Thursday, December 31, 2009

Interim agreement means Shreveport Symphony Orchestra has a 3-concert purchase on a new life; website returns

The SSO is getting a one day jump on the new year, writes Susan Rogers, with a new home page announcing the three 2010 concerts which were agreed on in the Interim Agreement - January 30, March 5 and May 14. There's still some work to be done on the remaining pages of the website and we look forward to seeing it completed.

Please check out the concert season and pass it along to your friends and colleagues. January 30 concert is All Tchaikovsky.

www.shreveportsymphony.com


Also, check out my blogsite which has new photos from the I-49 Brass concert in December in which proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army. Also there: the TSO Holiday concert, which was presented in the Sullivan Performing Arts Centre located at Texas High School, Texarkana, TX. A very, very nice modern theatre with marvelous acoustics, spacious surroundings and comfortable seating. Can't believe it's located at a high school!!

www.shreveportmusicians4ever.blogspot.com


Happy New Year to you all and let's help make this a prosperous Symphony season.

Susan W. Rogers
sjwrogers@bellsouth.net

Neil Johnson on Blue light martinis and the art of photography


Neil Johnson, Njphoto.com
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Shreveport photographer and author Neil Johnson writes a background piece each month to accompany a photo sent to his email list. We are happy to publish this month's column:

BLUE LIGHT MARTINIS

The assignment was to shoot a series of photos of a new product line by Southern Aluminum, a southern Arkansas manufacturer that makes aluminum tables. The new products are a series of tables with lighted panels. There are small tables with one panel and a larger serving table with three panels. The panel light color can be changed.

There is a very elegant restaurant, The Village Grille, almost next door to my studio. It only opens for the dinner crowd and the owners were generous enough to let us use it as a setting for the shoot. It was the perfect restaurant setting because it has no windows, which meant I could totally control the light. The company reps brought the tables to town and we set them up in the restaurant one morning. While shooting the tables with the glowing panels, we decided the panels looked best with drink glasses on the panels to better communicate the panel lighting. We liked how the glass “pulled” the light up from below.

Then we needed a few “effect” images that would not show the brushed aluminum tables, but would show the sexy lighting effect only. This was one of those situations where I had to dive in, explore it, view the result and just see what I would get. We were all delightfully surprised by how nice the images looked on the laptop screen.

This is where the fun part of photography really kicks in and where the technology of both digital instant gratification and shooting tethered to a laptop are worth the price of admission. Once we determined it was working, I tuned out the commercial part of the shoot and let the artist in me cut loose. It became a matter of playing with the tools at hand: various lenses, composition, line, shape, pattern, form and color. What color works the best for this subject matter? Blue? Green? Purple? Yellow? Red? A little bit of tungsten light from way in the background provided a touch of gold in each glass. I loved that subtle touch of gold against blue, two colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel. With each composition that I liked, I shot all colors, just in case.
I must say that when photographing light, it looks supremely better on a computer screen than it does with ink on paper. Ink on paper does not glow. It reflects light. A completely different animal.

Also, with this image, I felt something like Alfred Stieglitz might have felt in 1922 with his “Equivalent” cloud image series. The glowing pixels here give me a feeling of “equivalence,” a theory which has abstract forms, lines, and colors representing corresponding inner states, emotions, ideas and emotive "vibrations of the soul."

I use the word “playing” because the “work” of shooting the tables was done. It is indeed a challenge to light and communicate the metal tables for a catalog and website, as well as show the effect of the lit panels. Those images were in the can. Creating images of almost nothing but light exhilarates me and in no way would I describe it as work. And it is exciting when a client trusts me (and my muse) with creative images. These glasses are empty of liquid, but filled with light. And they are filled, not from above, but from below, and from the inside out. My heart rate increases when I watch how light enters and caresses glass and interacts with it top to bottom. I am playing with light, darkness, color, depth of field, composition, unusual subject matter, glowing pixels.

This is why I do what I do. I am playing with all that is exciting about photography. Photography has the power to sometimes make me literally a bit giddy. That afternoon, I packed up the photography and lighting gear, straightened up the restaurant and wobbled back to the studio to sober up.

Ya really gotta watch out for those blue ones. Especially when you’ve had three.


Neil Johnson
January 2010
www.njphoto.com

Shreveport All Stars at the former Freeman & Harris Restaurant on Sat, Jan 2, noon to 1 pm


Shreveport All Stars
Originally uploaded by trudeau
At least the ghosts of Pete Harris and his staff, family and friends have a place to visit; the site of Freeman's in Allendale has not been destroyed. Today it is called Hospitality House. On Sat, Jan 2, Dan Garner and gang invade the premises - insert memories of Freeman's gumbo here - with guitars, mics and tunes. From noon to 1 pm.

If anyone you know has a cache of photos left over from Freeman's active years, I would be interested in scanning them and producing a Freeman & Harris blog. Former waitress Jessie Singletary and I have often talked about putting those memories online. That's a part of Shreveport history that touched people coast to coast with a distinctly Louisiana vibe. Creating a Freeman's blog might lead to a festival or historic display or who knows what. Email trudeau@earthlink.net.

Be a member or sponsor of the Highland Blues & Jazz Fest; membership meeting Jan 12, 7 pm, Columbia Cafe

If you are a member or sponsor of the Highland Jazz & Blues Fest you are invited to our 2010 General Membership Meeting, says Kenney Koonce. Scheduled for January 12 at Columbia Cafe, the meeting is open to the public. Join us at 7:00 P.M. to learn about the success of the 2009 Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, and our plans for 2010. Members will also elect new members to our board of directors.

You are a voting member if you have completed a membership application and/or served as a sponsor of the 2009 festival. If are not currently a paid member, you may do so at www.highlandjazzandblues.org leading up to the festival. You may also join at the meeting.

If you have any questions regarding our meeting, please contact us at info@highlandjazzandblues.org.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Sci-Port celebrates Tet and New Years at Noon from 10 am to 2 pm Thurs, Dec 31


Tết Việt Nam
Originally uploaded by DulichVietnam360°
As the clock strikes noon in Shreveport-Bossier City, says Eric Gipson, Vietnam will be celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan (the first morning of the first day of the new period). Sci-Port visitors can celebrate the traditions of Tet and then count down to “midnight” with a balloon drop from Sci-Port’s second floor balcony.

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will hold that New Years at Noon celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31.

Activities, sponsored by Mrs. Bobbie Cates Hicks, are included with Sci-Port admission and free to Sci-Port members.


Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center featuring 290 hands-on exhibits, a Space Center and Space Dome Planetarium, IMAX Dome Theatre, demonstration theater, daily changing programs, gift shop and cafe. Sci-Port is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. For general information call (318) 424-3466, toll-free (877) 724-7678 or see www.sciport.org.

