade routes with Bike Shreveport on Feb 14, 15

Bike Shreveport is an informal, welcoming and diverse crew of riders taking advantage of the parade-ready streets as an avenue for 2-wheel fun.

Join Bike Shreveport for a ride on the Gemini route on Sat, Feb 14, 1 pm, at Great Raft Brewing. Join them for the Highland ride at Marilynn's Place on Sun, Feb 15, at noon.

Music, food, drink on historic Bayou Pierre after the Krewe of Highland Parade, Sun, Feb 15: Marilynn's Place Fest

Recommended community gathering.

Central Art Station, Shreveport Regional Arts Council: images by Byron Gates, Jr, with opening party Thurs, Feb 12, 5 pm - 7:30 pm

Master image maker Byron Gates, Jr, will display photos of the renovation and development of Central Artstation at that site, 801 Crockett St, says Pam Atchison. The opening party is Th, Feb 12, 5 - 7:30 pm.

Central Artstation is a jewel of re-purposing, with several million simoleons having been invested in maintaining the standards of the 1920's original. Downstairs is a well-outfitted and well-used black box theater (ex: Wayne White used it as a sculpture studio for several weeks). Upstairs are cool offices and a celestial meeting room. Truly, this is a downtown showcase for thoughtful design.

Outside is a 20-foot Dalmatian that brings to mind the RCA His Master's Voice canine, minus the gramophone. And at one corner is an obelisky fireman's tower, being renovated - and named the Kallenberg Tower for the family's donations - to add more coolness to the art center.

"Visitors unable to make the opening can visit the exhibition Mondays through Friday from 9 am - 5 pm," says Casey Jones.

Casey Jones, SRAC Marketing Director (318) 673-6500; casey@shrevearts.org

Blayne Weaver in River City Rep's 60's farce, Boeing Boeing, at East Bank Theater Feb 11 - 15

"River City Repertory Theatre's production of Boeing Boeing is a sexy romp of a comedy with a stellar cast," says Patti Reeves. "It's fun, frivolous and free from offensive language. All you need do is check your baggage (the cares of this world) and relax and enjoy," claims well-traveled actress Reeves. It was winner of the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2008.

Blayne Weaver, Anna Maria SparkeKeele, Cara Johnston and Susan Kirton.

East Bank Theatre. Tickets, $35. 318-868-5888.
Opens Feb 11 and runs thru Feb 15.
Online tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
rivercityrep.org

Benefit to defray costs of victims of Little Free Library brouhaha, Bears Shreveport. Wed, Feb 18, 8 pm

A musical fundraiser will take place on Ash Wed - Feb 18 - at Bears to help defray costs incurred by Ricky Edgerton and Teresa Edgerton Scott, horrendously targeted by absurd complainants and bureaucratic minions, says Gregg Pitts.

Music will roll from 8 P.M. until the ashes are ashes. The Devil Anse, Suite Harmony, Fiddlin' Tim Trio , Stiff Necked Fools will perform. Bon Temps Burlesque and Hips Hypnotic will perform, tooo. Donation of $5 at the door.

How should Shreveport celebrate the Grammy-winning artistry of drummer-composer Brian Blade?

Over the years Brian Blade's song titles have included steady shouts to Shreveport: "Red River Revel," "Stoner Hill," "Ark.La.Tex" and, in concert, "Kings Highway." In interviews as well as song titles - for the Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band - the drummer-composer never forgets the home town.

In the recent awarding of the Grammies, Blade and Fellowship were nominated in Best Jazz Instrumental. Alas, the win was taken by the Chick Corea Trio. But Blade was well recognized. As drummer for the Chick Corea Trio, he shared Grammy wins in Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Jazz Solo.

Those Grammies can remind young creative types growing up in North Louisiana that the sky is the limit in expressing their talent. Blade has grown up as a musician at Zion Baptist Church. He performed at Caddo Magnet HS and made serious connections when he lived in New Orleans and attended Loyola University.

So how does Shreveport properly say Congrats to the humble Blade? A downtown parade comes to mind. Yet I like even better a Blade-themed variety show. Wouldn't it be cool if local bands and singers learned some of Blade's songs - the melodies are distinct and elegant - and were able to perform them at a Spring fest or at a special gathering?

Here's hoping that the musical and civic leaders will share ideas and see whether Shreveport can offer an artful, fun-filled tribute to Blade.

Buried Elephant Comics kickstarter for Shreveport collective: last day

Jacob Robson started Buried Elephant as an attempt to unify artists through a DIY or grassroots approach. "I will do all in my power to complete projects. This project means a lot to me, and all of those involved," says Robison, a Centenary student.

Recommended!

Chamber music: John-Henry Crawford with an SSO ensemble at Anderson Auditorium on Sun, Feb 8, 3 pm

John-Henry Crawford, cellist, joins a chamber ensemble of top Shreveport Symphony Orchestra players on Sun, Feb 8, 3 pm, in Anderson Auditorium, Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd, says Lois Robinson. Crawford's recent concert with the SSO at Riverview Theater packed the house and inspired widespread jubilation.

