Louisiana's Dept Of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is developing a crossing of the Red River at the Jimmie Davis Bridge, LA highway 511, that will provide two 12‐foot travel lanes in each direction - for trucks and autos - with 4‐foot inside shoulders and 8‐foot outside shoulders - for bicycles and pedestrians.
It will be a shared use trail that connects the existing trails in Arthur Ray Teague Parkway and Clyde Fant Parkway.
Pardon me, but wow.
All interested citizens are invited, says Leah Hogan, and encouraged to attend a public meeting public meeting to discuss the Environmental Assessment(EA) for the proposed upgrade to improve the crossing of the Red River. The meeting's on Thurs, Aug 15, 2013, 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. at Barksdale Baptist Church located at 1714 Jimmie Davis Highway in Bossier City.
The purpose of the meeting is to present the status of the proposed project
and to solicit comments from the public.
Comments will also be accepted until
Aug 25 via comments@redriverbridgeea.com and 1‐877‐280‐8774.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
One day bicyclists will cross the Jimmie Davis Bridge in their own bike lanes as they ride from Teague to Fant Parkways
Happiness Happens with art and sports @ Holiday Lanes, Bossier, on Sat, Aug 10, 11 am to 4 pm
"Here is the tentative Entertainment schedule for Saturday's Happiness Happens Celebration," says Robin Williams:
11:00 a‐11:30a Open Mic (that's you sharing right there!)
11:30a ‐ 12:00p Landry & Company (oh these guys are so good!)
12:00p‐12:30p Open Mic (you again!)
12:30p‐1:00p Landry & Company
1:00p‐1:30p Red River Pipes and Drums (Some of my favorite sounds!)
1:30p‐2:00p Open Mic (Yup, you!)
2:00p‐2:30p If You’re Lonely (Haven't heard 'em, but I'm excited)
2:30‐3:00p Chaysing Phoenix (New to my ears)
3:00p‐3:30p Sabores Dominican Restaurant Latin Dance Demonstrations (a little Latin movin'!)
3:30p‐4:00p Open Mic (close it up with your talent!
Hope you drop in to Holiday Lanes to see all the artivity in this light-hearted event.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
"Southern Baptist Sissies," and more @ North Louisiana Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, RFC, Shreveport, Sept 6 - 12
Little known fact: Henry Miller Shreve was the first gay fellow to come out in the Red River region, about 1835. People were so impressed by his outrageous bravery that they named the town for him: Shreve Town. The town's first flag was both Biblical and prescient: it was the seven-striped rainbow flag.
50G on the line, bankmakers: the LFP's Top Twenty to be announced Th, Aug 15, 6:30 pm, RFC, Shreveport
"Join the Louisiana Film Prize crew on Thurs, Aug 15, at 6:30 pm at the Robinson Film Center," says Julia Foley, "as they announce the Top 20 Films selected to compete for the Grand Prize of $50,000 at this year's Film Festival."
Open to media at 5:30 pm and to the hoi poloi at 6:00 pm.
The Louisiana Film Prize will take place October 4 - 6 in Downtown Shreveport.
Excellent hype at lafilmprize.com.
You want to dance? Put your booty in the hands of Floyd Grigsby & the 5G Band, Shreveport, at Voodoo Cafe on Fri, Aug 9
Mister Grigsby is one of the real deals in the Southern Soul Capital of Shreveport-Bossier.
Experience says that if you allow his to music to move you and your party to the dance floor there will be few regrets.
Eid kareem!
Eid al-Fitr, also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, the Sugar Feast, Bayram (Bajram), the Sweet Festival[3] and the Lesser Eid, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm), says Wikipedia.
The religious Eid is a single day and Muslims are not permitted to fast that day. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity.
Eid al-Fitr 2013, celebrated with gifts and new clothing over a 3-day period, begins in the evening of Wednesday, August 7 and ends in the evening of Thursday, August 8. Dates may vary.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Lessons from John Hoffman, versatile and cool drummer
While John Hoffman may best be known for his work in the Stiff-Necked Fools reggae gang, he also does electronic music, classic rock and you name it.
Highly recommended.
"School is back! Now accepting new students for drum lessons. Times available Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Spots are going quickly so inbox or call the number on the sign for inquiries. Get your kiddos rockin out on the drums!" says Hoffman.
Kickstart the Kitchen of the new CoHab site, Red River District, Shreveport
John Grindley, tour of the new CoHab site, Red River District, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.
