Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sold out: Riverview Theater at capacity of 1600 for the return of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra

Anticipation and enthusiasm filled the air inside Riverview Theater on Sat night as the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra returned from a one and a half-year hiatus.

Musicians and the SSO board have produced a 3-concert series after a lengthy impasse based on funding.

The anticipation was answered by the size of the audience at the Tchaikovsky concert. Music lovers filled the 1600-seat Riverview Theater.

The orchestra seemed almost intact. There were familiar faces across the front of the stage, including Peter Haas and Chris Allen on basses, Ruth Drummond on cello and Kermit Poling and Elizabeth O Bannon at the head of the violins. On the podium was animated, hair-tossing conductor Michael Butterman.

Soloist Jennifer Frautschi presented a singular and springy performance. Clad in a long dress with a metallic sheen, her musculature taut with anticipation, she played with clarity and string-biting energy.

See terrific rehearsal photos from Susan Rogers at her ShreveportMusicians4ever blog.

More snaps at Shreveport Faces blog.

The next concert is Cirque de la Symphonie, a production with circus flair that is selling well with orchestras across the country. The show features an international array of aerial fliers, acrobats, jugglers, and dancers. Music is by Dvorak, Bizet, John Williams, and others.

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra

Cirque de la Symphonie
Friday, March 5, 2010
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Riverview Theater, Shreveport LA

Saturday, January 30, 2010

New Birth Brass Band, Dumpstaphunk, Dirtfoot at Fatty Arbuckles, Red River Entertainment District, Th, Feb 4, beginning at 6:15 pm

For many of us the real deal at Mardi Gras lies in the sound of the drums, horns and melodies born in New Orleans. Happily, a tour of some of New Orleans best music makers is rolling towards Shreveport.

Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, jazz singer
Glen David Andrews & Band, New
Birth Brass Band
, & local band Dirtfoot will provide Shreveport with a Crescent City style musical feast Thurs, Feb 4, beginning at 6:15 pm and going to midnight.

The site is Fatty Arbuckles in the Red River District - 450 Clyde Fant Parkway, under the Neon Bridge. Park in the El Doraodo garage. Your hosts are Chase Boytim and Paul Roney.

Tickets: $10 Advance/$15 Day of the show. (318) 459-1448

Ticket Outlets: Fatty Arbuckles, City Bar, The Boot, Fat Cats & Front Gate Tickets online.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Science writer Michael Sims speaks @ Caddo Magnet High on Th, Feb 11, 6:30 pm

Michael Sims is a noted American nonfiction writer, author most recently of Apollo’s Fire: A Day on Earth in Nature and Imagination (Viking, 2007). Sims’s books have received critical acclaim in almost every English-speaking country, says Wikipedia.

The author will speak in Shreveport at Caddo Magnet High on Thurs, Feb 11, as part of the Mary Jane Malone Lectures. His talk, a celebration of Darwin's birthday, is in the Caddo Magnet PAC at 6:30 pm, says Kris Clements. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Sims published Darwin's Orchestra in 1997, about which Martin Gardner wrote, "Sims's range is awesome."

But it was Sims's second book, Adam's Navel: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Form, in 2003, that established his reputation as an original and witty observer of the natural world. Published simultaneously in the U.S. and England, it was chosen as a Library Journal Best Science Book and a New York Times Notable Book.

In 2007 Viking published Apollo's Fire: A Day on Earth in Nature and Imagination, which National Public Radio chose as one of the best science books of the year.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Requiescat in pace / JD Salinger, 1919 - 2010


The Catcher In the Rye
Originally uploaded by Natalia,
J. D. Salinger, who the NY Times says "was thought at one time to be the most important American writer to emerge since World War II but who then turned his back on success and adulation, becoming the Garbo of letters, famous for not wanting to be famous, died Wednesday at his home in Cornish, N.H., where he had lived in seclusion for more than 50 years. He was 91."

Raised in Manhattan, says Wikipedia, Salinger began writing short stories while in secondary school, and published several stories in the early 1940s before serving in World War II.

In 1948 he published the critically acclaimed story "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" in The New Yorker magazine, which became home to much of his subsequent work. In 1951 Salinger released his novel The Catcher in the Rye, an immediate popular success. His depiction of adolescent alienation and loss of innocence in the protagonist Holden Caulfield was influential, especially among adolescent readers.[2]

The novel remains widely read and controversial,[3] selling around 250,000 copies a year.

Louisiana art collectors from Alexandria bring a collection to Meadows Museum, Shreveport; gallery talk on Sun, Jan 31, 2 pm

The Uniquely Louisiana series continues at Meadows Museum of Art with the exhibition Selections from the Holcombe Collection, says Diane DuFilho.

Two dozen works in a variety of media by contemporary Louisiana artists are included in this collection that was assembled over a period of twenty-five years by David and Nicole Holcombe of Alexandria.

Described as "visual arts powerhouses", this couple's mission is to "collect locally" in order to support Louisiana’s working artists. During this exhibition, the couple will bring their message to Shreveport in a gallery talk that addresses the "hows" and "whys" of their collecting activity.

* 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30: Member’s exhibition preview. Open to members of Friends of the Algur Meadows Museum, but anyone can join. Memberships start at $35. There will be drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The Holcombes will attend.
* 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31: Gallery talk, "The Making of the Holcombe Collection with David and Nicole Holcombe," when the couple will discuss the "hows" and "whys" of their collecting activity. There will be light refreshments. Admission: free.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Threatening to do Carnival in the Crescent City? Satirical energy abounds in Societe de Sainte Anne, Krewe du Vieux, etc


Krewe du Vieux - Pan
Originally uploaded by glennaa
"Societe de Ste. Anne, like so many of the precious ephemera of Mardi Gras, defies attempts to define it. As a walking club, the only requirement for membership is that you know about it. Every Mardi Gras morning, a large group of people, wearing the most over-the-top costumes imaginable (including the kitchen sink), arrives at someone's house somewhere in the Bywater.

