Shreveport Symphony Orchestra performs classical season finale at Riverview Theater on Sat, May 2, 7:30 pm

Violinist Vadim Gluzman returns as guest performer with the SSO to play the concerto that is his signature — the Tchaikovsky, says Michael Butterman. Sat, May 2, 7:30 pm, Rivwerview Theater.

Mussorgsky Prelude to Khovantschina
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 (“Little Russian”)


Tickets.

At 6:40 hear a Concert Conversation with Maestro Michael Butterman.

Painted violins will be raffled off after the performance on Saturday, May 2nd. $5 for a chance to win a one of a kind art piece.



SSO painted violin by Talbot Hopkins Trudeau.

Dick King in SLT's Roar of the Greasepaint - the Smell of the Crowd on April 30, May 1 and 2

One look at the misbehaving, puckish face on the top-hatted character in the photo above and you can guess that you are in the presence of a person who knows comedy. That person is Dick King, an irrepressible comic and well-seasoned director. Catch him in the latest Shreveport Little Theater classic comedy and you will likely wear out your mustache with smiles.

Tickets, $25, at 318 424 4439 or shreveportlittletheatre.com.

Shreveport Songs: BLUES KINGS - Half Baked (K-Dee, circa 1965)

Announcing a new post on the Shreveport Songs blog.

Time to highlight another record that seems to have slipped through the cracks.  Clocking in at 99 seconds, the Blues Kings' instrumental "Half-Baked" brings to mind the mid-1960s sounds that jarred ears on the Bossier Strip.

For the rest of the story, audio of "Half-Baked," and 1960s-era video of the Bossier Strip visit: http://shreveportsongs.blogspot.com/2015/04/blues-kings-half-baked-k-dee-circa-1965.html

All ages, smoke free music: pianist-singer Chris McCaa and Friends at Central Artstation on Tues, Ap 28, 6 pm

Pianist-singer Chris McCaa & Friends perform in the Central Artstation Engine Room on Tues, Ap 28, at 6 pm, says Pam Atchison. It is an all ages, smoke free event.

McCaaa's gravelly voice, songwriting finesse and sense of humor make this event a highly, highly recommended one.

$10 at the door; seating is limited. Cash bar and Jester's food trucks on site.
Corner of Crockett and Common. 801 Crockett Street, 318-673-6500.
Easy parking along Texas Ave.




Highly recommended McCaa music: "U R My Everything."

"Reasons for optimism in Louisiana's coastal catastrophe:" passionate, knowledgable Brian Salvatore speaks at First Pres, Shreveport, on Wed, Ap 29, 6 pm

Ardent in his care for Louisiana and insightful in his search for answers to the issues, Brian Salvatore has become a leader in addressing Louisiana's environmental morass.

He is an LSU chemistry professor who has recently been outspoken on the dangers and options in the disposal of explosives at Camp Minden. But for several years his passions have been the big picture in Louisiana - having written insightful reports from his visits to the coast - as well as education in the Bayou State.

Salvatore is speaking Wed, Ap 29, at First Presbyterian Church about Louisiana's current coastal crisis. Typical of Salvatore, the topic, Louisiana Coastal Catastrophe, is to be addressed pro-actively as "The Crisis and Possible Remedies."

He says of solutions, "Political hurdles remain, but there are reasons for optimism. We must ask our leaders to find the financial resources to address the challenges."

University of First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church gym/lecture hall
900 Jordan Street • Shreveport
Free Lecture • Open to the Public
Optional $8/person meal; reservations 318.222.0604.

Dance performances by Orchesis and La Dance Theater enhanced by singing of Galilee Choir at Strand Theater, Shreveport, on Sat, Ap 25, 7 pm

The estimable dance performances called Dance His High Praise are annual and elegant events in the Strand Theater.

This year the Orchesis Dance Company of Grambling Univ. and the Louisiana Dance Theater of Shreveport have special guests. On two numbers they will be joined by the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Chancel Choir, says Vincent Williams.

$20 and, pardon me, worth every penny.
7 p.m. Sat, Ap 25. at The Strand Theatre, 619 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport.



Louisiana Dance Theater, Shreveport.

Resplendent noise & images at 846 Texas Ave, Shreveport, on Tues, Ap 21, 7 to 10 pm

Chris Cogburn and Steve Jansen, says David Nelson, comprise an electro-acoustic duo "razing notions of volume, tempo, and symmetry via duel horns, duel guitars, tape, and percussion." They will open at 7 pm Tues, Ap 21, at minicine.

Mike Majkowski (Berlin) follows. An Australian double bassist and composer, Majkowski has been working the fields of jazz, improvised and composed music since 2001.

In Set Three, says Nelson, expect a freeform collaboration between SSBT + Mike Majkowski.

