Thursday, May 31, 2007
Gulf fish and the chefs who broil it: a new festival in the French Quarter June 8 - 10, the New Orleans Seafood Festival
It will highlight Louisiana’s Gulf Seafood and New Orleans Chefs, an obsessive bunch of high-heat artists. It takes place in Jackson Square and at the Old Mint, adjacent to the French Market.
Among the chefs: Galatoire’s Chef Brian Landry; Red Fish Grill’s Chef Gregg Collier; Muriel’s Jackson Square Chef Guy Sockrider; Palace Café’s Chef Darin Nesbit; Bayona’s Chef Susan Spicer; Café Giovanni’s Chef Duke LoCicero; Broussard’s Chef Gunter Preuss; Arnaud’s Chef Tommy DiGiovanni; G. W. Fin’s Chef Tenney Flynn; Rib Room’s Chef Anthony Spizale; Dominque’s Chef Dominique Macquet; Mr. B’s Michelle McRaney.
“The Seafood Fest is yet another major step forward to our recovery efforts… our fishermen and restaurateurs are in the same boat literally. This festival will bring awareness nationally that our restaurateurs are back serving the freshest and best seafood caught locally. The consumer wins, the restaurateurs win and the fishermen win with this event,” said Ewell Smith.
At Neworleanseafoodfestival.com you'll find an enticing line-up of music performances. The hotel packages amount to excellent value. And shopping in the French Quarter and along Magazine St remains an intoxicating pursuit, seems to me.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Christopher Mark Burt's work in New York City as part of the Lizard Cult group show at Clementine Gallery, Manhattan; reception June 2, 6 pm
The Lizard Cult is a group of artists associated with teacher Lee Baxter Davis, professor at Texas A & M at Commerce. It includes C Mark Burt, Georganne Deen, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Lawrence Lee, Greg Metz, Robyn O¹Neil, Gary Panter, and Christian Schumann. The exhibit will run from June 2 Aug 10, says the gallery.
The back story comprises one of those Texas road-kill tales that we know from the music world. But this one's in painting and sketching. It goes like this, says the Clementine: "In the 1970¹s at East Texas State University, (now A & M Commerce), Art Professor Lee Baxter Davis and his most devoted students were referred to as The Lizard Cult. Davis, an artist and regional icon who has only recently gained wider recognition, composes deeply personal and exhaustively complicated psychological narratives steeped in his own eccentric brand of fire and brimstone mythology. His richly layered ink and watercolor drawings reveal not only the vision and insight that made Davis such a compelling teacher, but the tremendous influence he had upon his students¹ ideas about art and art-making."
Burt has inherited the Lizard sense of "discipline and ritual." He describes his schooling at Texas A&M Commerce as both competitive and passionate. He added, "They taught us to talk about what we were doing and to be professional in the work."
Davis gave his students a distorted universe aesthetic and an iconography to go with it. His work draws upon Donald Duck, Mad comics, Poe and O'Connor. Burt says he found similar inspiration in the 60's figures Big Daddy Roth and Robert Williams as well as Robert Crumb.
The Lizard stars are Gary Panter, called the king of punk art by the media, and Trenton Doyle Hancock, recently profiled by PBS.
Information and reproductions: 212.243.5937
clemgal@clementine-gallery.com
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Pop band The Terms scattered in aftermath of car wreck; Clyde Hargrove and Ben Labat back to musical projects, Brandon Young improving
Scott Lasseigne has been able to return to work, said Bruce Allen, as has Blake Oliver. Singer Ben Labat is filling out The Terms recording contract with Maple Jam, said Allen, and is recording in NYC. Labat's myspace.com/ benlabat features a number of promising songs.
The wreck sent Clyde Hargrove III into the hospital for 2 weeks. He spent several weeks recuperating at home, said Allen. Today Hargrove, once The Terms lead guitarist, is recording a solo album. His music is at myspace.com/bandofclyde.
Hargrove will be the featured accompanist this summer at the Arodasi Wave series of dance performances. Playing acoustic piano, Hargrove will appear with Arodasi Dance the last Sat of each month, says Dorothinia.
Arodasi Wave performances: June 30, July 28 and August 25. See Arodasi.com or 834-0948 or 518-3262.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Red River Radio Music Fest in Mall St Vincent from Th, May 31, through Sun, June 3; from the symphony to Dirtfoot
The event, with the Red River Radio crew broadcasting from the mall, is a fund-raising maneuver. You'll see that a wide range of musicians like Red River Radio enough to help them make the budget by supporting this superbly musical 4-day event.
Below, the schedule as of 10 am, May 25, according to Poling. He reminds that appearances are, indeed, subject to change.
Thurs, May 31
1 pm - River City Repertory Theater (featuring Seva May)
2 pm - String Trio Artists In Residence: Elizabeth O’Bannon, Borys Smolaga, Ruth Drummond.
3 pm - Shreveport Symphony Orchestra –Michael Butterman, Jennifer Carsillo and Ruth Drummond
4 pm - The Shreveport Chamber Singers, Larry Brumley
5 pm - TBA
7 pm - The Saxy Guys (LSUS)
Fri, June 1
11 am - Chris Craig (classical guitar)
12 noon - Shreveport Opera (to be confirmed)
2 pm - Shreveport Summer Music Festival Quartet, led by Sidney Harth
3 pm - Dirtfoot
5 pm - Buddy Flett
6 pm - Barbara Jarrell (awaiting confirmation)
Sat, June 2
11 am - Red River Childrens Choir
12 noon - The River Cities Jubilee (to be confirmed)
1 pm - Shreveport Opera (to be confirmed)
3 pm - LSUS Jazz
4 pm - Symphony Jazz Trio – Shreveport Symphony and O.P.U.S.
5 pm - The Blake Brothers
7 pm - Tba
Sun, June 3
2 pm - East Bank Theater – Albert Einstein, Richard Folmer
3 pm - The Port City Big Band
4 pm - Symphonic Jazz Summit
Monday, May 28, 2007
Red River Radio broadcasts from Mall St Vincent Th, May 31, to Sun, June 3, to present mini arts fest and pursue fund raising
A mini arts fest will accompany the NPR affiiate station's pitch for contributions. Watch for the Shreveport Symphony, River City Repertory Theater, Shreveport Chamber Singers, Red River Children's Choir and more. Also featured will be Dirtfoot and Buddy Flett. SptBlog will run the performance schedule Tues.