Soon the Storyville Stompers show up, and everyone follows the band through the Bywater into the French Quarter up Royal Street, gathering more costumers at various points along the way, until they come to Canal Street where they await the arrival of Rex.

In Ste. Anne, everyone costumes; there are no spectators, only participants. Without any stated doctrine or structure, the Ste. Anne parade, in its spontaneity and disorganization, resembles the old Creole cavalcades that sprawled through New Orleans' streets in the 1830s, Schindler suggests."

Ah, the labyrinths of Carnival at the nexus of Creole and Cool.

Find out more about the entire enchilada and plan your own descent into the madness at mardigrasparadeschedule.com.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Streaming online: alternative sounds from KSCL fm, 91.3, Centenary College radio, Shreveport


Magnet art: Ashley Anderson
Originally uploaded by trudeau
KSCL 91.3 FM, Centenary College Radio, is now streaming online and can be heard world wide at www.kscl.fm, says Casey McBeath. Tues night DJ Chris Brown said, "I've heard from friends of mine in Little Rock, San Francisco and Baton Rouge who have been able to tune in to my weekly show, Romp & Stomp."

Get the listener link at www.kscl.fm.

KSCl slipped onto the air in 1976 with a total range of 2 miles, says media prof Michael Laffey. Since then the station has seen numerous upgrades, including the 1988 transition to stereo and the 2006 shout-up to 2,100 watts of transmitting power, allowing most of the Shreveport-Bossier area to tune in.

The station broadcasts 24 hours a day and prides itself on being dedicated to community events and alternative music, from college rock and jazz to local and regional music.

KSCL is a student-run radio station, sys McBeath. The DJs are all volunteers, and the governing positions are filled by students.
The number to call with requests and epiphanies is 318 869 5297. Remember, though, that it's a small shop and there's no guarantee that someone can leap to field your call.

Jennifer Frautschi, Michael Butterman and 60 hungry musicians at Riverview Theater Sat, Jan 30, 7:30 pm: it's the return of the SSO


Jennifer Frautschi @ SSO
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Grammy-nominated violinist Jennifer Frautschi joins Maestro Michael Butterman and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in the first SSO concert to be performed in two seasons. The All-Tchaikovsky show is Sat, Jan 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverview Theater.

“The power and emotional intensity of Tchaikovsky’s music," says Butterman, "makes it the perfect way for the Shreveport Symphony to return to the stage. It will be a thrill for our audiences to hear internationally-acclaimed violinist Jennifer Frautschi with our great orchestra. And, with his Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky laid bare his soul -- from the sublime melody of the second movement to the high-energy finale. His music connects with listeners in a very deep and personal way.”

Tickets range from $40-$15, $10 for students. Purchase tickets at www.shreveportsymphony.com or by calling the Box Office at 318-227-TUNE (8863).

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Art Money Workshop and Networking Conference will be presented at artspace, 710 Texas Street, Downtown Shreveport, on Thursday, January 28th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

The 2010 Show Me The Art Money: Workshop and Networking Conference will be presented at artspace, 710 Texas Street, Downtown Shreveport, on Thursday, January 28th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, says Vickie Marshall.

This event is Free and open to the community. We strongly encourage all artists, art organizations, non-profit organizations, along with city, state and governmental agencies to attend.

Murder Mystery Lunch and Happy Hour will be provided at no cost to those who are registered for the conference. To register, contact SRAC at (318) 673-6500 or BAC at (318) 741-8310 or email Vickie Marshall at vickie@shrevearts.org by Monday, January 25th.

- Murder Mystery Lunch by Sculpted Entertainment - sponsored by Bossier Arts Council
- Inner City Row Modern Dance Company
- Poetic X
- Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble
- Bob Jordan

ArtWorking/Networking Hour, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Meet and mix with other attendees about their programs and services.

Rough, Rude & Boisterous Tour: Traveling Troupe Brings Elizabethan Plays to Marjorie Lyons Playhouse Tues, Jan 26 through Sun, Jan 31


Shenandoah Shakespeare
Originally uploaded by Mel Andringa
The American Shakespeare Center on Tour, the touring arm of the American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse, brings its Rough, Rude, and Boisterous Tour to the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on the Centenary College campus Tuesday through Sunday, Jan. 31.

The traveling troupe will perform The Knight of the Burning Pestle by Francis Beaumont (says aficionado Pam Peak: "It is hilarious.") along with two plays by William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well and Romeo and Juliet.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse. For more information, contact the MLP box office at 318.869.5242.

Tues, Jan 26: Romeo and Juliet, 7p.m.
Wed, Jan 27: Romeo and Juliet, 7 p.m.
Th, Jan 28: Knight of the Burning Pestle, 7 p.m.
Fr, Jan 29: All’s Well that Ends Well, 7 p.m.
Sat, Jan 30: Knight of the Burning Pestle, 7 p.m.
Sun, Jan 31: Romeo and Juliet, 2 p.m.

RestoreHighland.org: extensive new Highland Restoration Association web site was created by Kelly Gay with Jason Gay

News and resources of importance to all Shreveporters are to be found at the new Highland Restoration Association web site: RestoreHighland.org.

Designer Kelly Gay deserves congrats for the clarity of design, excellent use of photos and thoughtful writing about all manner of facilities in Highland. The site is particularly strong on Centenary College resources. Gay's husband, Jason, is an admin at Centenary.

Among the news items that I appreciated . . .

The Krewe of Highland’s Masque Bal is Feb 12 at the Randle T. Moore Center and the Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade is Feb 14. Both are fantastic events to experience the fun and pride of Highland. See the link to the Krewe of Highland for more info on these two events.

