Tuesday, December 30, 2008

West Edge artists examine the advent, birth, life & death of Elvis in exhibit at Municipal Auditorium; reception Thurs, Jan 8, 5:30 pm


dorothy-hanna
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Inspired by artist Jane Heggen, Shreveport's funky Municipal Auditorium hosts the West Edge Artist's Show "Elvis Has NOT Left The Building". The public is invited, says Lynn Laird, to see artistic interpretations of the life, legend, and birthday of Elvis.

Reception & silent auction is on El's birthday: Thurs, Jan. 8.
He was birthed at 5:30 pm; the event starts at that time.

MoInfo: Lynn Laird, 318-458-1666.
Art at www.westedgeartists.com
Weaco art blog: www.weaco.blogspot.com

Stan Hoffman and the Space Travelers lead off Rockin' Benefit on Tues, Jan 20, at Lee's Place for James Portoff



Originally uploaded by oneeyeddogblues
Says Blue Martin, "A couple months ago my friend James Portoff'S house burned down, all the way to the ground. James has been an avid and active supporter of local live music for a long time. He's also been quick with a helping hand to those in need. When you lose everything you have, nothing can change that. But! We, some local musicians, and you music connoiseurs can give James a hand by going Tues, Jan 20 @ Lee's Place, King's Hwy, 7 pm to midnight. Suggested donation of $5.@ the door

7:00-7:30 Stan Hoffman & The SPACE TRAVELERS
7:45-8:30 PROFESSOR PORKCHOP & THE DIRTY DISHES(Chris McKay, John Compton, Curt Watson)
8:45-9:30 JERRY BEACH & FRIENDS
10:00-10:45 8 TRACK
11:00-12 KANDU BAND
With Special Guests: Joe Nadeau... Don 'Dirty Redd" Crenshaw... and many more for more info: Steve @ 227-1707 or Blue @ 655-0004

Photo of Stan Hoffman by Barbara Beaird.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Academy of Children's Theater production of Wizard of Oz continues the magic Jan 1 through Jan 4 at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse

Cynthia Whitaker, director, and Lauren Ross, choreographer, have developed the Wizard of Oz for their group of 50, the Academy of Children's Theater. It opened last weekend and continues Jan 1- 4.

Dorothy is played by Meredith Little, the scarecrow by Holt Kirkindoll, Tin Man by Shreveport City Councilman Bryan Wooley, the Cowardly Lion by Mike Martindale and the Good Witch by Bridget Winder. The Times Alex Kent, in his review, wrote of Winder, "she also brought grace and melodic charm to a musical that has the power to transport."

Shreveport Blog asked Winder about the challenges in her role: "Since Glinda is so sweet, it's very easy for her to fade into the woodwork. The biggest challenge in this role is to be bright enough that she is not forgotten on stage. Mrs. Whitaker does a great job of directing us so that every actor is seen by bringing out the "acting" in all of us."

The pleasures in her role? "Glinda is not in many scenes, so I get the pleasure to help the other cast members. They are all so incredible."

Her favorite scenes: "I adore watching Meredith Little (Dorothy), because she is SO bright on stage. My favorite moments on stage have to be watching the munchkins. Those kids have worked so hard and they are adorable! Honestly, the whole show is a favorite moment. There is something to love in every line. This is truly a magical show."

Sat & Sun, Jan. 3 - 4, at 2 p.m.
Th, Fri and Sat, Jan. 1 - 3, at 7 pm.
Marjorie Lyons Playhouse
$25, adults; $20, students, seniors and children.
Tickets include a character meet-and-greet and autograph signing after the show.
(318) 869-5242.


