This weeks' Roots Blues Charts at Roots Music Report show
Steve Howell's "My Mind Gets to Ramblin'" at number 7, says musicologist Bruce Flett. Howell's competition includes the top names in blues, including Taj Mahal, B B King, Elvin Bishop, Buddy Guy, Freddie King and Stevie Ray Vaughan (re-issues).
Howell's new CD is his second release on Out of the Past Music and focuses on his mastery of the under-appreciated American Music Genre of Acoustic Country Blues, says Flett.
Steve is now booking tour dates for 2009, notes Flett. House Concerts, coffeehouses, pubs, 'listening rooms' and festivals are his specialty. Solo acoustic guitar with vocals or with his 3 piece band, his home of Marshall, Texas, can indeed be proud of Howell.
"Ramblin'" was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Sandbox Studios in Shreveport. Among the musicians that played on the recording: Musicians Hall of Fame member Joe Osborn on bass guitar and nationally known guitarist/singer/songwriter Buddy Flett.
www.stevehowell.ws
www.myspace.com/stevehowellmusic
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The art of flinging oneself through the air in style: Salsa Gala and auditions Dec 5, 6 at the Capri Theater
"Would you like to see World Class Salsa Dancers Competing and auditioning for a spot on the next Viva La Salsa Show Tour?" asks Michael Majesty.
"Do you enjoy watching So You Think You Can Dance??
If so, you will love this event! Held at the newly restored and beautiful Capri Theatre, this event will surely kick off your Christmas celebration with excitement!"
Mjesty says, call 318.779.1873 to reserve your tickets right now and pay through the phone with a major credit card or pay at your own comfort on-line securely through paypal. Simply visit:
http://www.vivalasalsashow.com/announcement111008.html
After You register, we will add your name to our Pre-Paid List.
Note: All Sales are final, no refunds! Also see tickets at
www.salsashreveport.com
"Do you enjoy watching So You Think You Can Dance??
If so, you will love this event! Held at the newly restored and beautiful Capri Theatre, this event will surely kick off your Christmas celebration with excitement!"
Mjesty says, call 318.779.1873 to reserve your tickets right now and pay through the phone with a major credit card or pay at your own comfort on-line securely through paypal. Simply visit:
http://www.vivalasalsashow.com/announcement111008.html
After You register, we will add your name to our Pre-Paid List.
Note: All Sales are final, no refunds! Also see tickets at
www.salsashreveport.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Auction and show at Actor's Cafe will benefit Miss Mary Arnold, Shreveport, on Tues, Dec 9
Local musicians will hold a benefit, says Kern Courtney, at Actor’s Café on Tues, Dec 9, 7pm, to help offset the costs of cancer treatments for Ms. Mary Arnold, a waitress of Murrell’s Grill in Shreveport.
Known as “Miss Mary” to countless college students, musicians, and other night owls, Ms. Arnold has been serving evening breakfast to patrons for 32+ years. For the past few months, she has been battling cancer without any health insurance in sight.
Fans of Ms. Mary have rallied together to present an art auction and an outstanding night of music, says Chris Alexander. The suggested donation is $10.
The line-up has expanded, but be aware that times are estimated and subject to change:
7pm Chuck Kesilman
7:35pm Danny Wilder
8:10pm Buddy Flett
8:45pm Romulus Remus
9:20pm Mr. Christopher
9:55pm AJ Haynes
10:30 The Peekers
11:20pm Dirtfoot
12:30am Music Jam
318-820-8758
kernc77@hotmail.com
Known as “Miss Mary” to countless college students, musicians, and other night owls, Ms. Arnold has been serving evening breakfast to patrons for 32+ years. For the past few months, she has been battling cancer without any health insurance in sight.
Fans of Ms. Mary have rallied together to present an art auction and an outstanding night of music, says Chris Alexander. The suggested donation is $10.