Review / Me and Orson Welles @ RFC: Clare Danes and Christian McKay vibrant in a flic all about theater

The filmmaker Orson Welles (Citizen Kane, etc) roars to life in the Mercury Theater in Manhattan, 1938, in the movie Me and Orson Welles.

The 114-minute film is playing at Robinson Film Center, Shreveport.

Welles was about a year away from producing his radio shocker, War of the Worlds. He was about 2 years away from making movies but that was not apparent. His ability to live large pre-dated his arrival in Hollywood.

Me and Orson Welles is largely about theater and why it is so addicting. It's also about this charmingly bombastic historic figure and about Manhattan in the 1930's.

Christian McKay plays Welles and is well cast. Clare Danes is winning - what an articulate face - as the principal girl. And you can almost see director Riichard Linklater positioning the actors around Zac Ephron in such a way as to make it seem he can act.

Alas, Ephron is principally a holiday candy.

Me and Orson Welles is diverting. But don't place your expectations too high for this Linklater project.

Monday, December 28, 2009

NYE at Jayne Marie's on Cross Lake: the Lackadaisies with Dylan LeBlanc, Amelia Blake, Missoni Lanza and the New York Gents


Missoni Lanza, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
New Year's Eve's party at Jayne Marie On Cross Lake, says Jayne, features a stellar entertainment line up consisting of The Lackadaisies with special guest Dylan Le Blanc, singer Amelia Blake and Missoni Lanza and The New York Gents.

Missoni's Gents will include Billy Masters, Doug Yowell, Mike Visceglia and Daniel Weiss. Daniel has been appearing in the Broadway sensation Hair the past several months. Doug has been touring with the Indie artist Ari Hest. Mike just returned from the Suzanne Vega tour and Billy Masters has also been touring with a variety of notable talent. An incredible group of gifted artists.

Ring in 2010, adds Jayne, with a gourmet buffet that includes a Prime Rib Carving Station, Iced Seafood Station, Louisiana Cusine and a beautiful dessert station.

Live music and dancing in both lakeside dining rooms. Champagne toast at midnight included. $42.00 per person.

Jayne Marie on Cross lake
5301 South Lakeshore Drive
Shreveport, LA 71109
318-631-0919

Strumming, rhyming, crooning: Will Maranto, John Bundrick, Dan Garner at Noble Savage Wed, Dec 30, 7 pm

Dan Garner's current motto for his songwriter's sessions at Novle Savage is No Cover, No Covers. Here he presents veteran pickers Will Maranto and John Bundrick.

Writers with guitars trying to move you with heart-tugging changes and easy-to-sip melodies.

417 Texas St.

Rob Peterson w Haitian sounds and visuals @ minicine, music by Ghost to Falco on Wed, Dec 30, 8 pm, 846 Tex, downtown Shreveport

Minicine? will welcome back to Shreveport, says David Nelson, Ghost to Falco, and his touring cohort, the honorable, Cornelius F. Van Stafrin III on Wed night... Kaleidoscopes aside, this will be absolute ear pleasure!!!

On tour and returning home to Los Angeles after an extended sojourn in North Carolina, Cornelius will be starting off with some super awesome noisy soundtrack type stuff with reel to reel tape machines and Tibetan singing bowls, amongst an array of other sound experiments... Ghost to Falco, home-based out of Portland, OR, and formerly a guitarist with Alarmist, is the signature solo project of Eric Crespo. As described in his press release, "ranging from psychedelic minimalism to complex looping arrangements"... "makes for an eerily beautiful and unsettlingly hypnotizing listening experience".... minicine? has been addicted to his music since first hearing it in the Zebra Room in 2004.

Also, also, a late addition to this event, minicine? is proud to host Shreveport native, Rob Peterson (in town for the holiday), to share art and sounds from Haiti. Rob has just returned from a three week residency at the Haiti Ghetto Biennale.

On exhibit will be sculpture and wall hangings collected from artists of the Grand Rue of Port-au-Prince, including works by Claude Sentilus, Jean Herard Celeur, Guerly, Mario Guyodo, Louco and Andre Eugene. A sound environment will be induced from collected field recordings from the City of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Wed, Dec 30 / minicine? swampland / 846 Texas Avenue / 8pm / $5 Donation

Professor Porkchop and the Dirty Dishes every Thurs @ 7 pm in the Celebrity Lounge, Eldorado Casino, Shreveport

One of Shreveport's best-kept secrets: top drawer regional musicians in a comfortable room with fantastic lights and sound - that's the Celebrity Lounge at Eldorado Casino.

Eldorado invites you, says Leslie Peck, to join us for our Blues Jam with Professor Porkchop and the Dirty Dishes every Thursday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

There's a tunesmiths session, too: Join local songwriters Jason Sepulvado, Cameron Meshell, and Daniel Smalley for Song Writers in the Round every Tuesday night in Eldorado’s Celebrity Lounge from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m, says Peck.

Celebrity Lounge Headliners:
• Jan. 1 & 2 The Roscoes 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 6 Chocolate City 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Jan. 8 Paco Estrada 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 9 DJ Hurricane 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 13 Dale Watson 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Jan. 15 & 16 Groove Agents 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 20 Earshot Graffiti 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Jan. 22 Sugarfoot 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 23 Windstorm 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
• Jan. 27 Crossroads 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Jan. 29 & 30 Victims of Pop Culture 8 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.


Photo of Chris McCaa by Barbara Beaird.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Times calls on Atchison, Demerath, Enochs and others to evaluate Shreveport's quality of life issues


Times design: David Wright
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Times called upon people like Pam Atchison of SRAC, Loren Demerath of ABetterShreveport.org and Lampton Enochs of the filmmaking coalition to talk about the state of the city in the Sun, Dec 27, edition.

See their remarks under the banner headline of "2010, what's ahead?"

Call for entries to community art competition: 26X9 mural for Philadelphia Center wall at 2020 Centenary Blvd; deadline Jan 25


Call for Art

The Philadelphia Center is requesting art to be used to create a community art mural on the outside wall of the center facing Centenary Boulevard. The wall on which the mural will be created is brick and measures 26 feet by 9 feet.

The mural will be painted by artist Don Alexander with the assistance of the artist whose image is selected.

All entries will be shown at an exhibition at Artspace. A reception will be held on February 6, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 during which the selected artist will be announced. The first place winner will receive $500 in addition to his or her image being used to create the mural. Eleven additional submissions will be selected and announced to be included in a 2011 Philadelphia Center Calendar.


Requirements to participate
in competition:

1. Artists must complete an entrance application and attach it to the submitted art work. There must be no other identifying information on the submission.

