Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Louisiana Dance Theater to perform in San Antonio on April 10 in closing the Regional Dance America Fest; 22 local dancers perform Ap 6 at Carol Anglin Dancenter

Shreveport’s first, and only, regional ballet company, Louisiana Dance Theatre (LDT) has been selected to close the Regional Dance America/ SW Festival Gala Performance April 10, 2010 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, TX, says Carol Anglin.

This is the highest honor ever bestowed on the Shreveport-based company in its 27-year history, which is usually reserved for Houston and Dallas Metropolitan Ballet companies.

A studio performance showcasing AfterShock and honoring its choreographer, Dianne Maroney Grigsby, will be held Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 8:00 – 8:30 pm at Carol Anglin Dancenter at Pierremont Mall. The performance is free and open to the public; however individuals and businesses are invited to make donations to the non-profit organization.

Aftershock memorializes the recent disaster in Haiti.

Twenty-two north Louisiana dancers will perform in AfterShock including: Bailey Anglin, Maisy Brocato, Chemika Burnett, Collin Cochran, Alex Crevoiserat, Sheridan Graham, Auctavia Grant, Lisa Harkness, Lilly Herron, Alexis Jackson, Key’Andrea James, Meghan Jelks, Tierra King, Breana Lathers, Danielle Martin, Princeton McCurtain, Lindsey Olinde, CyVanie Ramkelawan, Kimi Rousseau, Gabbi Sorensen, Brittaney Washington, and Devin Williams.

In the photo: CyVanie Ramkelawan, Devin Williams, Princeton McCurtain, Alex Crevoiserat, Lindsey Olinde, Collin Cochran and Kimi Rousseau.

Sadly, current Shreveport census returns at about 50%; complete returns important to econ dev and health services

Writes correspondent Adrienne Critcher, a member of the Shreveport Census Committee: "Shreveport residents currently have returned only 41% to 50% of their Census Forms to date. You can check the rate on a daily basis at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/. Please help increase our rate of return by reminding everyone you know who lives in Shreveport to return their Census Form Today!"

Listed below are a few of the reasons why their returning their form is important to Shreveport’s future.

● Census data directly affect how more than $400 trillion dollars over the next 20 years in federal and state funding will be allocated to our community to provide funding for economic development, sanitary water and sewer, improved streets, decent housing, roads, job training centers, schools, social services, new hospitals, neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.

● The Census Bureau’s estimated population for Shreveport in 2008 was 199,729. If the population count at the end of the Census remains below 200,000, Shreveport will be forced to compete with smaller communities for funding projects.

● The 2010 Census helps ensure that you receive your fair share of political representation -- from Congress on down to the local government level.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Original score, big orchestra, highly-trained dancers: the Wizard of Oz by Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet on Sun, Ap 18, 3 pm

The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet reprises its original production of "The Wizard of Oz," says Kate Pedrotty, with choreography by SMB Artistic Director Kendra Meiki and an original score by SMB Music Director Kermit Poling.

Poling will conduct a live orchestra for this production that will also feature professional guest artist Jacob Sparso of Ballet Oklahoma and dozens of local dancers.

Principal dancers of the SMB corps are Blair Bryson, Claire Cook,
Kelsey Steen and Emily Young.

Sunday, April 18, 3 pm
$10-$35
318-866-9916

shreveportmetroballet.org

Shreveport Opera Express @ East Ridge Country Club on Fri, Ap 9, 6:30 pm


Shreveport Opera Express
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Having seen them perform I can vouch for the poise and sense of melody offered by the young quartet in the Shreveport Opera Express.

Baritone Kevin Richard Doherty, mezzo-soprano Kristen DiNinno, soprano Kathleen Jasinskas and pianist Julius Abrahams are terrific performers. I've also seen Abrahams perform on keyboard with the Baroque Arttists of Shreveport.

See more at Shreveopera.org.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Foodies @ Sciport: New Orleans chef Poppy Tooker presents From Field to Table on Th, Ap 8, 6 pm

Poppy Tooker, founder of the Slow Food Chapter of New Orleans and a media-minded master chef, will present From Field to Table, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8 at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

The program is the first of the Seeds for Change series, a partnership of the First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport and Sci-Port that explores food and food production.

Tooker, a native New Orleanian, will speak about the mission and growth of the Slow Food movement internationally, nationally and locally and discuss some of its key projects.

Sci-Port's Brian McWilliams will join Tooker to contrast industrialized and local food production systems.

Additional Seeds for Change programs include:
- Yum! Locally Grown
Thursday, April 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Discover local sources for food and some scientific breakthroughs for greenhouse growers.
- Dr. H. Y. Hanna, LSU AgCenter Researcher
- Noma Fowler-Sandlin, Shreveport Farmer’s Market Manager

- Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty!
Thursday, April 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Find out how and where you can grow your own food
- Brian McWilliams, Sci-Port Public Programs Manager
- Dr. Grace Petersen, LSU AgCenter Extension Agent and Director of Community Gardening Program

An informal reception and Q&A will follow each program. Hearty hors d’oeuvres from local ingredients will be served after the series. Admission to each program is $5 and free for Sci-Port members.