The line-up has expanded, but be aware that times are estimated and subject to change:
7pm Chuck Kesilman
7:35pm Danny Wilder
8:10pm Buddy Flett
8:45pm Romulus Remus
9:20pm Mr. Christopher
9:55pm AJ Haynes
10:30 The Peekers
11:20pm Dirtfoot
12:30am Music Jam
318-820-8758
kernc77@hotmail.com
What to do with the SSO in the lurch: Elizabeth O'Bannon creates chamber music series at First United Methodist Bossier; opening concert Sun, Dec 21, 3 pm
First United Methodist Church Bossier announces a new chamber music series “Bossier Jam ‘n Bread,” sponsored by FUMC and funded through grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Bossier Arts Council.
Ms. Elizabeth O’Bannon, professional musician and teacher for Bossier schools, wrote the grant for FUMC and is artistic director for the series. She has been concertmaster for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.
The three pairs of concerts will feature area professional artists in educational “preview” concerts aimed at young and new audience members, and Sunday chamber concerts at FUMC Bossier. The programs will feature traditional chamber works as well as music by local composers and “fun-fare.”
The opening concert “The Spirit of Christmas Brassed,” with the I-49 Brass Quintet, will be on December 21 at 3 p.m. The FUMC Bossier is at 204 John Wesley Blvd.
Members of the quintet are Rick Rowell and Michael Scarlato, trumpets; Thomas Hundemer, french horn; Michael Davidson, trombone; and J. Mark Thompson, bass trombone. Rowell and Hundemer will also perform an educational preview for Bossier band students on December 12.
Future Sunday concert dates are February 8, 2009, at 3 pm (Red River Winds) and May 16th, (Strings Attached). All concerts are free to the public.
Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts,
Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council.
Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal Agency.
Photo by O-Bannon's daughter, Megan Poling.
Ms. Elizabeth O’Bannon, professional musician and teacher for Bossier schools, wrote the grant for FUMC and is artistic director for the series. She has been concertmaster for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.
The three pairs of concerts will feature area professional artists in educational “preview” concerts aimed at young and new audience members, and Sunday chamber concerts at FUMC Bossier. The programs will feature traditional chamber works as well as music by local composers and “fun-fare.”
The opening concert “The Spirit of Christmas Brassed,” with the I-49 Brass Quintet, will be on December 21 at 3 p.m. The FUMC Bossier is at 204 John Wesley Blvd.
Members of the quintet are Rick Rowell and Michael Scarlato, trumpets; Thomas Hundemer, french horn; Michael Davidson, trombone; and J. Mark Thompson, bass trombone. Rowell and Hundemer will also perform an educational preview for Bossier band students on December 12.
Future Sunday concert dates are February 8, 2009, at 3 pm (Red River Winds) and May 16th, (Strings Attached). All concerts are free to the public.
Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts,
Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council.
Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal Agency.
Photo by O-Bannon's daughter, Megan Poling.
Austin-based artist-actor Arthur Simone showing work at Biscotti's, Lewis Gifts, Youree Drive
Showing paintings at Biscotti's. part of Lewis Gifts, is an Austin artist-actor, Arthur Simone.
Simone is an improvisational actor, abstract expressionist artist and advocate of the culture of spontaneity, says Shreveporter Lucienne Simon, his mother.
His artwork has been shown at galleries such as Chicago's Echo Gallery and art festivals such as Around the Coyote and the East Austin Studio Tour. Arthur's artwork has been twice a nominated finalist for the prestigious Hunting Art Prize.
A graduate of Oberlin College and a veteran of the Chicago stage with Suspicious Clowns and Moving Dock Theatre, he is currently a co-founder of Austin's improv powerhouse ColdTowne, where he teaches sketch, improv, and acting.
On the screen, Arthur has starred in Jigsaw, The Evil One, A&E's Faith of My Fathers, Big Momma's House 2, and has been featured on the series Friday Night Lights. In 2007, he won the O'Henry Pun-Off World Championships, Austin's regional Air Guitar Championship, and most recently the Alamo Drafthouse's Air Sex World Championship. He's also been featured in the May 2008 issue of Austin Monthly.
www.lewisgifts.com
5807 Youree Dr
Shreveport, LA 71105
(318) 868-6700
Simone is an improvisational actor, abstract expressionist artist and advocate of the culture of spontaneity, says Shreveporter Lucienne Simon, his mother.