"Cohab needs your help to bring the first shared commercial kitchen to the chefs, bakers, and food artisans of North Louisiana!" says John Grindley.
"Have you donated yet?" asks Chris Lyon. "If everyone here gave $100 or gave some and got other to donate to $100 for each of us, we would be over halfway there. Please consider giving a few lunches worth of money to this worthy campaign."
www.kickstarter.com/projects/cohab/cohab-kitchen-incubator
Monday, August 05, 2013
Artists: more on the opportunity called UnScene at Central Artstation and in Shreveport Common on Tues, Aug 6, 7 pm
Brandon Oldenburg and other UnScene admins will explore sites in Shreveport Common that are being targeted for the 12-month arts expo called UnScene.
All artists are welcome.
But artists who want to be considered for the paid commissions and tasks in UnScene will want to submit credentials as outlined at http://shrevearts.org/artists/.
Tues, Aug 6, 7 pm.
Central Artstation, 801 Crockett St
673 6500
Friday, August 02, 2013
Neil Johnson essay on artist Clyde Connell, one of Louisiana's extraordinary women
On Clyde Connell, an essay by Neil Johnson
Who gives himself or herself a birthday gift of a visit to a friend? I did. That was the power of Clyde Connell.
Clyde was a woman of inspiration to many artists in northwest Louisiana. Named after Scotland’s River Clyde and raised on a plantation just north of Shreveport, she only left this neck of the woods to travel to New York City and other places for the Presbyterian Church and for art. She always returned to evolve her own art and eventually became a homegrown, internationally celebrated, truly original artist.
I had heard of her, but I don’t remember meeting her until I was assigned to photograph her as my first post-grad professional magazine photojournalism assignment for the newborn Louisiana Life. That 1981 assignment turned into more than a decade of 40-minute drives out to the Spanish moss-laden cypress trees on the west bank of Lake Bistineau. Having spent my high school and college summers water-skiing down its channels, I always thought of Bistineau as a place for fun escape with my ski-pals. As an adult, the lake took on new meaning as my Clyde Connell destination.
Clyde’s home-studio became, over the years, a place of inspiration for a hundred other artists, gallery curators, documentary videographers, art-lover celebrities like Lily Tomlin and even legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark. In her later years, Clyde did not have to travel to see the world. The world traveled to see her.
Photography introduced me to Clyde and, after our friendship progressed, photography remained ever present, as it was an important avenue for her art to gain entrance to galleries and publications. Of course, I was not the only photographer who pointed a camera at her or her work, but I took it as a personal duty—and pleasure—to be regular with my medium. I don't remember ever not pulling out my camera bag while out there.
But Clyde and her work were not simply photographic subjects for me. She was about spiritual and intellectual and artistic inspiration. To be in her humble home was like meditation. Clyde, her environment, her life and her work were one. She lived her art, which was intensely about and from her immediate rural Louisiana environment combined with her worldview, which went far afield and included many social issues, especially women’s.
The best artists come about their work honestly and on their own, without people pushing them in any direction. No one but her own muse sent her down a new, quiet and interesting path, which combined a strong connection to the earth with a love for the deep mysteries of what makes us human. Her techniques and style were her own inventions. She set out to find herself and explore her world and did so intuitively and intrinsically in an creative and prolific career that began well into the second half of her long life. She lived to be 97 and did not stop making art until just before her death in 1998.
Several times, when my birthday included a chunk of unscheduled time on a weekday, I would purposely give myself the gift of driving out to Clyde’s to just sit, visit and soak in the atmosphere. These remain several of my favorite birthdays in my memory. We would sit with her in her studio and discuss current world events. On warm days with the AC window unit buzzing, she would enjoy her rocking chair, and on cold days, she would be bundled in a blanket in her easy chair. She was not an “old woman” to me. She was a woman of energy and ideas and intelligence and grace.
Many times I moved furniture out of the way in her small sitting room or dining room to transform them into studio space. I documented her sculpture and paintings for more than a decade and was honored to create the images for her Paris exhibit catalog.
To prepare for this essay, I went through my whole collection of Clyde portraits and had forgotten how many times she posed for me or allowed me to photograph her while she worked. My camera liked her. Into her nineties, she retained a special beauty—a beauty that was in her and gathered around her.
In searching for just the right Clyde image, I kept coming back to this one, my favorite. She is in her studio working on what I consider to be her most powerful series of sculptures, her “bound women” series. These women are bound and blinded by fabric—fabric made up of misogyny and sexism and many other things that take away a person’s freedom. When I made this photo, Clyde was unbound. She was a free woman. Freed by her art.
