Cane River Repertory Theatre is a new venture in Natchitoches , says Kate Riley. She told me, "A group of us started a professional theatre in town this past summer called the Cane River Repertory Theatre. Please see www.caneriverrep.org. We are getting ready to produce our first play in December: the Gift of the Magi."
Riley's mission is to help develop and employ professional artists as well as to provide "educational opportunities for the students of LSMSA and NSU, and provide quality professional theatre to the greater Northwestern Louisiana and East Texas communities."
Louisiana School for the Math, Science and Arts is filled with the state's best and brightest youngsters. NSU has the Scholar's College as well as the regular program. Thus Riley has quite a talent pool.
She also seems aware of how to fit the theater to "the artistic heritage and economic development of the Cane River Region." She plans to build upon the recognition of Natchitoches as a cultural asset and
a tourist destination for the state of Louisiana.
Cane River Rep brings balance to the image of Natchitoches, a town that should be known for much more than its holiday lights.
1-866-629-9094
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Prima Tazza continues its role as art center; see works on paper by Ellen Soffer beginning Dec 3
Ellen Soffer will exhibit her most recent, colorful and energetic works on paper in a one-person show Mon, Dec 3, through Fri, Jan 4, at Prima Tazza in Shreveport.
An opening reception will be held Sat, Dec 15, from 12:00 - 2 pm, and is free and open to the public.
Prima Tazza: Mon through Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8835 Line Avenue, next to the Outback restaurant.
EllenSoffer.com
318 798-7862
An opening reception will be held Sat, Dec 15, from 12:00 - 2 pm, and is free and open to the public.
Prima Tazza: Mon through Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8835 Line Avenue, next to the Outback restaurant.
EllenSoffer.com
318 798-7862
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Cooks and other artists of the kitchen get a showcase at Artspace in the December benefit called Bake Your Art Out
Donating samples of your artful goodies to Artspace in December will benefit the downtown facility, says Bonne Summers. And you may win glory for your expertise as part of the Bake Your Art Out program.
Kitchen artists are asked to help Artspace by contributing recipes and the foods that result from following those recipes. The product will be publicized and sold during the Thursdat Night Trolley event. The show and sale is Thurs, Dec 20, 10 am to 8 pm.
Bonne: 673-6510
Tracye at Artspace: 673-6535
Kitchen artists are asked to help Artspace by contributing recipes and the foods that result from following those recipes. The product will be publicized and sold during the Thursdat Night Trolley event. The show and sale is Thurs, Dec 20, 10 am to 8 pm.
Bonne: 673-6510
Tracye at Artspace: 673-6535
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
World class event: the Wideman Piano Competition draws solo performers to Shreveport; concerts held at Centenary College Fri, Nov 30 to Sun, Dec 2
Wideman Piano Competition contestants and Lester Senter Wilson, director of the Wideman
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The series of concerts begins Fri, Nov 30, at 10:30 am. Performances continue to 6:00 pm.
Concerts on Sat, Dec 1, are scheduled from 9:15 am to 7 pm.
Both days there is a lunch break from 12 - 2:30.
The finals, featuring 6 of the players ranked by the international group of judges, will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec 2; concert time will be announced soon.
Anderson Auditorium, Hurley Music Building, Centenary College campus.
Wideman info: 601-946-2063.
Pardon me for adding that if urbanity and erudition are what you miss as you hoe your row in Shreveport, this is one weekend when you don't have to flee. The lobby at Hurley is filled with polyglot chatter. There is a touching link between local host families and the young pianists. The performers are often vivid creatures. And their performances can be breathtaking.
More at The Times.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Story of the Velveteen Rabbit, directed by Reagan Cassanova, at Bossier Arts Council beginning on Fri, Nov 30, 8 pm
The Story of the Velveteen Rabbit is a musical by Marjery Williams, says Anne Susman of the Bossier Arts Council. The BAC production is directed by Reagan Cassanova.