2. All entries must be submitted on canvas or illustration board. The dimensions of the work must be 26 inches x 9 inches so that it can be directly transferred onto the wall. Art will be returned to artists following the exhibition at Artspace. The wall mural will be painted with acrylic paint, but submissions may be in any two dimensional media.

3. The imagery of the mural must be positive and uplifting as it will become a part of the surrounding neighborhood community. Artists may incorporate the Center’s concept of “health, housing and hope” but do not have to limit their creative ideas to any specific theme. Artists are highly encouraged to visit the Philadelphia Center to see the wall and learn about the organization as they develop creative concepts and imagery for the mural.

4. All entries must be submitted to the Philadelphia Center no later than January 25, 2010. Thank You!


Brett E. Malone, Rebecca Thomas, PhD
Executive Director Artist / Board Member

Philadelphia Center
N.W. Louisiana AIDS Resource Center
2020 Centenary Blvd.
Shreveport, LA 71104
(318) 222-6633

Teen Artists from across Louisiana to meet in Shreveport March 4 - 6 for state convention hosted by Benton High; donations needed

Youth Art Council of America student president Kayla Green and sponsor Theresa Laws of Benton High School announce that the Northwest LA chapter of YACA will be hosting the State Convention at the Clarion Hotel in Shreveport from March 4th – 6th, 2010.

"State Convention is a three-day, 2-night fun and activity-filled gathering of teens from all over Louisiana. Approximately 300 students participate in art exhibits, competitions, demonstrations, games, performance-based contests, a dance, an awards banquet and much more!" says Laws.

"It costs approximately $150.00 per student to attend convention; we are asking for donations and sponsors to help off-set the costs for the students," says Green.

"Initial deposits are due by January 20th, and at this time we are still $1000.00 short! We also need help in providing door prizes to be given out throughout the weekend and items to be placed in student and teacher goody bags (snacks, notepads, key chains, pencils, art supplies, etc.)."

All Donors and Sponsors will be gratefully acknowledged during Convention on signage that will be displayed in the main banquet hall and will receive a special invitation to attend the art exhibit.

Please help in making this Convention a memorable art experience. For further information on how to donate, provide sponsorship, or if you have questions, please contact Theresa Laws at Benton High School ~ (318) 549-5304 or email me at Theresa.Laws@bossierschools.org.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Post-holiday remorse and excess: where to recycle packaging, trees & electronics in Shreveport


Xmas tree arrives
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Every piece of wrapping paper, cardboard box and aluminum pie pan that lands at Pratt Industries (Shreveport's recycling center), is one less item that goes into Woolworth Road Landfill, said Mike Strong, head of Shreveport's operational services department," writes Times reporter Melody Brumble in her story, "Post-Christmas recycling offers the gift of green."

"John McCoy, a manager at the Shreveport recycling plant, hopes residents will avoid putting garland, strings of Christmas lights and tinsel in their bins this year. Those items wrap around conveyor belts that carry recyclable materials through the plant and have to be untangled by hand."

Also recycling: "Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana takes monitors, printers, all the computer parts and all electronics. We are a Dell-approved recycler," said Jesse Schmidt, Goodwill's vice president of resource development."

The 16th annual tree recycling program: "'Shreveport Green will collect the dried husks of live trees to help combat erosion along Louisiana coasts. The trees are packed into fence-like structures to trap sediment and help rebuild the state's wetlands,' said Donna Curtis, Shreveport Green executive director."

Shreveport Green will accept live Christmas trees for recycling from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 2 in the parking lot of Lee Hedges Stadium, 6115 E. Kings Highway in Shreveport.

The city of Shreveport also will pick up trees for recycling during trash collection the first two weeks of January, says the Times.

Non-LED Xmas lights can also be recycled: the HolidayLEDs.com Christmas Light Recycling Program says, "Don't want to throw your old incandescent lights in the trash? Send them to us and we will recycle them for you and send you a coupon for 15% off. The recycling program is now open. The program will conclude at the end of February 2010."

And in enlightened enclaves some of the holiday dross is turned into decorative crafts projects.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Artspace - and Giftspace - open through Dec 23, and Dec 27 - 29 at 710 Texas St

Artspace, where you can shop as well as show off a premier art venue to your visitors, has posted their holiday hours via Julia Foley's email blast.

Monday, Dec. 21st, 10 am - 2 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 22nd, 10 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 23rd, 10 am - 2 pm
Thursday & Friday, Dec. 24th-25th, CLOSED
Saturday, Dec. 26th, 12 pm - 4 pm

Monday, Dec. 27th, 10 am - 2 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 28th, 10 am - 5 pm
Wed., Dec. 29th, 10 am - 2:30 pm
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 30th -
Jan. 3rd, CLOSED

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Cellist from Shreveport, John Henry Crawford, performs on From The Top, NPR program, via Red River Radio on Sat, Dec 19, 11 am

The radio concert program From The Top presents performances from top young classical players each week. From their web site:

For the past decade, From the Top has been the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week.

This week, from the AT&T Performing Arts Center's Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, one of the performers is cellist John-Henry Crawford, 16, from Shreveport, LA. He performs III. Allegro commodo from Sonata No. 2 by Bohuslav Martinu.

The program was recorded Fri, Nov 13, 2009.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Dirtfoot at the Capri on Sat, Dec 19; opening are Lackadaisies, Shreveport band, and Yazoo Shakes, Memphis group


photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by lindsayloveshermac
"Gus and Hank Productions along with Rest My Head Entertainment presents: A Front Porch Christmas on Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at the Capri Theater, 620 Milam St, Shreveport, LA
$10 Cover - 21+

Writes J Bratlie, "Dirtfoot wants everyone to have a great Christmas and do some good for those in need, so we've partnered with the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank to raise much needed canned goods for the less fortunate. For every can you bring, you will get $1 off the ticket price (up to 4 cans per person). Also, the bar will be offering a free Jello Shot (christmas flavor of course) for everyone that shows up before 11:00pm to help get the night started right. Dirtfoot will be featuring new songs, along with a brand new TShirt and giveaways all night long.

We're also pleased to be bringing in a sonic wonder from Memphis TN, The Yazoo Shakes.

"The Shakes specialize in a gypsy-gusto sound that's propelled by minor chords and a Southern shuffle. Mixing culinary, movie, and musical metaphors, the Shakes' repertoire is the aural equivalent of the spicy ramen served up in Tampopo combined with the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink attitude of Babette's Feast. If you're a fan of Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, or the Asylum Street Spankers, your ears will never go hungry again." Andria Lisle, The Memphis Flyer, June 4-10, 2009

To open the night is Shreveport's own The Lackadaisies. This local group has some great things going for them and are an up and coming band on the Shreveport scene.

