Former Shreveporter Pat McCann has been a resident of Austin playing mostly in the Lake Travis area for many years. His new CD is called Return to Buddha Pad. The lush tunes feature the sensuous side of his guitarism.
McCann can burn on his Strat or a Les Paul, as is evident on his CD 50 Years in De Nile. But on this session he is performing for the many people who enjoy his nylon-string finger-picking.
Sample his tunes, even buy a few, on his new myspace.com/patmccannbuddhapad.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Veterans Park-area off-leash dog park plans for Shreveport continuing, says planner Tim Wachtel
Tim Wachtel, city planner, writes, "The City of Shreveport is considering developing an off-leash dog park at Veterans Park on the Clyde Fant Parkway. We care what you and your neighbors think, so let us know! This is not a formal survey, so you are free to comment any way you please. Here are some questions that may help you organize your thoughts:
1. Would you take your dog there?
2.What kind of things would like to see?
3. What would you like to do there?
4. Is there anything that would keep you from going?
5.How should the park be maintained and supervised?
If you would like to be involved in this project, please tell us how to contact you and please send your comments to:
Tim Wachtel, Planner III, 505 Travis Street, Suite 560, Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 673-7721/Fax (318) 673-7878
Email: timothy.wachtel@shreveportla.gov
cc to cynthiakeith@bellsouth.net
Cynthia Keith, community dog park activist, elaborates: "After two years of concentrated efforts the city is interested in pursuing the idea of a dog park. The suggested area is Veterans Park on Clyde Fant Parkway, across the parkway from Stoner Boat Launch, north of the frisbee golf course, at the foot of the railroad trestle. This would be a fenced, dedicated area that is not part of an existing park. It is easily visible for policing, an area conducive to activity, events and exercise. SPAR know your feelings on this idea so we can swiftly further progress. Also let us know if you are interested in being more involved.
cynthiakeith@bellsouth.net, Shreveport Dog Park Alliance
w 226-6712 h 219-3665 c 469-1325
1. Would you take your dog there?
2.What kind of things would like to see?
3. What would you like to do there?
4. Is there anything that would keep you from going?
5.How should the park be maintained and supervised?
If you would like to be involved in this project, please tell us how to contact you and please send your comments to:
Tim Wachtel, Planner III, 505 Travis Street, Suite 560, Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 673-7721/Fax (318) 673-7878
Email: timothy.wachtel@shreveportla.gov
cc to cynthiakeith@bellsouth.net
Cynthia Keith, community dog park activist, elaborates: "After two years of concentrated efforts the city is interested in pursuing the idea of a dog park. The suggested area is Veterans Park on Clyde Fant Parkway, across the parkway from Stoner Boat Launch, north of the frisbee golf course, at the foot of the railroad trestle. This would be a fenced, dedicated area that is not part of an existing park. It is easily visible for policing, an area conducive to activity, events and exercise. SPAR know your feelings on this idea so we can swiftly further progress. Also let us know if you are interested in being more involved.
cynthiakeith@bellsouth.net, Shreveport Dog Park Alliance
w 226-6712 h 219-3665 c 469-1325
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Louisiana Film Fest student division - for documentaries, dramas or animation and experimental movies - deadline March 1
The Fifth Annual Louisiana Film Festival - Student Division will be held April 3rd and 4th, 2009 in its brand new home at the Robinson Film Center, says Michelle Glaros.
Centenary College and the Robinson Film Center are co-sponsoring next year's festival with support from Charitable Film Network, Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
This exciting and inspiring event is Louisiana's only film festival dedicated exclusively to showcasing the original work of K-12 students.
Categories for entry:
- drama / narrative
- animation / experimental
- documentary
- middle school / elementary
Deadline, March 1. Fee is $30.
Centenary College and the Robinson Film Center are co-sponsoring next year's festival with support from Charitable Film Network, Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
This exciting and inspiring event is Louisiana's only film festival dedicated exclusively to showcasing the original work of K-12 students.
