Tree limbs, furniture, appliances, etc, to be collected by appointment only (673-6300), says the City of Shreveport; program begins on Bastille Day

Starting July 14 the collection of bulk items such as tree limbs, furniture, appliances and tires will be done by appointment only, says the City of Shreveport. Single-family back door collections for a fee will be discontinued.


- Residential customers must call (318) 673-6300 to schedule an appointment for bulk items to be picked up.
- All solid waste collected at the curbside must be in containers, except trash collected as part of the bulk program.
- There will be no collection from new residential developments with private driveways with inadequate access for solid waste trucks.
- There will be no collection of solid waste on vacant lots or unoccupied residences unless the property owner arranges for trash pickup.
- The maximum number of dark green trash carts per residence or commercial establishment is two.
- As adopted by the City Council in April.
- No additional fee is associated with the changes.

Hennessy and Alexander's art camp July 7 - 11, 9 am to 3 pm, La State Museum, Shreveport

Art camp 2014! Holli Hennessy and Shirlene Alexander, art teachers at Caddo Magnet High, will be having Art Camp for the 12th year on July 7-11.

It is for students 7- 14 years old, says Hennessy, and it will be at the La State Museum.

9 am till 3. Painting drawing printmaking sculpture-- lots of art and fun!! Call me; 573 0063. $200. Supplies included. But not lunch.

Continuing on Fridays: South Highlands Summer Market under the tent at Mall St Vincent, 5 to 9 pm: crafts, edibles, music

Shreveport’s summertime Open-Air Market continues through August 8th; it's every Friday evening for 10 weeks, says Julia Foley.

Mall St. Vincent will host the South Highlands Summer Market from 5 to 9 pm under a large tent outside the mall adjacent to the historic St. Vincent Academy.


- family and pet friendly market will feature 20+ vendors from our region.
- locally grown fresh produce, handmade food products, and specialty artisan craft items.
- seating area with tables and chairs; shoppers may grab a bite from vendors or a food truck and listen to local musicians.
- different vendors will be showcased each week.

Dirtfoot, with 3 new players, and Mike Dillon Band, vibes and trombone, at Bears on Fri, June 13, 10 pm

"Dirtfoot is coming to Bears and bringing our good friends The Mike Dillon Band to show you guys what a real crazy rock show looks like! Guaranteed these guys - "punk funk with vibraphone and trombone" - will make you tear your hair out in fits for joy and madness," says J Bratlie.

Dirtfoot has 3 new members, including Garrett Brolund on bass, Sam Apperson on lead guitar and Derek Russell on drums. Founding members Scott Gerardy on saxophone, Jason Bratlie on banjo, and Matt Hazelton on lead vocals and rhythm guitar are the staunch.

"Seriously, you don't want to miss this show," adds Bratlie. The Mike Dillon Band opens at 10 pm.

Dirtfoot photo Trudeau, 2008, edge of the Red River.

Post bop: experimental, melodious jazz by Griffith and Bayliss at Bears on Sat, June 14, 10 pm

"Mr. Lane Bayliss on drums and myself on guitar," says guitarnachist Mark Griffith, "will be improvising as a duo at Bear's On Fairfield this Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 10pm - 'til. Please join us if you dare..."

Storytelling onstage at East Bank Gallery, Bossier City: All Ya'll's "Mistakes were made" on Sat, June 14, 7:30 pm

All Y'all, a Shreveport-based podcast created and hosted by Sara Hebert and Chris Jay, will host a night of live storytelling at the Bossier Arts Council’s East Bank Theatre, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14. The night will feature local storytellers sharing true stories told live without notes in front of a studio audience. The evening’s theme is “Mistakes Were Made.”

Admission is $10 and advance ticket purchase is recommended. There will be musical interludes throughout the evening.

Snacks at intermission. Cash bar.

East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111

Tickets: www.allyallblog.com

Painter-sculptor-jester Wayne White building mega puppets at Central Artstation, Shreveport; drop in, volunteer, learn at 801 Crocket St, 9 am to 5 pm

In his artist talk this week, SRAC artist in residence Wayne White, a rock star in the hyped world of the national art scene by virtue of his numerous projects, invited the community to visit and volunteer (groups by advance notice only at 318-673-6500) as he and his team build mega puppets for his Shreveport Common art parade, the UnScene event on Sat, July 12, 10:30 am.

Artists chosen as the residency team for the White project are painter-photographer Rachul McClintic, sculptor James Marks and musician-multi-media artist John Martin. Interning is student Jack Joyce.

See snaps of the team at work.

Fiction and poetry open mic at Naked Bean Cafe, Fri, June 13, 6:30 pm

Naked Bean Cafe's near the corner of Kings and Highland. Ample parking. Next door to Day Old Blues Records.

Foodies' UnScene on Fri, June 20, Municipal Auditorium: Rich Table, with Sarah and Evan Rich and a peck of chefs and artists

Rich Table, curated by Sarah and Evan Rich of San Francisco, will be the foodie's UnScene. It takes place in the Municipal Auditorium on Fri, June 20.

The localvore cooking from more than a dozen chefs celebrates the Shreveport Farmers Market as well as the farms and gardens being developed in NW La. . At $35 a ticket the feast - with entertainment and art galore - is a bargain. Drinks and a trolley tour at 5, artful, fresh supper at 7. Btw, expect valet parking at the Municipal.

Tickets and additional events, such as Farmer's Market Cooking Challenge (June 14) and How to Carve a Whole Pig with Chef Evan Rich (June 18).

Witty, introspective lyrics and a history: Willis Alan Ramsey performs at Fairfield Studios on Sun, June 8, 7 pm

"Singer/songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey is a cult legend among fans of Americana and progressive Texas country," writes Russell Brabham. "Blending folk, country, and pop with witty, introspective lyrics, Ramsey recorded a critically acclaimed debut album for Leon Russell's Shelter label in 1972. It was one of the first albums by the new school of Austin singer/songwriters that would come to be tagged "progressive country" (Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt among them). However, Ramsey subsequently disappeared from music, owing to conflicts with his label and a general distaste for the business."

But he's back. " I was seeing him in little clubs when I was at SMU in 1970-1973. Can't wait to see him in this pristine format," adds Brabham.

1510 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana.(318) 933-2514. $25. www.shreveporthouseconcerts.org

Christian Dantes, Meagan Crews and Dan Ley's Orchestra fry Grease for ACT at MLP on Sat, June 7, 7 pm, Sun, June 8, 2 pm

Featuring seasoned young performers Christian Dantes and Meagan Crews and a back-up gang of additionally capable teens and Daniel Ley's rock orchestra, the Academy of Childrens Theater production of Grease will entertain buckily.

Box Office @ MLP: 318-869-5242

June 5th-7th, 7 p.m. and June 8th @ 2p.m. Tickets: $25 and $20.

Below the towering sculptures and paintings at Artspace Shreveport is the aw, shucks artist Wayne White; party with White on Fri, June 6, 6 pm to 9 pm

Lighten up when you check out the internationally-known artist Wayne White. His gigantic cardboard-based sculptures, the droll words he has painted upon thrift-store framed paintings: none of it is sacred to the man from Los Angeles who has kept his accent from the days when he was from Chattanooga.

He won fame in the 80's with design for the TV show Pee Wee's Playhouse, plus direction for a couple of seminal music videos. Since then his droll attitude has carried him to the top of the marquee in terms of name artists.

Party with the big name but aw, shucks artist on Fri, June 6, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Artspace Shreveport. Music by the estimable singer AJ Haynes and her group, The Seratones. $10 Admission /$5 with Military ID. Cash bar.

710 Texas St. Shreveport
318-673-6535
www.artspaceshreveport.com


Mr White is returning in July with animated gigantiples. See his mega puppets in a Shreveport Common parade at UnScene on Saturday, July 12.
www.unsceneshreveport.com

Blackberries on your artisan chair: South Highlands Summer Market @ Mall St Vincent begins Fri, June 6, 5 to 9 pm

Shreveport’s new summertime Open-Air Market begins June 6th and goes through August 8th; it's every Friday evening for 10 weeks, says Julia Foley.