It's a classic, magical tale of a desire to be loved. Perfect theatre show for the whole family, says the theater-wise Susman.
Reservations: 741-8310
Nov 30, Dec 1 , 7, 8 @ 8PM
Dec2 & 9 @ 2PM
East Bank Theatre at Bossier Arts Council
630 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, La.71111
Tickets: Adults $15.00 Seniors, Students, Active Military $13.00
It's a classic, magical tale of a desire to be loved. Perfect theatre show for the whole family, says the theater-wise Susman.
Reservations: 741-8310
Nov 30, Dec 1 , 7, 8 @ 8PM
Dec2 & 9 @ 2PM
East Bank Theatre at Bossier Arts Council
630 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, La.71111
Tickets: Adults $15.00 Seniors, Students, Active Military $13.00
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Winks (nudge, nudge) and The Funz at Artspace, Shreveport, on Thur, Nov 29, 7:30 pm; show produced by KSCL, 91.3 fm
KSCL, college rock and eclectic sounds at 91.3 fm, will present Canadian art-rock group The Winks - with opening act The Funz - at Artspace, says Nadine Kaskas. The show will be Thurs, Nov 29, at Artspace, 710 Texas Street. The show begins at 7:30 pm.
The Winks, from Montreal, will be stopping in Shreveport as part of their 63-date tour of North America. Their latest album, "Birthday Party," has been reviewed in Spin Magazine, and the Winks have been recorded with the New Pornographers in addition to sharing the stage with Architecture in Helsinki and They Shoot Horses Don't They?.
Handmade Winks merch.
admission tba
Moinfo: 318-869-5296.
The Winks, from Montreal, will be stopping in Shreveport as part of their 63-date tour of North America. Their latest album, "Birthday Party," has been reviewed in Spin Magazine, and the Winks have been recorded with the New Pornographers in addition to sharing the stage with Architecture in Helsinki and They Shoot Horses Don't They?.
Handmade Winks merch.
admission tba
Moinfo: 318-869-5296.
Former Katrina-Shreveporter Steve Allen: what it's like to be back in the Lakeview neighborhood in New Orleans
Steve Allen, wife Debbie and sons Chandler and Parker, escaped Katrina by leaving their flooded neighborhood in New Orleans and moving to Allen's former home of Shreveport. Allen, sax player and ebullient personality, quickly jumped upon local stages with people like jazzer Doug Rust and R&B pianist Chris McCaa. His horn, smile and distinctive sense of style added a great vibe to Shreveport.
In August they returned to their renovated home in the lake front area of the Crescent City. They recently returned to Shreveport for a weekend while Allen played the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest. Asked for an update on the rebuilding of their lives in New Orleans, he responded thusly:
Our block in Lakeview was about 75% levelled by the various owners due to flood damage and basically it's still mostly flat. On 3 sides of us the neighbors demolished their houses. Two new 2 story homes are nearing completion; they've been built to the flood plain elevation.
We have restored our ranch style one story on a slab to a better version of it's original self. Right now there we and neighbor Susan Spicer, the celebrity chef, are the only residents, but around New Years our near neighbors will be living in their new houses.
My friend and great drummer Ricky Sebastian is building a house in the Musician's Village. He is putting in his 'sweat equity', working on the houses of others and they will in turn work on his as it gets built. All the houses are identical except for the colors, which are bright and varied. There will be maybe 3 or 4 solid blocks of them with a common park and community center when they're all done, maybe a year or 2 from now.
I have been getting calls to work as a sideman in a wide assortment of groups, but haven't started anything of my own since I've been back in New Orleans.
My boys are both in Lusher, in my opinion the coolest public school in New Orleans. Very arts oriented, Chandler is in a music focused curriculum and Parker is in sports and theater a little bit. His cast from the first football game comes off next week.