His artwork has been shown at galleries such as Chicago's Echo Gallery and art festivals such as Around the Coyote and the East Austin Studio Tour. Arthur's artwork has been twice a nominated finalist for the prestigious Hunting Art Prize.
A graduate of Oberlin College and a veteran of the Chicago stage with Suspicious Clowns and Moving Dock Theatre, he is currently a co-founder of Austin's improv powerhouse ColdTowne, where he teaches sketch, improv, and acting.
On the screen, Arthur has starred in Jigsaw, The Evil One, A&E's Faith of My Fathers, Big Momma's House 2, and has been featured on the series Friday Night Lights. In 2007, he won the O'Henry Pun-Off World Championships, Austin's regional Air Guitar Championship, and most recently the Alamo Drafthouse's Air Sex World Championship. He's also been featured in the May 2008 issue of Austin Monthly.
www.lewisgifts.com
5807 Youree Dr
Shreveport, LA 71105
(318) 868-6700
Friday, November 28, 2008
Mega shark by Chris Opp at La Downs ready to consume Christmas in the Sky attendees on Dec 13, 7 pm, to 2 am
"The eyes have strobes behind the red turn signal covers," says artist Chris Opp of the giant swimming raptor he has created for the biennial arts benefit called Christmas in the Sky.
"Last Friday I was filmed with the Shark in the back of my open trailer, traveling down the road to Harrah's Racetrack, where the Shark is "swimming with the Fish," wrote the momentary master of local media.
"This event is on December 13, and SRAC puts this fund raiser together every two years, to put money back into the Community Art programs. The Shark with go up for auction. That's how they raise money, businesses give SRAC items to auction. American Airlines donates 10 fly away packages."
See tickets for Christmas in the Sky at Shrevearts.org.
"Last Friday I was filmed with the Shark in the back of my open trailer, traveling down the road to Harrah's Racetrack, where the Shark is "swimming with the Fish," wrote the momentary master of local media.
"This event is on December 13, and SRAC puts this fund raiser together every two years, to put money back into the Community Art programs. The Shark with go up for auction. That's how they raise money, businesses give SRAC items to auction. American Airlines donates 10 fly away packages."
See tickets for Christmas in the Sky at Shrevearts.org.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Review: The Clean House at LSUS Black Box Theater offered domestic comedy, ethereal luminosity and an effective young cast
How strong is the new program at LSUS being directed by Robert Alford, Mary Jarzabek and guest director Pruitt Vince? Is the new Black Box Theater an effective room? And what about the ensemble of drama grads and undergrads being gathered by Alford into a sort of ensemble?
The Clean House was a good testing ground for these questions. Written by Sarah Ruhl, who won a MacArthur Fellowship in '06, it is a romantic comedy about a physician who cannot convince her depressed Brazilian maid to clean her house. Owing to its flights of magical rabbitry, it is not an entirely orthodox comedy.
We saw it on the last Sat of its run and in the first act laughed frequently at the domestic insights and ribaldry (actress Kelly Mills is contemplating the possible owner of the black briefs in the laundry photo above). The interaction between the tightly-coiled Emily Kirkland, playing a doctor, and the oscillating Kelly Mills, the yin-yang sister, was rich. Kirkland whisked, Mills squirreled. Rachael Magill played the fractious maid. Called to fill in at the last minute, Magill anchored the sometimes neutronic ensemble.
Jennifer Lynn Warren performed two roles but became the earth mother goddess of the contemplative second act. The house turned inward in act two, as James Palmer, playing Kirkland's fractal husband, found a soul mate - which was not, alas, his wife. Then the new woman, played with growing luminosity by Warren, is diagnosed with cancer.
Ruhl melds the competing gang into a coherent mass of souls. So did the young actors seem to find a meeting of the energies. While the second act meandered (the performance opened at 8:10, took one intermission, and closed at 10:40 pm), its tone was convincingly ethereal.
The seats were comfortable and the sound and lights were straight in the Black Box Theater. Vince worked the young cast effectively. Each of the actors seemed to us to find their turf.