Says Poling, "Come down to the mall and meet the people who work for your public radio station. This event is also an end of the fiscal year fundraiser for Red River Radio. Your contributions are needed."
Adds Adam Giblin, Red River Radio morning host, "We have special new thank you gifts: digital HD radios and more. Plus, every contributor gets entered into a drawing for a new piano from Pendley Piano Gallery!"
Call to artists: Artport deadline June 4 for show Sept 13 at Shreveport Regional Airport
After a four-year hiatus, Artport is returning to the corridors of the Shreveport Regional Airport. Opening night is scheduled for Sept 13, 6 pm - 9 pm. Some 80 regional artists have been accepted into the show. Artport is making a final open call to the artists in our local and regional area.
"Shreveport Regional Airport serves customers from throughout our nation and having art on display that reflects our region is important to the Shreveport Airport Authority," said Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Chairman of the Airport Authority. “We are looking forward to the 2007 showing of new art displays for the traveling public."
Each Artport artist is responsible for securing a sponsorship of his/her work in the amount of $200. The sponsorship may be a business or individual.
The Philadelphia Center has been the charity of choice for Artport since the event began. Artport has raised over $75,000 through this event for the Philidelphia Center.
All new Artport entries should contact an Artport representative at Kalmbach Smith Meadows 318-227-8611 or 800-317-8611. The proper entry forms and guidelines will be forwarded per request. An artists’ biography and sample artwork files will be required for submission to the jury. Deadline for entries is Monday, June 4.
Deep Sea at Sciport's Imax Theater on Mon, May 28, at 11 am and 3 pm, narrated by Depp & Winslet
Creatures like the giant Pacific octopus, squid, wolf eel, the rarely seen ocean sunfish, sand tiger sharks, fried egg jellyfish and coral are the featured cast in this saltwater film.
Deep Sea features nine ocean locations from Hawaii to British Columbia. Advanced technology and filming techniques will allow viewers to feel as though they are actually swimming with Depp and Winslet - except, of course without having to get wet.
At SciPort the movie Deep Sea will be paired as a two-for-one double feature with:
Mon, May 28:
11 a.m.--Mystery of the Nile / Deep Sea;
3 p.m.--Hurricane on the Bayou / Deep Sea.
Memorial Day to Labor Day Sciport hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
(318) 424-3466, toll-free (877) 724-7678 or see www.sciport.org.
SptBlog places the label Highly recommended on the Imaxies Nile and Hurricane and cannot wait to see Deep Sea.
Jazz music aside the Red River at the Barnwell Center Th, May 31, 6 to 7:30 pm; Hot Jazz series spans 5 Thursdays
Five free concerts will run on consecutive Thursdays from May 31 to June 28. The sax will sound from 6:00 -7:30 pm each Thurs.
You are invited to bring a picnic basket and the Friends will offer a cash bar. The bar will include non-alcoholic drinks, says Powell.
The Barnwell's gardens and art shows will stay open from 10 am to 8 pm on concert dates.
May 31 -Total Choice
June 7- Touch of Class
June 14-Lane Bayliss Combo
June 21-Jimmy O’Brien
June 28-Lou Connection
July 4-Steve Allen
Currently the Barnwell features a classic show of regional art: the annual Hoover Watercolor Society exhibit. Besides capable water media paintings I was fascinated by the display of the Hoover history books. In 2 giant compendia of clippings is a virtual history of Shreveport art.
Barnwell Garden and Art Center
601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Tues through Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Sun from 1 p.m. 5 p.m.
Freda Powell, (318) 673-7703
Steve Allen portrait by Barbara Beaird.
Black Rain Press author Michael Steinberg to speak at West Edge Books Th, May 31, 7 pm
Steinberg will read from and sign copies of "In My Father's Room: How War Changed Our Lives Forever," co-authored by his late father Louis Steinberg and Jesse Moore.
The memoir combines Louis' letters home from the South Pacific during World War II with Michael's memories of his opposition to the Vietnam War, and how their relationship was affected. Steinberg is also the author of, among other books, the novels "The End of Tobacco Road, Homes, Not Jails!, and Romantic, Connecticut.
The bookstore and gallery are located at 725 Milam St. in downtown Shreveport, and the event, which is free and open to the public, will start at 7:00 p.m.
Michael Parker: 221-6961 or mpbookfreak@hotmail.com
Sarah Hudson Pierce, Ritz Publications, to showcase books and authors at Courtyard Cafe on Sun, June 3, 1 pm to 3 pm
The book fair will showcase some of Ritz Publications' latest offerings including Stone Justice by Debi King McMartin and Lyn Morgan with an introduction by Eric J. Brock.
Stone Justice is the life of Toni Jo Henry of Shreveport, the only woman to be executed in Louisiana's electric chair. A movie, The Pardon, is presently being filmed locally by producer Rand Falbaum. It was adapted from Stone Justice.
The authors will be on hand to sign limited edition copies of the original Stone Justice screenplay. Debi and Lyn have also written another screenplay, Lethal Alliance. It is being produced locally by Nandar of Los Angeles and will be filmed in North Louisiana.
Also available: books penned by Mayor Jim Gardner's great grandmother, Julia Pleasants Creswell. Julia's books include two books of poetry and Callamura, a 412 page allegorical historical novel written in Greenwood, Louisiana and published in 1868 in Philadelphia and reprinted in 2003 by Ritz Publications.
Callamura is North Louisiana's Gone With The Wind and is currently being written into a screenplay by local authors Lyn Morgan, Debi King McMartin and Ejay Colvin.
Angel Agnes, by Wesley Bradshaw, an 1870s era novel about the great 1873 yellow fever epidemic in Shreveport, will also be available. Angel Agnes has been updated with an introduction by Eric Brock.
Some of the other books available at the fair will be Tinkerbelle by Robert Manry, of Cleveland, Ohio. He sailed the smallest sailboat alone across the Atlantic in 1965. Manry the sailor was a cousin to the late John Manry, Bossier Parish historian, of Plain Dealing. In the 60's Robert visited Plain Dealing and one day was designated as Robert Manry Day. Robert spoke to several clubs in the area, including the Woman's Department Club where he told of his adventure across the Atlantic.
