Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Brandy Watkins one of Fourteen at Art Car Museum, Houston; opening Sat, Sept 10, 7 to 10 pm, 140 Heights Blvd

Music's by Jo Bird and Margaret Lejeune, from Two Star Symphony at the opening event of Fourteen, featuring that many female artists at the artcarmuseum.com on
Sat, Sept 10, from 7-10pm

"Fourteen is a group exhibition of Texas artists whose works encourage political, social or spiritual consciousness" says the art car.

Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd (713-861-5526) is open Wed - Sun, 11 am to 6 pm. Admission free.

Also on display: "Psychedelic Surfer Dude," a 1963 Porsche 356B art car painted by Robynn Sanders and owned by David Duthu.

Blues and Southern Soul at Shreveport's Festival Plaza on Sun, Sept 4, 5 pm to 11 pm

Music producer, community activist and percussion master Ron Hardy, of Playaz & Playettes, Inc, presents an annual blues & r'n'b throwdown on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

It's called Blues and Southern Soul this year and is a classic evening of BBQ and shuffle. It's a roadhouse experience under the shade of the open pavilion at Festival Plaza.

Blues Fest in Shreveport: highly recommended.

5 pm to 11 pm.
$25. Advance: $20.
318.424.9297

A Hollywood on the Red resource: TASA, The Art and Soul of Acting, with Mary Thoma, Shreveport

"We have some really great classes available and I would really like to be sure that all actors around town know what is here!," says Mary Thoma, hard-working actress and proprietor of TASA, the Art and Soul of Acting.

"We have classes in improv, on camera , commercial work, stage combat, Meisner technique, auditions, etc! For both theater and film.

I also offer some partial barter and one or two full barter options for actors without financial resources every session!"

Photo Michael Boyd.
More at TASA.

Tell SPAR that you'd definitely like a dog park, says Cynthia Keith and the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance

"SPAR and the City Council are in the 30 day public comment phase regarding our application to have a dog park at Hamel's Memorial Park."

"Please see the link below for comments," says Cynthia Keith. "Tell your friends to comment, too. A resounding YES would be appreciated."

Shreveport Dog Parks :: Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation
More at
Shreveport Dog Park Alliance on FB.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Party at Artspace Shreveport to open the exhibit, the Fantastic Mr Fox, on Fri, Sept 9; hear New Orleans musicians Theresa Andersson and Johnny Vidacovich

"Be the first to peek inside the Fox tunnels!" says Julia Foley.

"Meet the creators - Arthur Mintz, Rene and Jacque Duffourc - and actors, listen to music by Theresa Andersson & Johnny Vidacovich, enjoy Foxbites and Foxtail Cocktails!"

$10 Admission.

Friday, September 9th, 5:30-8:00 pm!

Eds note: Be aware that drummer Johnny Vidacovich is one of the Crescent City's legendary drummers and that Theresa Andersson is a popular New Orleans singer. Do not be surprised if the Fox creators join in the music making, too.

The Science of Generosity exhibit travels from Notre Dame University to Shreveport's SciPort

SciPort pendulum, Shreveport by trudeau
SciPort pendulum, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Cutting edge research from the University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity initiative will be featured as a permanent exhibit at a preeminent science center in Louisiana, says Ann Fumarolo.

Representatives from Notre Dame, The Community Foundation of North Louisiana and Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center today announced the creation of the permanent exhibit, which was made possible through a $43,884 grant from The Foundation.

"For the first time ever, scientific research that quantifies the impact of philanthropy on the individual and society is accessible in an interactive exhibit," said Paula Hickman, executive director of The Community Foundation of North Louisiana. "We are pleased to share with the public what we have known all along: generosity positively transforms the donor as well as the recipient."

See more at Univ of Notre Dame.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Author John Corey Whaley of Springhill chats about his young adult novel, Where Things Come Back, at Broadmoor Library at 11 am Sat, Aug 27

whaley3 by trudeau
whaley3, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Author John Corey Whaley, of Springhill, chats about his young adult novel, Where Things Come Back, at Broadmoor Library at 11 am Sat, Aug 27, says Levette Fuller.

Asking questions in the session will be Robert Trudeau, teacher, artist and blogger.