A Better Shreveport and River City Cycling are sponsoring a family bicycle ride and events along Clyde Fant Parkway on Apr 3rd. Music, food, activities and a dog park demonstration are all part of the preliminary plans. So oil up your bike chain and dust off your helmet for the short ride over to Clyde Fant from Highland. Stay tuned for more info!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Mark Twain, Roger Miller and Jared Watson: Big River to be produced by Shreveport Little Theater & Academy at Southfield School Feb 11 - 21

Twain’s classic Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is coming to Shreveport this winter, says Robert Darrow. This piece of classic Americana begins at Southfield School on February 11. Performances run through February 21.

Big River is based on the novel by Mark Twain, and features music & lyrics by country music legend Roger Miller, and a book by William Hauptman.

The production will be directed and choreographed by Jared Watson, with musical direction by William Parsons; additionally the creative team includes Phillip Cole, scenic design; Elizabeth Poindexter, costume design; David White, lighting design; Emily Kitchens, production stage manager; Marissa Brown, costume coordinator; and Michael Boyd, production photographer.

2009-10 Spring SLTA Company – Mary Anglin, Carolyn Bryant, Matthew Carroll, Michael Crawford, Danielle Dean, Lindsey Fileccia, Warren Grafton, Isaac Haas, Madeline Hiers, Cynthia Johnson, Roger Kalmbach, Zhailon Levingston, Loren Reese, Adam Philley, Sarah Reppond, Alex Rogers, Paul Savage, Emily Schaumburg, Clare Shelburne, Bradley Silman, Matthew Torma, Christopher White, Gentry Williams, Kaylah Williams.

Robert K. Darrow is SLT’s managing/artistic director, while Mary Alfred Thoma serves as academy director of education and dramaturg.


Box Office: 300 Ockley Dr.,at Youree Dr., opens to the public Tues, Jan 26.. Mon.-Fri. from noon to 4pm
318.424.4439

All performances in the Margaret Shaffer Dickson Theater
On the campus of Southfield School – 1100 Southfield Road, one block north of Pierremont.

February 11, 12, 13, 19, & 20 @ 7:30pm
February 14 @ 2pm
February 21 @ 2pm - performance will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL)

Regular priced tickets $18.00
Students, Seniors, & Active Military tickets $15.00
$10.00 High School & College Student Rush Available (Call for details)

Show running time 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

Eclectic music from Jim Huckabay & Robert Jordan @ Naked Bean on Fri, Jan 22, 7 pm

The Recliners play folk-rock from the late classic era: Beatles, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, CSN & Y, etc etc. Expect smooth guitars, vocals and repartee.

Naked Bean Cafe
adjacent to Earthereal Restaurant & Bakery on Line Ave.
7 to 9 pm
$5

Shreveport Opera Express performs at Artspace during the Thurs Night Trolley tour Thurs, Jan 21

Shreveport Opera Express performed the Triumph Over Tragedy multi-media song cycle at Caddo Magnet High this week. An audience of some 300 seemed mesmerized by the show's concise summary of life in the Great Depression.

Thurs evening, Jan 21, the young singers will perform the Depression story at Artspace, says Pam Atchison. members of the group include
pianist Julius Abrahams, baritone Kevin Richard Doherty, mezzo-soprano Kristen DiNinno and soprano Kathleen Jasinskas.

Rolling out from Artspace will be the TNT trolleys as well as imbibers on the Downtown Pub & Culture Crawl.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Party with Sirius and Orion at SciPort on Fri, Jan 22, 7 pm; it's a Star Party


more star trails
Originally uploaded by Dan Hershman
Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will hold a Star Party featuring the viewing of stars and planets through high-powered telescopes on Sci-Port’s rooftop terrace, hands-on activities and several Space Dome Planetarium presentations on Friday, January 22, from 7 to 10 p.m.

“Interesting features of that night’s sky will be the majestically displayed Orion the Hunter and Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky,” Greg Andrews, Sci-Port Astronomy Programs Leader. “Visitors should also be able to see Mars slowing emerging as a red dot in the east.”

Programs taking place inside Sci-Port’s Space Center include: a presentation on the planet Mars by JPL Solar System Ambassador Sue Ottesen; the make-and-take craft activities Martian Landers, Planetarium Bracelets and Constellation Tubes; and the Space Dome Planetarium programs Starry Night and Eye on the Sky.

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

Rock out for Renzi @ Naked Bean on Sat, Jan 23, 7 pm: AJ Haynes & the Monkey Business plus the Lackadaisies

"The incredibly talented A.J. Haynes," says Amy Bryant, "has organized a benefit show for the Renzi Education and Art Center this Saturday, January 23rd, at the Naked Bean, 3307 Line Avenue, Shreveport from 7-10 p.m."

Rock Out for Renzi will include performances by A.J. Haynes & Monkey Business and the Lackadaisies. Cover is $5 and/or non-perishable food item ($1 off per item up to $2).

The Renzi Education and Art Center is a non-profit dedicated to providing free academic instruction and multidisciplinary arts after school and filmmaking during the summer. All proceeds from Rock Out for Renzi will directly benefit Renzi’s after school program. For more information please call 222-1414 or e-mail amy@renzicenter.org.

Monday, January 18, 2010

RFC has TechXpose: media, entertainment, reconnaissance, virtual robots and drinks from 5:30 pm on Thurs, Jan 21


DELTA
Originally uploaded by Amir H. Soltanzadeh
TechXposé will be hosting its second technology demonstration forum on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Robinson Film Center from 5:30-7:30pm, says Mark Goadrich.

The forum will be highlighting local media from DreamForge Entertainment, NiftyTV, Advanced Aerospace Reconnaissance, Robocup Rescue, and the multimedia projection capabilities at the Robinson Film Center. This event will have food and drinks, networking and business partnership opportunities, and short product demos from company representatives.