Reprints of the novels of Civil War era Shreveport writer Sarah Ann Ellis Dorsey, who also wrote Recollections of Henry Watkins Allen, a biography of Louisiana's Confederate governor, were recently reprinted by Ritz.
This event will give the public the opportunity to to meet the publisher, some of the authors and discuss how authors may get a book published by Ritz Publications.
Ritz Publications
P.O. Box 29182
Shreveport, Louisiana 71149
www.ritzpublications.com
318-996-0419
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Doug Piano Man Duffey: global soul from New Orleans at Mudbug Madness Festival, Shreveport
Enjoy the Professor Longhair-style pianistics and soulful voice of Doug Duffey. He and his band, including Tommy Miller- guitar/vocals
Jerry Beach- guitar/vocals
Doug Johnson- bass/vocals
John Brown, Sr.- drums
Mark Smith- percussion
are doing the classic Chris Kenner tune Somethin You Got at the Mudbug Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana.
See more at Dougduffey.com and at myspace.com/dougduffey.
Friday, May 25, 2007
La Congressional phones, fax and web sites
Senator Mary Landrieu (D- LA) 202-224-5824 202-224-9735 http://landrieu.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Senator David Vitter (R- LA) 202-224-4623 202-228-5061 http://vitter.senate.gov/?module=webformIQV1
Representative Bobby Jindal (R - 01) 202-225-3015 202-226-0386 http://www.house.gov/formjindal/issue.htm
Representative William J. Jefferson (D - 02) 202-225-6636 202-225-1988 http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Representative Charlie Melancon (D - 03) 202-225-4031 202-226-3944 http://melancon.house.gov/emailcharlie.asp
Representative Jim McCrery (R - 04) 202-225-2777 202-225-8039 http://mccrery.house.gov/FormCheck.asp
Representative Rodney Alexander (R - 05) 202-225-8490 202-225-5639 http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Representative Richard H. Baker (R - 06) 202-225-3901 202-225-7313 http://baker.house.gov/html/contact_form_email.cfm
Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R - 07) 202-225-2031 202-225-5724 http://boustany.house.gov/ContactCharles.asp
Louisiana Legislature: House & Senate email addresses
For an overall listing of state reps: http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Reps/H_Reps_FullInfo.asp
See the list of state senators at: http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/offices.asp
Meet the primal, rhythmic Dirtfoot via Youtube interview; dance to and sing with them at Mudbug Madness Sat, May 26, 4:30 pm
Produced by Joey Barto and Dirtfoot at Fairfield Studios, Meet Dirtfoot is a 5-minute interview that allows the musicians to explain what they're trying to do. Intercut with concert footage, the players discuss their bean cans, the odd songs and the wave of music and dance that the sextet creates.
In addition to their 4:30 to 6:30 spot at Mudbug Madness on Sat, May 26, the band will play The Party in the Pines, Longview, Tx, on Sun, May 27, 6:30 pm, says J Bratlie.
See and hear more at dirtfoot.com or myspace.com/mydirtfoot
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Tour de Shreveport opens with downtown cemetary Ghost Tours on Fridays & Saturdays
Tours:
Fridays 1:30 and 6 pm
Saturdays 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 6 pm.
318-344-7959 or
TourdeShreveport@gmail.com.
http://tourdeshreveport.com/
"There are plans for a big grand opening in a week or so," continues Usher, "but for this Memorial Day weekend we will open softly... all the better to hear the spirits! Meet you under the lovely live oak trees at the Caddo Parish Courthouse."
The Shreveport Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau website has a $2 off coupon.
Tower of London art project: paper, scissors, markers, glue, paint, markers, old magazines, Wikipedia, imagination
Let's try one called the Tower of London contest. The goal is to produce an interesting version of one of the world's best-known castles. Send me a photo of your completed project and I'll print it. Send one that features You in the photo, even.
1. In the illustration is the original stronghold, the White Tower, built in 1076. Subsequently, a great deal more has been added. My background: Wikipedia.org. You may restrict your project to the White Tower, if you choose.
2. A pencil or pen-and-ink sketch of the tower would be nice. There are the crenellated parapets and Roman arches over some of the windows and much other absorbing detail.
3. There are actually 20 towers in the greater Tower of London. On Wikipedia you will find several views of the complex, including one of the side away from the Thames. Choose any view, please.
4. Card stock can be used to make a box upon which much detail can be sketched. The dental edges of the walls can be scissored in if you've a mind.
5. A pop-out version of the Tower in paper would be my favorite medium.
6. To be an effective artist, find the child within you: do a fingerpaint version of the castle. Nor are you limited to realistic colors. I would love to see a Psychedelic Tower.
7. Nor are you limited to realism in regards the structure. This is to be a re-presentation, not some sort of copy.
8. Collage is one of my favorite media. Since I'm going to join the contest myself, I may be doing a considerable bit of snipping of pages from old magazines and pasting together my Tower representation.
The deadline: Friday night. I'll run what I've been sent on Sat. morn.
The extended deadline would be: Anytime You Read This. In blogland the word deadline may be a plastic construction.
Send it to trudeau@earthlink.net, please. Of course, you retain all rights, in perpetuity.
The Beefeaters! The origin of that name is indeed thought provoking.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Roman Gabriel Todd's Beats Rising Out of the Sea and the Noids at Big D's BBQ Wed, May 23, 8 pm
Roman Gabriel Todd's Beats Rising Out of the Sea (alabama punkjazz band) will be performing with the local sensation, the Noids! Wed, May 23rd, at Big D's BBQ. It's at 101 Common St, corner of Common and Caddo. Google map it."
Show: 8pm.
$5
"But dont forget money for lulu burgers, bbq, and beer," says the producer, a capable consumer.
Poster by Paul Garner, front man for the Noids!
Soul man Doug Duffey plays Enoch's, New Orleans clubs, European concerts and, on Sat, May 26, 11 am, Mudbug Madness with band & guest Jerry Beach
Duffey wrote to say this week "I'll be playing the Mudbugmadness Fest with the band on May 26 at 11 AM. We'll be doing a mix of my original songs and some Louisiana standards for a funky rockin' good Louisiana time." He added that he called Jerry Beach to join his band for the gig and that "it should be a melee, all in all."