There is a weekly batch of emails that comes about events in the city. It is organized by a photographer named Pat Jolly. The sheer number of things going on in New Orleans on a weekly basis is really incredible. Art openings with live bands, festivals of every kind, 2 or 3 a weekend, screenings, plays, gigs, meetings, lectures... you just have to admire the spirit of the people behind all this energetic activity. And people come out to the things too. Last weekend there was the Po Boy Preservation Festival, a new one. Packed. Ran out of food.
It is very fun here, and I can't even spell out why. It just feels good here. Our house is very cute and cozy, and I guess knowing where every screw and wire and pipe in the whole thing gives it a special 'pinch yourself' joy to it. We will stay here until forced to leave, just like last time.
Shreveport was wonderful for me these last 2 years, and it felt weird last weekend to be there cause everything is so familiar and known, but our home is really here, in New Orleans.
In August they returned to their renovated home in the lake front area of the Crescent City. They recently returned to Shreveport for a weekend while Allen played the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest. Asked for an update on the rebuilding of their lives in New Orleans, he responded thusly:
Our block in Lakeview was about 75% levelled by the various owners due to flood damage and basically it's still mostly flat. On 3 sides of us the neighbors demolished their houses. Two new 2 story homes are nearing completion; they've been built to the flood plain elevation.
We have restored our ranch style one story on a slab to a better version of it's original self. Right now there we and neighbor Susan Spicer, the celebrity chef, are the only residents, but around New Years our near neighbors will be living in their new houses.
My friend and great drummer Ricky Sebastian is building a house in the Musician's Village. He is putting in his 'sweat equity', working on the houses of others and they will in turn work on his as it gets built. All the houses are identical except for the colors, which are bright and varied. There will be maybe 3 or 4 solid blocks of them with a common park and community center when they're all done, maybe a year or 2 from now.
I have been getting calls to work as a sideman in a wide assortment of groups, but haven't started anything of my own since I've been back in New Orleans.
My boys are both in Lusher, in my opinion the coolest public school in New Orleans. Very arts oriented, Chandler is in a music focused curriculum and Parker is in sports and theater a little bit. His cast from the first football game comes off next week.
There is a weekly batch of emails that comes about events in the city. It is organized by a photographer named Pat Jolly. The sheer number of things going on in New Orleans on a weekly basis is really incredible. Art openings with live bands, festivals of every kind, 2 or 3 a weekend, screenings, plays, gigs, meetings, lectures... you just have to admire the spirit of the people behind all this energetic activity. And people come out to the things too. Last weekend there was the Po Boy Preservation Festival, a new one. Packed. Ran out of food.
It is very fun here, and I can't even spell out why. It just feels good here. Our house is very cute and cozy, and I guess knowing where every screw and wire and pipe in the whole thing gives it a special 'pinch yourself' joy to it. We will stay here until forced to leave, just like last time.
Shreveport was wonderful for me these last 2 years, and it felt weird last weekend to be there cause everything is so familiar and known, but our home is really here, in New Orleans.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Young artists and designers and their exploding world: the digital pen and tablet and software options
The digital pen and graphic tablet are thought of as tools for the designer, not the artist.
Ordinarily a Wacom pen and drawing pad (Tokyo-based Wacom is the industry leader) are mated with Photoshop, the pro level software known for providing a galaxy of graphics-creating options. They are wielded by those creating logos, illustrations and manipulating photos.
But young creators will enjoy playing with a digital paint pad. The key to accessing one, in large part, is the software. The graphic pen will come alive with programs that are are less-costly and simpler than Photoshop.
The cost of a basic graphic tablet, Wacom's new Bamboo Small, for instance, is less than $100.
Then comes the software. Wacom pushes a bundle that includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 (less complicated and costly than Photoshop itself), Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE. The package, with pen and pad, costs about $200. But it seems to me a dubious package.