Mall St. Vincent will host the South Highlands Summer Market from 5:00 to 9:00 pm under a large tent outside the mall adjacent to the historic St. Vincent Academy.


- family and pet friendly market will feature 20+ vendors from our region.
- locally grown fresh produce, handmade food products, and specialty artisan craft items.
- seating area with tables and chairs; shoppers may grab a bite from vendors or a food truck and listen to local musicians.
- different vendors will be showcased each week.
- among the first vendors: Sacred Strawberry, Wired & Sassy, Artisan Jewelry, Toomasuba, Bee Goods, Pa Honey Candy Company, Stewart's Produce, Pa Chang's, Sweet Tee's and Gogreenly (vegetarian dishes).

Thrill Hill and the rocket in Betty Virginia Park: Sweet Tees celebrate Shreveport

Sweet Tees is a merch idea that has been brewing in the minds of Kathy May Ross and daughter Lauren Ross for several years. They've begun their "gourmet T shirt" enterprise with a couple of cultural grabs that are wittily local: Thrill Hill and Betty Virginia Park, as in the lost rocket structure.

With designers Paul McCallister and Todd Miller at Popular Creative they have created a subtle series of shirts. Says Lauren, "These tee shirts are American Apparel vintage feel fitted tees. The designs pay homage to past and current Shreveport landmarks." They are aimed at the upscale market, priced at $28 - 32. Adds Ross, "Sweet Tees are locally designed and printed here in our area. We pride ourselves in using all local vendors to create and promote these shirts."

"These shirts tap into and embody the recent surge of pride in Shreveport's history and optimism for its future. I could not be a bigger fan of Sweet Tees and what it says about the fresh energy and changing winds in Shreveport-Bossier," says Thomas Avallone.

A recent customer responded, "My grandfather sold the rocket to Betty Virginia in the 60s during the "space age". We always thought that was the coolest thing to play on, and now I can think back and remember my grandfather every time I put this shirt on, which is priceless to me! Thanks sweet tee Shreveport for such a special memory!!"

Ross says that orders can be placed at sweetteesport@gmail.com. Adds Ross, "We deliver to home or office. We also ship in and out of state to anyone needing a piece of Shreve!" See them face to face at the South Highlands Summer Market, Fri, June 6, 5 pm, at Mall St Vincent.

LGBT Pride Picnic Sat, June 7, 11 am to 2 pm, Betty Virginia Park, Shreveport, sponsored by PACE

"PACE is grilling in Betty Virginia Park. Everyone is welcome," says Adrienne Critcher, "PACE will be providing the food and drinks; all you need to bring is you, your friends and your family."

Ballet to hip-hop: Louisiana Dance Theater filled Strand Theater stage, Shreveport, with talented dancers on Sat, May 31

Costumes of elegance and whimsy, choreography suited to each group of dancers and a dance corps that spans kindergarten through high school; Louisiana Dance Theater proved its vibrance as a center for elegant movement with its concert on Sat, May 31, at the Strand Theater, Shreveport.

Carol Anglin and Dianne Maroney-Grigsby and their hard-working team of dancer wranglers produced a show that was well-attended and quickly paced. In addition to steps by choreographers from across the US (Jon Lehrer, for ex.) , the lighting was engineered by a veteran European designer, Pavel Perebillo.

Enjoy a photo album here.

Shreveport Farmers Market is back on Sats, 7 am to noon, and Tues, 3 pm to 6 pm

The Shreveport Farmers Market has returned. Crowds are heaviest at the beginning of the season; plan your parking.

The Numberlys authors at Toy Fair, Shreveport, 3 pm to 5 pm Sat, May 31: Bill Joyce and Christina Ellis

Toy Fair will host a book signing for Bill Joyce and Christina Ellis’s co-illustrated new picture book, The Numberlys, on Saturday, May 31st from 3pm-5pm at the Toy Fair store in Pierremont Mall, on Line Avenue. Waiting lines will close at 4:30pm.

Books will be available for purchase at Toy Fair prior to the signing. And attendees will have the opportunity to meet both Joyce and Ellis while having their book signed.

318-865-3558.

Building a neighborhood image, month by month: art tour of Highland on Sun, June 1, 11 am to 4 pm

Historic Highland neighborhood has her monthly art tour on Sun, June 1, 11 am- 4 pm. "Artists open the doors to their homes and workshops to show you all the creative and organic fun that is Highland," says Liz Swaine.

Begin at 436 Topeka Street at the workshop of artists Su Stella and Curt Harville. Get tour maps here.
· 436 Topeka Street- paintings, jewelry and other items by Su Stella and Curt Harville; beaded jewelry by Rena Brittenham, plus lagniappe.
· 226 Columbia Street- ethereal pop art paintings & prints and glass and hand-stamped metal jewelry by E.D. Stewart. Also, Courtney Gaston’s art made from vintage books.
· 1173 Louisiana – Carolyn Manning’s popular Blue Comfort Food with its new pet-friendly patio and pet ‘play yard.’
· 424 Dalzell- New Orleans-trained artist Karen La Beau: a wide selection of NOLA and Shreveport-themed prints that capture life in Louisiana.
· 829 Kirby- Wendy Tisdale’s creative yarn art and yarn art furniture.
· 309 Merrick- Nancy Ferrari’s hand crafted wheel-thrown and slab built pottery in the colors of nature.

Illustration: new post cards by Karen La Beau.

Printable map: www.restorehighland.com.

On the Hot Rod parking lot, Youree near Kings Hwy, four food trucks on Fri, May 30, 10:30 am to 3 pm

Grill of the Dead, The Missing Link, Lilah's Bakery, and Jester Catering & Mobile Food Cart are getting together this Friday to fill your belly, says Lisa Pliler Tike of Lilah's. From 10:30am to 3pm the mobile food vendors will park in the giant lot at 2915 Youree Drive - just north of Kings Hwy.

Zombie-themed Burgers and Sandwiches. Gourmet Hot Dogs. Tamales - and whatever else Tina may dream up, says Lisa. Gourmet Grilled Cheese sandwiches and cupcakes, too.

Highly rehearsed young dancers: Louisiana Dance Theater performance at Strand Theater on Sat, May 31, 6 pm

In a performance that will encompass ballet, jazz and modern dance, Carol Anglin will present a program called Stars of Tomorrow at the Strand Theater, 619 La Ave, downtown Shreveport, on Sat, May 31, 6 pm.

As a person who has followed this group of dancers, I highly recommend the show. The LDT dancers are comely, well costumed and well rehearsed.

Tickets are $25, 20 and 15. Buy Strand tickets online.

See Calanthean Canyon, the New Orleans Airlift-designed installation, with Twang Darkly performance on Sat, May 31, 7 pm

Twang Darkly presents its original music and original instruments in a free, all-ages show at Calanthean Canyon, 1001 Texas Ave. The performance is sponsored by Unscene Shreveport, says Michael Futreal.

Sat, May 31, 7 pm, 1001 Texas Ave. Easy parking: it is across Texas Ave from the Municipal Auditorium.

Downtown photo op circuit: skateable sculpture, rideable chicken and performable frame called Portal

Exploring the historic Texas Ave area has more possibilities with the advent of an Alan Dyson installation called Portal. It is a stage-like structure dominated by a large (16' tall) black wooden proscenium frame.

Recently installed, "It's a platform for artists to interact with," explains Dyson. Tightly constructed by Lawhon Myers Builders, it is located in Shreveport Common near 836 Texas Ave. It's on the open area to be developed as Caddo Park.

"My influences are Richard Serra and James Turrell," said Dyson, who is a successful designer (Shoppes at Bellemead, Ristorante Giuseppe,etc) as well as musician (Planet Unity Orchestra, "Louisiana Jive," etc) and visual artist ("Tablet," East Bank Gallery, 2013).

"Portal was intended for the downtown Oakland Cemetery, but the 'Friends of the Oakland Cemetery', felt that the structural requirements could result in the disturbance of remains. The final location was determined by negotiation with SRAC. SPAR is interested in relocating the piece to a city park after the year-long tenure in the common is complete," added Dyson.

"We used the black background of Portal as a backdrop for photographing our Softie ladies, a doll-size series," said Kathryn Usher. "It turned out well. I think Portal can be useful but the challenge is that the population in Shreveport Common is so light. But photographers and videographers should enjoy using it. Maybe someone making a La Film Prize movie will use it."