Duffey is a blue-eyed soul singer with a gospel-based piano vamp. He's a raconteur. Better than just being witty, his greatest strength is knowing how to make butts rock.
Band lineup:
Doug Duffey- vocals/piano
Tommy Miller- guitar/vocals
Jerry Beach- guitar/vocals
Doug Johnson- bass/vocals
John Brown, Sr.- drums
Mark Smith- percussion
Enjoy pics of his travels and listen to Doug at his myspace.com/dougduffey site. I once called him a "synthesis of Louisiana music." Mais, but, oui.
Mudbug Madness: Eh, la bas! Eh, toi, Shreveport!
Chubby Carrier, caught at SciPort during a promo for the highly recommendable movie Hurricane on the Bayou (see Sciport.org), will not be in Shreveport this weekend. But an endless bowl of zydeco music trail-ride stew will be served over the 3 days at Festival Plaza. Via Youtube Chubby and Earl Sally, scrubboard master, set the tone for the weekend.
See more at Mudbugmadness.com and in the Times via writer Stephanie Netherton.
Eh, toi.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
One night stand: Best Foreign Language Film The Lives of Others at La Boardwalk Regal Cinema Th, May 24, 7 pm
It is a political thriller set in East Berlin against the backdrop of a network of spies and informers. This one night-only screening will be the film’s only Shreveport-Bossier City area theatrical exhibition. The film is Rated R, and will be presented in German with English subtitles.
- Thurs, May 24, 7 pm at the Louisiana Boardwalk Regal Cinemas
- Tickets: $7.50 and may be purchased in advance by calling (318) 424-9090 or purchased in front of the theater immediately prior to the event.
- All who purchase their tickets in advance will be entered to win $50 worth of free rentals courtesy of Hollywood Video.
"I personally find the film highly reminiscent of Francis Ford Coppola’s espionage thriller, “The Conversation.” It’s especially relevant in today’s society, as it raises a lot of complex moral questions about when it is okay for a state to violate the privacy of its citizens. I loved it," says Jay.
Celebrate with water colorists Jerry Wray, Jean Sartor and Terry Hershey at the Barnwell Th, May 24, 6 pm
The water media show opens Sat, May 19, and runs through Sunday, June 24.
Terry Hershey, Jerry Wray and Jean Sartor will be feted. The trio's works hung in the first exhibition in Dec, 1958. Early works by the late Louis Sicard and founders Dr. H. B. Wright and Sidney Hoover will also be shown.
Valet parking, music and refreshments will grace the reception.
- Janet Barlow (318) 861-0765
- Freda Powell (318)673-7703
Here's a link to painter-sculptor Jerry Wray's web site, which is undergoing an update. And here's the Times' Maggie Martin on the details.
Monthly star parties on SciPort roof begin Fri, May 25, 8:15 pm; bring your cameras
"We'll bring our telescopes out on the roof to observe planets, open clusters, and nebulae. Sci-Port's staff will take you deeper with a lecture about Current NASA Missions, and a Soace Dome movie will transport you to the heart of some unusual Wonders of the Universe. The event will proceed even if there is bad weather."
Cost is $3/member; $5/public
318-424-8660
sciport.org
Faces of Katrina exhibit, biggest ever by Shreveport Regional Arts Council at Artspace, online at facesofkatrina.org
Facesofkatrina.org site creator Steven K Turner explains, “ The site is a complete recreation of the exhibit, with only a few pictures missing (legal reasons) and a different format. There are over 100 pages of photos and stories. I couldn't recreate the effect of the original exhibit, which I felt was like being trapped in a labyrinth which overwhelms you with feeling, so instead I focused on each individual in the exhibit, their faces, their stories. You can look them each in eye now, one by one, as you go through the site, and read what they had to say.”
Turner attends Centenary College of Louisiana, where he is majoring in Communications-New Media and minoring in Computer Science. His work website is rudeproductions.com.
For the most recent perspective on Katrina, President Bush and all of America, see an article by John M Barry, author of Rising Tide, called Pittsburgh cabbie has a stake in saving La.'s coast.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Chris Brown interviews Reverend Eddie Giles, R & B singer-guitarist, on KSCL, 91.3, Tues, May 22, 8 pm
Eddie Giles performed on the stage of the Municipal Auditorium last year in a heritage show. He sang well, fluently played a time-worn Fender Jaguar (see above) and wore a jaunty white suit. There was no doubt about the entertainment energy possessed by the Rev Giles.
North of New Orleans literary magazine has new editors and is open for submissions
Deadline: 15 July, 07
Send by email to: pamraintree@yahoo.com
Include "NoNO" in the subject line
Seeking original writings and/or B&W drawings depicting the cultural aspects of religion in the Ark-La-Tex, as follows: 1 Flash Fiction 100 word limit; 2 General Fiction 700 word limit; 1 Investigative Report 250 word limit; 1 Essay 500 word limit; 1 Anecdotal True Story 750 word limit; 3 Poems 30 line limit; 6 Poems six line limit; 1 Cover Art 4 x 6 format.
- Written material should be sent to the editor in the body of an email. - Contact the editor prior to sending artwork. Previously published work should be accompanied by the publication information so proper credit can be given.
- Submission for publication in NoNO constitutes a one-time copyright release for the issue following submission. Two free copies of NoNO will be reserved for each person whose work is published, to be claimed in person. Reserved copies will be held until the next issue is released.
Registration of copyrights is the responsibility of the copyright holder.
Smyth writes on her janedoughnut blog: "For the last several years I've hosted a website called Red River Ink, and published a zine called North of New Orleans. Both were intended to let writers from Shreveport reach each other and the community as a whole. Now that I'm leaving Shreveport, it's time to pass those endeavors on to someone else. Because they did bring a lot of people together and make some noise in our literary community.
Thankfully, I found two eager volunteers who are going to do an awesome job of keeping both projects going, and take them in new directions. Everett Webb is turning Red River Ink into Red River Writes, and already has the new site up and running. If you had an old page on RRI, you can check the new site for instructions on submitting updates or new entries.
Get to know your webmaster. Check out Everett's other projects and websites: TopCat Live, Poet's Registry and Legacy of Shadrack.
Pam Raintree of the Fertile Pen Group is taking over NONO, and is ready for your submissions. This issue will focus on religion in the Ark-La-Tex. Now, I happen to know Pam, and we can be fairly certain you don't have to write about how awesome Baptists are. I expect to see her produce an intelligent issue with worship, diversity, and skepticism.