Creative types in the fine arts who know their direction - whether in painting or sketching - might much more profitably choose programs such as Artrage, a full-featured painter's package for $25. Artrage gets good reviews and has a quite active forum. Mac users have another option that promises simplicity: Lineform (about$80).
There are other realms that can be explored via graphic pen, among them 3-D modeling and animation.
Established artists are certainly Not going to be interested in walking down the digital
road. But the next generation deserves keys to that highway.
Ordinarily a Wacom pen and drawing pad (Tokyo-based Wacom is the industry leader) are mated with Photoshop, the pro level software known for providing a galaxy of graphics-creating options. They are wielded by those creating logos, illustrations and manipulating photos.
But young creators will enjoy playing with a digital paint pad. The key to accessing one, in large part, is the software. The graphic pen will come alive with programs that are are less-costly and simpler than Photoshop.
The cost of a basic graphic tablet, Wacom's new Bamboo Small, for instance, is less than $100.
Then comes the software. Wacom pushes a bundle that includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 (less complicated and costly than Photoshop itself), Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE. The package, with pen and pad, costs about $200. But it seems to me a dubious package.
Creative types in the fine arts who know their direction - whether in painting or sketching - might much more profitably choose programs such as Artrage, a full-featured painter's package for $25. Artrage gets good reviews and has a quite active forum. Mac users have another option that promises simplicity: Lineform (about$80).
There are other realms that can be explored via graphic pen, among them 3-D modeling and animation.
Established artists are certainly Not going to be interested in walking down the digital
road. But the next generation deserves keys to that highway.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Shreveport, My Sleepy Lil River Town, from piano pounder Chris McCaa, aka Professor Porkchop, and his Shreveport All-Stars
Professor Porkchop is journeyman musician-bandleader Chris McCaa. He's using a New Orleans vibe in his pseudonym, the word professor meaning a pianist in the red light district of the Crescent City. And he pounds out a Doctor John-type piano in his ode to his hometown, Shreveport.
In the background of the Shreveport video are musicians Jason Coffield, Kurt Jameson and Rick Willis. You'll find them at the Eldorado casino's Celebrity Lounge on Tuesdays, hosting a blues jam.
Says David M Green, "Our Tuesday night blues jam is a dynamic deal. First, you've got outstanding music from the Professor and the All-Stars, then you have appearances by all sorts of singers and musicians. Recently Jimmy Wooten and a couple of friends came in and sang a Marvin Gaye tune in John Mayer style and got everyone's attention."
Green says the Celeb Lounge has music 6 nights a week. Currently he recommends the country-rock, eclectic sounds of a singer named Palmer with the band 3 Chord Truth.
Next week the high-energy dance band Windstorm returns to the glamorous room. "They present one of the best shows you could imagine," says Green.
Eldorado celebrity Lounge, David Green behind the board, has music from 7 to 11 pm weeknights and from 8 pm to 1 am Fri and Sat.
And Tues nights, Green's favorite, the open blues jam with the Professor.
Eldorado's Celeb lounge: 318-220-0711.
Chris McCaa, 318-344-0499.
Musicians' Local 116: 318-222-5813.
Art auction by design students at La Tech to benefit Domestic Abuse Response Team; call to artists for donations
La Tech students in the Society of Interior Design chapter are presenting an art auction as part of their Holiday Gala. It is a fundraiser, says Natalie Dixon. "We are holding this event to raise money for our local chapter of DART, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team. This organization helps and houses battered individuals and their children," says Dixon.
"We are asking local artists for art pieces that can be auctioned off in efforts of raising money for the DART. If you or anyone you know would like to offer any type of artwork, it would be greatly appreciated."
The gala is to be held on Dec 1 in Ruston. Dixon has offered to pick up art to be donated by Shreveport artists through Fri, Nov 30.
Natalie Dixon
NJD008@latech.edu
318-798-0653
"We are asking local artists for art pieces that can be auctioned off in efforts of raising money for the DART. If you or anyone you know would like to offer any type of artwork, it would be greatly appreciated."