Performers include Elizabeth O’Bannon, violin; Laura Crawford, violin; Sherri Fleshner, viola; John Henry Crawford, cello; Kristina Vaska-Haas, cello.

Schubert String Quintet in C Major, D. 956

Open to all at no charge by the The Noel Foundation, Inc. Chamber Music Series.

Oil paintings by Julie Crews at Wine Art Music event at 1800 Prime, Boomtown Casino, Th, Feb 5, 5:30 pm

Oil paintings by charming and masterful Ruston artist Julie Crews will be consumed along with wine and beef at the Bossier Arts Council Wine Art Music event slated on Thurs, Feb 5, at 5:30 pm. Music is by instrumental trio Twang Darkly. The site is Boomtown Casino's 1800 Prime, says Robin Jones.

"My work concentrates on the very scenes of domestic life that take me away from painting" admits Crews. "Some scenes of domesticity require self-portrayal; others are simply familiar scenes of my daily dealings."

Among her collectors is artist Talbot Hopkins Trudeau. She says, "Julie's paintings are luminous. They're radiant. Light permeates. She's a master." See an additional piece by Crews in the Critical Mass 3 exhibit at Artspace Shreveport.

Wine Art Music, $20. www.bossierarts.org or 318-741-8310.



Julie Crews and daughter.

Blanc et Noir Marching Society umbrella and Carnival costume workshop on Sat, Feb 7, at Cedar Grove Library, 10 am to noon

"Blanc et Noir Marchers! Join us for a costume workshop on Saturday, February 7th from 10 am to noon at the Cedar Grove/Line Ave Library meeting room," says Madeline Kawanaka. "Bring your costume materials. Let's glue, stitch and paint together. Marion Marks will have hats and small parade umbrellas for purchase. We'll have some Blanc et Noir felt medallions to add to your get up."

There will parade sounds on the box: Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! All are welcome to join the krewe as well as to enjoy the workshop.

Poetry and performance as well as visual arts: Critical Mass 3 exhibit opens at Artspace Shreveport on Thurs, Feb 5

Demure but possessed of a devilish imagination, artist Devin Rachul McClintic is one of the artists to watch in Shreveport Regional Arts Council's exhibit, Critical Mass 3. The show opens Thurs, Feb 5, at Artspace Shreveport.

Critical Mass 3 is an invitational group exhibition for visual, performance and literary artists in Northwest Louisiana.

Art critic Robert L. Pincus, San Diego, curated the selection of 3 nationally recognized critics for the exhibition.

5 pm happy hour.
6:30 Critics’ Award Presentation
7:30 1 on 1 Critics Review


Complimentary admission for all; cash bar for those who need a drink with their art.

Classical guitarist De Chiaro performs at St George's Episcopal, Bossier, Sun, Feb 1, 2 pm

St. George's Bossier Masterworks presents classical artist Giovanni De Chiaro on Sun, Feb 1, 2015, at 2 pm in the sanctuary of St. George's Episcopal Church, 1959 Airline Drive in Bossier City.

De Chiaro made his debut in 1976 in a Carnegie Hall performance, says Kermit Poling, that brought a rave notice from the New York Times and launched his career. He has presented seven solo recitals at Carnegie Hall and more recently performed there with the Mississippi Guitar Quartet, an ensemble he established.

"And I personally guarantee that the concert will be over in plenty of time for the Super Bowl," adds Poling.

Highland Open Studios Tour on Sun, Feb 1, 11 am to 4 pm: friendly artists, fair price art

Highland Open Studio Tour locations, Sun, Feb, 1, 2015. Open 11 AM - 4 PM.

Pick up a map at 436 Topeka St. Seven sites and over 15 artists on the tour. Plenty of nibbles and beverages to help you enjoy the afternoon.

436 Topeka St. Host: Su Stella and Curt Harville--- Featured artists: Sherry Tamburo, Alison Jordan, Nolan Simmons, Rena Brittenham, Dawn Gibson and Larry Houston.
444 Olive St. Host: Olive Street Thrift and Vintage, owned by Derick Jones and Evan Stevens. Vela Nora will be performing.
530 College St. Host: Tracy McComic with Wired and Sassy Jewelry. Taste: complimentary cupcake.
424 Dalzell St. Host: Karen LaBeau with paintings and Mardi Gras note cards Featured artists: Lynn Laird with paintings --- special activities face painting and Mardi Gras mask making. Taste: King Cake vodka samples.
433 Dalzell St. Host: Kathryn Usher --- Featured artists: Nadine Charity and James Marks. Taste: bite-sized King Cake and sip-size King Cake cocktails.
618 Wilkinson St. Apt 1B Host: Li DiLiberto Torres Brown with her paintings. Read about Brown in the current issue of Louisiana Life. Taste: Nutella King Cake.
555 Herndon St. Host: Arodasi Center --- studio of filmmaker and artist Dorothy Hanna. Taste: coffee, water and chocolate.


Above and below, Arodasi Center, 555 Herndon. Highly recommended.