Categories for entry:
- drama / narrative
- animation / experimental
- documentary
- middle school / elementary
Deadline, March 1. Fee is $30.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Three days of music in Shreveport-Bossier as charted by Port City Muse author Bruce Flett
From Bruce Flett's vibey Port City Muse newsletter:
Thursday, Feb 26
- Professor Porkchop & Jason Coffield @El Dorado casino,Shreveport
- Suite Sounds @ Artspace, 710 Texas St w/Will Maranto, A J Lowery and the Alan Fox Band
Friday, Feb 27
- The Bluebirds with Buddy Flett, Jerry Beach, and Kerry Hunter at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 7-11pm UPstairs. Reservations 318 631 0919
- Ron Johnson CD Release Party at GiGi's on Commerce Street. Ron's new CD "Unplugged". Ron will be backed up by most of the members of WINDSTORM Band. www.shreveportbossierweddings.com
Saturday, Feb 28
- Jerry Beach &the Bluebirds in Zachary, LA at Teddy's Juke Joint www.teddysjukejoint.com 9-1
- Jazziana at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 7-11pm
- Insane Funk Train at Sullys, downtown Shreveport, 10pm
- the Capitol Steps at Horseshoe's Riverdome www.redriverradio.org
Thursday, Feb 26
- Professor Porkchop & Jason Coffield @El Dorado casino,Shreveport
- Suite Sounds @ Artspace, 710 Texas St w/Will Maranto, A J Lowery and the Alan Fox Band
Friday, Feb 27
- The Bluebirds with Buddy Flett, Jerry Beach, and Kerry Hunter at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 7-11pm UPstairs. Reservations 318 631 0919
- Ron Johnson CD Release Party at GiGi's on Commerce Street. Ron's new CD "Unplugged". Ron will be backed up by most of the members of WINDSTORM Band. www.shreveportbossierweddings.com
Saturday, Feb 28
- Jerry Beach &the Bluebirds in Zachary, LA at Teddy's Juke Joint www.teddysjukejoint.com 9-1
- Jazziana at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake 7-11pm
- Insane Funk Train at Sullys, downtown Shreveport, 10pm
- the Capitol Steps at Horseshoe's Riverdome www.redriverradio.org
Will Maranto: Artspace, Th, Feb 26, 7 pm, along with AJ Lowering and the Alan Fox Band
Says Will Maranto in a recent note, "I'll be playing at the Suite Sounds Concert Series @ ArtSpace on 2/26/09. I'm playing a one hour set starting at 7 pm (followed by the Alan Fox Band from East Texas) and I'll be joined by a great group of musicians for the show: Mr. Mike Gauthier on organ and piano, Mr.. Kenneth Brown on bass guitar and Mr. Travis Pierrelee on drums and backing vocals.
If you’ve never been to ArtSpace, it’s a great environment to hear live music. It’s both clean, smoke-free and not overly loud - a great place to relax after work and hear heartfelt original music!"
If you’ve never been to ArtSpace, it’s a great environment to hear live music. It’s both clean, smoke-free and not overly loud - a great place to relax after work and hear heartfelt original music!"
A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum at Caddo Magnet High Feb 25 - 28, 6:30 pm
The Caddo Magnet Players and director Patti Reeves are presenting the Stephen Sondheim A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum at Caddo magnet High this week. See more here:
Tickets: Students $5, $6 at the door
Adults $10, $12 at the door
Musical director is Chris Mazen. Ginger Folmer, choreographer.
CAST:
Isaac Haas, Jonathan Weber, Aibigail Presswood, Andrew Wood, Gentry Williams, Maria Latiolais, Alex Akers, Sydney Normand, Chelsea Fields, Devin Sibley, Mary Martha Breithaupt, Bitsy Hamiter, Savannah Maxwell, Emma Foreman, Ashely Monismith, Cara Watson, Kalea Day, Madison Edwards, Luke Hall, Will Bowers, Ian Hill, Roger Peterson and Adrian Gallegos.