Dyson hopes it will be used by poets, visual artists and others as a frame for their work.

Visitors to the Calanthean Canyon musical houses, open weekends (Sat, May 31, 7 pm, free performance by Twang Darkly), will find that Portal and the Steve Olson skateboard sculpture are nearby and are cool spots for snaps. "The challenge for both Portal and the skate sculpture," believes Usher, "is that they're pretty big. They're not the right size for selfies."

Texas Ave Community Association's Dan Keele says, "Portal is a viewfinder for things to come; it's a focal point for future stagings and presentations."

Props to Prof Porkchop from Blues Blast Magazine: catch him at Chianti's Green Room, 2Johns, El Dorado's The Vintage or on iTunes

"Chris McCaa has a great voice, but he also has keen keyboard and writing skills," writes Rex Bartholomew as he reviews "U R My Everything" in Blues Blast Magazine. "His comfort in his abilities is evident as he chose to start the CD off with four original songs. The title track begins with a mellow vibe flavored with electric piano, but solidifies quickly as the chorus adds in organ and heavier guitar chords. But this is not a one man show, as the backline is solid and the guitars are spot on.

When “Blame it on the Moon” gets going, you can see where the Randy Newman comparisons come in. Chris’ voice is similar, and indeed he has a deft touch on the piano. When you add in the sadly clever lyrics and creative rhymes, we get to see that he really has the whole package.

The band did not forget their Sportsman’s Paradise heritage, as they crafted a fabulous homage to the Crescent City in “Move to New Orleans.” Any locals that have moved away will be made jealous during this tour of all the great spots in town. Then they move on to Shreveport for the next track, “Sprague Street Rag” which is a short instrumental with full-blown ragtime piano accompanied by only a pair of spoons. Chris McCaa certainly has fine chops! George Hancock brings plenty to the table too, as his jazz flute work in “Puerto Rican Hotel” is both tasteful and skilled. Throughout this selection he is in perfect sync with McCaa’s electric piano and the rhythm section. I was surprised to find a second instrumental tune on the album, but this Afro-Cuban fusion piece really works well into the mix of other styles."

Sample two solid-as-a-rock albums by Prof Porkchop at iTunes:"U R My Everything" and "Grits and Graveyards." Catch the Prof pounding the keys on Sat, May 24, at El Dorado Casino's steakhouse, The Vintage, on Sun, May 25, 6-10 pm, at the Green Room, Chiantis and Wed, May 28, 6-9 pm, at 2Johns Restaurant - with George Hancock.

Fresh at SciPort: Festival of Innovation on Sat, May 24, 10 am to 5 pm

Join us, says Michele McKee, as we showcase the creative work of Makers, and learn about their love for innovation and creativity, as well as an educational spirit to inspire and encourage new Makers! Visitors of all ages can take part in complementary hands-on programming. It's the first Festival of Innovation.

Admission to the Center is free for those 18 and younger.

Maurice Loridans and Henri Loridans of A Better Shreveport, plus Stephen Pederson of SBC Bike Social, are doing workshops at 11am & 1pm on "How to Fix Your Bike!" Ride down and raise your skills.

UnScene feast in the Municipal Auditorium on Fri, June 20, curated by Sarah and Evan Rich, hot chefs from San Francisco

Coming to Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium on Fri, June 20: an UnScene public feast curated by the hottest chefs in San Francisco. They are Sarah and Evan Rich.

Their Gough St bistro has won numerous rave reviews, notes local artist Kathryn Usher. An example: the food-oriented city blog sfist.com calls their restaurant, Rich Table, "One of the 25 best restaurants in the Bay Area - according to statistics." The blog also says they have a Top Ten Bay Area vegetarian dish. Writes Andrew Dalton,"Sarah and Evan Rich's celebrated Hayes Valley spot has been a hot ticket since opening in 2012 and features a number of excellent veggie-forward dishes on their constantly evolving menu. But one item, the airy and earthy porcini doughnuts, are a meatless standout that would have us popping in daily for a bite, if only we could get a reservation. The light, fluffy dough has a hint of sweetness balanced by the rich umami flavor of the dried porcinis."

UnScene has engaged them partly, says Pam Atchison, because Sarah Rich grew up in Shreveport.

Joanne Wen, who posted the above photo, said of her supper, "The Rich Table in SF lived up to the hype. They had some of the most unique dishes I've had in a while: sardine chips with horseradish creme fraiche, porcini donuts which had the texture of Mister Donut, and Douglas Fir levain bread."

The Rich couple will guide a dozen local chefs in creating a Shreveport supper that meets their ambitious standards. The chefs will be surrounded by art installations. UnScene Rich Table: Fri, June 20, 5:30 - 11 pm. See the UnScene Calendar, too.

Kendrick Lamar Jackson dances Michael Jackson with Latasha Williams and dancers at Centenary College, Fri, May 30, 7 pm

Michael Jackson impersonator Lamar Jackson will perform on Centenary's campus on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 7 pm at the Anderson Choral Atrium Building, says Cherie Gray.

Along with him will be Nothing but Heart community dance group. The director and head choreographer is Latasha Williams.

They will perform some of the popular songs of Michael Jackson and also perform to popular American songs of the 20th century. It is a two hour dance show. Concessions will be sold during intermission.

Tickets $10 @ (318)840-8280 and (318)562-9494.

Super Water Sympathy and Dirtfoot at Mudbug Madness on Thurs, May 22, beginning at 5 pm

Mudbug Madness presents Dirtfoot and Super Water Sympathy at Festival Plaza on Th, May 22, 5 - 7:30 pm and 8 - 11 pm.

Teens get top teachers and software at Animation and Visual Effects Academy, June 2 - 26, 9:30 am - 2 pm, no fees

"There will be a tour of Moonbot and Blade Studios, including guest speakers, during the session. The end result of this camp is a 3-4 minute film that the students make which we will premiere at the Robinson Film Center," says Elizabeth Simons. "Instructors are professional visual affects editors and film compositors with a total of at least 50 years of experience in the field."

Go to www.lsus.edu/laprep or 318 797 5356.

Rocky Maddox, Ruben Reyes, Christopher Allen and a dozen Broadway belters at SLT June 6, 7, 8

Shreveport Little Theatre will present a cabaret of Broadway songs, featuring a dozen of our area’s popular vocalists, says Robert Darrow. It is a fundraising event celebrating SLT's 93rd season.

Soloists: Linnea Fayard, Barry LeBlanc, Rocky Maddox, Seva May, Carolyn Bryant, LisaAnn Kemper, Laura Beeman, London Todd, Nancy Carey, Adam Philley, Amanda Geneaux Ericson, Robert Darrow, and the students of SLTAcademy.

Rocky Maddox has coordinated the benefit and will serve as host. Pianist Ruben Reyes and bassist Chris Allen will accompany. Lighting: David White; sound: Phil Stewart.

Performances: June 6, 7 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. at SLT. Tickets $25; 424-4439.

Photo from SLT's Sondheim: Company, 2013.

Calanthean Canyon: more to come, including a Wed, May 21, 8 pm, Omen Art presentation at the Calanthean Temple

Still somewhat a pleasant mystery in the presentation of the New Orleans Airlift musical village residency in Shreveport - at the Calanthean Canyon - is the number of Shreveport artists who joined the team. The above photo, shot for the cover of Heliopolis, includes Delaney Martin, a founder of Airlift and head of the project, and well-known singer Brittney Maddox (Peekers, Songbird). You will also see Chrissy Wise and Rachel McDonald tucked into the gang. They were present as reps for Omen Art.

"Omen Art, a women's collective, has been around since 2012. We are not on SRAC's artists' registry and we are not an LLC or a non-profit. We are just a lowly underground group of women creating installation events for Shreveport," says Chrissy Wise.

"We were allowed to do our exhibit on the Court of Calanthe with permission from N.O. Airlift. We have not yet taken "official" documenting photos of our installation. We are throwing a mini event this Wednesday at 8pm at the Calanthean Temple focusing on the history and symbolism represented in our exhibit. Historian Chris Brown will be guest speaking. An Omen Art collective meeting will be held earlier in the evening in the space featuring a special artist's chat with New Orleans Airlift's Delaney Martin. This "mini-show" will follow it."