It's free. And Corey is a fluent, warm and thoughtful lad.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Shreve Memorial Library Debuts Graphic Novel Collection

Yesterday, the downtown/main branch of Shreve Memorial Library debuted their new graphic novel collection during an event called "Zoom! Bang! Kapow!: A Graphic Novel Explosion." The collection, which includes $25,000 worth of graphic novels ranging from illustrated classics to Japanese Manga, has an interesting story of its own. Librarian Levette Fuller won the collection while attending the 2011 American Library Association Annual Conference. Fuller was one of 15,000 librarians who entered the contest, and one of 100 finalists. The books are now available to be checked out.

Looking for a good excuse to head downtown and browse the collection? Local author John Corey Whaley will read from and sign his acclaimed new novel "Where Things Come Back" at the library, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. Shreveportblog's own Robert Trudeau will be hosting. Here's more info on the reading.

Here's the facebook invite to John Corey Whaley's reading, if you'd like to invite friends.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Art participation: hands-on experience in the mystotubal world of the Fantastic Mr Fox, Artspace Shreveport

The creators of the Fantastic Mr Fox exhibit/experience at Artspace Shreveport are in need of volunteers with a creative impulse to help finish the sets for this amazing production, says Julia Foley.

If interested, stop by artspace, 710 Texas St., downtown Shreveport, and lend a hand between noon and 7 pm any day.

"It is really fun to work with these guys," testifies Foley, "and you can be part of bringing the story to life!!"

The Mr Fox guys are New Orleanians Rene and Jacques Duffourc and Arthur Mintz.

Call 318-673-6535 for more info.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Melons! Okra! Sat, Sept 3, final day of summer season for Shreveport Farmers' Market

The final Shreveport Farmers’ Market of the summer will be Sat, Sept 3, says Noma Fowler-Sandlin.

Melons, okra, eggplant, squash, peppers, beans, peas, pears, peaches, meats, canned items, and baked goods are still available to stock your freezer, cupboard, or pantry during the interim between the summer and fall markets.

The farmers’ market will reopen for the fall on October 22, and run on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon through November 19.

More information is available at www.shreveportfarmersmarket.com, or by calling (318) 455-5788, or emailing farmersmarket@redriverrevel.com. An application for potential vendors is also available on the website.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Robin & the Seven Hoods, Shreveport, performing for Krewe of Gemini coronation at Riverdome on Sat, Aug 27

Hey, mister! It's carnival time for the Gemini, says Bruce Flett.

Krewe of Gemini Royalty Coronation
Horseshoe Riverdome
Sat, Aug 27, 7pm til Midnight
Emcee Dr Bob Robinson
dinner, silent auction
Music by Robin and the 7 Hoods
Free to paid up Gemini members
$45 to non members
BLACK TIE

Friday, August 19, 2011

Marc-Andre Bougie conducts the Shreveport Chorale and Orchestra and Texarkana Regional Chorale in a Haydn mass at St Pius X Catholic Church on Sun, Aug 21, 4 pm

"A glorious rendition of Franz Josef Haydn's Mariazeller mass will be performed in the beautiful new sanctuary of St. Pius X Catholic Church on Sunday, August 21, at 4:00 pm" writes John Goddard.

Conductor Marc-Andre Bougie will lead the Shreveport Chorale and Orchestra and the Texarkana Regional Chorale.

Free admission.

St. Pius X is located on the north side of Shreveport.
From downtown Shreveport follow Market Street (LA Hwy 1 and US Highway 71) north past Interstate 220.
At the Hwy 1 and Hwy 71 split, follow Hwy 1.
St. Pius is the first driveway to the right.
From Interstate 20 take the Market Street (North) Exit and follow the directions above.

Meadows Museum opens 2011-2012 exhibit season Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

A piece from the series "Dominance and Affection"
by Reading, Pa.-based artist Bethany Krull.
It's been an amazing couple of years for Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College. As an art lover, I've personally been wowed again and again by exhibits like "Visions and Visionaries" by David Holcombe, "Copley to Warhol: 200 Years of American Art," and Bennett Sewell's kick-ass "It's What You Make of It." Diane Dufilho and her staff at the museum are on a roll. From the looks of things, that winning streak will resume 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, August 21, as the Meadows Museum of Art opens two complementary exhibits: Bethany Krull's "Selected Ceramic Works from the Series ‘Dominance and Affection’, ‘Signal’ and ‘In Servitude’” and Dr. Ed Leuck's “Species in Crisis: Endangered Flora.”