Bodes well for the Feb production of a play written by Californian Julia Edwards called Family Planning. Edwards will give 3 symposia on her play and a workshop on play writing, too. See more at the new LSUS Theater web site.
The Clean House was a good testing ground for these questions. Written by Sarah Ruhl, who won a MacArthur Fellowship in '06, it is a romantic comedy about a physician who cannot convince her depressed Brazilian maid to clean her house. Owing to its flights of magical rabbitry, it is not an entirely orthodox comedy.
We saw it on the last Sat of its run and in the first act laughed frequently at the domestic insights and ribaldry (actress Kelly Mills is contemplating the possible owner of the black briefs in the laundry photo above). The interaction between the tightly-coiled Emily Kirkland, playing a doctor, and the oscillating Kelly Mills, the yin-yang sister, was rich. Kirkland whisked, Mills squirreled. Rachael Magill played the fractious maid. Called to fill in at the last minute, Magill anchored the sometimes neutronic ensemble.
Jennifer Lynn Warren performed two roles but became the earth mother goddess of the contemplative second act. The house turned inward in act two, as James Palmer, playing Kirkland's fractal husband, found a soul mate - which was not, alas, his wife. Then the new woman, played with growing luminosity by Warren, is diagnosed with cancer.
Ruhl melds the competing gang into a coherent mass of souls. So did the young actors seem to find a meeting of the energies. While the second act meandered (the performance opened at 8:10, took one intermission, and closed at 10:40 pm), its tone was convincingly ethereal.
The seats were comfortable and the sound and lights were straight in the Black Box Theater. Vince worked the young cast effectively. Each of the actors seemed to us to find their turf.
Bodes well for the Feb production of a play written by Californian Julia Edwards called Family Planning. Edwards will give 3 symposia on her play and a workshop on play writing, too. See more at the new LSUS Theater web site.
Shreveport Little Theater box office open for Rabbit Hole, Dec 5 - 14, performances at MLP
Rabbit Hole, the 07 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, by David Lindsay-Abaire, is the Shreveport Little Theater play for December, says Robert Darrow.
The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated, says Wikipedia, when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure.
SLT: (318)424-4439
SLT Special Events Hotline (318)673-4758
Office: 12-4 pm, M-F
Performances: Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College Campus,
corner of Wilkinson & Woodlawn.
The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated, says Wikipedia, when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure.
SLT: (318)424-4439
SLT Special Events Hotline (318)673-4758
Office: 12-4 pm, M-F
Performances: Marjorie Lyons Playhouse, Centenary College Campus,
corner of Wilkinson & Woodlawn.
Movie review: Dylan touched the best and brightest at the Newport Folk Festival, '63 to '65
Just before long hair, beards and flowing cotton blouses became the mode, well-born young Americans in madras shirts and khaki shorts pondered the civil rights movement and watched black storytellers like the Rev Gary Davis at the Newport Folk Festival.
Prosperous, well-educated young America was a hungry crowd. They sensed that the lifestyle being offered them by their parents was ridiculously provincial.
Amidst them walked young Bob Dylan, in his Pete Seeger-style work shirt and lace-up shoes. He was the essence of inquiring, conscience-driven ("Blowin in the Wind") young America. He had a gift for imagery ("Hey, Mr Tambourine Man") and storytelling. He was an entertainer via Woodie Guthrie and other authentic visionaries.
In the documentary Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival you can almost smell the yearning of handsome young East coast Americans for an alternative to pop culture. They sought a way to protest racial inhumanity and war and to do it poetically.
For them, Dylan was a magician.
In the Newport Folk Fest documentary cameras are tightly trained upon him. His gifts of humor, mesmerizing simplicity and elegant word play are apparent.
Dylan became the pied piper. The Newport audience, looking like 3000 young cousins of JFK, were an army primed for a quest. And they almost uncontrollably devoured Dylan.
A highly recommendable piece of history and a meditation upon the role of the bard, this 83-minute movie is known as "The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival, 1963 - 1965."