Also coming to the Calanthean Canyon / Airlift site are 4 weekends of performances, said Pam Atchison. Says Casey Jones, who eyeballed the Fri Airlift event, some 200 people may have packed themselves into the space. Standing room was maxed, he added.

Atchison was not prepared to announce the names of the artists next to perform, but noted that the original musical village in New Orleans was in demand by touring bands as a very desirable venue.

The best documentation of a performance to hit the ether at this point must be the 30-minute Youtube video by Marion Marks entitled "Calanthean Canyon Performance by New Orleans Airlift - Shreveport, LA."

In the photo above: Taylor Lee Shepherd, Jon Mackey, Jimmy Cousins (white cap), Peter Fetterman, Brett Roberts, Ross Harmon, Frank Pahl, (front row), Chrissy Wise, Delaney Martin, Rachel McDonald, Brittney Maddox. See photos from the Omen Art event as well as development of Calanthean Canyon.

What's next at UnScene? SRAC Juried Roster Artists' meeting Mon, May 14, 5:30 pm, Central ArtStation

Shreveport Regional Arts Council's Juried Roster Artists meet on May 19 to offset the Memorial Day weekend, says Vickie Marshall.

To become a Roster Artist see more at shrevearts.org.

Savoy, Keys and large cast present musical Ragtime at Hook Center from Th, May 22 to May 31

Stage Center director Jared Watson has captured a powerhouse cast for the musical Ragtime. It opens at Emmett Hook Center on Th, May 22.

Ragtime tells the story of three groups in the US in the early 20th century: African Americans, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; upper-class suburbanites, represented by Mother, the matriarch of a white upper-class family in New Rochelle, New York; and Eastern European immigrants, represented by Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia.

A selection of names from the large cast: Thomas Keys III, Nia Savoy, Seth Taylor, Kate Davis, Lindsey Fileccia and Katie Dupont. Choreography, Anna Kirkes; musical direction, Bryan Grisham & Seth Taylor.

Runs May 22 to May 31, 2014. Emmett Hook Center, 550 Common St. Thurs & Fri 7:30PM | Sat 2:00PM & 7:30PM

Tickets: Call or Text 218-9978 or CLICK. $20, Adults; $18 seniors; $15, students.

Blung-jing, zzzt, do-ong, twee: performers animate a sonic village at 1001 Texas Ave on Fri, May 16 and Sat, May 17, in UnScene performances

Percussion via wood, glass and metal, melody via glass, electronics and voices and creative mayhem is what to expect at UnScene on Fri, May 16 (8 pm and 9 pm) and Sat, May 17, 3 pm to 9 pm. The fantasy village adjacent to Calanthean Temple (nearly across the street from the Municipal Auditorium) was constructed for both rough charm and for sonic exploration.

Delaney Martin, Taylor Lee Shepherd and Ross Harmon, the lead designer-builders, learned how to make a musical village in their home, New Orleans. They've since built similar hives around the world. In Shreveport their ranks were swelled by designers Peter Fetterman, Chris Maes, Joshua October, Jimmy Cousins, John Christopher Martin, James Marks, Michael Futreal, Brett Roberts and Jon Mackey. Additionally, the gathering of materials and building included Srac staff including Josh Porter and Mitch Landry as well as performers such as Brittney Maddox, Nathan Treme and many volunteers. Additional designers were Detroit artist Frank Pahl and New Orlean artist Viktoria.

It represents an exceedingly unusual experiment in art and entertainment. If you miss the opening weekend, be aware that additional performances by a series of cool musicians is being scheduled.

The team from New Orleans, called Airlift, dubbed the village site the "Calanthean Canyon." It is a unique site, which is rare enough in this world.

Highly recommended at 1001 Texas Avenue, Shreveport.

"Annie McCune, I presume?" Meet Shreveport's historic characters at Shreve Memorial Library on Sat, May 17, 1 pm

Shreve Memorial Library downtown presents Hidden History III: The Story Comes Alive, on Sat, May 17 from 11 am- 3 pm. Meet famous and infamous persons from Shreveport’s history, witness a duel, learn about St. Paul’s Bottoms shotgun houses, and experience the con men and loose women of the river bank district, says Liz Swaine.

$5 Tickets can be purchased in person at the library or at www.downtownshreveport.com

At 1 pm at the ‘old’ Shreve Memorial Library- 400 Edwards Street- Drs. Gary Joiner and Cheryl White give a talk on Wicked Shreveport: Stories From a Frontier Town. All tour ticket holders are welcome to attend.

318-222-7403

Review / Mesmerized by Schubert and Sledge in Venus in Fur: River City Rep performances extended to May 16, 17, 7:30 pm

River City Rep's production of Venus in Fur was a mind-whipping evening of laughs, shocks and aftershocks on Fri, May 9.

Professional actors Charity Schubert and Logan Sledge trippingly threw down some 90 mins of clever, perverse romance.

The imprint of director Patric McWilliams was apparent in the balletic loops, lunges and parries executed by the duo. Cues and verbal jabs were sharp and propulsive. The ebb and flow of the evening seemed natural and powerful.

Charity Schubert was masterful in her numerous head-snapping changes between the auditioning actress character and the role-in-the-play actress. Her appealing smile, red lips and well-lashed eyes dominated the stage. In fact, her articulated smile became a character in the drama. She also used her blonde hair as a property. One moment her hair was a veil, the next, a helmet, the next, a dagger.

Logan Sledge was a protean foil to the explosion of female energy. His timing, turning and stalking matched the force in Schubert's character. Early in the play his persona was a bit stiff. As the night wore on, Sledge warmed. He seemed to entirely inhabit the writer. In one memorable scene the author allowed himself a private moment with a pair of exquisite woman's boots. Ahh.

The script is witty, literarily loopy and enthusiastically depraved. The actors were so confident of their duet that we were borne deep into their grand psychosis.

Highly recommended.

Fri, May 16, Sat, May 17, 7:30 pm, East Bank Theater. Tickets, $35: 318-868-5888, Mon- Sat 11 am – 4 pm. Or at brownpapertickets.com.

Rachel Stuart-Haas and Mindy Bledsoe serve Cheesecake at Artspace Shreveport: reception Thurs, May 15, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Fetching figures on paper and canvas from photographer Mindy Bledsoe and painter Rachel Stuart-Haas (Stuart-Haas painting above from Dec, 2012).

ArtspaceShreveport, 710 Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101

Green House Food Truck serving in Red River District, Shreveport, beginning Mon, May 12, 10 am to 4 pm

The Green House Food Truck is "Popping up" in downtown Shreveport for 2 weeks starting Monday, May 12, 2014. Serving for 2 weeks in the Red River District on the CoHab Patio. .

Monday-Wednesday at 10am until 4pm and Thursday-Saturday at 10am until 10pm. (318) 540-6310 greenhousefoodtruck@gmail.com

Get the entire Pop Up schedule at downtownshreveport.com

Shreveport Yacht Club continues annual camps to teach ages 8 - 16 to sail on Cross Lake

Let your children learn to sail at the Shreveport Yacht Club. One does not have to be a Club member to participate, says Harold Battarbee.

Junior Sailors, ages 8 to 16: Session #1 runs June 2nd-6th; session #2 June 9th-13th. Classes are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Classes are hands on, "learn to sail" courses taught by formally-trained U.S. Sailing-certified instructors. General boating skills, weather, sail boat rigging, knots and lines, rules of the road, and basic sailing skills will be taught. Lunch and textbooks will be provided.

Contact Harold to sign up or if you have any questions.

Harold Battarbee, Chair, Sailing Education Committee, Shreveport Yacht Club,(318) 676-9553, hbattarbee@comcast.net

Aaron Butler, former percussionist for Dirtfoot, Redshift, etc, seeks higher road; see his gofundme proposal

Highland Blooms Garden Tour and Art Market, Shreveport, Sat, May 10, 10 am

Art Market is part of the green Highland Blooms Garden Tour on Sat, May 10, says Liz Swaine. Pick up tickets 10 am-2 pm at C & C Electric, 2430 Line Ave. PS- The Art Market is free & open to the public. The garden tour requires a ticket.