DreamForge Entertainment be showcasing their new PC and iPhone gaming applications. NiftyTV will demonstrate their ability to stream live and prerecorded video content over the internet to large audiences. Advanced Aerospace Reconnaissance will exhibit their capabilities for photo reconnaissance, rapid response digital imagery, high resolution mapping, and other multi-sensor data collection. Centenary Computer Science Department will demonstrate their controller for the international Robocup Rescue competition where artificial intelligence guides virtual robots assess disaster situations.

Robinson Film Center will be hosting this event and demonstrating their state of the art projection technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to play interactive Nintendo Wii games on a large projection screen and the opportunity to win sponsor donated door prizes.

TechXposé is a quarterly technology social event sponsored by AFCEA ArkLaTex, CenturyLink and organized by representatives from TechX20, Centenary, Bossier Parish Community College, CoHabitat, and Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

Prof Porkchop, Cameron Meshell, Dorsey Summerfield and more local acts @ Celebrity Lounge of Eldorado Casino in February

Eldorado Casino / Celebrity Lounge Headliners:

Blues Jam with Professor Porkchop (Chris McCaa) and the Dirty Dishes every Thursday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.!

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 9 p.m.

Regional acts on the fabulous Celebrity Lounge stage -
• Feb. 3 Dorsey Summerfield 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Feb. 5 Time Machine 8:30 p– 1:45 a.m.
• Feb. 6 Identity Crisis 8:30 p– 1:45 a.m.
• Feb. 10 Magnolia Brown 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Feb. 12 & 13 The Klocks 8:30 p– 1:45 a.m.
• Feb. 17 What The Funk 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Feb. 19 & 20 Triggerproof 8:30 p– 1:45 a.m.
• Feb. 24 The Wild Turkeys 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Feb. 26 & 27 Caravan 8:30 p– 1:45 a.m.

Freeman & Harris Cafe Memories established on Facebook group page; please post your thoughts, reminiscences and photos

For more than 75 years the premier soul food restaurant in Shreveport was the Freeman & Harris Cafe. Entertainers such as BB King ate there, gubernatorial candidates such as Edwin Edwards spoke there and the late night party people of the city also stopped there, because it was open to 3 am on weekends.

It was one of the few Black-owned businesses on the Black side of Shreveport that had a large white clientele.

For many decades it was located near the corner of Lawrence and Travis. Today Lawrence St has been renamed Pete Harris Dr. The Freeman's building is now Christian Services Hospitality House.

The Freeman's Facebook site has been established in homage to the food, the traditions and the people who touched so many diners during the Freeman & Harris era.

Please post your memories and your photos.

Perhaps one day Shreveport will host a Freeman & Harris Food Festival and a proper web site and perhaps a tourism-minded hall of Freeman & Harris images.

Until that day, this site represents a beginning in the collecting of the Freeman & Harris story.

Nashville duo Jeff & Vida @ Fairfield Studios concert on Sat, Jan 23, 7 pm


Fairfield Studios concert
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Jeff & Vida are back, exclaims Jim Huckabay. "These folks travel all over the place, but after almost a 3 year absence, they return for another Fairfield Studios House Concert. This Nashville duo serves up a great mixture of bluesy bluegrass, rockabilly—and just plain good acoustic music. Jeff Burke is hot on both guitar and mandolin."

"After almost 2 months since our last concert, we wanted to start the New Year off right with a strong and entertaining act— and Jeff & Vida deliver the goods. Check 'em out at jeffandvida.com, Hope you can join us on Saturday, January 23. Opening act at 7 pm. Reserve now!"

reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
219 7688

Sunday, January 17, 2010

West Edge Artists presentation at the Bossier Arts Council: An Evening of Art with Jennifer Robison, Fri, Jan 22, 6:30 pm


Jennifer Robison
Originally uploaded by PhotoZombie
"Please join WEAco," says Neecee Blackwell, "as we kick of the new year with the return of the lecture series called An Evening of Art. In January please enjoy An Evening of Art w/ Jennifer Robison."

Friday, January 22nd, 6:30pm - doors open at 5:30 pm - at the Bossier Arts Council Annex building.

Robison is a commercial photography with a considerable wit. She is an 08 graduate of La Tech with a BFA in Photography.

Photo of Robison's work on display at La Tech by Jay Gould.

David Egan & Twenty Years of Trouble at City Bar, corner of Youree & Kings, on Tues, Jan 19, Shreveport

" Check out my band, David Egan and Twenty Years of Trouble, at City Bar (adjacent to the old Murrell's) this Tuesday, 8:30 pm," says Egan from Lafayette.

Egan is proud to proclaim that it is a "Non-Smoking Event!!!"

And, he adds, the material will be "Heavy on originals, of course."

If you have waited to purchase his solo CD's, Twenty Years of Trouble and You Don't Know Your Mind, I can recommend them in the same sentence as beer and crawfish.

TYOT has tunes like Slingshots and Boomerangs, Fail, Fail, Fail and If She Calls. Bunch of the tunes co-written with Buddy Flett. YDKYM has Money's Farm and Best of Love Turned Blue as well as Bourbon in My Cup and Small Fry.

Both albums are rich of sound and melody. Totally recommendable.