The gala is to be held on Dec 1 in Ruston. Dixon has offered to pick up art to be donated by Shreveport artists through Fri, Nov 30.
Natalie Dixon
NJD008@latech.edu
318-798-0653
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Downtown Shreveport rock venue Harlequin Alley was 516 Soundstage; benefit show Fri, Nov 23, 2 pm to midnight
Impresario Bobby Black has renovated 516 Soundstage and rechristened the Texas St rock venue as Harlequin Alley.
The first show in the new space is an all-day benefit on Fri, Nov 23, says Black.
WickedTickle.com presents Orange and Black Friday, a benefit concert for Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary.
$7 admission, or $5 with donation of materials to be recycled such as
a cellphone or printer cartridge.
Emcee: Ronster Monster
2:00 - 3:00 Red River Rebels - North Stage
3:00 - 4:00 TBA
4:00 - 5:00 Retroverb (acoustic) - North Stage
5:00 - 5:30 Joanna Ballard - South Stage
5:30 - 6:00 Guest Speakers / karaoke
6:00 - 7:00 The Rock Popes - North Stage
7:00 - 7:30 Bobby and Robin Black (acoustic) - South Stage
7:30 - 8:15 BoneDance - North Stage
8:15 - 8:30 Guest Speakers
8:30 - 9:00 Ronster Monster Karaoke
9:00 - 10:00 Rockhouse - North Stage
10:00 - 10:30 Ronster Monster Karaoke - South Stage
10:30 - 11:30 South Of Heaven - North Stage
11:30 - Jam and Karaoke till midnight
More: WickedTickle.com
The first show in the new space is an all-day benefit on Fri, Nov 23, says Black.
WickedTickle.com presents Orange and Black Friday, a benefit concert for Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary.
$7 admission, or $5 with donation of materials to be recycled such as
a cellphone or printer cartridge.
Emcee: Ronster Monster
2:00 - 3:00 Red River Rebels - North Stage
3:00 - 4:00 TBA
4:00 - 5:00 Retroverb (acoustic) - North Stage
5:00 - 5:30 Joanna Ballard - South Stage
5:30 - 6:00 Guest Speakers / karaoke
6:00 - 7:00 The Rock Popes - North Stage
7:00 - 7:30 Bobby and Robin Black (acoustic) - South Stage
7:30 - 8:15 BoneDance - North Stage
8:15 - 8:30 Guest Speakers
8:30 - 9:00 Ronster Monster Karaoke
9:00 - 10:00 Rockhouse - North Stage
10:00 - 10:30 Ronster Monster Karaoke - South Stage
10:30 - 11:30 South Of Heaven - North Stage
11:30 - Jam and Karaoke till midnight
More: WickedTickle.com
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Christian Simeon: After-Thanksgiving funky throwdown at Noble Savage, downtown Shreveport, 9 pm Thurs
Outlaw nation has toured with Sublime, says Christian Simeon. The trio has also shared the stage with a sextet called 311. And with the group called Slightly Stoopid (not named for anyone in Shreveport, we hasten to add).
The idea on Simeon's mind for Thurs night at the Savage is one blessed by the La Board of Health & Human Services: balance the fried turducken, oyster stuffing, creamy gravy and bottles of Merlot that have comprised your holiday repast with some hip-rolling dance.
Might it be that reggae is the perfect antidote to football and holiday eating?
The idea on Simeon's mind for Thurs night at the Savage is one blessed by the La Board of Health & Human Services: balance the fried turducken, oyster stuffing, creamy gravy and bottles of Merlot that have comprised your holiday repast with some hip-rolling dance.
Might it be that reggae is the perfect antidote to football and holiday eating?
Tim Marshall plays before his supper at Columbia Cafe on Wed, Nov 21
Restaurateur Matthew Linn says, " Listen to Tim Marshall live on guitar and voice at Columbia Cafe Wednesday night, Nov 21. You'll enjoy half price wine on Wed, too."