Don't miss this night of great music, and help some people at this most important time of year"

J Bratlie
Dirtfoot

P.O. Box 44052
Shreveport, LA
71134-4052

318-560-1466
http://www.dirtfoot.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Coming to the RFC: "Disturbing the Universe" with Producer Vanessa Hope on Tues, Dec 22, 7:30 pm

The Robinson Film Center, says Chris Jay, will host a very special one night-only presentation of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary WILLIAM KUNSTLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE with Executive Producer Vanessa Hope in attendance on Tuesday, December 22 at 7:30 PM.

The film tells the story of infamous civil rights lawyer William Kunstler, who defended such iconic figures as Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and the inmates who led the uprising at Attica Prison.

The filmmaker will introduce the screening and participate in a post-screening Q&A. Normal admission rates apply.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Audra Caitlyn Moss plays Medea at LSUS Black Box Theater on Dec 11, 12, 13; cast includes Kent Jude Bernard and James Palmer

The ancient Greek tragedy Medea, directed by LSUS senior Eric B. Whitt, is a classic myth about betrayal and revenge, says Robert Alford.

Performance dates are December 11, 12 (8 pm) and 13 (2 pm).

Medea is being played by Audra Caitlyn Moss. The cast also includes Libby Ashlock, Kent Jude Bernard, Dan Farris, Chase Hill, Devon Hill, James Palmer, Nicholas Sewell, Barbara Webber-Hall and Tianna Williams.

LSUS Black Box Theatre
Bronson Hall 111

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Joey Cush's City Bar and artists Joe Bluhm & Adam Volker throw down an Indie Night on Wed, Dec 9

Writes artist Joe Bluhm, "Adam Volker and I (of the new Moonbot Studios) recently met a proprietor and fellow lover of the arts here named Joey Cush. Joey has opened a new bar, the City Bar, and was looking for consultation on design and a mural from his friend - and our boss - William Joyce. Adam and I took on the mural as a personal project, to give it our touch and give something that we could to the area.

Well, the mural is finished and the bar is open, but that wasn't enough for Joey... he wanted to give something special to the area, and in meeting Adam and I and our friends, he saw something special that is sometimes ignored in Shreveport... the artist and creatives community.

Though it is merely a BAR, it is still part of a bigger puzzle, and can go a long way for helping creatives socialize, so myself, Adam, and my girlfriend have orchestrated one evening a week for Joey at City Bar.

This night is called Indie Nite. It is a gathering of creatives to simply socialize at a bar that we all are missing here. There will be great music, a great vibe, a dance floor, some other fun surprises, and most importantly, it's made for creative types and alike.

I really think this has potential to be a great meting place, even if just to wind down and get a drink or let loose and dance to some great alt or indie rock."

Edwin Pinkston, Louisiana abstract painter based in Ruston, opens a show of recent work in Bossier at Gallery Fine Art Center on Th, Dec 10, 6:30 pm

The recently-opened Gallery Fine Art Center, a Brunner Gallery Affiliate, says "Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Thursday, December 10,
6:30 – 8:00 pm. On display will be the exhibit Edwin Pinkston: Recent Paintings."

Edwin Pinkston began teaching painting and drawing in the School of Art in 1968, says the LaTech School of Art web site, and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2004. Other honors while at the University include being selected as University Distinguished Professor in 1989 and Alumni Foundation Professor of the Year in 1988. Pinkston served as Graduate Coordinator of the Master of Fine Arts Program for twenty years and taught in The Louisiana Tech Rome Program on three occasions.

Residing in Ruston, Pinkston enjoys his unlimited studio time where he is currently engaged in developing abstract paintings in three formats. His work can currently be viewed at Brunner Gallery locations in Covington, Louisiana and the Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge. He and his wife Dawn enjoy visiting their three children and two grandchildren. They also enjoy traveling, and have recently returned from a second trip to Turkey.

"Arrays of tensions and counter forces are cultivated in my paintings. In a matrix of opposites, a friendly dichotomy between spontaneity and rigor is encouraged. A stage
is set where forms aren’t fully reconciled to their positions, where color and mark-making struggle for dominance, where lateral and spatial considerations jockey for recognition. Holistic in sensibility, most of these compositions have no obvious hierarchy, as passages tend to share equal emphases." Edwin Pinkston

The show will remain from December 10 to January 30.

GFAC
2151 Airline Drive, Suite 200, Bossier City, LA
Phone: 318-741-9192

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Review: Holiday season performances opened by the colorful and warm Amahl and the Night Visitors as presented by Shreveport Opera

Lori Lusted's voice and energetic interpretation of the boy, Amahl, capably engaged the large audience at Sat's production of Giancarlo Menotti's modern opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Shreveport Opera's presentation of the now-classic piece - it was written for television broadcast in 1951 - was suffused with warmth, melody and a holiday vibe.

Making an auspicious Shreveport debut was Dean Anthony, who played the amusingly hard-of-hearing King Kaspar. Anthony, newly appointed Resident Stage Director and Director of Production of Shreveport Opera, played the comic role and directed the show.

The kings entered from the lobby of Riverview Theater and sang as they made their way to the stage. Alas, no one thought of a way to light them as they made their stately entrance.

Amahl, an operatic fantasy, does not put an emphasis on Bethlehem as location. But an imaginative staging might have brought more Arabic awareness to the show (in dance, in costume detail, body language, etc.). Shreveport has a growing population of people of Asian background (the Middle East is, indeed, SW Asia). The community looks to its artistic leaders to better the appreciation for the cultural gifts that come with new populations.

Carols sung by Centenary Camerata opened the evening. While the choir was large and well-rehearsed, there was little sense of drama to their singing. Singing several pieces a capella and adding a flute to one number were lovely moments. But those moments were muffled by the lack of turns by soloists or other embellishments. Camerata seemed competent and bland.

That was not true of the quartet that opened for Camerata. The Shreveport Opera Express, a group that specializes in seducing the young via piano and voice, was vaudevillian.

As usual, we saw few people with children at the opera. Regrets. Amahl was a terrific opportunity for families.

In fact, if there had been a special performance for children and parents or grandparents, the entire city would have been enriched. The Shreveport Opera Chorus, some 21 strong, made a joyous noise that contrasted well with the solo voices. The 20-member orchestra, directed by Marc-Andre Bougie, was like hot chocolate. The dance numbers were performed by young dancers.

With the collapse of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra the Shreveport region has learned what its like to live without a center for fine arts music. Particularly for the educated class, there's a void in the city.

Wouldn't it be healthy if some of the region's wealthy families decided to dig deeper and make a larger financial commitment to the opera and orchestra? It would enable special performances such as the family performance I described above.