Prosperous, well-educated young America was a hungry crowd. They sensed that the lifestyle being offered them by their parents was ridiculously provincial.
Amidst them walked young Bob Dylan, in his Pete Seeger-style work shirt and lace-up shoes. He was the essence of inquiring, conscience-driven ("Blowin in the Wind") young America. He had a gift for imagery ("Hey, Mr Tambourine Man") and storytelling. He was an entertainer via Woodie Guthrie and other authentic visionaries.
In the documentary Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival you can almost smell the yearning of handsome young East coast Americans for an alternative to pop culture. They sought a way to protest racial inhumanity and war and to do it poetically.
For them, Dylan was a magician.
In the Newport Folk Fest documentary cameras are tightly trained upon him. His gifts of humor, mesmerizing simplicity and elegant word play are apparent.
Dylan became the pied piper. The Newport audience, looking like 3000 young cousins of JFK, were an army primed for a quest. And they almost uncontrollably devoured Dylan.
A highly recommendable piece of history and a meditation upon the role of the bard, this 83-minute movie is known as "The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival, 1963 - 1965."
Monday, November 24, 2008
At the RFC: Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival, Mon, Nov 24, 7:30 pm, downtown Shreveport
Coming to the RFC: "Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival," November 24, 7:30 PM
Originally uploaded by Robinson Film Center
The presentation is literally ONLY the three performances, as well as additional performances by Johnny Cash and Joan Baez - less a documentary film than a straight-forward recording of three historic performances.
Includes the controversial electric guitar performances from 1965.
Suite Sounds at Artspace on Thursdays twice a month in '09; musicians apply to Julia Foley
Suite Sounds @ Artspace
Featuring the best local and regional musicians, says Julia Foley, Two nights each month!
Accepting applications now for performances in January through April -- for all types of music from Blues, to Rock, to Country, to R&B, to Rap, to Metal or anything in between or otherwise.
For more information contact Julia Foley at (318) 771-1768. The application form is at Shrevearts.org/artspace/artspace music.
Photo of progressive rock band Tetrafusion by event producer Mark Flentge.
Featuring the best local and regional musicians, says Julia Foley, Two nights each month!
Accepting applications now for performances in January through April -- for all types of music from Blues, to Rock, to Country, to R&B, to Rap, to Metal or anything in between or otherwise.
For more information contact Julia Foley at (318) 771-1768. The application form is at Shrevearts.org/artspace/artspace music.
Photo of progressive rock band Tetrafusion by event producer Mark Flentge.
Gypsy Mountain counteracts tryptophan-induced stupor with show at Lil Joes on Fri, Nov 28, 9 pm
Gypsy Mountain band will be playing Friday @ Lil’ Joe’s from 9 pm to midnight, says Will Maranto.
"We plan to do our part to shake off the tryptophan-induced stupor that Thursday will surely deliver. What’s my prescription for this you ask? Why, Astonishing Rock ‘n Roll, I say! We’re expecting a few of our friends to drop by and play some songs with us, too. This promises to be a great show."
"In other news," he adds, "check out my new blog, Will Maranto’s World. Topics are only limited to whatever is floating around my evil little mind, but you’ll definitely catch a good bit of Gypsy Mountain-related content."
"We plan to do our part to shake off the tryptophan-induced stupor that Thursday will surely deliver. What’s my prescription for this you ask? Why, Astonishing Rock ‘n Roll, I say! We’re expecting a few of our friends to drop by and play some songs with us, too. This promises to be a great show."
"In other news," he adds, "check out my new blog, Will Maranto’s World. Topics are only limited to whatever is floating around my evil little mind, but you’ll definitely catch a good bit of Gypsy Mountain-related content."
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Baroque Artists present concert at St Mark's Episcopal on Sun, Nov 23, 3 pm
We won't be taking the Baroque Artists for granted anymore, will we? With the effective demise of the Shreveport Symphony the region is starved for classical music. Happily, orchestra players have long been members of Baroque Artists and the concert on Sun, Nov 3, 3 pm, will be a richly-performed chamber concert.