I'm really excited to be leaving my hometown and starting a new and very different stretch of my life. But I'm also going to miss the great community we have here. I think Red River Ink and NONO are two of the things I am most proud of having contributed to Shreveport. I hope all of you will support Everett and Pam the way you've supported me."
Summer arts classes for students: an update and link to the Times' Camp List 07
For adult artists the appropriate instruction may be found at LSUS, Southern, Centenary, BPCC. For those with the drive, art classes taken far away from Shreveport would seem the right thing.
For young artists, a variety of teachers and instructional scenes is essential.
Here are a number of announcements that have arrived lately, plus a link to the Times' Camp List 07.
* Summer Creativity Camp, Bossier Arts Council, begins June 4, and has been extended to 6 weeks, ending July 13.
- 2 areas of instruction: theatre arts and visual arts.
- ages 8 to 12.
Theatre arts: exercises, games, and interactive role playing under Heather Peak Hooper.
- 8:30 to 12, M - F.
- will culminate in three live performances.
- t-shirt and a DVD copy of the performance included
- Enrollment for the theatre portion of Summer Creativity Camp is $150 per child.
Visual arts campers will get hands-on with paint, glue, and a variety of art supplies under alternating art teachers, including NeeCee Blackwell and Michael Phillips.
- hours for visual arts are 1 to 3, M - F, June 4 - July 13.
- reception and gallery display of the artists’ works in the BAC Annex. - t-shirt
- Enrollment for the visual art portion of Summer Creativity Camp 2007 is $165 per child.
Campers who enroll in both theatre arts and visual arts camps will receive a $35 discount and bring a sack lunch from home and eat from 12:00-1:00.
Extended morning care from 8:00 to 8:30: a $30 dollar fee applies for the 6-week period. Enrollment may be made online at www.bossierarts.org, 318-741-8310
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Acting for the Camera is the title of a new course being offered for the first time this summer at Centenary College.
The class will be taught by Emily Heugatter-Mathias, a professional actress formerly from Chicago, Ill. She has a master of fine arts degree in acting from DePaul University and has been working professionally in entertainment as an actress since childhood. She will be joining the faculty of Centenary's Theatre Department in the Fall.
Acting for the Camera will cover the techniques specific to acting in front of the camera for film and television. The course, Theatre 290, offers three semester hours of college credit.
Summer school classes at Centenary begin Monday, June 4 and meet every weekday through Friday, June 29. The acting class will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.
Tuition is $250 per credit hour. For more information about registering for this and other summer school classes, see http://www.centenary.edu/registrar/summerschool.
**************
Sciport: half day and full day camps Available for K-8th graders! June 4 - Aug 3
Download Reservation Form at sciport.org.
Camp Themes:
• Science Explorers (K-1st graders)
• Sense-ible Science (K-1st graders)
• Under the Sea (K-3rd graders)
• Mad Scientist Lab (2nd-5th graders)
• Grossology (4th-5th graders)
• Anatomy Academy (6th-8th graders)
• Harry Potter: DA training (K-8th graders)
• Space Encounters (K-1st graders)
• Galactic Adventurers (2nd-3rd graders)
• Cosmic Quest (4th-5th graders)
• Space Odyssey (6th-8th graders)
424-8660
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Bossier Arts Council: Acting Fundamentals for Young People
Fridays: June 8 Or June 22
10 am – 4 pm
$75.00
Ages: 12 -18
Discounts available for siblings.
Participants need to bring a sack lunch and drink for lunch break.
Young actors are introduced to key building blocks of physical expression, voice, interpretation, sensory and emotional recall, improvisation and characterization. These skills build confidence and flexibility whether incorporated into theater, film, radio, or television work.
Mary Alfred Thoma is a professional actress, director and drama teacher. Mary has credits in theater, radio and television and has recently successfully segued into speaking roles in film. She currently teaches fifth through eighth grade drama at Southfield Middle School in Shreveport and directs the middle school musicals.
Film credits: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2245081/
BAC: 318-741- 8310.
Mary Thoma is also offering Theatre Workshop for Youth through Spt Little Theater.
Saturday Session with Mary Alfred Thoma: June 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The session is limited to 12 participants and is open to 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders only. The fee is $50. Snacks with be furnished.
Shreveport Little Theatre at 424-4439.
More information: mmatters3@bellsouth.net
************
The Times Camp List 07 was compiled in April by Shannon Coleman. Here you will find a wide array of opportunities, including a great list of classes by LSUS.
A number of local arts classes are advertised by word-of-mouth. Those teachers who still have openings may email me their agenda for posting on SptBlog.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Cooper Manor to be House of the Wax Museums on Tues, May 22, 8 pm
122 E. Dalzell
8:00 PM
$5.00
There's half a plate of punk left at www.myspace.com/thewaxmuseums.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Modest Mouse, Deer Hoof, Fountains of Wayne: it's KSCL, 91.3, with fresh music and big plans for community voices
Schleuss continues, "On our path to creating more altervative radio programming now tuned to the audience of Shreveport/Bossier, we want to feature issues that are happening in our "backyards." Using the medium of radio, we want to create interviews, radio shows, etc. that feature all things Shreveport-Bossier.
I hope to get some interviews rolling later this summer. Please contact me regarding possible show ideas, local issues for subject matter, or anything else that follows along those lines.
While continuing to create new content, KSCL still remains a music radio station. We broadcast mostly rock with hip-hop, electronica, world, jazz, and loud rock following the pack. Our new summer schedule should be updated on our website in the next few weeks so check it out. Also, I've started a blog to document the things that we're doing this summer. I think it's going to be a fun summer!"
Jon Schleuss - Station Manager (jschleus@centenary.edu)
Tyler Davis - Music Director ( tdavis@centenary.edu )
Alyson Escude - Program Director (aescude@centenary.edu)
Leo Kacenjar - Hip-Hop Director ( lkacenja@centenary.edu)
Liz Newtown - World/Jazz Director ( enewtown@centenary.edu)
KSCL Website - kscl.fm
KSCL Blog - kscl.blogspot.com
KSCL News - ksclnews@gmail.com
Friday, May 18, 2007
Bike to Work Day: Shreveport not made for European or alternative style or, particularly, for discussing alternatives to the status quo
But with gas at $3 a gallon, isn't it time Shreveport began to have a widespread conversation about conservation?