Basically, Shreveport remains stuck in a vacuole. There's no clear voice that calls for excellence in the arts. Or for a higher commitment to excellence in urban life. Such a waste.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Giancarlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors by Shreveport Opera on Sat, Dec 5, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater


RCA LSC-2762 Menotti Amahl
Originally uploaded by brandonb23
As the opera opens, says the Shreveport Opera web site, Amahl is very excited. He has seen a truly strange and wondrous star outside, one with a long tail the likes of which he has never seen. His Mother, knowing that he likes to make things up, grows angry with him and dismisses his news.

Soon there is a knock at the door. When the Mother opens it, she is astonished to find three kings. They tell her that they are in search of a very special king and show Amahl and his Mother the gifts they bring. The Mother leaves to alert the neighbors to the king's presence, and they return with gifts for the three sovereigns. Later that night, the Mother gives in to temptation and tries to take some of the kings' gold for her and Amahl.

Director: Dean Anthony
Conductor: Marc-Andre Bougie
Amahl: Lori Lusted
His Mother: Gale Odom
King Kaspar: Dean Anthony
King Melchior: Steve Aiken
King Balthazar: Horace English
The Page: Kevin Doherty

Tony Reans: Pop Sensations exhibit at WDC on Line Ave at Margaret Place from Dec 1 - 18

Says artist Tony Reans, "I’m exhibiting my recent cartoon paintings at the Woman’s Department Club of Shreveport, from December 1-18 (it’s a civic organization, and not just for women, thank you very much).The exhibition is called “Pop Sensations, popular culture in fun bite sizes.

I was invited to exhibit after a suggestion from a fellow Shreveport artist, Ginger Briggs.

The paintings reflect my own interpretations of America's often oversimplified mindset, in which all subjects seem to undergo a reduction to mere icons. Sometimes banal, sometimes poignant, these paintings challenge the viewer to go beyond the canvas and put the subjects back into the larger whole, into their proper places in the zeitgeist.


Meaning, we have a tendency to oversimplify things, replacing the important bits with icons, symbols or scaled-down, easy-on-the-brain concepts. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just the way things are. A good example is the we reduce “I love you,” to “I heart you,” with a cartoon drawing of a heart.

I’ve used newspaper and magazine clippings in the backgrounds of the paintings. These introduce an element from the real world into the cartoon icon, creating juxtapositions and (hopefully) thought-provoking social commentaries.

The image above is a space alien robot of my own design. I call him Cog. The clippings are real UFO sighting reports that I found on the National UFO Reporting Center’s website. http://www.nuforc.org/index.html


To see the exhibition, contact the WDC to find out when the facility will be open."
318-222-4186

Holiday Brass concert from the I-49 Brass Quintet at Broadmoor Presbyterian on Sat, Dec 19, 7 pm

One of the most active and lively of regional serious music groups, the I-49 Brass Quintet is comic and lighthearted in addition to seriously rehearsed.

Their winter concert is at 7 pm on Sat, Dec 19, at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 1915 Grover Place, says Rick Rowell.

The Band House and Broadmoor Presbyterian are jointly sponsoring the event, allowing all ticket proceeds to go to the Salvation Army. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) and are available at Broadmoor Presbyterian, The Band House, and the Salvation Army.

Says trumpeter Rowell, "It would be great if this concert could be a truly community-wide event and a very successful fund-raiser for the Salvation Army."

524-3090 or 834-7370.

Photo: Susan Rogers.

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge at East Bank Theater on Dec 4, 5 and 11, 12, at 8 pm


ebenezer_scrooge-64
Originally uploaded by Spatial Mongrel
East Bank Theatre’s Production of
The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge

Directed by
Reagan Cassanova

Meet Scrooge, Marley and “The Ghosts” in this family friendly, fun filled differet take on the Classic Christmas Story. Charles Dickens would be proud.

Bossier Arts Council
East Bank Theatre
630 Barksdale Blvd.
Bossier City, La.

December 4, 5,11,12 @ 8:00PM
December 6,13 @ 2:00 PM

Opening night reception, December 4, 7:00 PM

Show Time
8:00 PM

New Ticket Prices !!
Adults $15.00; Seniors, Students and Military - $10.00; Children under 10 - $5.00

Box Office
East Bank Theatre
741-8310
741 - 8307
www.bossierarts.org

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Film of Miss Mary of Murrell's benefit to be aired at RFC on Sun, Dec 6 at 5 pm; Dirtfoot, Peekers, AJ Haynes, Buddy Flett, Mr Christopher

Kern Courtney, musician and producer of the Miss Mary Benefit, worked extra hard to get the video ready for the local all-star show, which was held a year ago. He was elated when it became apparent that the cameras captured a fine night and an effective production.

Sun, Dec 6th, the Robinson Film Center is hosting the film screening of that night; it's called"The Biggest Tip Ever: The Concert for Miss Mary," and starts at 5PM. The benefit concert was held for iconic local waitress, "Miss" Mary Arnold, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Featuring several local artists, including Buddy Flett, Dirtfoot, and A. J. Haynes and the Monkey Business, the film documents the benefit concert through retrospective interviews and live footage from the event.

Julieann Banks of Austin, TX, will perform before the film screening and during intermission. The Abby Singer Bistro will be offering $2 drink specials for attendees. Admission is $10 and includes a copy of the DVD. Also, a CD of live performances from that evening is available for an additional $5 donation.

Cameron Meshell acoustic show - Sat, Dec 5, 9 pm, at Bear's - intros his eponymous CD

This neat, low-key video of Cameron Meshell's tune, Exit Signs, is by Stephen Patrick Walker. It reminds viewers that Meshell was the central musician on the new record.

The CD release party starts at 9 pm on Sat, Dec 5, at Bear’s, 1401 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, 318-425-2327). He will present songs in an acoustic performance. It's $5 cover and $5 for the cd. “I just played a show with Jewel,” Cameron notes, “and I plan on doing as many regional shows as I can before booking some tours in January. I can’t wait to perform these songs for my fans.”


CM photo by Casey Jones.

Meadows Museum Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition deadline Dec 14; open to artists in 10-parish region

To be juried by Louisiana painter Luz-Maria Lopez and Louisiana collectors David & Nicole Holcombe, the Meadows Museum Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition will be displayed beginning Feb 27, 2010.

Artists entering the competition must send entries post-marked no later than Mon, Dec 14, 2009, says Diane DuFilho.

- maximum of 5 works created within the past 2 years may be submitted
- entry form and self-addressed stamped envelope
- images on CD or slides marked w name, title, medium & size.
- resume desirable
- nonrefundable $15 fee
- artists notified of status Feb 1 - 8, 2010
- open to artists from 10 parish region of NW La.
- Works will be judged on aesthetics as well as the clarity and accuracy of images.