Both exhibits tackle the topic of how humans relate to and interact with the natural world. I'm most excited about Krull's sculptures, which are porcelain and cast bronze meditations on the relationship between human "owners" and the pets we say we love. Take a look at the "Dominance and Affection" series on her website. It's pointed, powerful stuff.

Swing by Sunday afternoon. There will be air conditioning, art, and coffee - what more could you possibly need?

p.s. The entire 2011-2012 season's exhibit schedule is up at the Meadows Museum website.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Deadtown, rockabilly & blues out of Austin, Tx, plays at FattyArbuckles Fri, Aug 19; singer is Shreveporter Julian Dossett

Julian Dossett grew up in Shreveport and became a spinner of tales behind guitar and mic.

His strengths are similar to those of his singer-guitarist dad, Stanton Dossett. Both have smoky if plaintive voices suited for singing stories in front of a band. In the case of Stanton, the band is Junior III.

The younger Dossett went to Austin to make his name and go to school. I'm not up on his schooling, but his band, Deadtown, is happening.

A reviewer at psycho.rockabilly-online said of their new CD: "“Deadtown” is one of the cornerstones of Austin’s growing post-psychobilly/metropabilly scene. A small number of bands who believe that tradition and evolution need not contradict each other. They’re also the first of the fore mentioned bands to get a CD out. It’s only six songs long, but it still manages to be a solid kick in pants, aimed squarely at critics of the Austin scene."

Catch them at Fatty's on Fri, Aug 19.

If you can swing dance you're in for a treat (this reviewer caught them at Artspace Shreveport on Th). The Deadtown swingin' steel guitar, humpin' bass and stingin' lead guitar over Julian's "hobo growl," equals a dance party.

Supertasker: Shreveport Symphony Orchestra maestro Michael Butterman resides in Shreveport but is dynamo at 3 additional orchestras

Michael Butterman - recognized for his commitment to creative artistry, innovative programming, and audience and community development, says Janet Braccio - has extended his contract as music director with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra through the 2013-2014 seasons.

He has also resigned with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra for an equal commitment, says Bella Voce Communications.

Additionally, Butterman is entering his third season as resident conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony.

Indeed, he also begins his twelfth season as principal conductor for education and outreach for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Butterman has also completed a new recording project. He and the Rochester Philharmonic recently released a CD entitled "The Story of Babar and A Family for Baby Grand," with narrators John Lithgow and Jennifer Carsillo.

Butterman, guest artist David Amram and the orchestra open the SSO season on Sat, Sept 24, at Riverview Theater.

More at www.michaelbutterman.com.
And at shreveportsymphony.com.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Shreveport-Bossier's Home Brewing Scene

Who knew that Shreveport-Bossier was home to such a thriving home brewing scene? I recently sat down with the Malt Munching Mash Monsters (MMMM), a local home brew club, to discuss the homemade brews they'll be bringing to the 2011 BREW event, scheduled to take place 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15 in downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza.

Mash Monster Jeff Pieper, who is also a member of the brewing club Shady Grove Brewing, listed the four beers he'll be bringing to BREW: "a cream ale, a Bohemian pilsner, a robust porter, and a blackberry mead."

If anyone out there in internet-world is looking for a way to get started in the world of home brewing, I highly recommend contacting this friendly and knowledgeable group of beer ninjas. The best way to do so is by visiting their website at www.maltmunchingmashmonsters.com and signing up for the user's forum.

For more info on BREW, visit their website or "Like" them on facebook.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Now Open: Danh's Deli Express, Bossier City

Danh's Deli Express recently opened at 4100 Barksdale Boulevard, Suite #119, and have introduced something new to Shreveport-Bossier's culinary scene: Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, a po-boyish creation made unique by Vietnamese-style veggies featured front and center. All Banh Mi creations at Danh's Deli Express are dressed with homemade mayo, pâté, cucumber, shredded carrot and pickled daikon radish, cilantro, jalapeno and soy sauce. Priced at $4.95-$5.95, these unique sandwiches are served with a bag of lays and a fortune cookie. Varieties of Banh Mi include pork, beef, chicken, and ham, with a "Special Combination" version that features just about every meat they offer.

Easily the least-expected house specialty here is the homemade ice cream, which comes in flavors like mango, coconut, and strawberry, and is served in a large, frozen coconut. One serving is large enough to serve as dessert for two.