Independent filmmaker Jon Jost will also be attending this event, says Nelson, and will break out a film for an after hours screening.

Nourishment by GoGreenly.com.

Suggested Donation $5. Performance snaps here.

Killer fest based on French culture 4 hours drive from Shreveport: Festival International de Louisiane, Ap 22 - 26

One of the Bayou State's stunningly sensual fests, Festival International de Louisiane, is sort of hijacked by New Orleans' Jazz Fest. The one weekend of Fest International, Ap 22 - 26, annually coincides with the opening weekend of Jazz Fest, Ap 24 - May 3. Of course, for many people the enormous coolness and brand appeal of Jazz Fest trumps all.

But Lafayette's celebration of the world of French-speaking artists is a killer event. May I enumerate?

1) it is a free festival despite presenting music at 8 stages.
2) it takes place about 4 hours from Shreveport (and Jane Ryder says she regularly drives it in 3), which makes it a day trip. Is I-49 smooth as butter or smooth as avocado?
3) it is much, much more than a Cajun and zydeco event; musical acts arrive from across Africa, Europe and Canada.
4) the food offerings are nonpareil - and are typically less costly than those at Jazz Fest.
5) the art and the crafts have a rich and distinct personality.


Might it be called Highly recommended? Mais oui, cher.

Will the Jimmie Davis Bridge rebuild include bike-pedestrian lanes?

The City of Shreveport has a Draft Environmental Assessment of the Jimmie Davis Bridge, says Robert Westerman. It opened the public process this week to allow citizens time for inspection, review and comments. Those willing to review the assessment should visit the City Engineers' Office at 505 Travis Street in Shreveport.

A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. May 14 at the Barksdale Baptist Church, 1714 Jimmie Davis Highway in Bossier City. The public comment period will extend to May 25.

For more information: Robert Westerman at (318) 673-6000.

Open mic sessions at Meadows Museum, Ap 16, and Broadmoor Branch, Ap 22, for National Poetry Month

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Meadows Museum of Art and the Broadmoor Library will host a series of readings called, optimistically, “Much Ado About Nothing.” These open mic opportunities are for everyone — students and non-students alike — to read and enjoy poetry about nothing (or perhaps a little something).

Thurs, Ap 16 at the Meadows, 2911 Centenary Blvd (with complimentary refreshments)

Wed, Ap 22, at the Shreve Memorial Library, Broadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr.

Both events: 6:00-7:30 pm. For more information, contact organizer Bennett Sewell.

The Wrecking Crew and Southern Fried Fencing open at Robinson Film Center, Shreveport, Ap 17, 18 and Ap 24

“The Wrecking Crew” Opening weekend Q&A with Wrecking Crew bassist Joe Osborn
7:30 p.m. April 17 and 18
Tickets: $9.50 ($7.50, RFC members), 318.459.4122

“The Wrecking Crew” looks back at the studio musicians, including local bassist Joe Osborn, who played on a generation of hits from “California Girls” to “Viva Las Vegas.” Documentary, 101 min., PG.

“If you were listening to the radio in the '60s, then you were listening to Joe several times an hour,” says “The Wrecking Crew” press kit. Osborn will answer questions from the audience and share the stories behind the hits. Both evenings will end with a late-night happy hour giving audience members a chance to have a drink with Joe.

“The Wrecking Crew” will play through April 23.

“Southern Fried Fencing”
Opening night Q&A with filmmakers Michele and Jay Carter and fencer Andy Shaw of Fencing on Fairfield. 7:30 p.m. April 24
Tickets: $9.50 ($7.50, RFC members), 318.459.4122

Andy Shaw, an eccentric, opinionated New York City fencing coach, moved to Shreveport and brought with him a strange collection of mannequins and fencing memorabilia. This delightful film chronicles the life and career of Shaw, who not only founded the Fencing Hall of Fame in Shreveport, but has also taught lessons to the likes of Bob Dylan. Documentary, 65 min., NR.

Shaw will join local filmmakers Michele and Jay Carter on opening night to celebrate Shaw’s world of fencing and discuss the film.

“Southern Fried Fencing” will play through April 30.



Andy Shaw of Southern Fried Fencing.

Walking two miles a day is Mayor Tyler's goal for Shreveporters in "Walkin' to New Orleans" fitness program

Walking two miles a day from now until Oct 23 is what Mayor Ollie Tyler is recommending for the citizens in a new fitness initiative called Walkin' to New Orleans. Can the citizenry of this Louisiana city each walk a distance of 350 miles between now and October 23rd? That would be the equivalent of walking from Shreveport to New Orleans.