- Meadows Museum: 318-869-5169

Friday, November 27, 2009

Dorothinia's oils at Turner Art Center, Centenary College, in retrospective called Images of Being; reception Sun, Nov 29, 2 to 4 pm

Images of Being is about new paintings but is also something of a retrospective: "I will have one painting from every year from 1987 to 2005 in the hallway gallery," says Dorothy Kristin Hanna, aka Dorothinia, of her exhibit at Tuner Art Center, Shreveport.

"In the main gallery will be Images of Being, from 2005 to now."

Of her enormous and vibrant body of work, Kristi says, "All of my work is about color relative to the human energy field and healing. I would love to share this work with you."

Hanna has won awards for her work; the Multi-disciplinary Artist Fellowship from Shreveport Regional Arts Council is one. She is a mixed-nuts artist whose choreography and production of avant garde song and dance has rivaled her prodigious output of painting. She is currently developing an evening of dance and drama set to rare Beatles recordings.


Please see images of her work
.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Beautiful & Unusual Homes in the Highland & Fairfield Historic Districts on Tour Saturday & Sunday, December 5-6

"Ever spent a holiday inside a 1920s-era neighborhood grocery store-turned-residence?" writes Liz Swaine at the new site CelebrateHighland.com. "A stately Tudor? A Mediterranean mansion? A funky Foursquare filled with color, art and the most amazing holiday tree you may ever see? Welcome then, to the world of Celebrate Highland, our opportunity to show you Shreveport's historic Highland and Fairfield Districts in a way you have never seen them before!"

Swaine and cohorts in the Highland Restoration Association have lined up two tours for 2009. And the houses are well-described on the new tour site produced by the gung-ho media maven herself:

- The Saturday-only Candlelight Tour Ticket is $20.
- The Sunday-only Flight of Fancy Tour is $15.
- BOTH tours can be yours for the low price of $25! For details on purchasing tickets, go to our Ticket Information page.

Darkly entertaining Coen Bros movie, A Serious Man, is at RFC downtown Shreveport

A Serious Man is something like the Story of Job as told by Jerry Seinfeld. The post-Seinfeld Jerry.

This Coen Brothers story frames the early 60's acerbically and offers steady opportunities for rueful laughter. Oh, there we were, smoking pot when no one was the wiser. And weren't the institutions of common life - the neighborhood, school, the church - grindingly irrelevant?

Nor does the hero, Larry Gopnick, have a clue. An absent-minded math prof, his attempts to live a righteous life are smartly slapped at each turn.

Thank gawd for the additional comic relief that comes from the grandly quirky uncle, the proto-feminist neighbor and the smarmy guy who seduces Gopnik's wife.

In the silky flow of mundane Americana the Coens embed the music of the Jefferson Airplane and even score a dental scene with Jimi Hendrix' live version of "Machine Gun." It's outrageous but effective.

A Serious Man probes our sense of ethics and tests our sense of cool. It's like the almost-perfect top-drawer indie movie.

More at the Robinson Film Center.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The art of animation: Light Before Christmas stop-motion IMAX film @ SciPort through the holidays

The Light Before Christmas, a new giant screen film produced in stop-motion animation, opens Monday, November 23 at the IMAX Dome Theatre of Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

The film is the tale of young Katie and her brother Makean, says Eric Gipson, who, after losing their way in a Christmas Eve blizzard, are rescued by the Candleman. He is a wise man who invites them to his cozy forest cottage and sparks their imagination with a poem, The Night Before Christmas. Sipping cocoa by the fireplace, the children are transported and become the central characters as it unfolds on the screen.

The Light Before Christmas will show at noon and 3:30 Monday through Saturday and at 4:30 Sunday through January 3. Those wishing to “IMAXimize their holidays” can see the show paired with Santa vs. the Snowman, with daily back-to-back showings; Santa vs. the Snowman shows prior to The Light Before Christmas at 2:15 Monday – Friday, 2:30 Saturday and 3:30 Sunday.



(318) 424-3466
toll-free (877) 724-7678
www.sciport.org.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Math and science education and the block system: will all Caddo schools benefit from a switch to block scheduling?


Mack Evans, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Two well-known and respected teachers at Caddo Magnet High are opposing the imposition of a Caddo block schedule on their school. Math teacher J. Mack Evans and social studies teacher David Wells are concerned about student achievement under the block system.

"'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' This common sense is being ignored by the Caddo Parish School Board as it prepares to impose the dubious educational "reform" of block scheduling on Magnet High School."
Thus wrote Wells in a Nov 15 op-ed piece in the Shreveport Times.

"Our school, like some others in the parish, operates on a traditional schedule of six one-hour class periods per day. These classes are rigorous and challenging, with many of our juniors and seniors choosing to take Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses, which earn them college credit.

Much research on the effects of block scheduling indicates that it does serious academic harm to student achievement. The University of Virginia reports that graduates from "block" high schools perform more poorly in science than those from traditional schedules. The College Board has reported a decline in AP test scores from schools which have changed to block scheduling.

Music, foreign language, and math classes are especially hurt from not having daily instruction and practice under the block system. Most versions of block scheduling keep students in a classroom for 90 minutes per class, but schedule that class to meet only every other day."

Wells adds, "The long-term effect of reducing time spent in a particular class by 20 percent will have to be a watering-down of the curriculum.

Maybe there are sound, valid, and logical reasons for the new policy. What are they?

Did the School Board discuss and vote on the new schedule? When?"

Meanwhile, President Obama is attempting to encourage rigorous and increased effort in science and math education.

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra board and musicians come together for 3 concerts in 2010; negotiations and fund-raising efforts re-opened

After some 2 years of struggle, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra board and musicians have set aside differences to produce 3 concerts in 2010.

SSO board president Dick Bremer, musician leader Rick Rowell and Community Fund chief Paula Hickman announced the interim agreement and concert series.

- Michael Butterman remains an active player in the re-tuning, said Bremer.
- The SSO has a current budget of about $110,000, added Bremer. The annual budget for the SSO at its peak was about $1.3 million.
- The Community Foundation has awarded the SSO a $70,000 challenge grant. Its purpose is to stimulate additional monetary pledges.
- Orchestra consultant Doug Patti - well-received by both musicians and board - will help guide the effort.

Women, Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, youths, tech-minded volunteers needed by Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in struggle to rebuild

Three 2010 concerts have been announced by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in an effort to revive the long-silent music source.

The announcement was a meager one. Not on the scene or on the record were African-Americans, reps from a variety of women's organizations or representatives of the region's growing constituent groups, including Asians, Latinos and the creative class.

Nor was Michael Butterman, vibrant conductor of the SSO who remains on contract for some 10 months, present.

Nor is there an active Paypal or ticket-purchase account on the SSO website.