NYC artist Marjorie Kouns' giant lampshades to bring zing to Texas St; opening party on Th, April 15


Marjorie Kouns' Lampshades
Originally uploaded by trudeau
A public art display entitled Shades of Shreveport will add shimsy to Texas St from April 15 to June 13, says Julia Foley.

The Shades of Shreveport exhibit will comprise the installation twenty of the original Marjorie Kouns lampshades from the 'Well-Lit Chess Pieces' (NYC) public art project.

The giant lamp covers - 6 to 8 feet tall - will be installed over the street lights in the 700 block of Texas Street in downtown Shreveport.

New York-based artist Marjorie Kouns artist is a native of Shreveport whose work is shown worldwide. Her current work focuses on connecting the public to art by encouraging active participation in the creative process.
“I get excited to see how the creative mind works in others by giving them the opportunity to try their own hand at this task,” says Kouns.

Shades of Shreveport opening reception after you file your taxes on Th, Ap 15.
More at Shrevearts.org.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sciport Pre-Easter celebration: make egg tempera paint and launch an egg in a parachute on Sat, Ap 3


Five eggs, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Tempera is a permanent fast drying painting medium, says Wikipedia, consisting of colored pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder medium - usually a glutinous material such as egg yolk.

Which gets us round to the Medieval Paint Palette activity which will be part of the Easter Egg-stravaganza at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science on Saturday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Participants will make paint out of egg yolks dyed with food coloring. As they create their own art works using and mixing the colors of the rainbow, they will learn about the composition of an egg yolk.

Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.
Visitors will build a parachute capable of holding an egg and then drop it from the second floor balcony to see how wondrously the egg survives.

Each of these programs is included with regular admission and free to Sci-Port members.

More at Sciport.org

Dan Sanchez Benefit at 516 Texas; music from 2 pm to 10:30 pm on Sun, Mar 28, at 516 Soundstage

Musician Dan Sanchez has a very serious illness and his fellow musicians are trying to create a fund to help with his medical expenses. if the spirit of generosity moves you to trip downtown for some music and fellowship, here's the lineup for the Susan Adkins-organized benefit:

2:00 Stiff Necked Fools
2:45 Cookie and the King Cakes
3:30 Space Travelers
4:15 Tracy Chappell & Friends
5:00 Six Pack Deep
6:00 Mr. Christopher and the Less Than More Band
6:45 The Good Time Rounders
7:30 Magnolia Brown
8:15 Michael DeArmond Band
9:00 Innuendo
9:45 Black Eyed Susans

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

East Bank Theater's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged continues Fri, Sat, Mar 26, 27

Booked for another weekend of comedic Shakespearean performances at East Bank Theater are ensemble actors Michael Blake Powell, Pat Maxey and Nate Wasson.

They come highly recommended from a variety of reviewers, including teen Preston DeLaune. "Funny; well, hilarious," was his reaction.

"Pat Maxey is excellent," said my wife, Talbot, who is an aficionado of Shakespeare. "Michael Blake Powell is hilarious, too," she added. "But Nate Wasson was amazing in his roles. He is truly a gifted comic," Talbot added.

318 741 8307 for info, tickets, reservations. Students are 5 bucks, btw.

Directed for The Company Repertory Theater by Heather Peak Hooper.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Jindal's budget cuts target Louisiana Public Broadcasting


A Note from Alicia
Originally uploaded by SamudraScape
"I am writing you as Chair of the Friends of LPB board. As you may have heard, the governor’s office is calling for a $656,000 budget cut by the end of June and a potential $2 million cut beginning in July. To do this LPB will have to eliminate local programming and reduce up to 20% of our staff. We may even have to go off the air on one or two days a week.

There simply is not this much money in our budget to survive these cuts. We need your help.

If you have invested your time and money in our future, please call, e-mail and write the Governor and your legislators now! Remember, private money already pays for all of our programs and education services!

LPB's quality service has taken 35 years to build! Don’t let it be destroyed now.

1. Call the Governor at 225-342-7015 or 866-366-1121.
2. Write the Governor at PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
3. Call your State Senator at 225-342-2040
4. Call your State Representative at 225-342-6945
5. Click here to send e-mails directly to your legislators.

Most importantly, forward this alert to your friends. The more people who call or write, the better our chances are to Save LPB!"

Sincerely,

Rosa Dunn
Chairman, Friends of LPB

Brooklyn-based animator Sean Donnelly and a gang of teens converge on RFC on Fri, Sat, Mar 26,27 for the student division of the Louisiana Film Festival

Sean Donnelly, a professional animator based in Brooklyn who just finished work on the new Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) film, Waiting For Superman, is the guest filmmaker at the 2010 Louisiana Film Festival – Student Division, says Chris Jay.