Photo by Amanda Nicole Winder.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Celebration at Big D's Tues, Dec 30, 6 pm to midnight at 101 Common St; It's Big D Williams' birthday


Walter at Big D's
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Bbq and music at Big D's on Tues, Dec 30, from 6 pm to midnight. It's a birthday bash for Big D Williams, says Susan Garner. Expect music from . . .

the Noids
Dan Garner
Heydun Camp
AJ Haynes
Mooncalf
Christopher Brown

Says Ms. Garner, home to visit from Chicago, where she's attending school: "Get some BBQ, wish Big D happy birthday and you can see all the renovations that've been done!"

impactanalysis@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

One comic, one dog: one show on Sat, Jan 3, Fairfield Studios, benefitting Robinson Rescue

From the Austin Chronicle about Arthur Simone, who will do a benefit for Robinson Rescue on Sat, Jan 3 at Fairfield Studios:

Arts Review January 25, 2008
BY AVIMAAN SYAM
Description: The first week brought packed houses, captivating shows, and the promise that the rest of the fest will be just as magical
"...The first director I ever had told me this important adage: "Never go onstage with an animal or a baby – you'll always be upstaged." ColdTowne's Arthur Simone, however, has thrown such caution to the wind with his improv show Buddy Daddy, featuring just a man and his dog. Luckily, Simone knows how to handle both an audience and Robin Goodfellow, his adorable beagle/dachshund mix..."

Sat, Jan 3, 7 pm
Fairfield Studios
$20/ donation
Rock & roll music open from Powder Keg.
Gumbo by Herby K's.
Cash bar. Raffle.
Reservations: robinsonrescue@gmail.com
318-861-0101

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The New Reality exhibit at Norton: trompe l'oeil feast Tues - Sat, 10 am to 5 pm, Sat - Sun, 1 to 5 pm

R.W. Norton Art Gallery is currently hosting “The New Reality: The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century”, a juried collection of paintings by the members of the International Guild of Realism" says Jennifer DeFratis.

In the late 20th century, a backlash against abstract and conceptual art began, she writes. Many artists began to embrace concepts and techniques borrowed from older masters. For this exhibition, selected artists are required to cite the example of an Old Master or other Realist painting which helped inspire their own work in either theme or technique. Benjamin Orozco Lopez says: 'The most important thing about the Guild [of Realism] is that we are a big group of artists who glorify the values of craftsmanship, which has almost been lost in modern painting.'"

Says Defratis, "The painting I find myself revisiting both in memory and during any break is Veronique Molinier’s “Japanese Doll.” The element of trompe l’oeil (where the eye is fooled into thinking the painted object is actually three dimensional) makes me inclined think this is a sculpture, not a painting, while the colors and textures in the rich Japanese robe reveal new details every time I see it and displays fantastic artistic skill."

Through Feb 15, '09
No charge.
Tues - Fri, 10 am to 5 pm,
Sat & Sun, 1 pm to 5 pm
Rwanaf.org

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Concert at First United Methodist Bossier presents the I-49 Brass Quintet on Sun, Dec 21, 3 pm


Shreveport Brass Quintet
Originally uploaded by trudeau
First United Methodist Church Bossier is the location for “The Spirit of Christmas Brassed,” with the I-49 Brass Quintet, says Elizabeth O'Bannon. The concert is Sun, Dec 21, at 3 p.m. The FUMC Bossier is at 204 John Wesley Blvd.

Members of the brass quintet are Rick Rowell and Michael Scarlato, trumpets; Thomas Hundemer, french horn; Michael Davidson, trombone; and J. Mark Thompson, bass trombone.

Future Sunday concert dates are February 8, 2009, at 3 pm (Red River Winds) and May 16th, (Strings Attached). All concerts are free to the public.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Little Rock rollers: Greg Spradlin Outfit includes 2 Boondogs at El Dorado Casino performance on Sun, Dec 21


Greg Spradlin, Little Rock
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Holiday message from Little Rock: "Shreveport ex-pat Jason Weinheimer here.. Wanted you to be aware of a show this Sunday night (12/21) at the El Dorado Casino.

Chris Michaels and I will be playing with the Greg Spradlin Outfit (http://www.myspace.com/gregspradlinoutfit). We're hoping to get some old friends out. I'd imagine that the end of the night will turn into a free-for-all with out-of-town folks and the like sitting in.