Looking at the extensive program offered to La Dance Theater students via Carol Anglin Dancenter in 2009-10; financial support welcome

Louisiana Dance Foundation’s 2009-10 Artists-in-Residence
(Guest Teachers, Choreographers, & Regional Dance America/SW Adjudicator), says Carol Anglin:

- Dianne Maroney-Grigsby (Grambling, LA), August 2009 – May 2010
- Jon Lehrer (Buffalo, New York), September 3 – 8, 2009
- Kayoko Amemiya (Hiroshima, Japan), Sept 17 – October 11, 2009
- Anna Tyutyunik (Moscow, Russia), October 8 – 11, 2009
- Soili Arvola (Helsinki, Finland/ Houston, TX), October 18 – 25, 2009
- Ceyhun Ozsoy, (Ankara, Turkey/ Dallas, TX), November 29, 2009
- Soili Arvola (Helsinki, Finland/ Houston, TX), January 23 – 31, 2010
- Kayoko Amemiya (Hiroshima, Japan), February 8 – 20, 2010
- Jon Lehrer (Buffalo, NY), February 11 – 14, 2010
- Michael Uthoff, (St. Louis, MO) February 19 – 20, 2010
- Christopher Huggins (New York City, NY), TBD, 2010

- Summer Dance Festival 2010 Summer Dance Festival Faculty:
Dianne Maroney-Grigsby, Gennadi Vostrikov, Ceyhun Ozsoy, Soili Arvola, Ashley Murphy, Brandi Coleman, Heather Cohen, and other exciting teachers TBA.

We would like to ask all to consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Louisiana Dance Foundation in an amount that works within your budget. For each $25.00 donation, you will receive one (1) ticket to LDF’S Saturday, February 20th, 7:30 pm performance of LA: Dance Alive! 2010 at the Strand Theatre.

Zombies on the riverfront: Dara Engler painting exhibit @ Barnwell, Shreveport; meet the artist 2 to 4 pm Sun, Jan 17

Painter Dara Engler is one of the most provocative artists to be shown in Shreveport in some time. Her subjects, mostly women of an indeterminate age, are not conventionally handsome. Nor are they dashing or romantic figures. Part of the situation is their figure: bellies Not shaped by hours of exercise or by stellar genetic code are well apparent. They are nonetheless magnetic people.

While her awkward women - there a few men in this collection, too - dominate the canvasses, there is much detail to enjoy. There are cats, socks, panties, shoes, leggings, furniture, wallpapers of marvelous patterns, sensual rugs and so on.

In online observations by her peers she has been compared to Chaim Soutine, to Egon Schiele. When I saw the white skin and non-model-like poses of her subjects, I saw Engler's kinship to the august Lucien Freud.

She is young (M.F.A. Painting, Indiana University, 2007) to be so fluent with the figure. She has won awards. And she is currently teaching at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

What in the hell is the Barnwell doing by bringing the edgy Engler to Shreveport? Barnwell is struggling to expand its image and role.

Friends of Barnwell acting manager Michael Corbin is the zealot. An example: during Christmas season he brought a laser light show into the staid tropicalia of the domed botanic garden. He reported that tons of families and people of all kinds attended the series of shows. Not one of them, he notes, was decapitated by the lasers.

Corbin wants to continue to expand the role of the Barnwell in art and as a facility at the river's edge. Not an easy task. But a worthy quest.

For more info please contact Barnwell staff member Whitney Lary, 318.673.7703, wlarybarnwellctr@centurytel.net.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Shreveport Opera benefit for Haitian relief on Mon, Jan 18, at noon at First Pres, 900 Jordan St, Shreveport

On Monday, January 18th, from Noon to 1 p.m., Shreveport Opera will present a free concert in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, located at 900 Jordan Street in Shreveport.

This concert will feature the Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX) resident artists singing Opera, Broadway and Sacred Music.

*All donations will benefit disaster assistance in Haiti.*

For more information, please call (318) 227-9503.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Holiday Brass Quintet Concert proceeds result in donation to Salvation Army by Rick Rowell, Shreveport

Trumpet player Dr. Rick Rowell recently presented a check for $2000 to Major Mark Smith of the Salvation Army. The check represents the proceeds from the ticket sales for a concert on December 19th by the I-49 Brass Quintet at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church.

The concert was sponsored by The Band House and Broadmoor Presbyterian Church.

Pub & Culture Crawl along Texas St on Thurs, Jan 21, 5 pm to 9 pm


Texas St 2
Originally uploaded by trudeau
ShreveportHappyHour.com and the Downtown Development Authority have partnered together for a Pub and Culture Crawl on Thursday - Jan 21, from 5 pm - 9 pm.

Registration begins at 5:00pm at Artspace. Feel free to join at any time.

Anyone 21 or older can register at Artspace from 5:00pm - 9:00pm (710 Texas Street). You will receive a FREE passport to direct you to the participating locations.

*Please remember that the easiest way to complete the Pub and Culture Crawl is with CASH! Many of the sidewalk cafes only take cash.

Pub Crawl Registrants are permitted to walk the route or use the Pub Bus with an open container, provided that the beverage is bought at a participating bar and is in a designated to go cup obtained at the bar.

Each location will stamp your passport.
* The designated to go cup is to be used between locations.
* Open Containers are only allowed in a to go cup within downtown Shreveport.

Locations:
1) Artspace, 710 Texas St; (318) 673-6535
5:00pm - 9:00pm Registration
$2 Miller Lite
$4 Big Kahuna Koffee
January Winter Soup Station
Coolspace Art Opening

2) Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street; (318) 424-9090
Happy Hour 5:30pm - 6:30pm
$3 Spiked Hot Cocoa. $2 house wine, beer, and liquor.

3) Josh Lounge, 224 Spring St; Happy Hour 6:30pm - 7:30pm
$2 Mille Lite 2 for 1 Well Drinks


4) Bijou Ultra Wine Bar, 500 Clyde Fant Parkway; (318) 212-1718
Happy Hour 7:30pm - 8:30pm
$3 Well Drinks, $2 House Wine


5) Sand Bar, 415 Spring St
Happy Hour 8:30pm - 9:30pm
$2.50 Coors Light
$3.00 U-Call-It Drinks


*PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY*
Please have a designated driver plan or grab a taxi
Parking: All Street Parking Meters are free after 5:00pm. Also there is free parking at the end of Texas Street and by ArtSpace after 5:00pm.