Donnelly will host an animation showcase on Friday night at 7:30 PM, and will lead a stop-motion animation workshop on Saturday, March 27 at 12:30 PM. Both of those events are great for young people who are interested in film making and are absolutely free and open to the public.

"We’ll also be screening 30 original short films created by kids. The student films screen from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, with the Winner’s Showcase being held at 3:15 PM," says Jay.

"A film by two great local kids," continues Jay, "will be kicking off the festival at 9:30 AM on Saturday morning. It’s called Fried Night and it’s a horror/comedy about French fries by Sammy and Peanut McCrary (see photo above). Sammy and Peanut are Robinson Film Center regulars and two of the youngest cinephiles I have ever met."

The full screening schedule:
www.lafilmfest.org or www.robinsonfilmcenter.org.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Tennessee Williams' The Rose Tattoo "celebrates the Dionysian;" River City Rep opens performances on Wed, Mar 24, at Riverview Theater, 7:30 pm


RCRT
Originally uploaded by trudeau
River City Rep will open a Tennessee Williams' comedy, The Rose Tattoo, on Wed, Mar 24, 7:30 pm, says Patric McWilliams.

Rose Tattoo stars Laura Kenyon and Jeremiah James, of NYC, with Logan Sledge, Lily Whitaker, Janin Pou, Earleen Bergeron, Ruth Doreck, Dot Hall, Carol LaBorde, Richard Folmer, Julia Joffrion, Jim Montgomery, Ginger Folmer, Shawn Dion, Paulette James, Denise Dion, Peggy Byers, and Mary Joris. Directed by Patric McWilliams.

Riverview Theater is on the Shreveport Riverfront across from the Barnwell Center.

Additional performances: Mar 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm and Mar 28 at 3:00 pm

$35.00
$10.00 Rush Tickets available to Students and Military with current ID
a half hour prior to curtain (No reservations can be made for rush tickets)

Box office: 318-868-5888.
Or visit www.rivercityrep.org

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Barnwell: Art Affaire in the Garden, crafts and art for sale, Sat, Mar 20, 10 to 3 pm

The Friends of the Barnwell is pleased to invite you to Art Affaire in the Garden – an Arts Market, on Sat, March 20, 10 am to 3 pm.

Says Whitney Lary, a treasure-trove of handcrafted works in glass, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, visual art, photography, sculptures and more can be found!


Art Affaire in the Garden will also be on March 20, April 17, and May 15 from 10am to 3pm.

Beginning in June, the arts market will be held every Saturday from 10 am to 3pm.

673-7703 or wlarybarnwellctr@centurytel.net.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Sciport benefit: Dolly & Mike McSwain craft the lunacy to be enjoyed at the Mad Scientists Ball, Sat, March 20, 7 pm to midnight


Dolly & Mike McSwain
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Sciport will not be open for the usual enjoyments on Sat, Mar 20. Decorating will be underway for the major Sciport benefit of the year, the Mad Scientists' Ball. Artist/architect Mike McSwain and wife Dolly McSwain are the designers.

The Stanley Kramer movie It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is the basis for the Mad Scientists' Ball 2010.

Ongoing entertainment includes
-Fortune Telling by Jennifer Holt
-Karaoke by Chris James
-Mad Surprises by Sci-Port Staff
-Music by Caravan
-Laughs by Chicago’s Funtime Comedy
-Caricatures by Al Bohl

7 pm to midnight at Sciport.
Tickets, $100 per person, will be available at the door.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

45 paintings in Hoover show at Barnwell Art Center at high level of competency and collectibility

Some 45 large compositions by members of the Hoover Watercolor Society hang in the Barnwell Center.

In many ways the members of the Hoover represent the vanguard of artists in this region. These are well-schooled and skilled artists. Most of these painters have functioning studios. More than avid observers of life's simple pleasures, they have developed the discipline and technique to capture those scenes.

The Hoover artists have not gotten their work to the walls of the Barnwell by slapping down color while sipping vintage libations (indeed, there may be exceptions).

These artists are highly collectible. When you view them, you'll see how well their work fits your living space. The prices are, if I may say so, damned affordable - most of them in the $300 to $600 range.

See a few of my favorites here. I look forward to your posting the names of the artists who you like.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

AJ Haynes & Monkey Business, Everyday Hemingways and more at Unwind Downtown on Thurs, March 18, 5 pm - 9 pm

Unwind Downtown takes place along Texas St and in the Red River Entertainment District and down the river to Barnwell on Thurs, March 18, 5 pm - 9 pm.

ShreveportHappyHour.com and the Downtown Development Authority have partnered to continue this Pub and Culture Crawl.

Registration begins at 5 pm at Artspace. Feel free to join at any time as there will be plenty of drink specials.

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.