Kings Highway at Creswell Avenue
318-425-3862
Kings Highway at Creswell Avenue
318-425-3862
Parodies penned by Peter Pan Players' teens play on Fri & Sat, Nov 23, 24, 7 pm, Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Shreveport
"These scripts are hilarious simply in the reading," says Peter Pan Players director Trey Jackson. "And they're better onstage." Jackson is talking about the send-ups of the Disney classics playfully assembled by his team of teen writer-actors.
Called The Princess Chronicles, the playlets will be presented at 7 pm
on Fri and Sat at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College.
The author-actors are Tyler Krieg, Chelsea Renfro, Lauren Gieseke, Katherine Marak, Elissa Little, Lindsey Anderson, Sarah Ingerson, Lauren Rogers, Taylor Foss and Nick Shelton.
Also acting are Ryan Staggs, Andrew Mayfield, Zac Morgan, Caroline Paxton, Anjuni Singh, Landon Thompson, Elizabeth Ross, Sydney Bartlett, Priya Singh, Megan Jones, Emily Dillon, Alex Adams, Kathy Melancon and Trey Jackson.
$15, adults; $10, children.
(318) 868-9619.
See most of these engaging actors and actresses' photos at Shreveport Faces.
Called The Princess Chronicles, the playlets will be presented at 7 pm
on Fri and Sat at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College.
The author-actors are Tyler Krieg, Chelsea Renfro, Lauren Gieseke, Katherine Marak, Elissa Little, Lindsey Anderson, Sarah Ingerson, Lauren Rogers, Taylor Foss and Nick Shelton.
Also acting are Ryan Staggs, Andrew Mayfield, Zac Morgan, Caroline Paxton, Anjuni Singh, Landon Thompson, Elizabeth Ross, Sydney Bartlett, Priya Singh, Megan Jones, Emily Dillon, Alex Adams, Kathy Melancon and Trey Jackson.
$15, adults; $10, children.
(318) 868-9619.
See most of these engaging actors and actresses' photos at Shreveport Faces.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Louisiana's blossoming filmmaking community called to enter Deep South Cinematic Arts Fest, Lafayette; deadline Jan 11 for any form of moving image media in any genre
Videographers and filmmakers may stagger away from their computers after reading the open entry call for the 2008 Deep South Cinematic Arts Festival:
This call for entries is open to any form of moving image media in any category or genre, whether narrative or non-narrative, fiction or non-fiction, representational or abstract, video or animation.
The Festival especially welcomes works that splice good writing with experimental imagery and technique, or that reach outside the frame of any one discipline or genre.
It is open to Louisiana filmmakers as well as other media artists.
Official selections will be chosen by jury.
No entry fee is required.
Multiple submissions are acceptable.
Deadline for entry is January 11th, 2008.
Entry forms and information are available by email at: cerichard@louisiana.edu or dxs7118@louisiana.edu.
Event: campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, March 28-29.
Thunder. Lightning. Mountains crumble.
The festival jury is buried beneath an avalanche.
Fade to black.
This call for entries is open to any form of moving image media in any category or genre, whether narrative or non-narrative, fiction or non-fiction, representational or abstract, video or animation.
The Festival especially welcomes works that splice good writing with experimental imagery and technique, or that reach outside the frame of any one discipline or genre.
It is open to Louisiana filmmakers as well as other media artists.
Official selections will be chosen by jury.
No entry fee is required.
Multiple submissions are acceptable.
Deadline for entry is January 11th, 2008.
Entry forms and information are available by email at: cerichard@louisiana.edu or dxs7118@louisiana.edu.
Event: campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, March 28-29.
Thunder. Lightning. Mountains crumble.
The festival jury is buried beneath an avalanche.
Fade to black.