Biking isn't going to be the answer for most people. But it is symbolic of alternatives.
Shreveportitis is part of our town's character. It's about accepting our fate. It's, like, let someone else think this out. It's knowing that we don't have to worry about leadership or alternatives or demonstrating insight.
Still, given the brainpower and affluence of East Shreveport, at least, shouldn't there be a more apparent sense of save-the-planet consciousness?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Artists mini-grant as well as fellowship applications online at shrevearts.org, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council site
It appears that the Artist Mini-Grant/Arts Amassadors application
deadline has been moved from June 1 to June 29; however, on the front page of the application there is still a text box at the very top
showing the deadline as being June 1. Since the date was changed to June 29 a number of times within the body of the guidelines, I assume the deadline is June 29. The Fellowship deadline already was June 29."
Carlos Colon
Reference/Readers' Advisory Supervisor
Shreve Memorial Library
ccolon@shreve-lib.org
Piano concert on Ellerbee Road: Elena Bogaczova at All Souls Unitarian on Sun, May 20, 5 pm
Universalist Church, says Deborah Stille .
On the program:
Janacek—On The Overgrown Path
Rachmaninov—Prelude in d minor, Op. 23, No. 3
Beethoven—Sonata in E flat major, Op. 31 No. 3
Schedrin—A la Albeniz
$10/adults, $3/children and youth,
$25 max for families.
There will be complimentary light refreshments and drinks by donation.
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
9449 Ellerbe Road
318.868.3313
Drive-ins are made of rubber today, and they're mobile: see Spiderman above the lawn of Riverview Park Fri, May 18, at dark
Groups are encouraged to arrive early and claim a spot on the park lawn. This event will feature games, concessions, and give-aways courtesy of Hollywood Video, Regal Cinemas Louisiana Boardwalk, Gymboree, and more.
The flick is Spider-Man 2002, starring Tobey McGuire and Kirsten Dunst.
Donation: $1.
Robinson Film Center, (318) 424-9090.
National Bike to Work Day Fri, May 18: the art of self-propulsion and of avoiding streets full of autos
Who knows whether staff from Byrd High or other schools will decide to pedal? We plan to leave from the Starbuck's on Line Ave about 7:10 am. Traffic will be light and we'll chart a winding course on streets east of Line Ave. You may join us for this fun ride, regardless of destination.
trudeau11@gmail.com
Dress rehearsal images of River City Repertory's Glass Menagerie by Neil Johnson
I was honored to attend - and photograph - the dress rehearsal and am encouraging everyone as strongly as I possibly can to attend this beautiful and powerful production.
I mean, where else are you able to see a Best Actress Tony Award winner on stage in a Local production? And Donna McKechnie's touching performance as Amanda Wingfield is only one facet of this play. Ellen Lindsay, Logan Sledge and Youree McBride each prove themselves more than worthy to share the stage with the veteran actress. It truly is an ensemble production. And it truly is worth your time!
And keep your eyes out for movie stars in the audience. Two biggies have tickets already."
Tickets: 424-6805
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Buddy Flett Mississippi Sea CD release party at Noble Savage, Wed, May 16, 8 pm
Buddy Flett's CD party Wed is at the Noble Savage on Texas Avenue, or Highway 80, says Bruce Flett.
Music starts about 8pm.
www.myspace.com/buddyflett
Why the Symphony Pops Picnic at Riverview Park Sat, May 19, 7:30 pm, is the city at its best
- Maestro Michael Butterman: glamour and fun.
- seating on the lawn or terrace.
- Red River as a backdrop.
- picnicking and libations encouraged.
- Gershwin and Duke Ellington as well as music from Showboat, Chicago, Superman and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- add the Ark-La-Tex Youth Symphony Orchestra.
- the Parkway will be closed to traffic from Lake Street to Crockett Street at 4 pm.
- Alas: no chairs or table seating will be available. DIY
- People will be biking instead of everyone fighting for parking and clean air.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
SLT lights up another weekend of the Great American Trailer Park Musical; see it Sat, May 25, or Sun, May 26, 8 pm
The added performances are Fri and Sat, May 25 and 26, at 8 p.m. All tickets are $20.
Reviews of the show have been, like, You go, girl! It features Michael Blake Powell, Kim A. Price, Rachael Magill, Mandy Perdue, Robbie Dean, Lisa Gallegos, and Brittainy Williams.
Robert Darrow directs, D.J. Harman is musical director, and Laura M. Beeman serves as choreographer. In the production crew are Mike Jarrett, set design and construction, David White, lighting design, Carolyn Bryant, hair designs, and Sandy Todaro, costumes.
Box office, noon to 4 p.m. weekdays:
424-4439.
Glass Menagerie, River City Rep, opens with Donna McKechnie, Logan Sledge, Ellen Lindsay, Youree McBride, on Th, May 17, 7:30 pm, Scottish Rite Temple
Additional performances are May 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25. They are at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee performance, May 20, at 3 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are: $35.00 for Center Orchestra and Center Upper Tier and $25.00 for Side Upper Tiers. Prices do not include tax.
318-424-6805 between 9 and 5, M through F.
Valet parking is included with ticket purchase.
Theatre Eclectic, East Bank Theater: June 8 & 9 at 8 pm: stories behind the public personae
Theatre Eclectic: Eugene Crook, Thelma Harrison, Robin Jenkins, Richard Folmer
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Theatre Eclectic offers stories of the people behind the public faces.
Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Ulysses S. Grant and Albert Einstein will be portrayed by Eugen Crook, Sylvia Rachal, Joe Todaro, Joe Hedl, and Robin Jenkins. It is directed by Heather Peak Hooper.
Performances:
June 8 & 9 at 8 pm
Bossier Arts Council's East Bank Theatre
630 Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City.
$5.00, general admission
Box Office: M - F, 8 am - 5 pm
318-741-8310.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Water media jazz from Jerry Wray, Terry Hershey & Jean Sartor at the Hoover Watercolor Society show; reception Th, May 24, 6 pm
The water media show opens Sat, May 19, and runs through Sunday, June 24.