Music by Vivaldi, Teleman and Handel is on the bill. The show is free and open to the public.
The musicians include Sally Horak, Theresa Zale Bridges, Laura Crawford, Angela Russell, Samara Humbert, Ruth Drummond, Donald Smith and Gay Grosz.
Baroque Artists will present 3 concerts in 2009: Jan 18 at First Methodist Couch Chapel, March 1 and May 3 at St Mark's Episcopal.
St Mark's sumptuous stone interior produces remarkable sustain. Sitting in the back maximizes, I believe, the reverberation. To enjoy crisp musical articulation I recommend sitting as close to the players as possible.
Music by Vivaldi, Teleman and Handel is on the bill. The show is free and open to the public.
The musicians include Sally Horak, Theresa Zale Bridges, Laura Crawford, Angela Russell, Samara Humbert, Ruth Drummond, Donald Smith and Gay Grosz.
Baroque Artists will present 3 concerts in 2009: Jan 18 at First Methodist Couch Chapel, March 1 and May 3 at St Mark's Episcopal.
St Mark's sumptuous stone interior produces remarkable sustain. Sitting in the back maximizes, I believe, the reverberation. To enjoy crisp musical articulation I recommend sitting as close to the players as possible.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Karl Hasten & JJ O Brien at KLKL FM, 95.7: The State of Music on Weds at 6 pm
The State of Music is a show tht airs each Wed evening from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on KLKL FM 95.7, says writer-producer Karl Hasten.
"J.J. O'Brien is the on-air interviewer. As producer I schedule all the acts, provide JJ with a CD of the music, bios, info and a basic script to follow in the interview. Our first show was the first Wed. of Sept. with Kenny Wayne Shepherd as our guest. Since then we have had---among others---Terrance Simien, Buddy Flett, Joe Stampley, bassist Joe Osborne, Professor Porkchop, Henry Gray (he was our guest the Wed. before the Highland Fest), Dan Garner and Amelia Blake. David Egan will be our guest next Wednesday and we have Flame Shark, Leon Medica (Louisiana's LeRoux founding member and co-writer of "New Orleans Ladies") among future shows. I am contacting Dirtfoot today to schedule them for a show and we have a number of others on our wish list --- Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Aaron Neville.
Though we are based here and focusing on northwest Louisiana, our goal is to cover artists of all genres all across the state. The show's format is we talk to the artist interspersed with playing their music. Pretty simple really.
My phone number is 344-3955. Anyone interested in being on the show can reach me at karl.hasten@yahoo.com to start the process."
"J.J. O'Brien is the on-air interviewer. As producer I schedule all the acts, provide JJ with a CD of the music, bios, info and a basic script to follow in the interview. Our first show was the first Wed. of Sept. with Kenny Wayne Shepherd as our guest. Since then we have had---among others---Terrance Simien, Buddy Flett, Joe Stampley, bassist Joe Osborne, Professor Porkchop, Henry Gray (he was our guest the Wed. before the Highland Fest), Dan Garner and Amelia Blake. David Egan will be our guest next Wednesday and we have Flame Shark, Leon Medica (Louisiana's LeRoux founding member and co-writer of "New Orleans Ladies") among future shows. I am contacting Dirtfoot today to schedule them for a show and we have a number of others on our wish list --- Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Aaron Neville.
Though we are based here and focusing on northwest Louisiana, our goal is to cover artists of all genres all across the state. The show's format is we talk to the artist interspersed with playing their music. Pretty simple really.
My phone number is 344-3955. Anyone interested in being on the show can reach me at karl.hasten@yahoo.com to start the process."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Shreveport City Council hears from arts organizations: "extremely positive" attitude, notes Atchison
Pam Atchison, head of Shreveport Regional Arts Council, reported that "On Tuesday, the Shreveport City Council met to review the 2009 budget for the non-profit organizations that are funded through the Riverfront Development Fund. The meeting was extremely positive with many non-profit organizations sharing their achievements of the previous year and their plans for the future. The City Council welcomed this opportunity to hear from the non-profit arts organizations. It was an honor for me to share many of the victories of our arts community, as well as to hear very positive reactions from the City Council Members.