Again, photography is a time machine. In this case, it whisks me back to the 1980s, back to the shore of Lake Bistineau. To Clyde.
Neil Johnson
August 1, 2013
www.njphoto.com
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Outrageous leadership from John Grindley with new CoHab site, Red River District, Shreveport: create a culinary business incubator
John Grindley, tour of the new CoHab site, Red River District, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.
"To be used by culinary entrepreneurs, caterers, and budding chefs," says John Grindley, "we are taking the restaurant kitchen in the new CoHab site and re-imagining it as a community resource."
Grindley is spearheading a Kickstarter campaign to "make Shreveport-Bossier's first community kitchen come alive."
Recommended.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
RFC goes to digital projection moments before the film industry phases out 35 mm prints of movies
After raising more than $140,000 through a yearlong fundraising campaign, the Robinson Film Center (RFC) , says Alex Kent, will unveil its new digital projection system. See it on August 2, 2013.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to add state-of-the-art digital cinema,” says Kent, executive director at RFC. “Because of outstanding funder support, we’re putting the best possible digital projection in our two theaters. The result will be crisper, bolder and more exciting movie experiences for everyone.”
Donors include the Grayson Foundation, Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation, City of Shreveport, Eldorado Resort Casino, Downtown Development Authority, I.A.T.S.E. Local 478, The Powers Foundation, and individual contributors.
RFC began a campaign to upgrade from 35mm to digital cinema after the film industry announced it would phase out 35mm prints at the end of 2013 in favor of a new high-resolution digital format called DCP.
“Without our Go Digital donors, we faced the prospect of going dark at the end of the year,” says Waynette Ballengee, board president at RFC. “We’re thrilled! Our theaters are new again. We want our members, moviegoers and supporters to come celebrate with us.”
RFC opened its downtown doors in May 2008, renovating a vacant downtown building into a two-screen movie theater and education nonprofit. It serves more than 60,000 people annually through a mix of daily films, educational programs and special events.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Shreveport Songs: THEODORE WILBURN WITH THE WILBURN FAMILY - Down in Dixie (Where They Say You All) (4 Star, 1950)
Announcing a new post on the Shreveport Songs blog.
From around January 1949 to December 1951, the Wilburn Family called Shreveport home. During this time, fans could tune in to their morning radio show (first employed by KTBS, then KWKH) and catch their performances around town (many of which were Louisiana Hayride shows). Based on show advertisements, song writing credits, and photographs, the group regularly worked with other local country musicians such as Zeke Clements, Webb Pierce, Hank Williams, and Faron Young.
For the rest of story on the Wilburn Family plus audio from “Down In Dixie (Where They Say You All),” visit: http://shreveportsongs.blogspot.com/2013/07/theodore-wilburn-with-wilburn-family.html
Happiness Happens celebration @ Holiday Lanes, Bossier, 11 am to 4 pm, Sat, Aug 10
The irrepressible Robin Rials Williams is the copacetic ball of energy behind this smiling event.
There's room for more cheerful givers. If you dance or hoop or sing or perform in some way, tell Robin. She may well want you to be part of Happiness Happens.
Message her on Facebook with your offer of a contribution.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Call to artists: Sat, July 27, deadline for submissions to NW Louisiana Triennial Competition, Meadows Museum, Shreveport
Juror for the NW Louisiana Triennial Competition 2013 is Jolene Mechanic, director of the Flood Gallery Fine Arts Center, Asheville, NC, says Diane DuFilho.
Enter the Triennial by submitting of up to 5 pieces of art on a CD-rom. It must be delivered to Meadows Museum, 2911 Centenary Blvd, 71104, by Sat, July 27. Museum hours on Sat are 1 to 4 pm.
There is a $15 entry fee for each artist. Works in all media are eligible.
The exhibit will be on display Sun, Sept 8 to Sun, Dec 15. Artists will be notified of acceptance Mon, Aug 12.
The 2013 Triennial is dedicated to the memory of Carolyn Querbes Nelson, 1952 - 2013.
(318) 869-5169
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Developing the scenario for UnScene : SRAC artist retreat @ Central Artstation on Sat, July 27, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Measuring the community's strengths and ambitions is part of what the SRAC artist retreat is about.
Mainly, it's to make clear what SRAC will be offering artists in the unfolding of the extended series of events called UnScene.