Danh's Deli Express is open 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, and can be reached by phone at (318) 752-5999.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Trombone, dancer & wild men: outdoors, experimental soundscapes at Minicine on Wed, Aug 17, 8 pm

DSC02475 by Nameless Sound
DSC02475, a photo by Nameless Sound on Flickr.

David Dove, avant garde trombonist, and Ms Yet, movement and belly dance, are Houston artists to be featured at 846 Tex Ave on Wed, Aug 17, says David Nelson at minicine?.

They will perform in the roofless storefront on the avenue which is adjacent to 846 Tex Ave.

Opening the show are noise chaos vibe monsters Peter Fetterman and Rob Greenwood, who perform on divers instrumentalia under the name Sound::Medicine::Research.

See much more detail here.

Friday, August 12, 2011

World Renowned Aging Expert Naomi Feil to Present Workshop at First Methodist Shreveport on Sept 22


Volunteers of America of North Louisiana and the Alzheimer’s Agency of Shreveport/Bossier are proud to present a one-day workshop for caregivers of the elderly led by internationally known aging expert Naomi Feil (pronounced File).

The workshop will be held Sept. 22 and is open anyone in the community caring for or concerned about a family member as well as professional caregivers. Over the course of the day, Feil will explain the theory and practice of Validation, a method of communicating with and helping elderly people coping with dementia, even those we might think are “too far gone.”

Validation is built on a non-judgmental approach to the sometimes strange questions and demands of people with dementia. It requires caregivers to explore those statements and actions at a deeper level instead of just dismissing them. The elderly are then treated with greater dignity and experience greater happiness and less stress.

Learn more about Validation at www.vfvalidation.org. Or view this video of Feil working with a client: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrZXz10FcVM

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hunter Activities Building of First Methodist Church of Shreveport. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. Registration is required by Sept. 12. Register online at www.voanorthla.org or by calling (318) 226-1325

Thursday, August 11, 2011

"Category 5 General" Makes a Stop in Bossier City

Among the guest speakers at today's 2011 North Louisiana Travel Outlook Conference in Bossier City were Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, whose opening speech began with a Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke about Shreveport-Bossier casinos, and Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, known to many as the "Category 5 General" for the role he assumed in restoring order in New Orleans during the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina.

Lt. Gen. Honore spoke on the topics of American exceptionalism, leadership in crisis, and the importance of volunteerism. His advice to those in attendance: "Do the routine things well, don't be afraid to take on the impossible, and don't be afraid to act in the face of criticism." Honore said that these lessons were first taught to him by his mother, but that all three lessons - especially the bit about "taking on the impossible" - struck home as he was helicoptered into New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. As he spoke, it occurred to me that this man had once held the most difficult and perhaps the most-scrutinized job in the world as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina. What may have sounded like generic platitudes coming from a lesser person carried real weight coming from him.

One of the enduring images of Hurricane Katrina, for me, will always be that of Lt. Gen. Honore commanding a subordinate soldier to holster his weapon on the streets of New Orleans, reminding him that "we're on a peace-keeping mission, dammit!"

The North Louisiana Travel Outlook Conference is an annual event presented by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Recommended: Dreamworks movie The Help, with Viola Davis, Bryce DallasHoward and Emma Stone

In our faces are the rabidly racist women of Jackson, Ms. And on romantic display are the women who could not escape the abuse.

Meanwhile, the assassination of Medgar Evers is a hazy part of the Dreamworks movie The Help.

Though this movie is about a neglected and deeply disturbing part of the recent past (the role of women in racist torture), the rough edges are smoothed.

The Help presents a survey of suffering. The bad girls are appropriately bad. The girls who suffered are appropriately good. The guys are mostly inconsequential idiots.

It's a melodrama, but a recommendable one. The tone and pacing are professional. It presents a topic that we must continue to discuss.

In fact, I wish I'd been able to have an after-movie chat with my fellow movie goers.