What was clear in this meeting is that at this time the City’s financial resources are both reduced and stretched. It is possible that non-profit organizations will receive a funding cut; however, the depth and breadth is not apparent.
The City Council has indicated that it would be helpful to see the impact of the Sales Tax Revenue at the first quarter of the year in order to make effective decisions about funding of the non-profit organizations. As the Shreveport Regional Arts Council receives its funding on a quarterly basis, there is interest in waiting until the first quarter to determine if the allocation can be increased. As we do not receive funding until the first quarter, this situation would have limited impact on your grants and services from SRAC, before April 1.
While funding conversations that involve the words “cut” and “reductions” are very difficult and frightening, I believe - as I have said in every monthly Arts Administrators and Roster Artists meeting - that this is not the time for the arts community to take aggressive action. As always, I would encourage you to invite City Council members to your events and programming and to express your gratitude for the continued, historic, support of the arts in our city.
As we move through this process, I will keep you apprised of the progress that is made and I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you for your continued support."
What was clear in this meeting is that at this time the City’s financial resources are both reduced and stretched. It is possible that non-profit organizations will receive a funding cut; however, the depth and breadth is not apparent.
The City Council has indicated that it would be helpful to see the impact of the Sales Tax Revenue at the first quarter of the year in order to make effective decisions about funding of the non-profit organizations. As the Shreveport Regional Arts Council receives its funding on a quarterly basis, there is interest in waiting until the first quarter to determine if the allocation can be increased. As we do not receive funding until the first quarter, this situation would have limited impact on your grants and services from SRAC, before April 1.
While funding conversations that involve the words “cut” and “reductions” are very difficult and frightening, I believe - as I have said in every monthly Arts Administrators and Roster Artists meeting - that this is not the time for the arts community to take aggressive action. As always, I would encourage you to invite City Council members to your events and programming and to express your gratitude for the continued, historic, support of the arts in our city.
As we move through this process, I will keep you apprised of the progress that is made and I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you for your continued support."
Multiuse paths, repainted streets, homemade trails, recommended routes: Loren Demerath and A Better Shreveport at work on such possibilities
If a network of multiuse paths, repainted streets, homemade trails, recommended routes, etc. are your cup of meat then you need to find and join the group called A Better Shreveport. The chef is Loren Demerath, sociology chair at Centenary College and a fellow with a track record in the struggle to change life in Shrevetown.
For one thing, he ordinarily walks his 2 children to school - crossing Youree in the process - and often does it with a guitar round his neck and a tune in the air. He's becoming grant savvy, too. Recently he announced that "we didn't get the EPA grant, but I got the news that we won the National Park Service grant!"
This a group - meeting Sat at 1 pm this week, as you'll see on the blog - whose goals are both short term and long term. Shreveport's streets, access, modes of transportation and point of view are definitely going to change. If you want a voice in the change, here's an opening.
ldemerath@gmail.com
For one thing, he ordinarily walks his 2 children to school - crossing Youree in the process - and often does it with a guitar round his neck and a tune in the air. He's becoming grant savvy, too. Recently he announced that "we didn't get the EPA grant, but I got the news that we won the National Park Service grant!"
This a group - meeting Sat at 1 pm this week, as you'll see on the blog - whose goals are both short term and long term. Shreveport's streets, access, modes of transportation and point of view are definitely going to change. If you want a voice in the change, here's an opening.
ldemerath@gmail.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Fresh foodstuffs downtown: cafe at artspace open Mon - Fri, 10 am to 7 pm, for food and wine
In the kitchen of the new Cafe at Artspace are Michael Chisum , formerly of Bella Fresca, and Sidney Bell. The duo will be whipping out muffins in the morning, sandwiches midday and will be pouring wine in the evening, says Pam Atchison.
Open 10 am to 7 pm Mon through Fri, the duo will also cater their goodies. On the menu are salads, soups, sandwiches and special items. Desserts and snacks are also their pleasure.
The afternoon wine bar's hours are 4 to 7 pm.
Call in your order at 673-6541.