Three by Tennessee opens at East Bank Theater, Bossier, on Fri, Jan 22, 8 pm


Diverse City Theater Company
Originally uploaded by navema
East Bank Theatre’s production of Three by Tennessee ( Three One Acts ) by Tennessee Williams, says Richard Folmer, will be directed by
Mary Joris.

THREE by TENNESSEE CAST

ONE-ACT PLAYS BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

DIRECTED by MARY JORIS

27 WAGONS FULL OF COTTON

JAKE MEIGHAN--a cotton-gin owner..................JOHN KERRY
FLORA MEIGHAN--his wife................................LAURA HEMMINGS WILLETT
SILVA VACARRO--Superintendant of the Syndicate Plantation...HOOKER CAMPBELL

All of the action takes place on the front porch of the Meighans' residence near Blue Mountain,Mississippi in the 1930’s.


THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED

WILLIE---a young girl..........................................HALEY EVANS
TOM-----a boy..................................................JAVIN BOWMAN

A railroad embankment on the outskirits of Blue Mountain, Mississippi in the 1930’s.


TALK to ME LIKE the RAIN AND LET ME LISTEN............

MAN....................................................................BO HARRIS
WOMAN...............................................................HALEY YOUNG
CHILD VOICES.......................................................MADISON MARIE MORTON
MCKENZIE MORTON
A furnished room in New Orleans in the 1930’s




PRODUCTION STAFF

DIRECTOR.................................MARY JORIS
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR.................EUGEN CROOK
SET DRESSING...........................SYLVIA RACHAL
LIGHTING DESIGNER....................JULIE EDWARDS
ASSISTANT TO MS EDWARDS........GRETCHEN EDWARDS PAGE
STAGE MANAGER.........................ALAN MATHISON
SOUND ENGINEER..........AUSTEN MURRAY
SOUND EFFECTS ENGENEER............MIKE MARTINDALE
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR.................Jessica Weiser
COSTUME DESIGNER........................V & J DESIGNS
COSTUME SEAMTRESS....................ELAINE WILLIAMS
Original Music “ Magnolias “ …………….Robert Raines
PHOTOGRAPHER............................MIKE SILVA
GRAPHIC ARTIST...........................KAREN Mathison SCHMIDT
Box Office Manager…………………………..Anna Maria Sparke Keele


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

January 22, 23, 29, 30 @ 8:00PM
January 24 and 31 @ 2:00 PM

Opening night reception: January 22, 7:00 PM
Show Time, 8:00 PM

Adults $15.00
Seniors, Students and Military - $10.00


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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

How To Mardi Gras, a Guide to Carnival in Louisiana, at Tower Books in Shreveport and in Bossier City at Tubbs Cajun Gifts

How to Mardi Gras is a small but comprehensive guide to Carnival season in Louisiana. Filled with 36 illustrations, it represents author Robert Trudeau's decades of attending New Orleans parades as well as clipping articles and collecting books on Carnival. Some 5000 copies are in print, according to Insty-Prints, Shreveport.

How To Mardi Gras is terrific for students, teachers, visitors and anyone who needs a quick study on the season.

Buy a copy at Tower Books, (318) 865-7161‎, next door to Starbuck's at Uptown Shopping Center, Line Ave, or at Tubb's Hardware & Cajun Gifts, (318) 746-0311, on Benton Rd across from the Bossier Civic Center.


Actually, you can also order a copy at Amazon.com.

Dara Engler, painter from ULM faculty, to be presented in Barnwell exhibit opening Sun, Jan 17, 2 pm

The Friends of the Barnwell invites you to view the new main gallery exhibition by artist Dara Engler.

Dara's exhibition has a lengthy title: "Zombies vs. Pirates: Line Up, Shake Hands, Good Game." It will be on exhibit January 11 through February 28, 2009.

An opening reception will be held Sunday, January 17, from 2pm to 4pm.

Engler's commentary on this collection of her paintings:

As a culture we walk a fine line. Struggling to balance the stresses in our lives. We battle between choosing inactive activities that allow us to hibernate and turn off our brains, and choosing hobbies that will enrich our lives. I paint secluded, vacant, zombie-like figures; who have relaxed in their habits until they have lost time. They have anesthetized themselves and become sluggish, jaundiced, and so lacking muscle tone that they hang over their chairs and defy anatomy. Opposing these figures are the ornery, striped pirates; waking up on the wrong side of the bed, they are more alert, and as a result, more grumpy. It’s well worth some pouting and furrowed brows to be certain that we don’t sleepwalk through our lives (If I were you, I’d put my money on the pirates).

The most an artist can do is paint the things they know and hope other people see things from a new angle. What I know is that if it were not for the act of painting, I would be lost to the worlds I paint.

601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Barnwell Garden & Art Center
318-673-7703
Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 4pm
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Sunday, 1pm to 5pm

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Folk-blues-backporch soul singer Kristin Diable at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake on Sat, Jan 16, 7 pm


Kristin Diable
Originally uploaded by uwgb admissions
Performing at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake this Saturday is New Orleans girl Kristin Diable, says Jayne Lanza.

Kristin will be performing at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival this month and also at the New Orleans Heritage Jazz Festival.

Her genre has been described as "roots-folk-blues-backporch-soul-via-Louisiana." Notes Jayne, "I feel she is the perfect example of a young new artist who will be well known in no time. You can read more about Kristin at www.kristindiable.com."

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

Monday, January 11, 2010

Romp & Stomp, the Chris Brown radio show on KSCL, 91.3 fm, will feature Shreveport's Sounds on Tues, Jan 12, 7 to 9 pm

Chris Brown's weekly show on KSCL fm 91.3 is called Romp & Stomp. He presents an all-Shreveport program annually, as befits his work as a historian who specializes in the music and musicians of Shreveport.

Here's a video preview of his Tues, Jan 12, program.