If you are not part of the SRAC extended family but are a practicing artist - musician, choreographer, videographer, poet, mash-up media maven - you are invited, too.
UnScene will surely become a raging success if every arts worker in the region jumps in.
318 673 6500
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Rapping experimental freestyler Brooklyn White chiving @ Rhino Coffeeon Fri, July 19, 7 pm
A devilish sense of humor, of literary allusion and sangfroid make Brooklyn White a watchable teen talent.
As a student at Caddo Magnet High she made several videos with classmates and cut released several CD's. Now she's college-bound and needs a bit of round currency to make that transition. Thus she will throw it down at Rhino Coffee.
Brooklyn is a thorough-going entertainer but much of what she drops on you is throw-away wickedness - so look sharp.
Highly recommended, partly because of her dishy friends; eavesdropping on her audience may be part of the entertainment.
En plein air: see Daniel Mark Cassity landscapes at East Bank Gallery, Bossier; reception is Sat, July 20, 3 pm
Landscapes by Daniel Mark Cassity are "a celebration of sunlight upon the land: something I anticipate revisiting throughout my life. With few exceptions, they are begun and executed in the field - en plein air - with final touches added in the studio."
Cassity's landscape work is opening at Gallery Fine Art Center, Bossier City, with a reception on Sat, July 20, 3 pm. He shares the exhibit with painter Marlen Waters.
"On occasion the paintings are produced Alla Prima (in one session), however they are more typically done in three or so sessions. Light, color, and textures are emphasized by means of loose expressive brushstrokes, knife work, and impasto techniques."
"As always, it is my intention to invite subconscious flow, to follow my instincts, and convey that which is my vision: in this case, to describe the effects of light upon nature," adds Cassity.
The painter is the recipient of a stream of honors recently, including being named "a member of the International Guild of Realism: a group of around 300 members in 35 countries worldwide." And being recognized by Southwest Art magazine in their “Artist to Watch” feature in the August 2013 issue. Look for Cassity's work in American Still Lifes: a traveling museum exhibition which will be traveling in 2014. Interestingly, one of the stops is at RW Norton Art Gallery.
The East Bank Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm or by special arrangement.318.741.8310
Windstorm, Dirty Red, Trevarri Huff-Boone offer Jazz in the Park @ Chris Hays Park, Hollywood Heights, on Sat, Aug 3
Opened by Kimberly Rusley and Melvin “Jabber Jaws” Williams, the Jazz in the Park concert will see performances from 2 to 7 pm, says Frederick Lewis. The site is Chris Hays Park, 4300 Illinois St, behind the Mooretown Library.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Trevarri Huff-Boone & Friends Jazz Group
2:40 PM – 2:55 PM Poetess Crystalyn Whitaker
3:10 PM – 3:40 PM Minister Larry Pierson Gospel Jazz Saxophonist
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Windstorm Band
5:15 PM – 600 PM Dirty Red Jazz Band
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM Young Professionals Entertainment Band
Food and Arts & Crafts vendors also will be featured. “Jazz in the Park!” is free to the public. However, everyone encouraged to
bring a few bucks to support the vendors. Also bring blankets, chairs and umbrellas.
No coolers, or outside food or drink allowed.
For more information, call 318.673.7814.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Award-winning artist Paula Hallman @ Stir Tapas; party Thurs, July 18, 7 pm
"I currently live in Shreveport, where my artwork has been exhibited at The Barnwell Center, Artspace, and Columbia Cafe. In 2011, my paintings and one-of-a-kind dolls won the Best in Show Grand Prize at the Red River Revel," says Hallman on her Etsy page.
See more at her FB page.
Says Michael Chisum, "Remember, at Stir Tapas we are open late - so this party is starts at 7pm but continues all night. Drop by all night long! Remind me to remind Paula Lehnig Hallman to get a nap in! Especially with all the new work she has been creating."
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Red River District, Fatty's on Friday, July 12, 10 pm: all ages dance party under the bridge with Rebirth Brass Band
New Orleans munk ferchants the Rebirth Brass Band will hit downtown Fri, July 12, at 10 pm, says Chase Boytim.
Outside of Fatty's under the Red River Bridge - parking in the casino garage - a sweaty bunch of jive-jumping fools - all ages - will gather to celebrate a free show by the award-winning roots group.
Remember the year that the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest featured the Rebirth? It was catalystolic.