Also, please check out our main project, The Boondogs.. We have a new record out and are looking to get back to Shreveport to play soon.
(http://www.myspace.com/boondogs)"

Editor: Tell Monsieur Spradlin his myspace songs smell like really speedy spam with Spleen's.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Rest in Peace: Tracy Lynn Phillips, 1966 - 2008

Tracy Phillips, musician and music teacher at Eden Gardens Elementary School, passed away Dec 3 after a sudden illness. Her memorial service will take place at Brown Chapel, Centenary College, on Mon, Dec 22, at 7 pm, says her husband, Thomas Phillips.

Her husband wrote this tribute: "A talented clarinetist and dedicated music educator, Tracy graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and studied clarinet with Theodore Johnson of the Cleveland Orchestra. She performed in the Shreveport Symphony in Louisiana as an extra clarinet and in Texas in the Longview and Marshall symphonies. She also was a certified specialist in the Orff Schulwerk method of music education for children. Tracy was a valued member of the faculty at Eden Gardens Elementary School, where her love for teaching and the children she taught will continue to make an impact on the lives of her students."

In addition to her husband, principal clarinetist for the Shreveport Symphony, she is survived by her son, Matthew Phillips.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas in the Sky sold out; Shreveport Regional Arts Council knows how to assemble a fundraiser for its party-loving public


martini 1
Originally uploaded by trudeau
At $250 a ticket, Christmas in the Sky has sold out, says Pam Atchison. The end of the ticket line arrived Tuesday. The big night is Sat, Dec 13, 7 pm to 2 am.

SRAC has a new way to add fund-raising value to the event. If you are a ticket holder you may bid upon items in the Sky auction by going to the new online site, ChristmasintheSkyOnline.com.

Peter Pan Players offer Play Dates for ages 4 through high school on Fri, Dec 12 to Sun, Dec 14

Peter Pan Play Dates, says Denise Landry, are "a fun day filled with theatre games, a movie, pizza, and more! Let your child learn about theatre in a fun way while you take care of preparing for the holidays!"

Friday, December 12th
6-10 PM, $25 per child

Saturday, December 13th
9 AM-2 PM, $30 per child

Sunday, December 14th
1-6 PM, $30 per child

Ages 4 through High School
Call 868-9619 – Reservations Required!

All Play Dates will be held at the Peter Pan Players’ Blue House at
451 Kings Hwy, across from Wendy’s.

Red River Radio's Cyber day is Fri, Dec 12; premiums for pledge include Canadian Brass recording


Canadian Brass
Originally uploaded by Canadian Brass
"Support Red River Radio this holiday season and receive holiday traditions performed on The Canadian Brass Christmas Tradition CD," says Kermit Poling. "It includes music for brass and organ, featuring organist Eric Robertson. Also a premium: Noels and Carols cd by Apollo's Fire as a thank you gift for your contribution of $60 or more. It includes noels and carols performed by Apollo's Fire Baroque Orchestra,"

See more at Redriverradio.org.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Drama community pulls together effectively, says Times writer Kent in review of Shreveport Little Theater's drama Rabbit Hole


Mary Thoma, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Shreveport Little Theater's presentation of the award-winning drama Rabbit Hole won plaudits from Times arts writer Alex Kent this weekend.

Kent acknowledged the cast with these remarks: "Mary Alfred Thoma's performance is rich with struggle, emotion and strength... Emily Brooks' skill at drawing out the nuance of a brash but sympathetic sister makes us care deeply ...Jared Watson ... skillfully directs a volatile, emotionally draining play ...Patricia Reeves, who plays Becca's mother, offers one of the funniest, most balanced dramatic performances in recent SLT memory ... the production design work of Josh Talley, David White and Shelly Price is elegantly simple and adds a clear punch to the drama."

See the Kent article, which addresses the dynamics of the arts community.

Rabbit Hole continues at MLP on Fri-Sat, Dec 12 - 13, at 8 pm and on Sun, Dec 14, at 2 pm.
$10 / 13 / 15
(318) 424-4439.