This Months Participants:
Artspace - $3 Miller Lite, $4 Vanilla Monster, Everyday Hemingway Performing Live
Barnwell Center - AJ Haynes and the Monkey Business Performing Live
Nicky's - 2 for 1 Miller Lite Draft; 2 for 1 Margaritas; LIVE BAND
Sand Bar - $2 Miller Lite; $3 U-Call-It Drinks
Phoenix Underground - $2 Miller Lite; $3 U-Call-It Drinks

Waitresses in the photo above are at Abby Singer Bistro, the place on Texas St with the balcony and the freakiest bar stools ever. Ahem; whoever designed these space seats?

Is Big D's BBQ back as an outdoor venue? Skybox, AJ Haynes, Mr Christopher on Sat, Mar 20, 7 pm


{skybox}
Originally uploaded by annie rudolph
Chicago-based band Skybox, a bit of a pop band with a sometimes bizarre sometimes cabaret twist, will be strafing Big D's BBQ March 20, says Susan Garner.

Local favorites AJ Haynes and Mr. Christopher will open the Skybox show. Come hear the bands, eat BBQ and kick off the start of outdoor shows and nice weather with us.

7pm. $5.

Art instruction for bored teens in Highland to offset mischief: Rachel Scott and Su Stella at Noel Methodist


Shreveport graffiti
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Su Stella- Meili says, "I am working with Rachel Scott at the Noel Methodist Church in the Highland area looking for Teachers for subjects like music, dance, photography, jewelry making.... possibly public murals.


We are beginning to have a 'mischief' problem, mainly with bored teenage males in our neighborhood. These are not bad kids; they are bored. They are doing things like swiping shopping carts and crashing into each other in the street. With summer coming they will have too much time on their hands.

*Many of these kids have working parents that are not home until evening.

We are looking for teachers with fresh ideas to capture these kids attention and keep them busy Before they wind up in trouble.

We Don't need grandma's knitting; we need exciting ideas to interest this age group and are we willing to listen to all ideas!

Su Stella: 228-263-2333

LSUS Animation & Visual Effects Academy: class for teens June 1 - June 25; app deadline April 12


LSUS Animation class
Originally uploaded by trudeau
In a region where the educational offerings are usually bog standard, there is a jazzy possibility: you can become a professional animator by attending classes at the LSUS Animation and Visual Effects institute (AVEI).

And teens can explore a future in animation by taking the intro classes offered regularly on weekends and during the summer.

In June the Animation and Visual Effects Academy (AVEA) will engage 20 high school participants in hands-on learning using cutting edge technology to create visual and compositing effects that are used in movie making, advertising, cyber visualization programs, and computer gaming, says John Miralles.

Components of the summer program include Desktop Graphics, Film Making Theory, Film Shooting and Editing, and Visual Effects. The program culminates with the debut showing of the student-made film at the Robinson Film Center to an audience of family, friends, and supporters of the program.

June 1 – 25
M - F, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Technology Center, LSUS campus.
Cost: None. Lunch is provided. Sportran bus passes are provided as needed.
Download the application and mail it in by Ap 12.
Info: Diana Gingles at 797-5331 or 797-5356.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Poets Julia Kane and Ashley Mace Havird read at Meadows Museum on Sun, March 21, 2 pm

Nationally-recognized poets Julie Kane and Ashley Mace Havird will read their poetry from 2 - 3 pm and sign books from 3 - 4 at the Meadows Museum of Art in Shreveport, on Sunday, March 21, says Diane DuFilho.

Kane is winner of the National Poetry Series for Rhythm & Booze and the Donald Justice Poetry Prize for Jazz Funeral. Havird is the
winner of the South Carolina Poetry Initiative Chapbook Series for Dirt Eaters.

The Second Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition artworks will be on display.

Sunday, March 21, 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meadows Museum (Centenary College), 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71104

Digital decay happens, and relentlessly, says NY Times


Hollie Horton, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"Electronically produced drafts, correspondence and editorial comments, sweated over by contemporary poets, novelists and nonfiction authors, are ultimately just a series of digits — 0’s and 1’s — written on floppy disks, CDs and hard drives, all of which degrade much faster than old-fashioned acid-free paper."

See the article "Fending Off Digital Decay, Bit by Bit," by Patricia Cohen,
March 15, 2010.

Monday, March 15, 2010

NYC artist Laddy Norwood exhibition opening Thurs, March 18, 5 - 8 pm; pianist Stephen E Ramey entertains


ArtSpace
Originally uploaded by mikerosebery
Artspace has an opening reception for their newest exhibition, Collage Paintings, an exhibition of the artwork of Laddy Norwood, on Thursday, March 18th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Norwood is a visual artist from New York City who was discovered and brought to artspace by O. Delton Harrison, Board President of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, says Julia Foley.

At 6:00 pm Norwood will give an Artist Talk.

The reception is free and open to the public with light refreshments and a cash bar available.

Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Steve E Ramey, Shreveport honky-tonk pianist with a specialty in the stylings of the Crescent City.