William Bill Joyce tells the tale of the animated movie, Epic, which arose from his book, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, @ Artspace Shreveport, Th, July 11, begins @ 6:30 pm
"Hear the story of Bill Joyce's epic journey from author and illustrator of The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs to the movie Epic. Taste chocolate-covered crickets and Leaf Men-inspired lettuce wraps, sip leafy libations at the cash bar and dance to the tunes of Engine! This Epic evening is $10 per person," says Megan Porter.
Mr. Joyce will be signing books - which are available for sale in giftspace @ artspace.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Tour of Highland houses, Shreveport, begins at 2420 Pinehurst on Sun,July 15, 1 to 4 pm
On Sunday, July 15, from 1 pm - 4 pm, 11 great Highland homes will be holding open houses. Come take a look at the architecture and charm that Highland has to offer, says Robin Ramsey.
All homes are listed for sale and hosted by the individual Realtors® and their owners. Each home will provide personalized tours, details on refurbishments, refreshments and information on purchasing the homes. Representatives from the Highland Restoration Association will be on hand to inform tourists of the benefits of living in a Historic District and to promote the Highland neighborhood.
The first home on the tour, 2420 Pinehurst, will be the staging and meeting place for the event. Contact Robin Ramsey, Realtor ® at 318-573-1916 for more information.
Winston Hall, Christopher Allen: piano and bass jazz at 2 Johns Restaurant, Bossier City, Wed, July 10
"We are back at 2Johns Restaurant tonight, Wed, July 10, 5 to 10 pm; and it is ladies night," says Christopher Allen.
"I'll be spinnin that bass in the bar with the very talented Winston Hall on the baby grand."
Reservations recommended, 841-5646 — at 2Johns Steak and Seafood, Bossier City.
Street performances by Lumpy Grits troupe in Asian Gardens, 3 pm to 8pm, Sat, Aug 3
The next generation of downtown, mixed media artists is arriving. Cherie G, Jori Jackson and a growing group of performers under the collective name of Lumpy Grits are putting on their second show in downtown Shreveport.
Lumpy Grits troupe does it all: cuisine, visual arts, music, dance and poetry.
Asian Gardens is the near the corner of Line / Common and Milam and Texas Ave; it's adjacent to the Municipal Auditorium. Lots of secure parking.
Lumpy Grits free show, 3 pm to 8 pm on Sat, Aug 3.
Monday, July 08, 2013
Hey, Bay Bay: Hip Hop Cowboys perform in Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, on Sat, July 27
Hip Hop Cowboys, the premier rodeo event mixing urban music with cowboy culture, rides into Shreveport’s Hirsch Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, July 27 for its first-ever Summer Rodeo.
This event combines the sport of rodeo with hip hop, rap, blues, zydeco and house music, and will feature R&B legend and Louisiana native T.K. Soul, as well as dozens of top rodeo competitors from across the country.
Tickets:
$20 and $10.
www.hiphopcowboys.com, 1-877-987-6487. Group tickets are available by calling 972-839-2802.
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Russ Brabham and Bucket List @ Tiki, Kings Hwy on Thursdays, 6 pm
"Easy does it," reminds a smiling Russ Brabham.
Rock, country and all they hybrid forms between them are easy when the sidemen are Tim Brogan, Michael D. Long, Kerry Hunter, Greg Williams and Bill Unverzagt.
Thursdays at Tiki Lounge and Boat Dock. And early! Like, 6 pm.
Deadline extended to July 12 for week-long student Jazz Camp @ La State Exhibit Museum
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum will host a Summer Jazz Camp from July 15 - 20 in Shreveport, says Christopher Allen.
- one week learning lab for talented Middle and High School age music students.
- intermediate to advanced playing experience.
- focus on small to medium jazz combos/groups.
- taught by professional musicians/educators.
- day-long immersions in all aspects of Jazz.
- one-on-one training on individual instruments, music theory, harmony and phrasing, rhythm technique, listening and ear training, reading a chord chart, and various levels and styles of improvisation.
- Summer Jazz Cat’s Concert: 3 pm, Fri, July 19.
- Faculty concert: 6 pm, Sat, July 20.
- Tuition: $150. Some partial need-based financial scholarships will be available.
Info: Louisiana State Exhibit Museum – (318) 632-2020.
Saturday, July 06, 2013
Of the highest water: paintings by Daniel Cassity, Marlen Waters, East Bank Gallery, Bossier City, July 17 - Aug 17
Exceptional technical facility matched by vibe and insight: paintings by Daniel Mark Cassity.