Given the failure of the corporate and gentry classes to adequately support the orchestra, it would seem that a wide-spread coalition of groups would be the key to reconstitution.

I encourage reps from all these groups to address the orchestra issue.

You might ask yourselves -
* in how many ways does an orchestra benefit your members?
* what kind of orchestra programming would engage your members?
* please don't wait for the SSO board to reach out to you, alas.
* request a pep talk by Michael Butterman. Maestro Butterman could be the key to getting your group involved.
* make a verbal or monetary pledge to dickbremer@shreveportchamber.org.

Cell phone guide service begins at RW Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport; one of 2 museums in Louisiana to offer cell service


Norton, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
At R.W. Norton Art Gallery, where twenty-four galleries display seven centuries of art, you can get a guided tour without a guide. With Guide by Cell, says Jennifer DeFratis, you may stand before a painting, open your phone, dial a local number, and follow prompts to listen and learn new insights about the work and its artist.

The Norton, as its fans call it, is only one of two museums in Louisiana to offer the service. Cost for the tour is measured by your current cell phone plan.

As you stroll through the museum, look for cards beside artworks bearing the Guide by Cell logo and a question. Enter a mailbox prompt to hear the answer.

Although no guide is present, you may still voice opinions and offer suggestions concerning grounds, galleries, exhibits, and programs, such as Guide by Cell. Touch the appropriate prompt, and speak your piece. “Please let us know. That’ s how we may improve the visitor experience,” DeFratis comments.

Voices you’ll hear on your phone include those of DeFratis, museum curators, and artists themselves. They will continue to narrate answers to new questions, so Guide by Cell will offer fresh, new looks at even more exhibits in coming months.

For additional informative, entertaining walks through the Norton, visitors may want to join DeFratis early each month for her popular First Saturday Tour, at 2 p.m. The Norton also offers group tours by appointment.

Norton Art Gallery: Located at 4747 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, 1 to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Christmas Carol from MLP, SLT and director Heather Peak Hooper opens Dec 17


MLP & SLT
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Marjorie Lyons Playhouse and Shreveport Little Theatre are starting an annual holiday tradition, a production of A Christmas Carol, says Robert Darrow.

Heather Peak Hooper will direct this classic story based on Charles Dickens' novel, adapted by John Mortimer. Don Hooper is the Scenic and Lighting Designer. Alan Berry is the Technical Director.

Performances will be December 17, 18, 19, 26 at 8 p.m., December 20, 24, 27 at 2 p.m. and December 25 at 4 p.m. at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on the campus of Centenary College.

Michael Blake Powell stars in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Other cast members playing multiple roles include Dean Anthony, Stephen Atkins, Adler Birmingham, Heather Bryson, Eric Champney, John Goddard, Madeline Hiers, Tony Hobson, Helen Marrs, Bailey Montgomery, Lauren Morrison, Caroline “C.P.” Paxton, Bella Prince, Sylvia Rachal, Brooks Robinson, Cameron Robinson, Stephen Scarlato, Natasha Sebegrun, and Andrew Wood.

Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for seniors and active military and $15 for adults.

The box offices at MLP and SLT will begin taking reservations on December 1. For reservations or further information, contact MLP at 869-5242 or SLT at 424-4439.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Port Belly Project at 2 pm, artists from 10 am to 6 pm at the Louisiana Boardwalk on Sat, Nov 21; it's the West Edge Fine Arts Market


Port Belly Project, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Christmas Shopping Ideas Abound!!! exclaims Neecee Blackwell of the West Edge Artists Fine Arts Market on Sat. Nov. 21, 10am - 6pm, at Louisiana Boardwalk.

Original artwork, jewelry and photography make intersting Christmas gifts, she says.

At 2pm, says ms Blackwell, you can catch the well-accomplished Port Belly Project Belly Dancing Troupe at the at the Boardwalk -- under the Texas Street Bridge!

Rooftop viewing of the Andromeda Galaxy at SciPort Star Party from 7 to 10 pm on Fri, Nov 20

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will hold a Star Party featuring rooftop viewing of stars and planets through the science center’s telescopes, hands-on activities and several Space Dome Planetarium presentations, this Fri, Nov 20, from 7 to 10 p.m, says Eric Gipson.

Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Great Square of Pegasus and Fomalhaut Star will be especially interesting features of this Friday’s sky, according to Greg Andrews, Sci-Port Astronomy Programs Leader.

Programs taking place inside Sci-Port’s Space Center include the make-and-take craft activities Planetary Bracelets and the Modeling the Milky Way. Space Dome Planetarium programs include Starry Night, Eye on the Sky and Musical Astronomy.

Admission is $5, $3 for Sci-Port members, and no reservations are required. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars.

Coming to the RFC on Sat, Nov 21: Louisiana-made movie Invisible Girlfriend - with the filmmakers

"Invisible Girlfriend is a film we’ll be screening here at the Robinson Film Center on Sat, Nov 21 at 5:00 PM with the filmmakers in attendance. It’s a Louisiana-made documentary that is, simply put, one of the most difficult to describe films I have ever programmed at the RFC," says Chris Jay.

"It’s a road movie/portrait of rural and backroads Louisiana, as seen by a schizophrenic man from Monroe, LA who is riding his bicycle to New Orleans because he believes his girlfriend is psychically calling him there. And his girlfriend is Joan of Arc, and she’s invisible. Anything I could say about the strengths of the film is better said and summarized in this review:"

"A surprising and profoundly compassionate road trip about an America struggling to get back on its feet, with filmmakers Ashley Sabin and David Redmon working at the intersection of Flannery O'Connor Avenue and Werner Herzog Boulevard." -Ty Burr, Boston Globe

Any lover of southern lit or documentary film will find those to be fightin’ words – and I did, too – but I watched the film and found that I agreed 100% with that review.

p.s. If anyone wants to take advantage of that new bicycle trail through downtown, we’re offering free admission to anyone who bikes here for the film.

Monday, November 16, 2009

End your poverty and depression by winning the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt in the Triumph Over Tragedy project

Through November 29th, North Louisiana residents can explore 21 Parishes across North Louisiana and the Great Depression by playing the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the Caddo Parish Commission, and earn a chance at $2,000.

The goal of the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt, says Julia Foley, is to engage participants in questions that pertain to historical venues photographed for Triumph Over Tragedy, the book and film, The Grapes of Wrath, video and audio clips from elders who have shared their stories, hobo signs, and information concerning the 150 events taking place through April 2010 related to the project through exploring the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

Weekly clues are included in the Triumph Newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter on the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

To participate in the Hunt, you must be at least 13 years of age and reside in one of the participating 21 Parishes of North Louisiana. After completing the questions, there is a chance to win one of the following:
• A first place $2,000 cash prize. Happy days are here again!
• A second* place receives lunch for 4 at the cafe@artspace in Shreveport.
• A third place* prize of a free tour for two of Barksdale Field Historic District and lunch at the Barksdale Club.
• A Runner Upper Parish will get two free passes to an arts event in their parish or any other parish.