TECHNICAL:
John Areno, Amanda Hock, Will Bowers, Olivia Northen, Michael Delucia, Tyler Krieg, Cameron Martin, A.K. Kinnebrew, Mac Orchid, Mackenzie Smith, Kenda Copeland, Casey Walters, Tori Smith, Jacob Lumpkin, Katheryn Hendrix, Daniel Smith, Alexa Pierce, Sam Levine, Lisa Ekshyyan, Sam Waters, Kat Hannon, Maddie Menefee, Beth Hughes, Danna Leary, Celeste Kemmerly, Stephanie Gamble, Sarah Reppond, Courtney Kirkham, Aouicha Zorgati, Kalah Hughes, Elissa Little, Kendall Peters.
T-shirts: $15
Caddo Magnet High School Players
Wed, Feb 25, at 6:30 pm
through Sat, Feb 28, at 6:30 pm
Caddo Magnet High School Performing Arts Center
1601 Viking Drive
318-424-4822
In the photo: Sydney Normand and Alex Akers (photo Michael Boyd).
Tickets: Students $5, $6 at the door
Adults $10, $12 at the door
Musical director is Chris Mazen. Ginger Folmer, choreographer.
CAST:
Isaac Haas, Jonathan Weber, Aibigail Presswood, Andrew Wood, Gentry Williams, Maria Latiolais, Alex Akers, Sydney Normand, Chelsea Fields, Devin Sibley, Mary Martha Breithaupt, Bitsy Hamiter, Savannah Maxwell, Emma Foreman, Ashely Monismith, Cara Watson, Kalea Day, Madison Edwards, Luke Hall, Will Bowers, Ian Hill, Roger Peterson and Adrian Gallegos.
TECHNICAL:
John Areno, Amanda Hock, Will Bowers, Olivia Northen, Michael Delucia, Tyler Krieg, Cameron Martin, A.K. Kinnebrew, Mac Orchid, Mackenzie Smith, Kenda Copeland, Casey Walters, Tori Smith, Jacob Lumpkin, Katheryn Hendrix, Daniel Smith, Alexa Pierce, Sam Levine, Lisa Ekshyyan, Sam Waters, Kat Hannon, Maddie Menefee, Beth Hughes, Danna Leary, Celeste Kemmerly, Stephanie Gamble, Sarah Reppond, Courtney Kirkham, Aouicha Zorgati, Kalah Hughes, Elissa Little, Kendall Peters.
T-shirts: $15
Caddo Magnet High School Players
Wed, Feb 25, at 6:30 pm
through Sat, Feb 28, at 6:30 pm
Caddo Magnet High School Performing Arts Center
1601 Viking Drive
318-424-4822
In the photo: Sydney Normand and Alex Akers (photo Michael Boyd).
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Artists & arts organization survey participants earn lunch at Artspace cafe; deadline Mar 30
Artists and Art Organizations from 10 N La parishes are invited to participate in an online survey about arts and culture in Northwest Louisiana, says Pam Atchison.
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council is collaborating with Seastone Advisors, a Shreveport-Bossier-based firm, to create a Community Assessment of Arts and Cultural Resources in each of the ten parishes in the region.
As an artist, arts or cultural organization, or creative enterprise, your feedback is indispensible in this process. Your opinions and ideas are the nitty-gritty of the assessment.
Please follow this link to accept the survey invitation:
Survey for artists.
Survey for arts organizations.
Share your ideas about:
*successes and obstacles you encounter
*hidden strengths and underutilized resources
*innovative strategies for improving public access to arts and cultural programming
Invest your time in this survey, and lunch is on us!
Complete the survey by March 30th and we'll treat you to lunch at Artspace in downtown Shreveport. Just our way of saying "thank you" for investing your time in this assessment. Free Lunch voucher for one (1) person will be sent to all artists and art organizations who complete the survey by March 30, 2009.
More at Shrevearts.org.
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council is collaborating with Seastone Advisors, a Shreveport-Bossier-based firm, to create a Community Assessment of Arts and Cultural Resources in each of the ten parishes in the region.
As an artist, arts or cultural organization, or creative enterprise, your feedback is indispensible in this process. Your opinions and ideas are the nitty-gritty of the assessment.
Please follow this link to accept the survey invitation:
Survey for artists.
Survey for arts organizations.
Share your ideas about:
*successes and obstacles you encounter
*hidden strengths and underutilized resources
*innovative strategies for improving public access to arts and cultural programming
Invest your time in this survey, and lunch is on us!