River City Rep extends Schubert and Sledge in edgy comedy, Venus in Fur, at East Bank Theater, Bossier City, May 16, 17

River City Rep debuts a production of the Tony Award nominated comedy Venus in Fur, says Patric McWilliams. Charity Schubert has returned from NYC to take the role of Vanda. Logan Sledge plays Thomas, the putative director.

When an actress arrives several hours late to an audition, the director is less than impressed. But Vanda's masterful performance flips the script on Thomas' expectations and turns the session into a tango for dominance between actress and director, woman and man.

Tickets: 318-868-5888 or Brownpapertickets.com.

Neil Johnson photo.

Becker on the Bayou - Forum for Equality and PACE Benefit Fri, May 30, 8 pm, Ernest's Orleans Restaurant

Comedian Kristen Becker is comin’ home. After spending nearly 10 years in her beloved Buffalo, NY, Becker is coming back to Louisiana, the setting of her formative years. With this move she plans to energize and mobilize the equality movement in Louisiana, and soon, the Southwest. Her fervent love of the state and its people has led her back to fight for passage of the Louisiana

Non-Discrimination Act. To spread the word and raise funds for Forum for Equality Louisiana and P.A.C.E. (People Acting for Change and Equality), Becker will be performing at Ernest Orleans Restaurant, May 30 2014, 8pm as part of her 4-city comedy tour, visiting all corners of the Pelican State in spring 2014.

Becker’s wide-ranging comedy is rowdy, political, personal, intelligent, and unrelentingly honest. A comedian who happens to also be an out lesbian,  Becker consistently wins the hearts of all audiences, straight and gay alike, with her unapologetic humor. Her childhood, divided between the Rust Belt and the Deep South, (Shreveport actually) and has left her uniquely able to connect with all manner of people. Her ability to win the affection of such a wide range of audiences is due to her understated southern charm juxtaposed against a raucous and powerful persona.

Kristen Becker is going to use her love of comedy to fight for the right of all people to love. Join her in solidarity and laughter!

Where- Ernest Orlean's Restaurant
When- May 30, 2014 - 8pm

Open Seating - First Come, First Serve 
Limited seating $20 advance $25 at the door
Proceeds donated to Forum for Equality
and PACE (People Acting for Change and Equality)

 FOR ADVANCE TICKETS
http://kristenbecker.com/becker-on-da-bayou/

For more information contact Debora Demaree

Where to get curry chicken, Red Stripes and island music in Shreveport on a Tues: Gordon Nurse and friends at the Brass Monkey, corner of Kings and Youree

"Live and Direct!, says Gordon Nurse, with his Caribbean accent. "Brass! Monkey! Music Jam! Wit Ole! King!Nurse! Red Stripe! 2. Bucks! Info. 318. 754-4231. Early! Curry Chicken!"

How to rebuild the Red River Entertainment District: Pop-Up businesses open Mon, May 12, 7 am

Liz Swaine calls the Red River Entertainment District Pop Up business area, "The first time Southern Soul Food has been sold side-by-side with healthy, locally-sourced gourmet sandwiches and salads, Louisiana heritage cooking, beignets, burgers, Mexican fare, pastries And goat cheese. Seriously, name another place."

The businesses will open on Monday, May 12. The first shop to open on Mon will be Café Camellia, serving beignets and coffee drinks beginning at 7 am.

Pop Up runs May 12-23. For the list of theme days and special events, go to: www.downtownshreveport.com

Adam Simon, Salem producer, likes filming in Shreveport: "someone opened a time machine and these people walked out of the 17th century;" Simon filmed short on Clyde Connell in 1985

Adam Simon, executive producer of Salem, the American witch series on WGN America, likes filming in Shreveport. In an interview for Nola.com, journalist Dave Walker wrote, "Behind and around the stars, Louisiana has provided lots of interesting faces to further ground the series in its period look.

“Sometimes it felt like we were employing everybody in town,” Simon said. “You shoot in Los Angeles and the extras all look like wanna-be failed TV actors. You do it there (Shreveport), and it was if someone had opened a time machine and these people walked out of the 17th century.

“There’s a richness of detail because you have people with real faces. I miss that so much in movies and TV these days. Between the CGI and the plastic surgery and Botox, where are the real faces? This thing is filled with these real faces, and that’s wonderful.”

Simon might have remembered Shreveport from his 1985 visit to Lake Bistineau to make a short film about Clyde Connell, says Talbot Hopkins. Called "Swampsong," the Simon documentary captured the gothic side of winter on the Bossier Parish lake. It was his honors thesis project for Harvard. In it Clyde remembers a woman grieving after a lynching. Simon told Wilmington, Delaware's Cameron Art Museum that "Clyde recalled how on one of their frequent walks through the woods the old woman had wept and wailed and moaned about the violent events. Clyde said these sounds were the sounds she still heard to this day. And I felt this was the ‘twist' in the tale as it were – that the swamp song was not just (or not so much) simply the sounds of the woods and bayous – but the anguished human sounds she heard from this woman, which somehow stood for Clyde as the entire unspoken dark history that lay beneath her feet."

Guitarista Muriel Anderson plays Shreveport House Concert Series on Sun, May 11, 7 pm

"One of the world’s foremost finger style guitarists and harp-guitarists, Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. She has recorded over a dozen CDs and performs in the US, Europe, and the Far East."

See http://shreveporthouseconcerts.org/reservations.html, EMAIL: reservations@shreveporthouseconcerts.org or 318 933-2514 and please leave a message.

Women needed in Baton Rouge Th, May 8, for Planned Parenthood lobbying; bus leaves Shreveport 6:45 am, returns 9:30 pm

Shreveport women leaders are needed in BR on Thursday, May 8, says Melissa Flournoy. "The Louisiana legislature is really doing damage to women and families. We need women to be present in BR on Thursday to make a powerful statement that legislators should Trust Louisiana Women. Please take the day to make a difference. We need your voice to be heard."

"We are trying to make advocacy easy," continues Flournoy. "Leave the driving to us.We are making arrangements for a bus from Shreveport to leave from the Uptown Shopping Center at 6:45 am to travel to BR and come back by 9.30 pm. Please RSVP to me on Monday if you can come! We need to really demonstrate that there are progressive women willing to stand up!"

Melissa S. Flournoy, PhD
Louisiana State Director, Planned Parenthood
Cell: 504.715.4712
4018 Magazine Street, New Orleans, La

Young business? Simply a business idea? Eyeball the possibilities offered by the Louisiana Startup Prize

Photographer, painter, teacher, dancer: the art of Jerry Davenport at Pamoja Art Society, Shreveport; reception Fri, May 9, 6 pm

Artist Jerry Davenport opens a solo exhibit at Pamoja Art, 3806 Linwood, with a Fri, May 9, reception, 6 to 9 pm. Recommended for a Pamoja good time.

Community pot: donate on Tues, May 6, to Give For Good , sponsored by Community Foundation

Give for Good is a 24-hour online giving challenge led by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana to raise unrestricted dollars for the nonprofits in our community. It is a day of giving to celebrate the nonprofits in our community and a chance to raise thousands of dollars to make our community even better.

It is May 6, 2014 – A national day of giving to celebrate the 100th anniversary of community foundations across the country. It celebrates and recognizes the impact we can make in our community when we Give for Good!

Simone Dinnerstein in Shreveport: Bach concert Sun, May 4, 3 pm, following SSO concert Sat, May 3, 7:30 pm

The Noel Foundation Chamber series completes its season with The Beauty of Bach, featuring pianist Simone Dinnerstein. The free concert is Sun, May 4, 3 pm, at Anderson Auditorium, Hurley Music Building, Centenary College, says Lois Robinson.

J.S. BACH Two Part Inventions Simone Dinnerstein, piano

J.S. BACH Goldberg Variations (excerpts) Arr. D Sitkovetsky Jennifer Carsillo, violin; Borys Smolaga, viola; Ruth Drummond, cello

J.S. BACH Sonata for Violin and Piano in C minor, BWV 1017 Jennifer Carsillo, violin; Simone Dinnerstein, piano

The SSO performance, the series finale on Sat, May 3, Riverview Theater.