Winners of the prizes will be selected based on the participant that filled out the highest percentage of correct answers. In the result of a tie (i.e. 5 100% correct answer ballets) the winner will be chosen randomly from among those in the tie.

Winners will be announced on the website and via email alert on December 1, 2009. For information on rules and to sign up to play, go to the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

Chris Brown's Romp & Stomp show, KSCL, 91.3, to feature Bruce Flett on Tues, Nov 17, 8 pm


Bruce Flett, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"I'm gonna be Chris Brown's special guest on "Romp & Stomp" Tuesday at 8pm..KSCL 91.3fm," writes musician and musical historian Bruce Flett.

"We'll be talking about and playing music from Shreveport Music History," says Flett. "We'll focus on the R&B successes of the 60s and 70s but begin with the "Suzie Q" 50s."

This Amazon.UK listing of the album "Red River Blues: Shreveport Blues from Ram Records," reminds readers that Shreveport muic history is a big deal in England and places like Australia, Japan and Germany.

Sharrows, or share the street arrows, added to Shreveport streets by Caddo Comissioner Matthew Linn and members of A Better Shreveport

11/11/09
Mayor Glover,

Thank you for allowing Dr. Hallie Dozier of L.S.U., myself and friends
to paint sharrows on certain streets marking safe bicycle passage from South Highland to Downtown Shreveport. These markings are very
inexpensive to apply and bring priceless, heightened awareness that
something other than an automobile is allowed on the street. When
people who are only accustomed to driving a car or truck are informed of the new "Louisiana 3 foot law", they will be grateful to have a
friendly reminder of being respectful to bicyclist.

The template of the "Bicycle Sharrow" has been donated to "A Better
Shreveport
." I encourage everyone to work together to make our home, Shreveport, easier and safer to navigate by all means of transportation.

Matthew Linn
Caddo Parish Commissioner, District 4

11/15/09
Commissioner Linn:

It is my pleasure. As mayor and as a citizen I welcome Shreveport becoming a more biker, runner and walker friendly city. Please pass my thanks along to all involved and let's keep forging ahead.

Kindest Regards,

Cedric

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Columbia Park blanketed by some 8000 motley partiers at the Highland Blues & Jazz Fest 09

Blankets and chairs by the score were laid across the hills of Columbia Park by a diverse and vast audience (Kenney Koonce ests 7 to 8000) as the Highland Blues Fest was presented on Sat, Nov 14. The free fest featured music on 2 stages and a big-name headliner: the New Orleans' septet called the Rebirth Brass Band.

Strengths of the fest:
- sundry crowd, both in age and ethnicity.
- family-oriented.
- food and crafts booths adequate to nourish the crowd.
- beer.
- effective sound system (Glenn Graves, ta da!).
- smart team of volunteers, including fest founder Amy Loe, announcer Liz Swain and many more.
- handsome and soulful faces for the numerous photographers.
- opportunity for many attendees to avoid the car and use the bike.
- aerobic development stimulated by the Rebirth Brass band.
- Chicken Masala, by India's Restaurant, was scrumptious and only $2.
- an example for the city of an effective neighborhood fest.
- Highland in its best light: safe, convenient, multifarious.

Dean Roane, 6 additional visual artists plus Jimmy Cousins and 4 additional musical units at minicine? 846 Texas Ave, beginning at 6 pm on Sun, Nov 22

Minicine? for art's sake musicians, says Pete Fetterman:

The Drum Militia, AJ Haynes and Monkey Business, the infamous Jaguar Shark and Mr Christopher.

Artists: Jeff Morgan (Asheville, NC), Reyne Treve (Sedona, AZ), Sara White and Sarabeth Dunton Diamond (NOLA) and Dean Roane and Malori Brandon (Shreveport).

Sun, Nov 22.
6 pm
Donations.
Pot luck supper.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Shreveport Farmer's Market, Barnwell Art Market, Zonta Antique Show & Sale at the Riverfront Saturday morn


Shreveport Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Barnwell's Freda Powell says "The Riverfront is flooding with activities." The Barnwell's Art Affaire in the Garden goes from 10 am to 3 pm.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Shreveport Opera Express at Barnes & Noble with Little Red Riding Hood on Fri, Nov 13, 7 pm

Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX), the education and outreach program of Shreveport Opera, will be presenting a FREE performance of Little Red Riding Hood this Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Shreveport, says Steve Aiken.

Use the voucher on all purchases made in the store Friday (and online through the weekend) and a percentage of each sale will be donated to Shreveport Opera Xpress.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Rebirth Brass Band headlines Highland Jazz and Blues Fest on Sat, Nov 14, noon to 5 pm, Columbia Park


Rebirth Brass Band
Originally uploaded by mindync
HIGHLAND JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Columbia Park
Parking at King's Hwy Christian Church

Pavilion Stage
12:00 ‐ 12:45 Robin w/ The Bluebirds
1:00 ‐ 1:45 Dan Sanchez & the Kings of Pleasure
2:00 ‐ 2:45 River Breezes
3:00 ‐ 3:45 A.J. Cascio & the Two Tone Blues Band
4:00 ‐ 5:00 Rebirth Brass Band

Gazebo Stage -
12:30 ‐ 1:15 Professor Porkchop & the Dirty Dishes
1:30 ‐ 2:15 Howlin' Henry & the Harptones
2:30 ‐ 3:15 A.J. Haynes & the Monkey Business
3:30 ‐ 4:15 Total Choice

Selected vendors for a rockin lunch . . .
* Burning Spear jerk chicken
* India's Restaurant chicken masala
* Also wafting your way: turkey legs, funnel cakes, red beans & rice, Bbq brisket

In Artist's Alley . . .
* photography, coffee, cookies, jams, pralines


Foldable chairs! If you're going to hang for a while . . .

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Brooks Williams singing and picking at Fairfield Studios on Sun, Nov 15, 7 pm


Brooks Williams
Originally uploaded by staytunedradio
"Guitarist/singer/songwriter Brooks Williams is a very talented guy who wowed us big time at the Memphis Folk Alliance Convention last February," says Jim Huckabay.

"Even with of hundreds of acts in attendance, Brooks was a standout to be remembered and hopefully, booked someday. We were fortunate enough to pick him up on his fall tour through Texas. Sure, he is smokin' on guitar—but his singing and songwriting make him a terrific, all-around performer. Check out his credits at www.brookswilliams.com

Fairfield Studios • Sunday, November 15, 7 pm. 1510 Fairfield Ave. $15.
reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
219-7688.