Finally, there was one auburn error in the otherwise carefully-constructed world of Mississippi in 1962: Skeeter's hair should not have been romantically curly. Skeeter's hair should have had tight, wiry curls. She hated it as much as the African-Americans' hated their hair. It was not curly, it was frizzy.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards Book Signing to be at Ernest Orleans Restaurant


Overview of Book

He could have been President. Instead, Edwin Edwards controlled the exotic state of Huey Long far longer than Huey with far more finesse. He barreled down the same populist path, sticking up for the little guy, making Big Oil pay while expanding industry, and appointing minorities and women faster than any governor in the union. He demanded the Nixon Administration pay fair market value for American oil instead of their "price freeze" at half and, in the 1970s, screamed that allowing the East and West Coasts to refuse exploration would enslave Americans to OPEC. President Carter threatened to send in the Marines when Governor Edwards slowed oil transfers in the state s pipelines to spotlight Louisiana s environmental sacrifice. For his trouble, Edwards became continuously investigated by the federal government. (as found on Barnes & Noble)


This book signing starts at 2pm. You must RSVP reservations. Contact Tina Marie at 318-226-1325


Place: Ernest's Orleans Restaurant
  • 1601 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

Date: September 15, 2011

Time: 2pm

Contact: inamariepal@aol.com



Where Things Come Back author John Corey Whaley arrives from national book tour to talk at Broadmoor Library on Sat, Aug 27, 11 am

Having finished his first national writer's tour and on the eve of the release of his next Young Adult novel, author and former Shreveport teacher John Corey Whaley comes to Shreve Memorial Library's Broadmoor Branch to chat, says LeVette Fuller.

On Sat, Aug 27, at 11:00 a.m., the American Library Association New Voices- nominated author will discuss
his teen novel Where Things Come Back (Simon and Schuster) with local blogger, teacher, and author Robert Trudeau, writes Fuller.

Whaley will sign copies of his book immediately after the interview. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of
Barnes and Noble. This event is open to all ages.

In addition to being recognized by the ALA, John Corey Whaley, who lives in Shreveport and was raised in Springhill,
LA, has been named a Flying Start Author for Spring 2011 by Publisher’s Weekly.

More at the Whaley web site.

10-piece chorale supports actress-singer Carolyn Bryant in musical biography, Mahalia, directed by Vincent Williams at Shreveport LittleTheater Th - Sat, Aug 11 - 13, at 7:30 pm

Mahalia, a musical tribute to the life of legendary singer Mahalaia Jackson, is being directed by Vincent Williams and performed at Shreveport Little Theater on Aug 11 - 13, 7:30 pm.

The cast -
Mahalia Jackson: Carolyn Bryant
Aunt Duke/Mildred Falls: Shaina Rogers
Cousin Fred/Thomas Dorsey/Martin Luther King/ Francis: Arlander Anderson

The Mahalia Jackson Chorale -
Tonya Carey- Galilee Baptist Church
Tony Caldwell- Magnolia Baptist Church
Tina Thrower- Shiloh Baptist Church
Rosie Hall- Faith Tabernacle
Princetta Barfield- Galilee Baptist Church
John Collins- Galilee Baptist Church
Joi Gibson Stone- Galilee Baptist Church
Jilma Gibson- Galilee Baptist Church
Jackie Sudds- Shady Grove Baptist Church
Clay Travers- Saint Rest Baptist Church

Director- Vincent Williams
Musician- Christopher Washington
Music Consultant- Hattie L. Wade
Multimedia- Mary Gafford Smith
Lighting- David White
Sound- Andre Downie
Makeup and Hair- Ashley Hall
Costumes- Shreveport Little Theatre
Set- Shreveport Little Theatre
Stage Manager- Darien Morgan
Voiceovers- Bill Sharpe, and Melva K. Turner

Box Office, 424-4439 or come by the box office at 812 Margaret Street - open weekdays from noon - 4 pm.

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Tonight: Huge local rock showcase/fundraiser at Municipal Auditorium



Beginning at 5:15 p.m. tonight (Saturday, August 6) at Municipal Auditorium, a slate of homegrown rock bands will be performing at a fundraiser concert benefiting Media Star Entertainment Hall, an all-ages rock venue. Media Star was open for a while last year, hosting mid-range touring acts like Christian metal icons Underoath (see video from their show here) and African-inspired instrumental rock band Toubab Krewe. The venue was cited for code violations (the most costly was a required $30,000 fire sprinkler system), which required it to close while making the necessary upgrades to operate legally and safely.

The bands performing tonight are: Irene and the Sleepers (5:15 p.m.), Porcelain Arms (6 p.m.), Shayliff (6:45 p.m.), Dylan the Astronaut (7:30 p.m.), Ballet (8:15 p.m.), April's Love Affair (9 p.m.), and The American Tragedy (10 p.m.). Admission is $15 and tickets will be available at the door.