Pink Party triangle on Sat, May 3: the Korner Lounge, Central Station and the Shreveport Convention Center

Saturday, May 3, at 8pm the 21st annual Pink Party will open its doors at the Shreveport Convention Center, says PACE (People Acting for Change and Equality). The Pink Party is a fundraiser for Easter Seals; a $10 donation at the door is suggested. Following the Pink Party there will be an after party at Central Station. All proceeds at Central Station will go to the Philadelphia Center.

"This is a 21 and up event, so please be prepared to present your ID upon entry. The Convention Center will have free parking, and there is a free shuttle between The Korner Lounge, Central Station, and the Convention Center. There is absolutely no reason to drink and drive," reminds the organization.

PACE will have a table set up to answer any and all questions regarding what the organization does for the community. "Of course, pink attire is encouraged but not required. Make sure to tell all your friends! This is open to the public; everyone is invited."

Animation academy for Shreveport teens: June 2 - 26, 9:30 am - 2 pm, no fees

Go to www.lsus.edu/laprep or 318 797 5356.

Caddo Magnet High and Caddo Talented Arts Program exhibit at Meadows Museum, Centenary College, Shreveport, opens May 4, 1 pm

Centenary's Meadows Museum of Art will host two local student art exhibitions from May 4 through May 18. The Museum's first floor will be devoted to the work of more than 100 students from the Caddo Parish Talented Arts Program. The entire second floor will feature hundreds of artworks from Caddo Parish Magnet High School.

The opening reception for all the student artists will take place Sun, May 4, from 1-3 p.m. Both exhibitions and the reception are free and open to the public.

Jewelry, food, paintings and prints on the Highland art tour Sun, May 4, 11 am to 4 pm

The Highland neighborhood art sale is back on Sun, May 4, 11 am until 4 pm, says Liz Swaine.

Get a map of the tour at 436 Topeka St.
Selected sites:
• 436 Topeka - paintings, jewelry and the works of Su Stella, iron work by Curt Harville.
• 226 Columbia Street - the Pop Art-inspired paintings of E.d. Stewart.
• 829 Kirby Street - Wendy Tisdale with her custom dream catchers and yarn & fiber art. (You will love the yarn art chair!)
• 1173 Louisiana - Blue Southern Comfort Food- great food, burgers to write home about, art and occasionally, music! Bring your dog, sit in the new dog-friendly fenced patio.
• 424 Dalzell - the Louisiana-themed art of Karen LaBeau, cards & prints by Marci Gatlin-Hicks (Great for Mother’s Day!), artist Debbie Leggett. Paint a pot for spring!
• 2911 Centenary Boulevard - Meadows Museum of Art.

More at restorehighland.org.

Louisiana Tech teen architecture camp in Ruston, July 20 - 25

See details at La Tech U admissions.

Charity Schubert, Logan Sledge in River City Rep's production of Venus in Fur; performances May 8 - 11, East Bank Theater, Bossier City

River City Rep debuts a new production of the Tony Award nominated comedy Venus in Fur, says Patric McWilliams. Charity Schubert has returned from NYC to take the role of Vanda. Logan Sledge plays Thomas, the director.

When an actress arrives several hours late to an audition, the director is less than impressed. But Vanda's masterful performance flips the script on Thomas' expectations and turns the session into a tango for dominance between actress and director, woman and man.

Tickets: 318-868-5888 or Brownpapertickets.com.

Samantha Normand's Fashion Camp for ages 7 - 10 in June

Samantha Normand has been designing and sewing her own clothing since childhood. Last summer the 17 year-old Caddo Magnet HS attended fashion sessions at Chicago Art Institute. She recently presented clothing in a group exhibit at Multi Cultural Center for the South.

Normand is known for innovative designs and for re-cycling. "Her emphasis in her own designs is towards the individual expression more than practical garb," says Brian Landry, Jr.

Highly recommended.

Dick King-directed farce at Shreveport Little Theater: performances of The Game's Afoot through May 4

In the cast: Jan Adams, Lewis Elder, Ginger Folmer, Cara Johnston, Brad Kozak, Debbie Posey, Joe Todaro and Virginia Walker.

April 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2, 3, 2014 at 8 p.m. and April 27, May 4, 2014 at 2 p.m. at SLT, 812 Margaret Place.

Tickets: $17 / 15: 424-4439.

Ravel by pianist Simone Dinnerstein with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra; performance Sat, May 3, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

SRAC Juried Roster Artists: meet the Airlift team at meeting Mon, Ap 28, 5:30 pm, Central Artstation

Juried Roster Artists Meeting: Mon, Ap 28, 5:30 pm at Central Artstation, 801 Crockett St, downtown Shreveport.

Special Guests: Airlift. Delaney Martin, Taylor Lee Shepherd and Frank Pahl will speak about their musical house debut at May's UnScene.

www.unsceneshreveport.com/airlift1

Shreveport dance prodigy, nine year-old Calvin Alexander, on Strand Theater stage Sat, Ap 26, in Dance His High Praise

When Shreveport dance star Calvin Alexander jumps, rolls and lands upon the stage, audience members can be forgiven if they gasp with pleasure. For Calvin is age nine. Yet he has world-class dance moves. In fact, he has already spent a year on the road in a touring company of Broadway musical Billy Elliott. He has played the role of the youngest version of Billy, aka Billy Small.

Says Kathryn Alexander, his mother, "He started taking dance at Carol Anglin Dancenter when he was three years old. This includes ballet, tap, jazz and modern. He has been doing this ever since except for the fourteen months he was on tour with Billy Elliot (350 shows). He did not have a dancing role, but but participated in the ballet warm up before each show and had occasional tap and ballet classes with some of the adult cast members."

The son of physician Calvin D Alexander and former nurse Kathryn Alexander, Calvin is preparing himself in a balanced way. Kathryn says, "Cal has also been taking violin through the Centenary Suzuki School for the past five years and tumbling and trampoline through Jill's Gymnastics for five years as well. For the past six months, he has been taking voice/acting lessons from Ron Bermingham at Centenary."

Says teacher Carol Anglin, "Cal approaches every class and rehearsal as though it is the most important performance of his life. Not only is he an exceptional dancer, but Cal is intelligent, musical, focused, driven, athletic, a team player, and steps up to the plate with each and every challenge. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this outstanding young man."

As a member of the junior company of Louisiana Dance Theater he will be onstage Saturday, April 26, at Dance His High Praise at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport. 7:00 pm. Tickets: Strand Box Office, 318.226.8555.

Arts-minded retail center, The Agora Borealis, will replace defunct Lake Street Dance Hall at 421 Lake St.

At the historic and charming 421 Lake St site of the former Lake Street Dance Hall an enthusiastic young building owner named Katy Larsen is gutting and re-doing the space. It will be an arts-minded retail destination called The Agora Borealis.

"The Agora Borealis would like to invite artists to send pictures of their work they would like to submit for admission into our store," writes Larsen. "We have about 3,000 sq. feet of retail space that we hope to fill with all kinds of goods, ranging from furniture, jewelry, decor, lighting, paintings, sculpture and other items. The set up will reflect natural indoor and outdoor settings and will blend all of our artists' products together."

"Not everyone will make the first round of submissions for our grand opening - which may be in May - but please be patient because there will be much change over throughout the seasons. Each contract will be discussed with each artist and signed by both parties before opening. If you are interested or have any other questions or concerns, please contact me at theAgoraBorealis@gmail.com or by phone @318.243.1469." Photo Katy Larsen.

Lithe and modern: Orchesis Dance Company, Grambling, and Louisiana Dance Theater at the Strand Theater, Sat, Ap 26, 7 pm

Dianne Maroney-Grigsby directs the Orchesis Dance Company, Grambling University, and Carol Anglin directs the Louisiana Dance Theater in a production called Dance His High Praise at the Strand Theater on Sat, Ap 26. 7 pm.

Joining them will be Christian Dance Theater and Sumthin Serious Hip Hop.

318 226 8555. $20.