Terry Hershey, Jerry Wray and Jean Sartor will be feted. The trio's works hung in the first exhibition in Dec, 1958. Early works by the late Louis Sicard and founders Dr. H. B. Wright and Sidney Hoover will also be shown.
Originally the Shreveport Watercolor Society, the club was renamed for president Sidney Hoover following his death in 1959.
Valet parking, music and refreshments will grace the reception.
- Janet Barlow (318) 861-0765
- Freda Powell (318)673-7703
Here's a link to painter-sculptor Jerry Wray's web site, which is undergoing an update.
West Edge Artists' Co-op, 725 Milam, arguably the busiest and most visible art group in the region, open for membership applications
Home also to Michael Parker's West Edge Books, the gallery is a setting for edgy speakers and non-mainstream literary discussions.
West Edge is now taking applications, says Debbie Engle.
See the West Edge Artists web site in SptBlog's links, please.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sweet singer from the swamplands: Terrance Simien at Mudbug Madness on Sat, May 26, 9 pm to midnight
Terrance Simien, Sunpie, Zydecajun, Tab Benoit and LeRoux, Dwayne Dopsie and Geno Delafosse will all visit during the May 24 - 27 series.
Then there's the sort-of R n B stage, where among many acts you'll hear the Bluebirds, Lightnin Bugs, Betty Lewis and even Dirtfoot.
Click on Mudbugmadness.com to start feelin' the beat.
Kreativity Sessions available in Sienna, Saigon and Shreveport
My name is Vivien Gusman, Associate of the Kreativity Vorkshop, and I wanted to tell you about our summer sessions in Europe (in Sienna, Prague, Bruges, Florence, Barcelona) or Louisiana (Shreveport or Bossier City).
The Creativity Workshop comprises:
Writing
Drawing
Storytelling
Memoir.
Founded in 1492, it has helped individuals from all backgrounds and experiences explore the uniqueness of their creativity. Or the lack thereof, which in itself has uniqueness.
We teach from the point of view that people are by nature creative and that creativity, like DNA and Kool Aid, is unique in each individual. To access and develop creativity, participants do exercises in
sense perception
free form writing
drawing
associative thinking
map-making
constructive daydreaming
sensitivity to our environment.
Also, trusting the imagination's instincts.
Our exercises are broad paradigms that each participant can easily tailor to her/his own goals, whether it be a particular specialty or life in general. Most of all, like the imagination itself, this is fun.
We believe that creativity is best served in an environment something like this:
playful
nurturing
non-competitive.
The only requirements for the Creativity Workshop are curiosity about the creative process, a sense of playfulness and ability to meet the fee deadlines.
Class size is limited. But there's another option: do it from home. On your own time. Sometimes do it with your friends. Invite your children, too.
The setting and lessons one through sixteen have been outlined above. Be sure to get back to us with periodic progress reports.
Consume!
Tussle: trancey techno mob to expunge the shiplap walls of Cooper Manor on Sun, May 20, 8 pm
TUSSLE hail from San Francisco, CA and play a brand of funky shnizzle that has garnered them mass respect amongst critics and music journalists alike. With two drummers, a bass player, and synth-smashah, they weave bitchin' grooves and assemble dance rhythms that will smash your beatnik dad into a piddle puddle of bongo sadness. It is easy to see why these guys have been able to play shows with the likes of Deerhoof, !!! (Chk Chk Chk), and a recent tour with Hot Chip. Come check them out, hoes!"
Alex and his invites. My.
Sun, May 20
$7
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Ansley Hughes in Thoroughly Modern Millie: highly recommended
As you'll see from the video, the Academy of Children's Theater, under the direction of Cynthia Whitaker and Lauren Ross, hit a peak moment Friday night at the First Methodist PAC. Their song and dance was rippling. Timing was sharp, the singers were tuneful and the cast has strength from the bubbling top to the smallest role.
Ansley Hughes, Andrew Smith, Susan Kirton, Carolyn Bryant, Bridget Winder and Bryan Wooley get the first level of praise.
Pick up on the vibe of the ACT team by Donecia Pea's thoughtful background story in the Times.
Showtime is 7 pm for the last show, Sat, May 12.
Tickets: (318) 429-6885.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Sketches & photos from a year on Monday's Farm by Alan Dyson at Columbia Cafe; opening Sun, May 13, 6 pm
If you know Dyson from his commercial reputation as a designer - the Shoppes at Bellmeade, Ristorante Giuseppe, among the projects - you will certainly enjoy seeing his background from this collection of archived drawings and photographic documentation of environmental sculptures.
Artists: deadlines for Shreveport Regional Arts Council grants loom - as does a need for jurors
I am happy to guide you through the process or review your application prior to the deadline. You are encouraged to review the guidelines and applications, which will be on our website www.shrevearts.org
next week. Or come by our office (800 Snow Street) or artspace (710 Texas Street) to get an application."
"It is time to receive your recommendations for jurors of the six
discipline based Artists' Fellowship awards. Please submit your
suggestions with the following information:
a. Name of prospective juror
b. Art discipline
c. One-two sentence explanation of the credentials of the
prospective juror(s).
d. One-two sentence describing why you believe the individual would make a good juror.
Your recommendation(s) will be reviewed and prioritized at the Thursday, May 24, Juried Artists Roster Meeting."
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
444 Olive St, down from Lila's Bakery, to open in June as the Lotus belly dance and yoga center
"Yes...It is official - I signed the least last week and started the transformation Sunday. I'd like to take the month of May to paint/re-do and make it feel right. So - sometime in mid May perhaps we can all get together - you can see how its coming along - and if you would like to have a class (or 2) in the space - we can all work on a calendar and get a figure worked up for rental rates. There's time for probably two - hour + classes during the weekdays, maybe one more if we go later in the evening... (the daytime is wide open) and there's Saturdays too. The studio will also be a great place for one-time workshops and special events.
I am also seeking ideas for a name. I don't want it to be exclusive to belly dance, since we want to offer yoga. Perhaps Cynthia would like to teach African Dance. Maybe a pilates class? And I don't want to exclude men, since they take yoga, too. We'd like to move our hand drumming class to the space, too.
If we build it....they will come!
kathryn_fontaine@ml.com
In the photo: Cheryl Babers Hagar, Kathy Fontaine, Page Bodden; in the window, Jake Bodden.