Complete the survey by March 30th and we'll treat you to lunch at Artspace in downtown Shreveport. Just our way of saying "thank you" for investing your time in this assessment. Free Lunch voucher for one (1) person will be sent to all artists and art organizations who complete the survey by March 30, 2009.
More at Shrevearts.org.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Need a brief New Orleans fix? Catch Fat Tuesday live at the various Crescent City cams accessible through Nola.com
Nola.com is the Times Picayune - what a great name - site and is rife with video from recent parades. On Fat Tuesday they promise . . .
- Watch Zulu from Orleans Ave. - 8 a.m.
- Watch Rex roll Uptown - 10 a.m.
You'll notice that the above photo captures one of the many marching clubs that entice parade watchers by second lining ahead of the floats. These clubs are the model for Shreveport's Blanc et Noir Marching Society. Maybe one day B & N will be invited to parade on St Charles Avenue.
- Watch Zulu from Orleans Ave. - 8 a.m.
- Watch Rex roll Uptown - 10 a.m.
You'll notice that the above photo captures one of the many marching clubs that entice parade watchers by second lining ahead of the floats. These clubs are the model for Shreveport's Blanc et Noir Marching Society. Maybe one day B & N will be invited to parade on St Charles Avenue.
And the World Goes Round: musical revue of Kander & Ebb tunes at Capri Theater Mar 4 - 8; River City Rep show stars Dina Bennett
River City Rep’s third season continues with the John Kander and Fred Ebb musical revue, And The World Goes Round, says Patric McWilliams. The award-winning revue opens March 4th at The Capri Theatre.
The show is a collection of love songs, torch songs and witty comic numbers compiled from the numerous shows of Broadway legends Kander and Ebb. Their collaboration created many of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring shows: Cabaret, Chicago, Zorba, Kiss of the Spider Woman and numerous others. They also wrote the Sinatra tune New York, New York.
Los Angeles actress Dina Bennett is joined by Houston actor Jonathan McVay and Shreveport actors Seva May, Janin Pou and Don McCoy in the cast.
The show is directed by Patric McWilliams with musical direction by Kermit Poling and musical staging by choreographer Stephan DeGhelder.
Performances -
Mar 4………………….7:30 pm
Mar 5………………….7:30 pm
Mar 6………………….7:30 pm
Mar 7………………….7:30 pm
Mar 8………………….2:00 pm
Box office is open and located at the RCRT Offices, 2829 Youree Drive
Reservations: 318-868-5888
Box office: Mon - Sat, 11 am -5 pm
All seats $35.00.
The show is a collection of love songs, torch songs and witty comic numbers compiled from the numerous shows of Broadway legends Kander and Ebb. Their collaboration created many of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring shows: Cabaret, Chicago, Zorba, Kiss of the Spider Woman and numerous others. They also wrote the Sinatra tune New York, New York.
Los Angeles actress Dina Bennett is joined by Houston actor Jonathan McVay and Shreveport actors Seva May, Janin Pou and Don McCoy in the cast.
The show is directed by Patric McWilliams with musical direction by Kermit Poling and musical staging by choreographer Stephan DeGhelder.
Performances -
Mar 4………………….7:30 pm
Mar 5………………….7:30 pm
Mar 6………………….7:30 pm
Mar 7………………….7:30 pm
Mar 8………………….2:00 pm
Box office is open and located at the RCRT Offices, 2829 Youree Drive
Reservations: 318-868-5888
Box office: Mon - Sat, 11 am -5 pm
All seats $35.00.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
184 snaps of the Krewe of Highland parade 09; a splendid time was had by all, if we do say so
Speaking for Jerry & Tarama Davenport and Talbot Hopkins, founders of Blanc et Noir Marching Society, I must say to Shreveport and their guests on the route of the Krewe of Highland parade, merci beaucoup.
To the monetary supporters of Blanc et Noir and the largest crowd of marchers ever, another merci. To my children, who march and support me, to Lee Spruell, who made it an international krewe, more thanks.
Please see the first batch of photos in a slide show at Flickr.com.