Photo by Mike Rosebery.

Poetic X, Penny Candy and the rise of a new language on Tuesdays at Pamoja Art Society, 3806 Linwod Ave, 7:30 pm

Says Poetic X: Greetings everyone! This week the fun rises at Pamoja Art Society with the return of the dynamic sounds of Penny Candy. Penny Candy is a must-hear artist. Her sound is just like her name, hard to find.

Also we will be giving away a trip to Jamaica; that's right! Jamaica. Winner only pays for transportation & entertainment once they arrive. J. Brown will be on the 1's and 2's.

The national competition event "Sing & Slam" will begin at Pamoja on Mar. 30th. Finalists go on to compete in Atlanta in Nov. Auditions begin Mar. 27th at 7a.m.

Writer's Circle begins @ 6:00 on Tuesday's @ Pamoja Art Society.
D.V.D "Roses From Concrete" is also available. 2hr -$10.

This is definitely the rise of a new language. Great poets, singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, storytellers nd more. You name it....come claim it. Each and every Tuesday at Pamoja Art Society. 3806 Linwod Ave. S'port,LA. 71103 Doors open @ 7p.m. Show starts at 7:30. Thanx alot.

Info: www.myspace.com/kingscupoftea7

Entertainment Director/Pamoja Art Society
Poetic X / S.P.E.A.K Entertainment

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Pasha Sabouri and Brian Lewis perform Bach on Mon, March 15, 6 pm, Anderson Auditorium, Centenary College


Pasha Sabouri, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
An After-Work Concert featuring guest violinists Brian Lewis and Pasha Sabouri takes place Monday, March 15 in the Anderson Auditorium on the Centenary College campus beginning at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Shreveport Suzuki Parent’s Association, the concert is free and open to the public.

During the concert, they will be accompanied by the Centenary Suzuki School Chamber Orchestra and pianist Larry Meier. The repertoire includes Bach Double Violin Concerto, Tangos! and Bartok Duos.

Lewis holds the David and Mary Winton Green Chair in String Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Texas at Austin where he received both the Texas Exes Teaching Award, and the School of Music Teaching Excellence Award. He is also artistic director of the Starling-DeLay Symposium on Violin Studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, concertmaster of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra in Houston, founding member of the Texas piano Quartet, and the artistic director of Starling Distinguished Violinist Series at UT.

Sabouri is lecturer in music at Centenary College. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 2004 from the University of Cincinnati and his Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007.

For more information about this event, call 318.869.5235.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Review: Dirtfoot & Escaped Images pleasure a packed audience at Centenary College

Dirtfoot & Escaped Images packed the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse Fri night at 8 pm and won standing ovations with their earthy, transpirational performances.

Dirtfoot looked comfortable in the tv studio-like set, far from the spitty saloons and jiggly festivals where they ordinarily perform. The sound, by Barry C Butler, was highly detailed.

The resined bow scraping against the thick strings of Eric Gardner's double bass has never been presented more sensuously.

Singer-guitarist Matt Hazelton was a growly Tom Wait figure, except that his voice was also Jim Morrison-like.

Dirtfoot's sound was evocative of klezmer, of Parisian jazz, of Texas swing, of a furniture-moving glee club, of a soundtrack for an indie movie about love, death and a tongue well-inserted in the external auditory meatus.

Angela Rice put it well for this fan: "I fell in love with Dirtfoot all over again."

Escaped Images' choreography, by Centenary faculty as well as students, was imaginative - envision twirling dancers on point alongside undulating belly dancers. And the ensemble work was performed with admirable precision. A tap dance sequence was amusing and fulfilling. In another dance the horizontal movement of a lithe dancer suspended from a cross-stage rope was paralleled by a dancer walking the opposite direction on a balance beam. Detail of the dancers was projected above the stage in a surprising addition of artful video.

The tall set by Alan Berry kept the eyes busy. Movement of the multitude of dancers was enhanced by the multi-source lighting designed by Don Hooper.

Conceived and directed by Renee Cheveallier, the show was Shreveport art at its best.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Baroque Artists of Shreveport perform Sun, March 14, 3 pm, at St Mark's on Fairfield Ave

The March concert by the Baroque Artists of Shreveport will feature the Bach Flute Sonata and Double Concerto, Couperin, the Handel Concerto Grosso and Rinauldo Suite, says Ruth Drummond, cellist and director.

One dozen musicians will perform the show, which is free and open to the public. It begins at 3 pm.

While there is no charge, the Baroque Artists, it might bear mention, are subsidized by gifts from their appreciative listeners.

3 Penny Acre in concert at Fairfield Studios on Sat, March 13, 7 pm, with Johann Wagner

3 Penny Acre delivers tight vocal harmonies with energy and lots of fun, claims Jim Huckabay. They'll be joined on stage at Fairfield Studios for a few tunes by Johann Wagner, a passionate young singer from Austin. That's Sat night early, 7 pm, on Mar 13.