Review: "You Don't Know Your Mind" is fresh-cooked etouffee from songwriter David Egan


David Egan, Lafayette
Originally uploaded by trudeau
If you crave musical etouffee with a brown roux, you may eat the new CD by pianist-singer David Egan with a large spoon. Egan is a musical soul food chef. His music fits the kitchen as well as the nightclubs where the burly performer has spent much of his life.

Egan has spent years simmering in Lafayette, though his stock was mixed in Shreveport and he smells like New Orleans. I don't think you'll find a shortage of okra and bay leaves in the new album, "You Don't Know Your Mind."

Opening the album with piano and organ, a Little Milton-style hook and mid-tempo groove, Egan has invited you into his home. He has had considerable success having his tunes recorded by people like Irma Thomas, Etta James and Solomon Burke. With blues licks by co-writer Buddy Flett (it's a shame that the musicians singing, playing bass and guitar are not listed track by track, but the booklet does have all the lyrics), the song is a three-course supper.

"You're Lyin Again" is an uptempo number that rocks the table. Speaking of pounding the piano, it must be noted that Egan songs ride the train from New Orleans to Chicago. Lunch is usually served in Memphis.

"If It Is What It Is" changes the mood to the breezy 30's shuffle. It features a dulcet-voiced girl-guy duet and bread pudding trombone solos by Chris Belleau.

"Bourbon in my Cup" has a tricky head and a smoky tempo. The guitar riff that anchors "Love, Honor and Obey" is addictive.

Two of the cuts herein were perennial crowd-pleasers as performed by Miki Honeycutt and A Train, so Egan has had to try to outcook the family favorites."Best of Love Turned Blue" opens with a sensual electric piano lick. It becomes a souffle. Cooking over a solid rhyme scheme is sort of like putting your gumbo in the freezer overnight. The subtle female vocal behind his voice is an example of what Egan and producer Joe McMahan do at their best.

"Sing It One More Time" is given a super second line vibe. The beat was laid down by the Yat wit a Po-boy - Mike Sipos.

"You Don't Know Your Mind" is righteous but not elaborate. "Money's Farm" is one tune where I wished Egan hadn't settled for his simple-and-classic-is-best formula. Overall, though, this is a gumbo that will be playing in my kitchen during the holidays.

It'll offer everyone some seasoned greetings.

Cup of coffee? Sample Egan's excellent prior album, "Twenty Years of Trouble," at myspace.com/davidegan.

Michael Boiscourt, Natchitoches, at Deck the Halls, Artspace; view and shop Mon to Fri, 10 am to 7 pm, Sats noon to 6 pm

This year’s Deck the Halls features extended late hours, says Leigh Elgin. The exhibit - and sale - is open Mon to Fri from 10 am to 7 pm and Sats from noon to 6 pm.

Deck the Halls has two floors of exhibition space dedicated to Paintings, Drawings, Photography, Jewelry, Woodworking, Fine Craft, Wearable Art, Furniture and Metalwork.

Every year Deck the Halls attracts new artists and this year is no exception, new artists for 2008 are:

- Cindy Posey Singletary, a native of Shreveport now residing in Benton. Cindy is a painter specializing in watercolor and enjoys the challenge of watercolor and the unpredictable things that take place;
- Amy DesOrmeaux is an anomalous artist colliding eco-friendly matter with non-natural environmental impurities:
- Michael Boicourt, an artist who works in mixed media and weaving, believes that artists should never lose their sense of wonder. His voodoo dolls and masks are full of whimsy, color and spirituality. His weavings exude color and texture and his photographs are a view of a world traveled.

Deck the Halls also features The Café @ artspace, where new Food and Beverage Director Michael Chishum will be treating guests to a visual feast of seasonal culinary delights.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Review: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: something stinks in leafy and well-tailored Berlin, 1941

Imagine life as a privileged child in Berlin, 1941. Your family is wealthy and well-educated; nonetheless, something stinks. In a marvelous world of smart woolens and leather goods emblazoned with the Nazi insignia there is a not-easily detectable undercurrent of dismay. Mainly it seems to be the women who have trouble buying into the well-tailored Nazi deal.