To the monetary supporters of Blanc et Noir and the largest crowd of marchers ever, another merci. To my children, who march and support me, to Lee Spruell, who made it an international krewe, more thanks.
Please see the first batch of photos in a slide show at Flickr.com.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Satirical troupe the Capitol Steps perform at Horseshoe Riverdome on Sat, Feb 28, 8 pm
Red River Radio presents the Capitol Steps performing live musical political satire, Feb 28, 8 p.m. in the Horseshoe Riverdome in Bossier City, says Kermit Poling.
Tickets: 1-800-552-8502, or redriverradio.org
$25 and $35, or, for $100, premium seating and a meet-and-greet with the Capitol Steps.
The comedy group, made up mostly of former Senate staffers, hail from the steps of our nation’s capitol. Whether it’s singing of Obama infatuation set to “Leader of the Pack” or of President Bush’s reconciliation with the Prime Minister of Japan to the tune of “Stand by Your Man,” the Capitol Steps portray political players and events through skits and song parodies. The Capitol Steps have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials.
Tickets: 1-800-552-8502, or redriverradio.org
$25 and $35, or, for $100, premium seating and a meet-and-greet with the Capitol Steps.
The comedy group, made up mostly of former Senate staffers, hail from the steps of our nation’s capitol. Whether it’s singing of Obama infatuation set to “Leader of the Pack” or of President Bush’s reconciliation with the Prime Minister of Japan to the tune of “Stand by Your Man,” the Capitol Steps portray political players and events through skits and song parodies. The Capitol Steps have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials.
Party and parades in the Crescent City: night march by the Krewe of Ancient Druids
Writes our friend Chris, leader of the New Orleans marching society known as the Skeleton Krewe, "This photo was snapped in one of those magical Carnival moments, being at the right place at the right time. The Druids apparently were dropped off in the wrong location and had to walk in masks to their floats. This added a feeling of what early Carnival really was like."
The Ancient Druids was founded in 1998 in Uptown New Orleans. It is a parade-only Krewe. Membership is limited to 200 members. Ruled by The Archdruid whose identity is never revealed
The Ancient Druids was founded in 1998 in Uptown New Orleans. It is a parade-only Krewe. Membership is limited to 200 members. Ruled by The Archdruid whose identity is never revealed
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Anna Bulkina, Wideman competition finalist, to perform in Bossier Jam n Bread concert series at FUMC Bossier on Sun, Mar 15, 3 pm
First United Methodist Church of Bossier announces a special event concert for its Bossier Jam ‘n Bread chamber music series. The afternoon concert “Tea with Brahms and Bread,” will feature pianist Anna Bulkina, finalist of the 2008 Nina Wideman piano competition, says Elizabeth O'Bannon.
Bulkina will perform solo piano works as well as the Brahms Piano Quintet in f minor with the group Strings Attached.
The concert will be Sunday March 15, 3 pm, at FUMC Bossier (I—20 and Old Minden road exit) and is a free concert.
Ms. Bulkina, of Rostov-On-Don Russia,is the winner of the Szafarnia 1998 International Piano Competition, and 2nd prize winner of the Andorra 2000 International Piano Competition andhas bachelor and master degrees from the Rostov State Conservatory. She is currently earning an Artists Diploma from Texas Christian University.
Strings Attached is composed of local artists Kermit Poling, Elizabeth O’Bannon, violins; Borys Smolaga, viola; and Ruth Drummond, cello. The quartet will also be the featured artists on the Jam ’n Bread series on May 17, 2009.
The Bossier Jam ‘n Bread series, in its first season, was created with funds provided by the Bossier Arts Council and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. The concert pairs combine educational concerts with a Sunday regular chamber music concert held at FUMC Bossier.
Bulkina will perform solo piano works as well as the Brahms Piano Quintet in f minor with the group Strings Attached.
The concert will be Sunday March 15, 3 pm, at FUMC Bossier (I—20 and Old Minden road exit) and is a free concert.
Ms. Bulkina, of Rostov-On-Don Russia,is the winner of the Szafarnia 1998 International Piano Competition, and 2nd prize winner of the Andorra 2000 International Piano Competition andhas bachelor and master degrees from the Rostov State Conservatory. She is currently earning an Artists Diploma from Texas Christian University.