Hope you can make it for another intimate, smoke-free performance, says Huckabay.
Your reservation helps us plan seating and food at intermission.
See you then!

$15 Admission (cash at the door)
reservations@fairfieldstudios.com
or 219-7688

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Rollicking dash through the Complete Works of Shkspr at East Bank Theater, Bossier, Mar 12 - 20, 8 pm

"Pat Maxey is excellent," said my wife, Talbot, who is an aficionado of Shakespeare. She was waxing happy upon the Complete Works of Shkspr at East Bank Theater. "Michael Blake Powell is hilarious, too," she added. "But Nate Wasson was amazing in his roles. He is truly comic," Talbot added.

14 year-ld son Jett also reported that Shkspr was an enjoyable evening away from the texting screen and dear Facebook.

318 741 8307 for info, tickets, reservations.

Directed for The Company Repertory Theater by Heather Peak Hooper.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Red River Radio spring pledge drive underway: already halfway to $200,000 goal

Red River Radio's Spring Membership campaign is underway, says Kermit Poling.

Become a member or renew your membership early to get entered into all of the drawings, including jewelry, bed and breakfast stays, and a laptop computer!

See more - and pledge online - at redriverradio.org or hear more at 89.9 fm.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Dirtfoot in concert with Escaped Images at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on Fri, Mar 12, 8 pm

On a towering scaffolding, Escaped Images Dance Company will present a visual experience of local band Dirtfoot's music, says Renee Chevalier. The dancers will flow in and around the sextet as the band performs, says Eric Gardner.

Friday, March 12th at 8pm, One Night Only, Reserved seating, tickets on sale at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse box office: (318)869-5242. $10 for students and $15 for adults.

On Saturday, March 13th at 8pm and Sunday, March 14th at 2pm members of Escaped Images will showcase their own personal pieces.

Again, tickets on sale at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse box office: (318)869-5242. $10 for students (Centenary students get in free with student ID) and $15 for adults.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Buddy Flett, Jimmy Caskey, Tim Brogan on Red River Radio on Mon, Mar 8, 8 pm; AJ & the Two-Tone Blues Band on Tues, March 9


Buddy Flett, Jimmie Caskey
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Red River Radio's bi-annual pledge drive will be jumped up by the live music of some of the area's better-known blues artists, says Kermit Poling.

Buddy Flett and Friends, including guitarist Jimmy Caskey and fiddler Tim Brogan, will perform at 8 pm on Mon, Mar 8.

At 8 pm on Tues, Mar 9, the NPR affiliate will present AJ and the Two Tone Blues Band.

"Collect works by live artists," says Dr David Holcombe; see the Holcombe collection and the Holcombe-curated NW La Triennial exhibit at Meadows Museum, Shreveport

At Meadows Museum of Art, Shreveport, there are two exhibits that are amplified by a talk given by artist and curator Dr. David Holcombe.

Happily for the artists and collectors who couldn't be there, the talk was videotaped and transcribed by artist Kathryn Usher.

Holcombe's principles may not fall into the selling points for art that you've seen in orthodox rhetoric.

1. Original art is always better than a poster. Even bad original art is better than a poster.

"You'd be astonished," he said, "at the number of very fine homes of wealthy people who feature framed posters. The frame costing far more than the poster. Neither of them having great value."

2. You don't have to be rich to collect art. You just have to be attentive and interested.

"There's all kinds of art out there. There's outsider art and insider art. Student art. And more."

3. Never buy art as a financial investment. Art is a human investment.

"It's an investment in your happiness. In the artist's happiness."

4. We don't buy anything from dead artists.

"We like to know the artist. We like to have interaction. That's part of the exchange, not just of money and goods, but of social capital."

5. There's no one gold standard for art. We find that there are two common elements and they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. One is passion and one is technique.

"All along the spectrum between those two poles you can find things that are magical."

And viewers of the part of the Holcombe collection upstairs at Meadows will see examples of his principles.

6. When your house is full, don't stop buying.

"This one may be the most controversial, at least for my wife, Michelle. When I find a new piece that I want, my wife says, 'Where are you gonna put it?'" He says, "What happens is your tastes change, your income changes; there are numerous changes."

The Holcombe art on display at Meadows represents a small part of their collection. And in the larger Meadows exhibit, the NW La Triennial Competition, he was not the sole curator. Artist Maria Lopez was his co-curator.