Shrevester.com: John Rossitter gathers musicians to create a site for sampling and buying regional recordings
Musician-producer John Rossitter writes, "I have started a new Arklatex music download site called www.shrevester.com. We are a pay site, like iTunes, but we actually pay our artists a 50% royalty on each sale. And all users are welcome to preview every song before they buy."
From the web site:
Why Shrevester.com?
Let's face it.
The music industry is broken.
Artists spend their lives making the soundtrack to yours, and barely get by doing so.
We know you don't want to pay for music downloads.
Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free right?
Well, we made this site because we believe otherwise.
Simply put, we believe that given the opportunity to support your favorite local artists, you would be willing to pay on average $1.00 per download.
Your willingness to participate in our program would be based on your knowledge that:
1) When you buy a track from Shrevester.com 50% of that sale goes directly back to the artist.
2) Other music download services (like the one that rhymes with iTunes) often don't even pay the artist directly. They pay into a fund and artists have to hope to get a royalty
3) When you buy local music, you are supporting the musicians who enrich your lives.
So don't buy local music out of guilt, buy local music because you believe in it.
Shrevester is easy to use, in my brief experience. Quite a few of the recordings there, such as cuts from Rossiter's Photoelectric Defect, help me fill in the gaps in the local musical story.
What's more, Chris Alexander is a supporter, it seems, of Shrevester. Also a musician-producer, Alexander has his own local download sales site at whythehellnot.org. Looks like the two sites are complementary rather than threatening. Not a bad situation, eh?
From the web site:
Why Shrevester.com?
Let's face it.
The music industry is broken.
Artists spend their lives making the soundtrack to yours, and barely get by doing so.
We know you don't want to pay for music downloads.
Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free right?
Well, we made this site because we believe otherwise.
Simply put, we believe that given the opportunity to support your favorite local artists, you would be willing to pay on average $1.00 per download.
Your willingness to participate in our program would be based on your knowledge that:
1) When you buy a track from Shrevester.com 50% of that sale goes directly back to the artist.
2) Other music download services (like the one that rhymes with iTunes) often don't even pay the artist directly. They pay into a fund and artists have to hope to get a royalty
3) When you buy local music, you are supporting the musicians who enrich your lives.
So don't buy local music out of guilt, buy local music because you believe in it.
Shrevester is easy to use, in my brief experience. Quite a few of the recordings there, such as cuts from Rossiter's Photoelectric Defect, help me fill in the gaps in the local musical story.
What's more, Chris Alexander is a supporter, it seems, of Shrevester. Also a musician-producer, Alexander has his own local download sales site at whythehellnot.org. Looks like the two sites are complementary rather than threatening. Not a bad situation, eh?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Mixed media illustration of the month: Dennis O'Bryant's capture of Mr. Don at the Grand Opening
Says former Shreveporter Dennis O' Bryant of his life in Marshall, Tx, "If you know or have ever seen Mr. Don, he is an older man who walks around picking up cans. Yet he is not what he seems. I met him downtown and stopped to speak with him and found him to have a gentle soul. I was at this event at Jenny's Wine Shop and kind of held my camera up and took a picture and then combined the photo and the painting as only an artist can," O'Bryant said.
Media: photography, paint and ink.
Denoart.com
www.denoart.blogspot.com
Media: photography, paint and ink.
Denoart.com
www.denoart.blogspot.com
West Edge Artists Co-op continues to find exhibit spaces: show at Waves of Color salon has reception Sun, Nov 18, 3 pm
"Waves of Color is our our newest Citywide Gallery location," says Danielle Reans. "We hope you will join us today from 3 to 4:30 pm to mingle with the artists of West Edge and enjoy goodies from A Stone's Throw Cafe' and Catering."
Waves of Color is adjacent to the Peace of Mind Center,
280 Southfield Rd
3 to 4:30 pm
Among the artists: Tony Reans, Robin Rothrock, JoAnna Littlefield
Danielle Reans, 465.7773.
Waves of Color, 861-7458.