Yoga Nidra, Hatha yoga, hooping and belly dance at Lotus Studio, 446 Olive St, Shreveport

Yoga Nidra class Mondays, 6 - 7 p.m. at the Lotus Studio 446 Olive Street, Shreveport, is one of numerous classes offered in the cozy Highland Shop.

Belly dance, hatha yoga and hooping are also part of the weekly regimen at Lotus.

No Yoga experience is required for Nidra Yoga, says instructor Joy Yeager-Lasher. "Already have a workout regimen in place? This class is a great addition to your routine to help strengthen the mind, which often gets neglected," says Joy. "Yoga Nidra is also known as “Yogic Sleep.” It is a sleep like state that yogis report during meditation. In this practice you will enter the deepest possible state of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. You will follow the voice of the Nararator who will guide you through breathing, body part focus, and visualizations. Yoga nidra provides full relaxation of the nervous system; builds a healthy and strong mind; improved learning and concentration; restored emotional balance; relief from insomnia, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and everyday stress."

Class is $12 drop in or 4 classes for $40 in advance. Cash or check only, please.

www.lotusstudiosb.org. 318-617-4076.

Trudeau photo from 2007.

ArtBreak, the free fest at Shreveport Convention Center: Fr, Ap 25, 5 to 9 pm, Sat, Ap 26, 10 am to 9 pm and Sun, Ap 27, noon to 5 pm

ArtBreak is the free public festival April 21-27, 2014, at the Shreveport Convention Center. Friday, April 25, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday, April 27, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm Visit new site, www.artbreaksb.com, for more

Shiloh Baptist Church, Blanchard Latex Rd, Mooringsport, site of Lead Belly event on Sat, Ap 26, 10 am

Higgs boson and the Hadron Collider: physics prof opens movie "Particle Fever" at Robinson Film Center, Shreveport, on Sat, Ap 19; movie extended to May 1

Robinson Film Center will host Louisiana Tech University physics professor Dr. Lee Sawyer at a screening of the new documentary “Particle Fever” at 5 pm, Sat, April 19 at RFC, says Alex Kent. Sawyer will introduce the film and follow with a Q&A.

Imagine a documentary that captured the moment Thomas Edison turned on the film light bulb: the thrill of discovery, captured for the world to see. That’s what happens in “Particle Fever,” where audiences follow six scientists during the launch of the Large Hadron Collider. Not only does this giant machine represent the most expensive experiment in the history of the planet, but it helps 10,000 scientists from around the world ask one big question: by recreating the conditions that existed just moments after the Big Bang, can we explain the origin of all matter? If confirmed, does the Higgs boson (a.k.a. the God particle) help explain why we exist?

“I am happy to be a part of the screening of ‘Particle Fever,’ a movie that captures the excitement of discovery and wonder for those of us who work in high-energy particle physics,” said Sawyer. “Louisiana Tech is fortunate to take part in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, the largest scientific instrument ever built, and I hope the audience for ‘Particle Fever’ will be able to share in our excitement.”

Tickets, $7.50 ($5.50 for RFC members). Purchase tickets online or call the RFC box office at 318.459.4122. Run time: 99 mins. Particle Fever has been extended to May 1.

Shreveport Farmers Market opens May 31; food source updates on the SFM FB page

While the 2014 Shreveport Farmer's Market opens May 31, the SFM FB page is alive with news of vendors. The page allows food source-minded people to follow regional changes and forge appropriate food connections.

Les Mesdames Nouvelle-Orleans, Karen LaBeau and Panderine Soumas, cross a gumbo pot with a paint brush on Sat, Ap 19, 1 pm, Naked Bean Cafe

La Nouvelle-Orléans Mesdames (New Orleans Ladies), Creole artisan Karen La Beau and Creole culinary artist Panderina Soumas, will present "What Do You Get When You Cross a Gumbo Pot and a Paint Brush?," a unique art and food event, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at The Naked Bean Cafe in Shreveport.

The Naked Bean is located in the Highland Cultural District on 451 Kings Hwy. in Shreveport, Louisiana. Enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea, or a light bite from their menu.

UnScene artist and managers open meeting at Central Artstation on Wed, Ap 16, 6 pm

Members of the Juried Artists Roster, Artists Directory, UnScene Artists, and Artists ~

We have received your letter requesting to schedule a gathering of Artists to learn more about the selection process and upcoming opportunities for UnScene.

We look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 pm at the Central Artstation Engine Room. Please help to spread the word to all artists!

See you soon!

Brandon Oldenburg
Artistic Director
UnScene

Fresh tunes: Louisiana's 16 year-old guitar slinger, Matthew Davidson, is a Heartbreaker

From the Beatles and Rolling Stones to Muddy Waters and U2, smart teen Matthew Davidson gets it. His new 5-song release, "Cross My Heart," is danceable and effervescent. It's the kind of pop that will make you drive better and make you look good cutting a rug in your living room.

Beginning as a kid with a hot hand for blues guitar, Davidson is transitioning to vocalist, songwriter and entertainer. Surrounded by rockin' tunes and effective harmonies, Davidson's package kicks."Heartbreaker," his 4:16 master tune, is built on a snappy drum beat with a melody that builds inexorably to a feel good hook. In editing a videotape for his school, Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport, I listened to "Heartbreaker" more times than you'd believe. It was rich. And remains my favorite cut.

A huge parallel to John Mayer is there, but he must be listening to Herman and the Hermits and the Dave Clark Five, too. And the Young Rascals, for sure.

Two songs on the EP were penned by Davidson, and three songs were co-written with Greg Walton. Musicians on the recording are: Matthew Davidson, guitars and vocals, Greg Walton, keyboard and vocals, Kyle McClanahan, drums, and Jimmy Wooten, bass guitar and drums. The EP was produced by Jimmy Wooten, engineered by Cody Lowery. It was mixed and mastered by Wooten and Lowery at The Pond Studios.

Download his fresh five on iTunes and Amazon. Physical copies can be ordered online at www.matthewdavidson.net or purchased at live shows.

Catch his sharp quartet Thurs, May 15, Spring Concert at Provenance Community, 6 to 8:30 pm, Sat., May 24, at Mudbug Madness, 4 to 6 pm, and Fri., May 30, at Free Fridays Forever under the Texas Street Bridge, 5 to 8 pm.

Black swan, ghosts and bottles of wine: By the Bog of Cats a mesmerizing tragedy at Marjorie Lyons Playouse, Shreveport

By the Bog of Cats is a harrowing tale set on the Irish heath. Fri night at Centenary College a young troupe of actors brought the tragedy to the audience with aplomb.

The restless heroine, Hester Swane, is bitter because her husband of 14 years has left her. In the everyone-knows-all world of an isolated Irish community, he is about to marry the respectable girl.

Burying a black swan, conversing with ghosts, confronting the wedding party with her beauty and her tragic nature, actress Jordan Fell played the demented Hester with steady intensity. While the quality of her brogue made her difficult to understand at times, the key words and elements of her lament were continually clear.

The tale includes a shamanistic figure called Catwoman, played by expressive actress Sandy Rather. On Friday night Rather's shining eyes and embracing smile were framed by an epic coat of cat furs.

The boiling stage energy was intensified by the arrival of actress Heather Hooper, playing the unbalanced mother of Hester's husband. Hooper adeptly played the woman for both pathos and laughs.

And on the topic of comic relief, it must be noted that another master actor, John Bogan, has the minor role of the dodgy priest. On Fri night Bogan's witty timing provided ample relief from the tale of catastrophes.

Josie, the daughter of the heroine, was saucy, obeisant and sympathetic. She was brought to life with capable clarity by 14-year old actress London Todd. Her musicality, diction and appealing appearance tempt one to say a local star was being born on the MLP stage.

Nathan Gauthier and Ashley Frisbee were convincing in their roles of the husband and new bride. Jonathan Slocum and Clint White were articulate in their characterizations of a ghost and the father of the bride. But the driving appeal of the Bog O Cats is in playwright Marina Carr's canny use of the myth of Medea as the ribs of her Irish tale.

Highly recommended if you are weary of bread and circuses.

Sat, Ap 12, at 8 pm and Sun, Ap 13, at 2 pm. Marjorie Lyons Playhouse. MLP box office (318) 869.5242. $15, 10, 5.

Photos of the Fri performance.