Meadows is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

(318) 869-5040

Oils, watercolors, acrylics, bronze and iron: the NW La Triennial Competition show at Meadows Museum of Art, Centenary College

Artists whose works were selected by jurors Maria Lopez and Dr David Holcombe for the Second Northwest Louisiana Artists' Competition at Meadows Museum of Art were as follows, says Diane DuFilho:

Bruce Allen, Susan E. Attaway, Janet Barlow, Neverlyn F. Brown, Nicholas Bustamante, Joshua Chambers, Mark Charleville, Elizabeth Crafts, Zama B. Dexter, Kristi Jones Diaz, Debbie Engle, Emily Ezell, Helen Feild, Rebecca Francis, Patricia Garrison, Walter W. Green, Myron Griffing, Dorothy Kristin Hanna, Randy Hedgcock, Jane B. Heggen, Mary Virginia Hill, Albino Hinojosa, Gwen Talbot Hodges, Talbot Hopkins, Bob Horne, Judy Horne, Neil Johnson, Camille S. Jungman, Kevin Kennedy, Thomas M. Little, Pamela Viviano McDonald, Sena H. McWilliams, Jasmine Morelock, Tama Ripps Nathan, Theresa Rogers Odom, Joan Purdy, Tony Reans, Betty Robertson, Bennett Sewell, Pat Sewell, Barry and Greta Shanklin, Ellen Soffer, Steven Soffer, Su Stella, Lacey Stinson, Blair Thrall, Robert E. Trudeau, Charlie Viers, Karelle Von Hefley, Allison Dickson West and Jerry Wray.

Talks by artists will take place on Sunday afternoons throughout the spring. Poetry readings and book signings by northwest Louisiana writers have been scheduled as part of the Triennial Competition program calendar as follows:

Sun, March 21, 2 to 4 pm: Northwest Louisiana poetry readings and book signings featuring Julie Kane, Northwestern State University professor and prize-winning author of "Jazz Funeral" and "Rhythm & Booze," and Ashley Mace Havird, award-winning author of "Dirt Eaters.

Sun, April 18, 2 to 4 pm: Poetry readings and book signings featuring David Havird, professor of English at Centenary College and author of the 2009 Robert Phillips Poetry Chapbook Prize for "Penelope's Design," and Dorie LaRue, professor of English at LSUS, author of two books of poetry and one novel, "Resurrecting Virgin," winner of the Omaha Prize for Fiction.

Meadows Museum, Centenary College, is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Info: (318) 869-5040.

Shreveport Regional Arts Council changes list: Artists Roster becoming Artists Register; more at meeting on Mon, Mar 8, 4:30 pm, Artspace

"An inclusive, non-juried NWLa Artists' Registry" is what artists who attend the Artists Roster meetings seem to desire. After ferment and debate at several meetings, a contingent of some 15 - 20 artists, says Vickie Marshall, have decided that the jury system was in need of change.

More on this at the Roster Artists meeting on Mon, Mar 8, 4:30 pm, at Artspace.

RSVP: 673-6500 or rsvp@shrevearts.org.

See the Pam Sloan painting, above, upstairs at Artspace in a worthy exhibit called A la Carte.

Friday, March 05, 2010

Requiescat in pace: Shreveport poet George A Burton III; Requiem mass scheduled Sat, March 13, 11 am, at Church of the Holy Cross, Cotton St.

"An icon of the local poetry community, George A. Burton III passed away in his sleep last night," writes Carlos Colon.

"George was the host of the Enochs poetry series in the 1980s and was a founding member of The Trapped Truth Society. In addition, George teamed up with David Love Lewis for “Somebody’s Grandmother Exploded,” which was based on a phrase from George’s most well-known poem, “Alice Blue Gown.”"

Burton produced several chapbooks, collections of his writing in informal bindings. His capture of intellectual, besotted life with a gang of witty friends in the late 60's was nonpareil.

The photo above is by Becky Haigler. She wrote on her Anchorpeot.blogspot.com site, "Trapped Truth Society of Poets and Writers celebrated 17 years of writing and performing on Sunday, August 17, 2008. The group currently meets at Johnny's Pizza, Fern and Gilbert, in Madison Park. The gathering was billed as "Sunday in the Park with George," in honor of George Burton III, a founding member of the group who returned to be the day's featured reader. George is seen above, with Melissa Fowle, who also read some of her work."

Melissa Fowle announced to friends that Saturday, March 13, there will be a Eucharistic Requiem Mass at 11am for George. The location will be the Church of the Holy Cross on Cotton Street.

She added that George's death was unexpected. George was not ill. The night before, they had had a lovely evening and expected the same for the next day.

Church of the Holy Cross, Episcopal
875 Cotton Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: 318-222-3325
Fax: 318-681-9506


Thursday, March 04, 2010

Shreveport Symphony sells out Cirque de la Symphonie concert on Fri, March 5 , 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, says Leah Escude, is thrilled to report that its performance on March 5 is officially Sold Out. Maestro Michael Butterman stopped to say a word to his audience via a Youtube video on Thurs at Artspace.

The Box Office continues to receive calls, as interest remains high in obtaining seats, says Escude.

The sold-out production entitled Cirque de la Symphonie is the second concert of the Willis Knighton Series, A Season To Resound. The third and final concert of this series is A Keyboard Extravaganza, and will be held at First Baptist Church of Shreveport on May 15 at 7:30pm.