The video above is the latest music video from The American Tragedy. It's called "Louisiana Loves Her Dead," and is directed by local Stephen Patrick Walker.

Media Star organizer and promoter Will Hughes has a point when he says "We are trying to provide a venue for mid-level bands that can pull a couple hundred people. There are venues in town where you can see huge touring acts for $100 per ticket - what about those mid-level bands that are building steam at $15 a ticket? We have nothing like this right now."

Friday, August 05, 2011

Momentum for William Joyce & Moonbot Studios as Morris Lessmore iPad app hits: see Newsweek's The Future of Books Is Here!

The Future of Books Is Here!
Sneak peek: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore at Artspace Shreveport

An Evening of Burlesque! 22nd Annual Auction Against AIDS


Traditionally known as the last big party of the summer, the Philadelphia Center’s Auction Against AIDS is guaranteed not only to tease, but also to please everyone who attends! An Evening of Burlesque will be the theme of the 2011 Auction to be held at the ELDORADO Resort and Casino, who is the title sponsor for the third year in a row. The day to mark on your calendar is August 6, 2011.

However, once again,The Philadelphia Center needs your help. In the past 2 years alone, funding for HIV prevention has been slashed state-wide. For the Philadelphia Center, this resulted in a loss of nearly $117,000 during that period of time. At the same time, Louisiana has now become #4 in the nation for new HIV infections. The funds generated through our Auction are used to cover program costs that state and federal sources no longer support

Entertainment for the evening will include the local troupe - Bon Temp Burlesque - and feature soloist from Tyler, Texas - Desdemona! (Melonye Grant)...

Check out The Phialdephia Center's Facebook photo albums for "teasers" of just a few of the fabulous trips, memorabellia, antiquest, art, and more up for auction this year.

TICKETS are available online at
www.philadelphiacenter.org​/events

Time
06 August · 18:00 - 22:30

Location

Hit the road, Matt: Shreveport-based 13 year-old singer-guitarist Matthew Davidson joins Dallas-based super-teen pop group Breaking Even

Matthew Davidson, Shreveport by trudeau
Matthew Davidson, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

After a couple of years of being the wonderkind of Shreveport - the Matthew Davidson Band has drawn crowds at restaurants, festivals, you name it - 13 year-old Matthew Davidson has taken a big step to being a wonder teen on the national scene.

Attending the Kidd Kraddick Rock Camp in Dallas, Davidson auditioned alongside 300 talented teens for a place in the spotlight group. Having made it, he is now giving showcase performances in the Dallas area.

You gotta love the variety of expressions on Davidson's face in the video. Including the inadvertent, I'm sure,"I'm not singing this one and I'm So bored with simply playing guitar."



See more at www.matthewdavidson.net.

Thursday, August 04, 2011

The Multicultural Center of the South's annual "Taste of Culture" event


The Multicultural Center of the South's annual "Taste of Culture" event is finally here. This magical night only comes once a year. Tickets are on sale for $35 a piece. This includes your admission, delicious multicultural food from all over the world, drinks including wine and beer, and a diverse array of entertainment which will include the belly dancers. It is a beautiful sight to see. There will also be raffle tickets and a silent auction.
The event is a fund raiser for the Multicultural Center of South and will feature food and entertainment from 26 cultures represented in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Some of the cultures include Korean, Japanese, Greek, the Middle East and India.

There will also be a sushi demonstration by sushi chef Gloria Liu. Please come support this wonderful nonprofit organization that truly brings all walks of life together in one room.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the Multicultural Center, 520 Spring St., Shreveport, or via PayPal at mccsouth.org.

For more information call 424-1380.

Kern Courtney's vinyl record listening party Thurs, Aug 4, 7 pm to 10 pm at Naked Bean cafe

"Naked Vinyl is getting weird. No, seriously! The theme for this month is Off The Wall, so show off your eccentric side and bring records that are strange, uncommon, or somehow out of the ordinary," says host Kern Courtney.

"It's ALL AGES, so remember to bring selections that are family-friendly. 33s and 45s (no 78s). This Thursday, Aug. 4th, at 7PM at the Naked Bean Cafe. IT'S FREE!"