Daniel Cassity and Marlen Waters at East Bank Gallery, Bossier City.
Friday, July 05, 2013
One year of being married to a restaurant: Chase Boytim and Paul Roney celebrate a year serving food and beverages at Stir Tapas, Shreveport
"Sat, July 6, we are celebrating One Year of Stir Tapas," says Chase Boytim.
"Come see us ... We will have Landon Miller, Mus Gillam, Michael Stephens, Jeremy Hayes and many more playing their tunes."
3030 Creswell Ave.,
Shreveport, Louisiana
(318) 425-3862
Water-minded volunteers: join Jon Soul's Red River Hamel's Beach cleanup on Sat, July 7, 8 am to 11 am
"The fourth of July weekend is especially hard on our local sandbars and waterways - and all of it the refuse is on its way to the Bay. Join others this Sun, July 7, from 8 - 11 am at Hamel's Beach off Clyde Fant Parkway (just north of the Jimmie Davis Bridge) for a clean-up," says Jon Soul.
8 - 9 AM beach cleanup (containers & bins provided)
9 - 9:30 snack & discussion (watermelon provided)
9:30 - 11 water play
Bring water, snack, sunscreen, water shoes*, gloves, PFD**, and boat (or try someone else's!). Park at the parking lot and follow tire trail down to beach access trail. Boats can be dropped off before parking.
* unfortunately, shoes are mandatory because of broken glass
** some will be available for use
All participants will receive a free, very cool Euro-style B2B decal for being a Louisiana Watershed Protector.
Bayou to Bay
Aikido, a Way of Peace form of martial arts, upstairs from Naked Bean Cafe, Shreveport
From Pam Hairston at the Naked Bean Cafe:
"We are proud to announce Bill Ross has begun Aikido sessions on 2nd floor of the Naked Bean building, 451 King's Hwy, adjacent to the Chevron on Highland Ave."
Visit www.ShreveportMartialArts.com or call 318-455-8609. Classes are free to veterans.
Documentary by Michele and Jay Carter, This Is Renzi, chosen for annual Lights, Camera, Help Film Festival in Austin, Texas
This is Renzi will appear on August 15, 2013, at the annual Lights, Camera, Help Film Festival in Austin, Texas, says Michele Carter.
It is among 18 films that were “hand-selected for their ability to bring about positive change in the world.” The films will be screened before festival audiences over a three-day period.
Renzi student photo by Michele Carter.
This is Renzi is about the kids and teachers of the Renzi Arts & Education Center in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood. The after-school program serves at-risk youth in the community. The 12-minute film depicts children learning a variety of skills including cooking with a microwave, writing and performing their own poetry, learning to read with the help of comic books and participating in yoga lessons.
“They call these kids ‘at-risk’ but this film proves that if you put them in the right environment, they can really thrive,” says Michele’s husband, Jay Carter, who shot and edited the film. “You can clearly see in the film that the children are surrounded by adults who treat them with love and respect, and they respond well to that.”
The documentary is available to view at BeyondMeasureMedia.com. Beyond Measure Media is a Shreveport-based video production company specializing in capturing the stories of businesses and nonprofits.
Russell Wingfield benefit schedule Sun, July 7, Riverview Hall, 2 pm to 10 pm
"Join us Sunday 2 pm - 10 pm for some great bands! Great auction items! And fellowship with the folks that make the shows happen behind the scenes, behind the knobs, Behind the ropes and risers," says Greg Miles.
"And to honor the life of one of our own, the night will end with what we are calling the Russel Wingfield Jam, please come be a part of this big night for a true friend of the craft."
Russell Wingfield, former Shreveport Symphony Orchestra performer - on bass - and long-time president and business agent for the Stagehands Local 298, has been fighting cancer for months. Currently in hospice care, his friends have organized the concert to defray some of his medical expenses.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Young blues lions from Texas, the Peterson Brothers, perform with Brady Blade at Bears Fairfield on Fri, July 5
The Peterson Brothers were born and raised deep in the "Lost Pines" of Bastrop, Texas: Alex, 14, on bass, violin and vocals, and Glenn Jr.,16, on guitar and lead vocals. Their music combines the classic blues sounds of legends with their own unique blend of soul-infused inspiration, says their web site.
They are hot and regular performers in Austin - the Continental Club, Stubb's, etc - and are hitting Shreveport on their way home from the BB King Homecoming Blues Fest in Mississippi.