Buddy Flett & Friends slide on the Caddo Courthouse lawn Fri, May 11,11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Flett has released his first solo CD, Mississippi Sea. Hear it at myspace.com/buddyflett. The release party for Mississippi Sea will be at Noble savage Tavern, Tex St, on Wed, May 16, 8 pm.
Mississippi Sea features 12 songs recorded at Sandbox Studios. Bruce Flett says "It has received a very warm reception since its release Ap 24, including a stellar review in New Orleans Times Picayune Jazzfest Jukebox on Ap 28. It is already #8 on an Australia blues chart, and is making airwaves on both sides of the Mighty Mississippi as well as in Europe. Eight of the songs are original and all feature Buddy on acoustic guitar and vocals. It was released on Out of the Past Records and produced by Flett and Darren Osborn. More information at www.stevehowell.ws."
Buddy recently returned from the national “Blues From the Backroads” tour with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and blues legends.
(318)865-9006
Blucebird@aol.com
Evangeline Piano Trio cancel concert, with regrets
869-5235 for info.
See a connection to the stunning photographybyscarlett.com in this blog's Links.
Dennis O Bryant & William Sandifer, Jr: artful train views at Marshall Visual Art Center; party Th, May 10, 5 - 7 pm
Views by William Sandifer, Jr. and Dennis O'Bryant
Opening reception: Thurs, May 10, 5 - 7 pm
at the Marshall Visual Art Center
208 East Burleson
Marshall, Tx
903-938-9860
http://denoart.blogspot.com/ & www.denoart.com
Project Talent students & teachers art party at LSUS Univ Center Gallery on Wed, May 9, 7 pm
Wed, May 9, from 7 to 8:30, pm the public can meet the future designers and artists of America at the University Center gallery at LSUS. Meet their teachers, purchase their work, enjoy the fruit of a year of distillation.
The show will be in place through May 16.
Henry Price: 318-603-6359
Monday, May 07, 2007
Dutch and Danes are models in biking to work; nations try to get more people to divide time between 2 wheels and 4
The rest of Europe is paying close attention. Officials from London, Munich and Zurich (plus a handful from the U.S.) have visited Amsterdam's transportation department and coffeehouses for advice on developing bicycle-friendly infrastructure and policies.
Norway aims to raise bicycle traffic to at least 8% of all travel by 2015 -- double its current level -- while Sweden hopes to move from 12% to 16% by 2010. This summer, Paris will put thousands of low-cost rental bikes throughout the city to cut traffic, reduce pollution and improve parking."
One of the points made by the WSJ is that you don't have to try to retire your car. Simply splitting time between bike and auto can be advantageous to our society.
Thanks to Kathryn Fontaine for the reference.
Fin Fantastique: symphony's final master concert features Japanese virtuoso Kyoko Takezawa on Sat, May 12, 7:30 pm
She is a global star as a soloist, chamber musician and recording artist, says Wikipedia.org. Ms. Takezawa has performed with the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She began as a Suzuki student and graduated from Juilliard in 1989.
Takezawa is the featured performer for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra season finale, Fin Fantastique, on Sat, May 12, at 7:30 PM, says Michael Butterman.
On the card are the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique and Lalo Symphonie Espagnole.
Last week Butterman came to my attention via Caddo Magnet HS band director Joe LeBlanc. The maestro visited CMHS to help tune up the players prior to the state festival. LeBlanc wrote, "I wanted to thank you for your work on April 20th with the Caddo Magnet HS Band. I have been teaching in Caddo since 1986 and in all those years, you are the first SSO conductor to ever show an interest, let alone offer your time to any of the local instrumental programs. You are to be congratulated on your commitment to music and the development of young musicians." Happily, the band won a superior at state and won glowing remarks from the adjudicators.
Bravo to both Butterman and LeBlanc.
SSO tickets: 318-227-8863.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Gadabout Film Festival gads to 846 Texas St on Mon, May 7, 8 pm
minicine? host:
The Gadabout Traveling Film Festival
Monday May 7
846 Texas Avenue
8PM
$5
Gadabout organizer Eric Ayotte returns to Shreveport in the Gadabout Eco-Mozola powered van, with a bevy of independent film shorts from DIY filmmakers from around the country and the globe.
As in previous tours the Gadabout Film Festival will have a range of work, from comedy, tweaked narrative, to experimental and will open the evening with their own acoustic music performance...
It is also hoped that they are again traveling with their zine and art bistro... whatever, they always have surprise extra stuff going on...
*Come try out the range of super comfy conference room chairs minicine has for this show...
Follow the notanalternative link to see more photos of Gadabout's appearance in Brooklyn.
Review: Shreveport Opera's Carmen carnivorous; consumes male leads with a smile upon her red lips
With only 3 opera performances a year, Shreveport probably spends more time coming together over fund raising events than over stage productions. But Shreveport Opera does more than make parties and big shows. Having enjoyed performances by the young professional singers in Shreveport Opera Express at both the Revel and in schools, I can attest to the opera consciousness-raising created by Eric Dilner and his board.
Carmen presented the sexy side of the standard repertoire. There were the craven cigarette factory girls, the Act I cat fight and the leading lady's cleavage; all worked to emphasize the story's hot blood.
But the male leads weren't as macho as Carmen.
Played by the phosphorescent Cristina Nassif, this Carmen roamed the stage with cutting eyes and rapacious smile. And her voice was almost as commanding as her body language.
Don Jose, the ill-fated lover, was sung with powerful voice by Don Snyder. He is a tall fellow with commanding stage presence. But the joy of sex was missing from his face in Acts I and II.
Likewise, when another capable male singer hit the boards in Act II - the toreador Escamillo, played by Mark Walters - I did not sense excitement or danger. Competence, yes. Frisson, no.
There were a number of vibacious singers onstage. Kirsten Chambers and Christina Hager were sidekicks to Carmen. They sang with poumons and dashed about expertly. Kenneth Weber brought the rogue El Dancairo to life. And Horace English invested the basso Zuniga with strength as well as a sense of humor.
When we finished the second intermission, some 2 hours into the production, we found there was another intermission and an hour's more work to be done to reach the murderous climax.
If the male leads or the towering sets caught fire, we missed it.
For an alternative viewpoint, and by a writer who probably stayed for the entire 3 hours, see Alex Kent's Times review.