Shreveport Sounds: a sample of music associated with North Louisiana from robert trudeau on Vimeo.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Brian Blade and his Shreveporters at Naked Bean Cafe on Tues, Jan 12, 7 to 9 pm

Having broken the Shreveport ice with a performance at Bear's Restaurant last week, Brian Blade continues his performances with an appearance at the Naked Bean coffeee house on Tues night, says Lane Bayliss.

Blade and his quartet of Shreveport sidemen are expected to play from 7 to 9 pm.

Musical artist Brian Blade, born and raised in Shreveport but a global performer for many years, is an acclaimed jazz drummer. Today he is winning approval for his performances on vocals and acoustic guitar. His album Mama Rosa, inspired by the life of his grandmother, has won positive reviews for its Joni Mitchell-like sound.

Gospel singer Monica Blake Mickle adds vocals to the set, as she has done for Blade years now, and Bayliss, Dirtfoot drummer, plays the Slingerlands. On guitar is Mark Griffith, a journeyman player from Shreveport who can run the frets in any mode, whether rock, jazz or pop. On bass is Shawn Stroope, a Shreveporter who has been a Nashville performer and who has done sessions with Blade and Daniel Lanois.

Don't be surprised if Rev Brady Blade, Sr, Brian's dad, sings a number. Nor would a session on drums from brother Brady Blade, Jr, be out of the question, says Bayliss.

Naked Bean Cafe
next to Byrd HS and Glenwood Cleaners. 3307 Line ave
318-864-2999
Free wifi

Thursday, January 07, 2010

The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra returns on Sat, Jan 30, 7:30 pm, with soloist Jennifer Frautschi

The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Michael Butterman and special guest, Grammy-nominated violin soloist Jennifer Frautschi, kick things off in grand style with three of Tchaikovsky's best-loved works, says Leah Escude of the concert on Sat, Jan 30. The show begins at 7:30 pm at Riverview Theater.

Tchaikovsky's high-octane, intensely emotional music will resound through the theater, says Escude, and through your soul.

Now you can buy SSO tickets online. Yay.

Avery Fisher career grant recipient violinist Jennifer Frautschi has gained acclaim as an adventurous performer with a wide-ranging repertoire.

Ms. Frautschi has created a sensation with appearances as soloist with Pierre Boulez and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Christoph Eschenbach and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival, and at Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival. She has also soloed in recent seasons with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, San Diego Symphony, and Seattle Symphony.

Alexandyr Kent's film blog is back; this time it's The RFC Blog; see it at RobinsonFilmCenter.org

The many fans of Alexandyr Kent's Louisiana Movies blog can redirect their browsers and catch more of his reportage at RobinsonFilmCenter.org.

Additionally, says Chris Jay, "We've given our website a facelift – take a look! It's easier than ever to donate, find movie show times, browse the lunch, dinner, and drink menus from Abby Singer's Bistro, or even order a Robinson Film Center t-shirt through our new on-line store. While you're there, stop by Director of Community Outreach Alexandyr Kent's blog and read up on all of the outstanding media literacy programs currently being taught by the Robinson Film Center."

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Brian Blade @ Bear's on Fairfield, Wed, Jan 6, 10:30 pm, with Monica Mickle, Shawn Stroope, Mark Griffith and Lane Bayliss


Brian Blade
Originally uploaded by Moochin Photoman
"We'll be playing songs from his new album, Mama Rosa, as well as new tunes that Brian has not yet recorded," said Lane Bayliss of the impromptu gigs he's playing in Shreveport with jazz luminary Brian Blade.

Blade is one of the most accomplished drummers in the world. He has recorded and performed with Joni Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Bill Frisell, Joshua Redman, Bob Dylan.

Raised in the Stoner Hill neighborhood, Blade is the son of luminous Pastor Brady Blade, Sr. After graduating from Caddo Magnet High, Blade absorbed Loyola the music of New Orleans while attending Loyola U. In NYC his radiant personality and skill as a drummer and composer have resulted in 3 of his own jazz albums and sparkling reviews in the NY Times.

Now he has discovered his full voice. Blade is singing, playing guitar and fronting the band - in his modest way. He is a heart-breakingly sincere and melodic artist. Sounds a bit like Neil Young, actually.

He will be accompanied by singer Monica Mickle, bassist Shawn Stroope, guitarist Mark Griffith as well as drummer Bayliss.

Listen to Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band at Newport Jazz Fest 09.

The Shreveport group will perform after Buddy Flett's solo gig, said Bayliss.

Bear's
1401 Fairfield Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101-4301
(318) 674-9660

Robin and the Bluebirds, Buddy Flett, Windstorm, Deidre & Bob: the Flett calendar for January

Here's Bruce Flett's email blast from near the center of the region's musical burner. The satirical Flett always opens and closes with a bit of stand-up; for example . . .

Welcome to Shreveport/Bossier
Louisiana's OTHER Side
"The Happy Side of the Happiest State"

2010 The Year of the Song

Friday, Jan 8
Buddy solo in Marshall, TX In the Square, Restaurant/club
Robin & the Bluebirds @ Mardi Gras party(private)
Deidre&bob @ Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 6:30-10

Saturday, Jan 9
Shreveport All Stars @Hospitality House noon til 1pm Fannin St @Pete Harris Dr
Deidre & Bob @ Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 318 631 0919
Windstorm @ Wedding Reception www.shreveportbossierweddings.com

Thursday, January 14 Sam's Town Live, 7-11 Robin & the Bluebirds

Saturday, Jan 16 Buddy solo at Crossroads Music Co, Winnsboro, TX 7:30pm

Friday, January 22 Robin & the Bluebirds Mardi Gras @ Jayne Marie on Cross Lake, Shreveport 7-10 special show-7 piece band!

If you'd like to get the Flett Info on a regular basis: blucebird@aol.com.

West Edge Artists celebrate Carnival season with Karpeles exhibit; opening on Sat, Jan 9, 1 pm


Monday, January 04, 2010

Downtown classics: Cookie & Dan at the Noble Savage on Tues, Jan 5, 7 pm

The Noble Savage is downtown's warm and rosy zoo.