The city's 2015 Health and Wellness Program features downtown walking paths that will aid the process. Maps of the walking paths can be found at www.shreveportla.gov/GetFit.

Participants will be offered a series of walks, fitness challenges and cook-outs designed to bolster the walking. For more information or to sign up: 318-673-5150.

Genocide and Gender: Van Thyn lecture by UT prof Pascale Bos in Bynum Commons, Centenary College, 7 pm, Mon, Ap 13

Annual Rose and Louis Van Thyn Lecture on Ap 13: Dr. Pascale Bos of the University of Texas. Gender and Genocide.

Centenary College campus map.

Two way pocky way: Mardi Gras Indians at Bears Shreveport: the Cha Wa shake it on Sat, Ap 11

New Orleans Indians and friends the Cha Wa chant and kill cow bell at Bears Fairfield on Sat, Ap 12.

"Cha Wa is a New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians band on the rise," writes John Wirt in The New Orleans Advocate (Mar 15, 2015). "Cha Wa’s core members include singers and Mardi Gras Indians Irving “Honey” Banister and J’Wan Boudreaux, plus organist Steve Malinowski. Banister’s and Boudreaux’s roots stretch deeply into New Orleans music and Mardi Gras Indians history."

Irving "Honey" Banister, J'Wan Boudreaux, Joe Gelini, & Kerry "Boom Boom" Vessell, John Fohl on Guitar, Bill Richards on Bass, Steve Malinowski on Organ.

Highly recommended. Tickets, 10.

La Cenerentola: Rossini's Cinderella on Sat, Ap 11, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater, by Shreveport Opera with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra

Shreveport Opera concludes its 66th season with La Cenerentola---Rossini's Cinderella Story.

Sat, Ap 11, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater, downtown Shreveport.
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
Featuring the music of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets: 25-90, students, 15.

Call (318) 227-9503 or buy online at shreveopera.tix.com.

Jazz from Philip Bradbury and friends in Co-op Mode at Makers Fair / Big Scene on Sat, Ap 11, 4:30 pm

"We've got a full band and some huge tunes," says Philip Bradbury of his recently augmented group, Co-op Mode. In their Big Scene gig, 4:30 pm on the Green Print Stage, they are featuring Video Game and Movie Themes.

In addition to Bradbury on sax, clarinet and bass guitar is Bruce Downs on trumpet and cornet. New members are Andrew Powers on guitar and Caleb Daniels on drums.

Painting show curated by Chris Bailey opens at Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St, Shreveport; reception, Sun, Ap 12, 2 pm to 4 pm

Local and national artists in a variety of media curated by Chris Bailey make a colorful show at Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St. Artists will be mingling at the reception, 2 - 4 pm, Sun, April 12, for discussion.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1 - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. By appointment at 318.424.6764.

Oil painting on panel, 18"X24, "Nocturne," by Talbot Hopkins, 2013.

Music, shopping, food, beer and a parade: Texas Ave Makers Fair and Big Scene on Sat, Ap 11, 10 am to 6 pm, downtown Shreveport

And a detailed map of the Texas Ave makers Fair.

Informal, imperfect percussionists for parade and for drum circle, apply here

Peter Fetterman is holding a gathering of percussionists Wed, Ap 8, 7 pm, at Calanthean Temple, 1001 Texas Ave, Shreveport. He wants to organize a marching unit for the Doo Dah Parade on Sat, Ap 11, 5:30 pm.

Neither he nor Shreveport Arts Council, sponsors of the return of the Doo Dah, are particular about expertise of the drummers. They want to see people having fun and kicking it on the street.

Therefore, a grinning mass of you sinuous people are invited.

If you have tambourine or home-made shakers or strings of bells, you are welcome. And this might lead to a stationary drum circle to be enjoined on Sun afternoons, says me, Robert Trudeau.

Tell me what you're bringing: trudeau11@gmail.com.

Adult drama: Edward Albee's The Goat by River City Rep at East Bank Theater Ap 15-16-17-18 at 7:30 pm, Ap 19 at 3:00 pm

Edward Albee's Tony Award winning drama, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? is as challenging and outrageously funny as theatre gets, says Patric McWilliams. The Goat examines the irrational, confounding and convention-thwarting nature of love. Who amongst us has the right to judge the source of love?

The Goat features Patric McWilliams, Dallas actors Sharon Garrison and Richard Stubblefield and Houston actor Jonathan McVay.

Directed by Robert Buseick

River City Rep at East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd.

April 15-16-17-18 at 7:30 pm, April 19 at 3:00 pm

Contains extremely adult language and material.

Tickets: 35, 20, 10. Also, 318-868-5888, 11 am to 4 pm M - F.