From their calendar:
July 5, 2013
(Opening Act for Buddy Flett)
“Brady Blade will join us on drums”
Bears (Fairfield)
Shreveport, Louisiana
"Hump the hostess:" River City Rep performs the viciously beautiful Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? July 3, 5, 6 @ 7:30 pm, East BankTheater
Edward Albee’s classic drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? celebrates its 50th anniversary and is directed by Robert Buseick on his 80th birthday, says Patric McWilliams.
Albee’s cynical couple, George and Martha, spend a night filled with dangerous games, truths and cruel realities. The play stunned NYC in 1962. It continues to provoke and shock audiences.
The show stars Patric McWilliams, Susan Kirton, Logan Sledge and Ellen Lindsay.
River City Rep is the area’s only professional theatre company.
EastBank Theatre
1302 Barksdale Blvd.
July 3-5-6 at 7:30 p.m.
July 7 at 3:00 p.m.
All seats $35.00
318-868-5888, Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online tickets www.brownpapertickets.com
Expect it to run about 3 hours; there are two brief intermissions.
Monday, July 01, 2013
Percussion jam session @ Rhino Coffee with Index Drums, Shreveport, Tues, July 2, 6 to 8 pm
"Has your djembe been collecting dust? Have you been thinking of getting into percussion, but you're unsure where to start? We'll have local musicians playing their tunes and covers for us to jam along with. All types of percussion are welcome, or you can play anything that Index Drum makes," says Landon Miller at Rhino Coffee.
All ages, free admission, BYOB. And Rhino will have pizza and drinks available.
"Everything we sell is handmade in our workshop in Louisiana," says Paul F King, proprietor of Index Drums. "The drums are built in small batches, and special care is taken to ensure that no two are exactly alike. Our drums have been played in live shows, house parties, church services, belly dance performances, and countless drum circles. They play well with traditional drums, and the variety of tones possible from each drum will not disappoint. Since the first run of cajons, we have been constantly experimenting with new forms of instruments, amplification, and manufacturing processes."
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Blog Review: Shreveport Little Theater emphasizes the laughter in Sondheim's musical, "Company;" performances continue through July 14
Stephen Sondheim's 1970 musical, "Company," as presented by Shreveport Little Theater on Sat, June 29, was rich of music - Brad Kozak directed the 13-piece orchestra - and filled with wit.
Hilarious riffs were handled with aplomb by deadpan Brian Smith, an electrified Laura Beeman, and masterfully stoned Blake Powell.
Cute and fit leading man Eric Lincoln stripped nicely for a sex scene with the appealing Anna Maria Sparke.
It's an uptown comedy - dated, but in an entertainingly retro way - in which the mirth is the cast's strength.
Special compliments to manic but sharp drummer John Walsh and to Kozak for his turns on marimba and bongos.
Performances
Fri, July 5, 8:00 pm
Sat, July 6, 8:00 pm
Sun, July 7, 2:00 pm
Thurs, July 11, 8:00 pm
Fri, July 12, 8:00 pm
Sat, July 13, 8:00 pm
Sun, July 14, 2:00 pm
Tickets $22. 318-424-4439.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
SLT's Sondheim: an orchestra and stage full of singers presenting Company
Shreveport Little Theatre tickets
812 Margaret Place
Shreveport 71101
(318) 424-4439
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Rich-voiced, hard-picking solo Mississippian Cory Branan @ Bears Fairfield, Shreveport, Th, June 27, 9 pm
Cory Branan, Pistoleros and Victor Olston Thurs night at Bears Fairfield. $5!
Sound and vision.
Coates Bluff Nature Trail, Shreveport, recently groomed and 'ready for summer use,' says Jon Soul
"The Coates Bluff Trail is ready for summer use," says Jon Soul, initiator and one of several volunteer maintainers of the greenway.
"Much of the trail has been recently groomed and use is the best maintenance.You can park at either The Montessori School for Shreveport (2605 C.E. Galloway Blvd.) or Valencia Park Recreation Center (1800 Viking Dr.) to begin your trek. The loop is a little over a mile in total length."
"Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells (oxygen levels are way up) of this inner-city sanctuary," continues Soul."You'll be walking through lush riparian forest with an equally rich history (including the site of NWLA's first trading post and post office). Some say it is in fact the "birthplace" of Shreveport.