Give peace a chance:" The Beautiful Beatle Garden" by Arodasi at Artspace on Feb 26, 27 and 28


Give Peace a chance 1
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The Arodasi® Dancers are proud to present "The Beautiful Beatle Garden," A Visual Sound & Movement Co. kinetic production in the “cavern” below artspace in downtown Shreveport (funspace), says Kristi Hanna.

The show will be on Friday and Saturday night, Feb 26 & 27 at 8:00 pm and a Sunday matinee Feb 28 at 3:00 pm. The performance, which features only music by the Beatles, is directed and created by Dorothy Kristin Hanna, who is fulfilling a long desired dream to use only ground breaking music by the “Fab Four.” Ms. Hanna has created over 150 original, "Theatrical Stage Productions," since the early seventies. This improvisational experience and musical story dancing will feature eight dancers, artists, musicians, actors and painters including: Laura Brucia Hamm, Skye Creswell, Michael Gil, Madeline McClure, Jessica Canfield, Genevieve Ress, Stephanie Harrell, and Alan Dyson; with lighting, pyrotechnics and stage design by Bruce Allen. The show will highlight, Laura Brucia Hamm, a first generation immigrant from Italy who has been dancing since she was five years old.

This performance is sponsored by Andy Shehee and the Rose-Neath Funeral Homes and it is dedicated to the loving memory of Mona Vaughn Fazio, former dancer and collaborator with the AVS&M Co. She passed away, August 2008.

Tickets prices are $20.00 for general admission and $10.00 if you are dressed as a full-fledged hippie. There will be a “hippie section” for video and a documentary to be filmed during the performance. For more information see www.arodasi.com or contact: Dorothy Kristin Hanna at 318-221-0678; or email at dorothykh@earthlink.net.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Bossier Arts Council classes for young artists: voice, violin, photography, calligraphy, mixed media, theater and more


Work by Mike Paul
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Voice, violin, photography, calligraphy, mixed media, theatre and more are yours now in Bossier, says Kelly Warner! Visit and click "TAKE A CLASS" in the left menu bar to see the full schedule bossierarts.org and download the REGISTRATION FORM at the bottom of the page! Below, a selected sampling of the numerous opportunities -

Theatre Mini-Camp
Instructor: Sculpted Entertainment
Session 1: 01/04, 01/05, 01/06
9am0in, BAC East Bank Theatre
Ages 5 & up
By the end of the 3-day camp, students will know how to use their creative juices and understand the first stages of acting. Students will explore new ways to use their creativity, develop strong characters, and much more.
Fee: $138 entire session

Acting Out!
Instructor: Sculpted Entertainment
Thursdays beginning Feb. 18
40in, BAC Annex
Ages 5 & up
Students will learn to use their creative juices and understand the first stages of acting culminating in a theatre review at the end of the 11-week session.
Fee: $20 per class

Vocal Awareness Workshop
Instructor: Sculpted Entertainment
2/20
10am0in, BAC Annex
Ages 14 & up
Take your acting skills to the next level. In-depth theatre workshop focusing on vocal awareness techniques.
Fee: $138

Film Auditioning Workshop
Instructor: Sculpted Entertainment
5/15
10am0in, BAC Annex
Ages 14 & up
Take your acting skills to the next level. In-depth theatre workshop focusing on film auditioning techniques.
Fee: $138

Music
Beyond Chopsticks: Piano Basics with Adam
Instructor: Adam Philley, B.M.
Weekly classes, M-F (Time & day to be determined by student and teacher), Asbury United Methodist Church
Ages 5 & up
Individual piano lessons teaching basic to intermediate piano skills with an overview of basic theory skills. Half-hour lessons. Instruction book to be determined by instructor.
Fee: $24 per lesson

Violin with Callie
Instructor: Callie Dean
Weekly classes, M-F (Time & day to be determined by student and teacher), BAC lower gallery
Ages 4 & up
Individual half-hour lessons on a weekly basis. During this time, students will work on learning songs and developing a good technique. Students will need a violin, shoulder rest/sponge, and instruction book to be determined by instructor.
Fee: $75 monthly

Voice with Missy
Instructor: Missy Wise, B.M.
Thursdays 3:45-4:30pm, BAC lower gallery
Ages 11-20 yrs
This studio class is designed for interested vocalists to learn the art of performance. Students need to bring a pencil & notebook.
Fee: $24 per class

Visual Arts
Understanding Your Camera
Instructor: Jennifer Robison
1/26
5-7pm, BAC Gallery
Ages 10 & up
A basic hands-on review of camera settings and functions and how they affect the results of your photography. Must bring digital camera to class.
Fee: $45

Painting with Light
Instructor: Jennifer Robison
3/30
5-7pm, BAC Gallery
Ages 10 & up
Use your camera to create original works using various lighting techniques. Must bring digital camera to class.
Fee: $45

Live Drawing
Instructor: Carola Nix
Session 1: 1/4, 1/18, 1/25, 02/15
Session 2: 3/1, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29
Session 3: 05/03, 05/17, 05/24, 05/31
6-9pm, BAC Annex
Ages 18 & up
Explore drawing techniques with a live model. Bring pencil & drawing paper, camera is optional.
Fee: $34 per class or $136 per session

Jump Into Art
Instructor: Kathleen Pate
Tuesdays 4-5pm, BAC Annex
Ages 8-13 yrs
Instruction in a variety of media including watercolor, collage, photography, acrylic, mixed media
Fee: $15 per class

Love Letters
Instructor: Lucienne Simon
Session 1: 01/07, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04
1-2:30pm, BAC Annex
Ages 12 & up
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Learn the basics of creating beautiful letterforms from the area's foremost calligrapher.
Fee: $165 session