Artists who contributed to Meadows benefit, Cirque de Shreve, comped to documentary Art & Craft at RFC on Tues, Ap 7, 7:30 pm

The Meadows Museum Art Works series continues with the noted documentary Art and Craft at Robinson Film Center, 7:30 pm, Tues, April 7.

Friends of the Meadows Museum, artists who contributed to the Friends' Cirque de Shreve, and members of the Centenary College of Louisiana Community are admitted free – tickets courtesy of the Centenary Film Society.

The movie follows Mark Landis, who has been called one of the most prolific art forgers in US history. His impressive body of work spans thirty years, covering multiple styles and periods. And while the copies could fetch large sums on the open market, Landis isn't in it for money. He donates his fakes to museums across the country.

It has a critics' rating of 91 at Rottentomatoes.com.

Rags, award-winning musical on the Jewish immigrant experience, performed by Centenary College from Th, Ap 16, to Sat, Ap 18

"Rags picks up the story where Fiddler on the Roof ends, painting a sweeping saga of awakenings and disappointments, of greed and power, of strength and love," said director Ron Bermingham of the Centenary College production. "It is as deeply moving and inspirational a musical as you could ever hope to find."

Performances of the musical Rags will take place at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse Th, Ap 16, through Sat, Ap 18.

"Rags is a culturally charged piece, since it is about immigrants coming into the United States," said Jordan Fell, who plays Rachel, a widow looking for a man with whom to share her declining years. "We have collectively had to research and incorporate Russian Jewish customs into the play."

"The 28-member Rags cast includes Centenary students and three young actors from the community," said Bermingham. "Nine professional musicians will accompany the actors as they tell the story of early 20th century Jewish immigrants beginning new lives in America."

$15 adults; $10 seniors, military; $5 for non-Centenary students. Tickets online at centenary.edu/playhouse/tickets.

Marjorie Lyons Playhouse box office, 318.869.5074.

Photo: Jordan Fell performing in As You Like It.

Maker's Fair plus Doo Dah Parade on Sat, Ap 11, 10 am to 6 pm: 'tis The Big Scene

From 10 in the morn until 6 in the evening, downtown Shreveport will be scramerated via -
Hundreds of vendors at the Texas Avenue Makers Fair.
Live music on two stages from Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
Food trucks and vendors.
Hands-on kid and family activities.
Return of the unmotorized, community-run Doo-Dah Parade. Begins at 5:30 pm.
A view of the future Caddo Common Park, an urban - animated - Greenspace along Texas Ave.




Texas Ave Makers Fair map, Ap 11, 2015

Wry songwriter Jonathan Byrd at Shreveport House Concert Series on Sat, Ap 4, 7 pm

Jonathan Byrd has been called “one of the top 50 songwriters of the last 50 years” by Rich Warren. Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe says, “This rootsy North Carolinian may be the most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom. He displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing image.”

$20, cash money.

http://shreveporthouseconcerts.org/reservations.html,reservations@shreveporthouseconcerts.org or 318 670 3567. 1508 Fairfield Avenue - same location as always, new name.

Interactive, visual-literary catalysm at Rhino Coffee, Shreveport, by Mike Sledge on Sat, Ap 4, 1 to 3 pm

He Said/She Said
Anonymous Sayings Between Men and Women and Partners
What would you say when you can be heard, but not seen? What thoughts and feelings would you put to ink under the security blanket of anonymity? What do you want to state? What do you want to ask?

He Said-She Said is a viewer-participatory, visual-literary art exhibit, says Mike Sledge. Using repurposed material, he provides a medium for the exchange of honest and intimate dialogue between men and women, and between same-sex partners. The artist is merely a catalyst and facilitator, and those who write their words are the undisclosed speakers whose thoughts and feelings are expressed by way of initiation and response.

He Said-She Said takes a risk. But as St. Thomas Aquinas said, “If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.”

Rhino Coffee, Sat, April 4, 2015, 1-3 pm.

Kids drumming and mural-making in Highland via Noel Community Arts Programs, Mon, Ap 6, to Wed, Ap 8

"Come to our free classes next week and bring your friends," says Noel Memorial Methodist Church via its Community Arts Program, NCAP.

"Join us for any of these five Free classes next week to cure your child's spring break boredom! Come to one or all five. And spread the word to your friends. The more the merrier!"

Monday, April 6, 10 a.m.
D'jembe drumming
The Highland Center parking lot

Tuesday, April 7, 1 p.m.
D'jembe drumming and art
Creswell Elementary School grounds

Tuesday, April 7, 5:30 p.m.
Create a sidewalk chalk mural.
Noel Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street

Wednesday, April 8, 4:30 p.m.
Jewelry-making
The Friendship House on Prospect Street

Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Art
Noel Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street

noelarts.org - 318.221.5207