The Artspace number is 673-6535.
Open 10 am to 7 pm Mon through Fri, the duo will also cater their goodies. On the menu are salads, soups, sandwiches and special items. Desserts and snacks are also their pleasure.
The afternoon wine bar's hours are 4 to 7 pm.
Call in your order at 673-6541.
The Artspace number is 673-6535.
Shreveport Little Theater experiences fire in existing wing during construction of new wing
"It is a sad day, indeed, for our SLT Family" wrote Robert Darrow on Nov 18. "Apparently this morning's fire started from a welder's torch. We are already planning to rebuild ASAP.
We are a strong theatre and with your continued support, we'll eventually be home.
Donations to our building fund, "The Phoenix Project x 2" may be made to: Shreveport Little Theater, PO Box 4853, Spt 71134."
We are a strong theatre and with your continued support, we'll eventually be home.
Donations to our building fund, "The Phoenix Project x 2" may be made to: Shreveport Little Theater, PO Box 4853, Spt 71134."
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Ed Wood movie Plan 9 From Outer Space at RFC on Fri, Nov 21, 10 pm, in Fri Night Freak series
Did you love the Johnny Depp movie Ed Wood, about the notorious Hollywood director? If mm-hmm, check the Robinson Film Center’s monthly cult and horror cinema showcase, the Friday Night Freak-Out!
This week there's a one night-only screening of Ed Wood’s 1959 horror/sci-fi classic Plan 9 From Outer Space. It's Fri, Nov 21, at 10 pm, says Freak's father, Chris Jay.
Plan 9 stars an aging Bela Lugosi and is frequently referred to as “the worst film ever made.” The plot involves vampires and aliens collaborating to destroy the Earth with a bomb made out of the Sun.
The film will screen from a rare 35mm print, and will be preceded by a hand-picked selection of outrageous horror and sci-fi film trailers from the 1950’s. All Friday Night Freak-Out! screenings include random movie merchandise give-aways and a guest host.
Tickets: the Robinson Film Center box office, 617 Texas Street, or on-line at www.robinsonfilmcenter.org.
This week there's a one night-only screening of Ed Wood’s 1959 horror/sci-fi classic Plan 9 From Outer Space. It's Fri, Nov 21, at 10 pm, says Freak's father, Chris Jay.
Plan 9 stars an aging Bela Lugosi and is frequently referred to as “the worst film ever made.” The plot involves vampires and aliens collaborating to destroy the Earth with a bomb made out of the Sun.
The film will screen from a rare 35mm print, and will be preceded by a hand-picked selection of outrageous horror and sci-fi film trailers from the 1950’s. All Friday Night Freak-Out! screenings include random movie merchandise give-aways and a guest host.
Tickets: the Robinson Film Center box office, 617 Texas Street, or on-line at www.robinsonfilmcenter.org.
Shreveport City Council to cut arts budget by as much as 80% if there's no political response; meeting Tues, Nov 18, 5:15 pm, City Council Chambers, 505 Travis
The Shreveport City Council is holding a hearing today, Tues, Nov 18, on proposed budget cuts. SRAC’s funding is facing an 80% cut from the city’s budget, says Pam Atchison.
The hearing will be held at 5:15 pm in City Council Chambers at Government Plaza. It would be great if you could come
and supports the arts in our community, says Atchison and staff.
Tus, Nov 18, 5:15 pm
Government Plaza / City Council Chambers
505 Travis Street
Being political beings, the council and mayor will take the box cutter to arts funding unless recognizable and viable voices speak out. I'd suggest that if you cannot attend this meeting you email or phone your city council rep or the mayor's office.
The hearing will be held at 5:15 pm in City Council Chambers at Government Plaza. It would be great if you could come
and supports the arts in our community, says Atchison and staff.
Tus, Nov 18, 5:15 pm
Government Plaza / City Council Chambers
505 Travis Street
Being political beings, the council and mayor will take the box cutter to arts funding unless recognizable and viable voices speak out. I'd suggest that if you cannot attend this meeting you email or phone your city council rep or the mayor's office.
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