If patrons purchased tickets to the Friday night performance and will be unable to use them, they can donate them back to the Symphony and claim a tax deduction for their donation value. In turn, those tickets can be resold.

To donate your tickets for resale: 318-227-TUNE (8863) no later than noon on Friday. The Box Office will be open at the Riverview Theater beginning at noon on Friday so that patrons who have purchased tickets that were not already mailed to them can pick them up at the “will call” window.

Friday night promises to be a magical evening, adds Escude. The Shreveport Symphony thanks you and looks forward to seeing you there!

SLT presents The Dixie Swim Club at WDC March 5 through March 14


SLT
Originally uploaded by trudeau
"It's a hilarious play," director Dick King told the Times. "In some ways 'The Dixie Swim Club' is similar to 'The Golden Girls' TV show. Although they don't live together the relationships are similar to those relationships."

Shreveport Little Theater Cast -

Christy Bickham: Sheree
Seva May: Dinah
Kim Price: Jeri Neal
Sylvia Rachal: Lexie
Mary Zapczynski: Vernadette

8 p.m. Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 and March 12-13; 2 p.m. Sunday and March 13-14.
Woman's Department Club, 802 Margaret Place, Shreveport.
$15, adults; $13, senior citizens, students and active military; $10, student rush.
(318) 424-4439. Box office, 300 Ockley Drive, Shreveport, is open from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays.

John F Daniel directs drama Kindertransport @ LSUS Black Box Theater Fri, Mar 12 through Sun, Mar 21


Kindertransport @ LSUS
Originally uploaded by trudeau
In the final nine months before World War II, nearly 10,000 unaccompanied Jewish children escaped from Germany on trains headed for the freedom of Britain. Most never saw their parents again, says John F Daniel.

Kindertransport tells the story of Evelyn, a British woman in her fifties, and Eva, the nine-year-old German child she used to be.

Kindertransport, a drama by Diane Samuels, will be directed by John F. Daniel, featuring Alana Butterfield, Lisa Daye, Virginia Walker, Audra Caitlyn Moss, Betty Cummings and Jamie Norwood.

Kindertransport is a haunting drama about the prices we pay to protect the ones we love, says Daniel.

Performances -
Friday, March 12th, Saturday, March 13th, Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th at 8:00 PM and Sunday, March 14th and Sunday, March 21st at 2:00 PM

LSUS Black Box Theatre, Bronson Hall

Tickets:$15 with advance reservation
$18 at the door
$10 for Students, Educators, Seniors and Military
$5 for LSUS students with ID
$10 per person for Groups of 5 or more
All Tickets are General Admission, Seating is Very Limited

Reservations: theatre@lsus.edu or call the theatre hotline at (318) 797-5396

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal back to cutting cultural programs; wants 41% reduction in state arts funding

Both the Decentralized Arts Funding Program (DAF) and Statewide Arts Grants (SAG) have been targeted with deep and crippling cuts, says the La Partnership for the Arts. The Executive Budget presented in February requests a $1 million cut to DAF as well as a $1 million cut to SAG.

This $2 million cut represents a 41% reduction to Louisiana’s state arts funding.

If these cuts come to pass, the cultural-economic engine and tourism industry of Louisiana will become crippled by a severe ripple effect.

These cuts affect artists, teachers, non-profit organizations, festivals, libraries, museums and theaters alike. No community will remain untouched and the economic loss will rank second only to the loss in social profit, community and quality of life.

Culture is Louisiana’s finest natural resource. We need to nurture and protect it for it to flourish, says the LPA.

Read more and send a quick note to your legislator via the LPA web site.

Michael Butterman at Artspace Thurs, 5:30 pm: Martinis with the Maestro


Michael Butterman, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Says Pam Atchison, "Thursday, March 4th, at 5:30 pm, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra welcomes the community to hear Music Director Michael Butterman speak on the upcoming, March 5th, Symphony performance of "Cirque de la Symphonie," an awe-inspiring aerial ballet set to music."

This event is free and open to the community.

The cash bar will include martinis and other libations.

The martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive, says Wikipedia. Accept no substitute, says Chase Boytim.

Monday, March 01, 2010

The musical Applause at Caddo Magnet High in PAC on Wed, March 3 through Sat, March 6, 6:30 pm

Patti Reeves directs the Caddo Magnet Players in the 60's hit musical, Applause, Wed through Sat, Mar 3 - 6. Performances will be in the Caddo Magnet High PAC at 6:30 pm.

Tori Smith and Jessie Mahon get top billing, with Madison Edwards, Jonathan Weber, Savannah Maxwell, Roger Kalmbach, Terry Tucker and Madeline Hiers also spinning across the stage.

Tickets: 318 424 4822
CaddoMagnetPlayersTickets@yahoo.com

The troupe has been invited to the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland, and are asking for donations for their travel fund. They're due to go in August. See more at Caddo Magnet High on Facebook. Please view this video rehearsal snippet and student appeal.