Tchotchkes and Artskes: Texas Ave Makers Fair and UnScene Sat, Ap 12, 11 am til 10 pm;

Please see earlier posts, too. Also, The Big Scene.

Emotional roller coaster: contemporary Irish drama, By the Bog O Cats, at MLP on Th, Ap 10 through Sun, Ap 13

"By the Bog of Cats" opens Thurs, Ap 10, and plays through Sun, Ap 13 at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse at Centenary College, Shreveport. All shows are at 8:00 except Sunday which is a 2:00 curtain.

It is a contemporary and dark story from acclaimed Irish playwright Marina Carr. Centenary's guest director is from Pittsburgh and specializes in Irish drama; she is Melissa Hill Grande. Set by Don Hooper.

"This is an emotional roller coaster ride for the audience," exclaims drama teacher Heather Peak Hooper.

MLP box office (318) 869.5242.

From the Caddo Parish Penal Farm to the Sierra Nevadas: Seattle-based, Shreveport-born photographer Cody Cobb

"This series was captured during a 221-mile solo hike across the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the state of California," artist Cody Cobb told thisispaper.com. "These photos attempt to communicate the psychological shift that occurs with the disappearance of sunlight while alone in the wilderness."

Not everyone's cup of meat. But at age 29 Cobb is sounding a bit like Ansel Adams.

Born and raised in Shreveport, he is more than an extreme hiker with a camera. His photo landscape photos have have, of late, been shown in Amsterdam (De Fotohal, 2013), NYC (Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 2014), Boston (Miller Yezerski Gallery, 2013), London (Mother London Gallery, 2012) and Moscow (Moscow Museum of Modern Art, 2012).

He is being widely lauded as a first-rank lensman. His photos have been included in a dozen books during the past 2 years.

Cobb described himself as "A photographer and motion designer originally from Louisiana. Sometimes I live in Seattle, other times in a 1995 Subaru station wagon or tent somewhere in the American West."

As a teen he was into woods treks to see places like the abandoned Caddo Parish Penal Farm. "Growing up, I was mostly interested in abandoned buildings and urban exploration," he told Ligature.ch. "My options for this were limited after I moved to Seattle. I started spending more time outdoors and became comfortable spending days and eventually weeks at a time outside."

Cobb was a 2002 grad of Caddo Magnet HS, where he was more into computers than art classes, says his dad, painter Don Cobb. Cody and his sister Alicia, a successful designer (Fossil Watches, Pier One Imports) living in Ft Worth, watched their dad at work in his sign shop as they grew up.

Cobb, the dad, worked on the presses at The Times for 38 years but kept a sign shop on the side. Today he has a thriving business selling on Etsy and at fests like the Red River Revel.

Cody went to the Academy of Art in San Francisco and did his first digital designing for Digital FX in Baton Rouge. After Katrina, he moved to Seattle to work as a motion designer with the top-drawer shop called Digital Kitchen. The projects he worked on included the Xbox 360 game Crackdown, the miniseries The Path to 911, the movie Superman Returns, and commercials for clients such as Yoplait and AT&T.

"Today, he works for himself," says Don. "He'll work for Microsoft for a month, then take off hiking for a month."

As a landscape photog, “I usually have a vague idea of the topography and a detailed understanding of my route and orientation, but the light and landscape is always unexpected. I shoot when I feel moved by that sense of discovery" the artist explains.

His current favorite artists? ?He told globalyodel.com they are Henri Rousseau, Andrei Tarkovsky, Xeno & Oaklander.

Shakin' the Municipal Hayride Auditorium in Shreveport on June 2: Mister Jack White

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Tickets for White’s June 2 concert at the Municipal Auditorium will be available Friday, Ap 11, at 10 a.m. at the CenturyLink Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets (and online at Ticketmaster.com) and via phone, (800) 745-3000, says The Times.

$56 per ticket, fees included. General admission.

Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Campaign for Shreveport-Bossier: A Better Shreveport meeting on Mon, Ap 7, 6 - 7 pm

"Caryn Jenkins will be our special guest at Monday night's A Better Shreveport meeting," says Loren Demerath. "She'll be updating us on ideas for the Cycle and Pedestrian Safety Campaign that she's begun to coordinate."

Says Jenkins, "I spoke with Brian Parsons with the state DOTD Cycling and Pedestrian Commission, and then spoke with Dan Jatres with the Regional Planning Commission in New Orleans. I got some really great tips and info from these guys."

"The campaign will be modeled on successful ones done elsewhere. It could be part of the overall trend in making our cities more bike-able and walk-able. Part of that is the way people are beginning to advocate for their right to bike and walk. Times are changing," notes Demerath.

6:00-7:00 pm, Monday evening at the Wright Math Building, 2907 Woodlawn Ave., two blocks up from the Gold Dome on Centenary's campus.

Map of vendors for Ap 12 Texas Ave Makers Fair / The Big Scene in Shreveport; handcrafted fabulosities

See more at UnSceneShreveport.com and TheBigScene.org. Catch a vibe from snaps of the last Texas Ave Makers Fair. Yet the The Big Scene plans to double or treble what you see.

La Dance Theater of Shreveport, Orchesis Dance of Grambling perform at Emmett Hook Center, Shreveport, on Sat, Ap 5, 7:30 pm, Sun, Ap 6, 3 pm

La Dance Theater of Shreveport and Orchesis Dance Company of Grambling Univ perform at Emmett Hook Center, 550 Common St, Shreveport, on Ap 5 at 7:30 pm and Ap 6 at 3 pm, says Carol Anglin.

$20 / $10. 318-861-3006.

Who is Theresa Andersson and why is she headlining The Big Scene, Texas Ave, Shreveport, on Sat, Ap 12?

Better known in Sweden and New Orleans than in Shreveport, where she currently resides, Theresa Andersson is a singer-multi-instrumentalist at the highest order of musicality. Her voice is rich, whether in high or low register. She routinely and magically sings 3 or more parts of harmony with herself. Andersson uses loopers to multi-track her vocals as well as her drumming and guitar.

To hear Andersson begin one of her songs with a hard-hitting drum beat is to know you're going to have a good time. When she adds violin and guitar to the mix the audience anticipation builds - I've been in her audience several times. And when she begins to add voices, this Swedish native makes smiles happen all across the crowd.

As a song writer - her latest album is "Street Parade" and is nonpareil - she is both poppy and artful. Airing several of her Youtube videos for a group of teens recently I was impressed at how tuned in they became.

Her husband, Arthur Mintz, is the creator of the puppet version of The Fantastic Mr Fox, a hit in both New Orleans and at Artspace Shreveport in 2011. It is clear from her videos that they enjoy working together and cross-cutting snazzy ideas and audacious constructions.

There's no telling what to expect from Andersson on Sat, Ap 12, aside from smart pop that is danceable and mesmerizing. It is expected that she is unveiling a new show. In later April she will be performing in her adopted home of New Orleans and will play Jazzfest on May 2. She has well-known Shreveport accomplices in dance maven Luther Cox and troupe and gospel-mighty Sereca Robinson Henderson. Adding visual spectacle will be painter and animation mensch Joe Bluhm.

Suffice to say that at 8 pm on Sat, Ap 12, I expect you to join me on Texas Ave for her show.

Concerto de Aranjuez features guitarist Jason Vieaux with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sat, Ap 5, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

Jason Vieaux, well-traveled guitarist, joins the SSO to present the Concierto de Aranjuez, followed by concertos by two of the most influential Latin composers of the early 20th century, Silvestre Revueltas and Manuel de Falla.

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Jose Luis Castillo, conductor.
Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 pm.
RiverView Theater
Pre-show talk, shuttle parking, online tickets.

Update: UnScene managers and artists on the selection process and upcoming opportunities at Central Artstation; meeting on Wed, Ap 16, 6 pm

Dear Robert, Members of the Juried Artists Roster, Artists Directory, UnScene Artists, and Artists ~

We have received your letter requesting to schedule a gathering of Artists to learn more about the selection process and upcoming opportunities for UnScene.

We look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 pm at the Central Artstation Engine Room. Please help to spread the word to all artists!

See you soon!

Brandon Oldenburg
Artistic Director
UnScene