Be sure to wear lightweight pants and long sleeve shirt or bug spray. Also remember that "vines that are hairy...be wary." Poison ivy is growing on many of the trees that border the trail."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Chris McCaa, Bucket List, Red Thread, Jazziana and more in Russell Wingfield benefit concert Sun, July 7, Riverview Hall, Shreveport
Russell Wingfield, former Shreveport Symphony Orchestra performer - on bass - and long-time president and business agent for the Stagehands Local 298, has been fighting cancer for months. Currently in hospice care, his friends have organized a concert to defray some of his medical expenses.
Great music and fellowship in Riverview Hall on Sun, July 7, 2 pm to 9 pm.
SWS @ Phoenix Underground, Shreveport, Wed, July 3; with woodwind quartet from Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
Guitarist-songwriter Clyde Hargrove has surprises for Super Water Sympathy fans in the band's show at Phoenix Underground on Wed, July 3. On several numbers the group, known for its creamy pop sound and ever-growing fan base, will be accompanied by symphony musicians under the direction of clarinetist Tom Phillips.
Highly recommended.
Tickets online.
Pou and Bogan in the musical 9 to 5, StageCenter, Shreveport, at MLPfrom June 28 to July 7
Janin Pou, Emma Foreman, John Bogan, Misty Shadd and Cara Derrick belt Dolly Parton's tunes in 9 to 5, the Musical, at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse.
9 to 5 The Musical @ MLP: tickets online at www.stagecenterla.com/buy-tickets or call/text 218-9978.
Fri, June 28, through Sun, July 7.
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 3 pm
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Bobby Bland remembered Shreveport as a little more violent than most cities in his concert tours
Bobby Bland passed this week. Rest in peace, sir.
Decades ago I attended one of those long-bill blues shows in Hirsch Coliseum. BB King, Bland and another headliner plus 2 or 3 up-and-coming or on-their-way-down singers.
Near the end of the evening I went out back of the Coliseum; found the Bland tour bus in the dark. No problem getting an interview with the lion in the wagon. I was toting a poor-quality, black cassette recorder that tended to malfunction. The cassette was probably one that had already been used for Allman Bros and Led Zeppelin albums.
I knew something about Shreveport blues history that the average person didn't know. I had harvested stories about Palace Park, a black baseball field in Allendale. There was a frame building on the park property that was used as a nightclub. Called simply Palace Park, the structure may have served many neighborhood functions. See Charles Lovelace' model of the center.
Palace Park, Dale St, Shreveport, has a spot in the history of rock 'n roll. In the 1940's heyday of the joint the singer Roy Brown had developed "Good Rockin' Tonight" at Palace Park.
It was the kind of hall where people paid to reserve the tables near the stage. People brought more than whiskey. Tables groaned, I was told, with fried chicken and potatoes. Folks dressed. Po' people listened to the show while milling around outside.
Bland told me a few non-descript stories about life on the Chitlin Circuit. I'm sure he realized that most of the things he could describe would seem swampy mysteries to me. But he left me with one telling line about the Palace Park era: "When he headed to Shreveport we always knew it was going to be something." Clearing his throat a bit, he allowed that, "Y'know, there was most always a cuttin' or shootin' when we sang in Shreveport."
Having gotten that observation, I shut down the recorder before it could freeze. Backed out of the bus, smiling like a good-hearted white guy. Got my salty story.
Bland remembered Shreveport, albeit as a city that was a little more violent than the average. I still wonder if that was something he told interviewers about their cities.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Sondheim's musical Company @ SLT, with onstage orchestra, July 27 - 29, July 5 - 6, 11 - 13, and more
Eric Lincoln as "Bobby" with Seva May, Anna Maria Sparke, Laura Beeman, Adam Philley, Robert Darrow, Jenny Warren, Jeremy Ringuette, Kelly Powell, Jessica Modica. Sarah Smith-Brown, Jordan A Cole, Brian H Smith and Blake Powell.
Director, Robert Darrow; musical director, Brad Kozak, with a thirteen piece orchestra.
Choral director, Rocky Maddox, keyboard, Robert Young.
$22. (318) 424-4439
Victor Sims photography at Pamoja Cultural Arts Center, 3806 Linwood, 6 pm, Sat, June 22
"Eclectic Perfectionist is not your ordinary photography exhibit," says Brittny Davis.
"This showcase will depict the simplicity and beauty of our surroundings from the view of Victor XslentImages Sims camera lens. So come out and enjoy an evening of art, food, and music."
Saturday, June 22, 6:00pm
Pamoja Cultural Arts Center, 3806 Linwood Avenue Shreveport 71103