What of the children? How were they brought along into the coven? In The Boy in the Striped Pajamas we enter the holocaust via the leafy streets of Berlin and the comfortable world of the upper middle class.

Young and well-reviewed novelist John Boyne created this incisive exploration of the issues surrounding the holocaust. It has been made into a thought-provoking and velvety movie by British writer-director Mark Herman.

Having seen many movies that address the issues of the enormous ethnic cleansing called the holocaust I can recommend this one as a deeply-affecting and thought-provoking piece of work. We took our 12 year-old son to the movie and it has started us on lengthy discussions of ethics, retribution and history. It seemed quite appropriate to all of us.

Running time 93 mins.

Robinson Film Center.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Coming to the RFC: "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," December 5 - 12

Based on the acclaimed novel bearing the same title, THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS is a World War II-era drama about a young man, the son of a commandant at a concentration camp, who strikes up a friendship with a young Jewish prisoner of the camp. Their friendship has unexpected consequences for both.

Please see more at the movie site

Also, see the SBFG. .

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Actors Cafe has movie and talk by indie filmmaker David Heavener on Thurs at 7:30 pm


Actors Cafe
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Film maker David Heavener will speak about Independent film producing and screen his latest movie, Confessions of a Exorcist, at the Actors Café on Thurs, Dec. 4, at 7:30 PM.

$5 at the door.

Afterward Heavener, who is planning on filming an upcoming series in
Shreveport, will judge the Actors Showcase at 9 pm

http://www.confessionsofanexorcist.com/Welcome.html

In a 20 year career as a filmmaker, David Heavener has written, directed, produced and starred in over 30 motion pictures and had distributed hundreds more. He has worked with Martin Landau, Tony Curtis, Sally Kirkland, Karen Black, Margot Kidder, Isaac Hayes and Robert Reed.

Many of his movies have aired on HBO, Showtime and USA Network. He has guest-starred on NBC's "Hunter" and "Days of our Lives". He has been featured on "Entertainment Tonight" and "Backstage West". David's recent film, "Dawn of the Living Dead" was released on DVD in August and spend 12 consecutive weeks in Wal-Marts' top 10 list for DVD sales.

The event is a reschedule owing to Dallas traffic, says Actor's Cafe.

48 pianists representing 17 nations visit Shreveport to compete in Wideman Competition on Fri, Dec 5 through Sun, Dec 7 at Centenary College

If you see unusually cool young people at gatherings around town this week, be aware that 48 young pianists from around the globe are here for the Wideman Competition. The 2008 Wideman Piano Competition will be held Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7 in the Anderson Auditorium of the Hurley School of Music, located on the Centenary College campus, says Lester Senter Wilson. The event is free and open to the public with contributions accepted at the door for the final round.

Sponsored by the Shreveport Symphony Guild, the competition includes 48 contestants representing schools from across the United States as well as 16 other countries. Schools represented include the Boston Conservatory, Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School. The competition will be judged by nationally and internationally known pianists and conductors.

Preliminary rounds begin at 10:45 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. Friday and begin at 9:15 a.m. Saturday with each contestant playing for 15 minutes. For the final round, held on Sunday, each finalist will perform a complete concerto. The starting time will depend on the number of selected finalists.

Winners will be chosen in the final round. The gold medal winner will perform with the Shreveport Symphony at the 2009 opening concert, the Bell Concert Series at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago and the Phillips Gallery in Washington D.C.

Competition awards include the gold medal, the $5,000 William Peyton Shehee and Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee Award; the silver medal, $2,500 F. Thomas Siskron III Family Award; the bronze medal, $1,500 Martha Jones Rice Award given by Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Carl Rice; honorable mention, $1,000 Dr. Jack E. and Carroll Bright Carlisle Award given by Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Carlisle Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. William Hancock; and special awards including the $1,000 Raymond Morris Award, $500 Glenda Lee Harrison Award given by Stephen Harrison and $500 Lester Senter Wilson/Marcille Young Award.

The Nena Wideman Piano Competition, which began in 1950, has been held annually the first weekend of December, at Centenary College-Hurley School of Music.