Waves of Color is adjacent to the Peace of Mind Center,
280 Southfield Rd
3 to 4:30 pm
Among the artists: Tony Reans, Robin Rothrock, JoAnna Littlefield
Danielle Reans, 465.7773.
Waves of Color, 861-7458.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
On the Highland Jazz and Blues Fest, the Blanc et Noir Marching Society and Shreveport
Dorothy McDonald, Charles Gerard and confreres of the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival know they have a cool thing on their hands. Highland is the city's most bike-riding and artistic area and the most diverse part of Shreveport. They've got a festival line-up that fills the pocket.
But they're not going to be mobbed. One day the Highland Fest will be the happening place to be for a few hours each year, but that's not likely to happen in 07. This fest has been building since 04. It is terribly, terribly young by Shreveport standards.
I know how they feel. When Jerry and Tarama Davenport and I inaugurated the Blanc et Noir Marching Society last year we felt like we had the tout le tout for Shreveport. We felt like Shreveporters might rush to join us in support of a second line brass band and the essence-of-Carnival spirit embodied in a marching krewe.
Unh un.
Shreveport has a wait-and-see syndrome. "Build it and they'll come" would not be the operative phrase here."Build it and they'll get interested in it just as you're about to close it down" is what I've observed.
Like the Highland fest organizers, the core group of Blanc et Noir is not going to give up.
In fact, we have a common interest today. The fest will kick off with a second line starring Daryl Williams and his red bass trombone. Williams leads the Red & Black Brass Band, the band associated with Blanc et Noir, though at this fest he is part of the Zillionaires.
Blanc et Noir appreciates the synergy. And wishes everyone success in getting involved in the pageant of the city.
The Blanc et Noir marches in the Krewe of Highland parade on Sun, Feb 3, 08.
Membership is $30.
The Columbia Park fest takes place from noon to 6 pm.
Free.
But they're not going to be mobbed. One day the Highland Fest will be the happening place to be for a few hours each year, but that's not likely to happen in 07. This fest has been building since 04. It is terribly, terribly young by Shreveport standards.
I know how they feel. When Jerry and Tarama Davenport and I inaugurated the Blanc et Noir Marching Society last year we felt like we had the tout le tout for Shreveport. We felt like Shreveporters might rush to join us in support of a second line brass band and the essence-of-Carnival spirit embodied in a marching krewe.
Unh un.
Shreveport has a wait-and-see syndrome. "Build it and they'll come" would not be the operative phrase here."Build it and they'll get interested in it just as you're about to close it down" is what I've observed.
Like the Highland fest organizers, the core group of Blanc et Noir is not going to give up.
In fact, we have a common interest today. The fest will kick off with a second line starring Daryl Williams and his red bass trombone. Williams leads the Red & Black Brass Band, the band associated with Blanc et Noir, though at this fest he is part of the Zillionaires.
Blanc et Noir appreciates the synergy. And wishes everyone success in getting involved in the pageant of the city.
The Blanc et Noir marches in the Krewe of Highland parade on Sun, Feb 3, 08.
Membership is $30.
The Columbia Park fest takes place from noon to 6 pm.
Free.
The Action Design hits the concrete apron at Big D's BBQ on Sun, Nov 18; Righteous Bucks open at 7 pm
The Action Design, I was told several times this week, was formerly known as Tsunami Bomb and was an item. In their new package they're touring what they refer to as "the bottom of the US," appearing in such places as Flamingo Cantina, Austin, and Tin Pan Alley in LaPorte, Tx. After Big D's BBQ in Shreveport ? On to Ft Walton Beach, Pensacola and Clearwater, Fl.
Opening: the Skanks. Also, the Righteous Bucks.
7 pm
Nov 18
101 Common St., Shreveport
$5
Opening: the Skanks. Also, the Righteous Bucks.
7 pm
Nov 18
101 Common St., Shreveport
$5
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