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Stars of the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers series to visit Sci-Port

Tornado season may be winding down in the region of America’s heartland known as “Tornado Alley,” but IMAX film-maker Sean Casey of the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers series and his custom-built Tornado Intercept Vehicle (known as “the TIV II”) are still on the road and will be making a special stop to meet fans and visitors at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center on Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 10. The crew’s appearance is sponsored by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

For the past seven years, Casey, has traveled Tornado Alley, or the “severe weather capitol of the world,” on a personal quest to capture the birth of a tornado on film—at point-blank range. From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, and from 9 a.m. – Noon on Wednesday, August 10, all Sci-Port visitors will be able to get a close-up view of the vehicle, talk with Casey and Gutierrez, pose for pictures and purchase a signed poster. Plus, on August 9, at 4:30 and 7:45 p.m., Casey will introduce his featured film, Tornado Alley, inside Sci-Port’s IMAX Dome Theatre and have a Q&A segment with visitors during two reservation-only screenings. Reservations for “A Night with the Twister Chasers” will include a spaghetti dinner reception at 6 p.m. and can be made through http://sciport.eventbrite.com/ or www.facebook.com/Sciport.

Also, the “Twister Chasers Giveaway” has begun on Sci-Port’s Facebook page. The contest winners will each receive one ride with a friend in the TIV II around downtown Shreveport, four tickets to “A Night with the Twister Chasers,” an autographed TIV II poster, a bumper sticker that reads “I break for wind” and a Family Four Pack to Sci-Port’s Discovery Galleries. Winners will be announced Monday, August 8 at 5:30 p.m.

Rides in the TIV II will take place from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on August 10 in downtown Shreveport. Riders will include Liz Swaine, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, Ann Fumarolo, Sci-Port’s President/CEO, Stephen Parr, KSLA StormTracker 12 Chief Meteorologist and winners of the Twister Chasers Giveaway. Children must weigh at least 60 pounds to ride in the TIV II; children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Dee Dee Hall, Jonathan Moore & Dorothy Kristin Hanna @ ArtspaceShreveport; mixed media exhibit opens Thurs, Aug 4, 6 pm

Artspace Shreveport introduces three new exhibits by three Louisiana artists: “Vibration” by Dorothy Kristin Hanna, “My way” by Dee Dee Hall, and “The works of Jonathan Moore” by Jonathan Moore," says Julia Foley.

The exhibits will feature paintings, multi-media art, and interactive performances by the featured artists.

It will open Thurs, August 4th at 6:00 pm with a reception for the public to meet the artists.

- artspace will provide hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Complimentary parking is available at the Blue Scroll Mural Lot, Texas & Common Streets. Admission for the event is free.

More at artspaceshreveport.org

Monday, August 01, 2011

Mandatory orientation meetings for all Caddo parents; see Caddo MagnetHigh schedule here

cmhs by trudeau
cmhs, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that parent involvement in a student’s learning is positively related to achievement," says principal Mary Rounds at Caddo Magnet High.

"It also shows that the earlier parents are involved in a student’s education process, the more success the child will experience. Successful elementary home-school partnerships require ongoing communication between the school and the home.

In an effort to strengthen this partnership, the district has scheduled mandatory orientation meetings for all parents with students attending Caddo Public Schools for the 2011-2012 school year."

Caddo Parish Magnet High School orientation meetings are scheduled for the following dates:
Thursday, August 4, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ran Kiper Performing Arts Center (PAC), and the makeup meeting is slated for
Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. in the PAC.

"During these mandatory meetings, staff members will discuss the curriculum, schedules of the day, parent involvement opportunities, discipline, attendance, dress code, school calendar, and other important programs, including JPams Technology System."

Adds Rounds, "Please plan to attend one of these mandatory meetings. Your attendance and support are important to your child’s success in school."

Vincent Williams directs Carolyn Bryant in Mahalia at SLT on August 11,12, 13 at 7:30 pm

Carolyn Bryant by trudeau
Carolyn Bryant, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Actress Carolyn Bryant becomes Mahalia in a Shreveport Little Theater production, says Robert Darrow. Bryant is being directed in the Tom Stolz musical biography by Vincent Williams.

"Halie" Jackson was born in in New Orleans in 1911. In 1927, at the age of sixteen, Jackson moved from the south to Chicago, Illinois, in the midst of the Great Migration, says Wikipedia. By 1950 she was being recognized as the Queen of Gospel and was presented at Carnegie Hall.

Her stellar career closed in Chicago on January 27, 1972, when heart failure and diabetes complications caused her passing.

SLT box office is open - all tickets are $10 - at 424-4439.