Strings Attached is composed of local artists Kermit Poling, Elizabeth O’Bannon, violins; Borys Smolaga, viola; and Ruth Drummond, cello. The quartet will also be the featured artists on the Jam ’n Bread series on May 17, 2009.
The Bossier Jam ‘n Bread series, in its first season, was created with funds provided by the Bossier Arts Council and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. The concert pairs combine educational concerts with a Sunday regular chamber music concert held at FUMC Bossier.
Monday, February 16, 2009
TNT, downtown Thurs Night Trolley, to feature African-American history sites Feb 19, 5 - 8 pm
The monthly Thursday Night Trolley Express will showcase local places of culture, history, and heritage as part of African American
History Month, says Bonne Summers.
The free event begins at artspace at 710 Texas Street. Guests will hear narrated tours with stops of interest in the downtown Shreveport area that will include
- Antioch Baptist Church
- The Multicultural Center of the South
- Southern University Museum Of Art
- Millennium Mural.
It will do drive-by highlights of the
- Galilee Baptist Church
- Calanthean Temple, and more, including local “firsts” in Shreveport Black History.
Thur, Feb 19, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Begins at artspace at 710 Texas Street
Hands on art activities
Artspace café will be open
Multiple trolley stops
Groups of 10 or more please call for reservations.
For more information: 673-6535
History Month, says Bonne Summers.
The free event begins at artspace at 710 Texas Street. Guests will hear narrated tours with stops of interest in the downtown Shreveport area that will include
- Antioch Baptist Church
- The Multicultural Center of the South
- Southern University Museum Of Art
- Millennium Mural.
It will do drive-by highlights of the
- Galilee Baptist Church
- Calanthean Temple, and more, including local “firsts” in Shreveport Black History.
Thur, Feb 19, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Begins at artspace at 710 Texas Street
Hands on art activities
Artspace café will be open
Multiple trolley stops
Groups of 10 or more please call for reservations.
For more information: 673-6535
Bruce Allen exhibits work at Turner Art Center, Centenary College, through Mar 13
Ever provocative, the artist and arts producer who heads the art department at Centenary College, Bruce Allen, opens a show at Turner Art Center on Feb 15.
Allen sketches, photographs and observes with a canny eye. The result is a witty array of three-dimensional work.
Turner Art Center, site of the exhibit, is across the street from Meadows Museum. If you hit the hours smartly, you can see two-for-one.
Turner, during regular semesters:
10am-6pm M-Th.
10am-4pm F.
12pm-6pm S-Su.
Closed between semesters
Admission free.
Park in campus parking lot Centenary Blvd at Rutherford St.
Allen sketches, photographs and observes with a canny eye. The result is a witty array of three-dimensional work.
Turner Art Center, site of the exhibit, is across the street from Meadows Museum. If you hit the hours smartly, you can see two-for-one.
Turner, during regular semesters:
10am-6pm M-Th.
10am-4pm F.
12pm-6pm S-Su.
Closed between semesters
Admission free.
Park in campus parking lot Centenary Blvd at Rutherford St.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Larry J and the Rogues: another find by music historian Chris Brown
Chris Brown writes that the Times caption was: This sharp looking combo is known as Larry J and The Rogues, a group specializing in rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll and "soul" music. Kneeling, left, is Danny Beaudry, the drummer, while Larry J. Jetterson, the vocalist who also plays guitar and tambourine, kneels at right. In the back row, left to right, are Dino Zimmerman, lead and rhythm guitarist, Paul Morgan Jr., who also plays lead and rhythm guitar and does some singing, David Rowe, organist and pianist, and Larry Gordy, bass guitarist.
Shreveport Times circa 1967?
Shreveport Times circa 1967?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Review: An absorbing serio-comic drama at LSUS Black Box Theater: Family Planning
We laughed heartily and frequently at Family Planning, a fresh drama from Californian Julia Edwards that is running at the LSUS Black Box Theater.
There were several reasons for the general amusement. One is that domestic strife can be funny when you’re not personally strifing. Another is the stage presence of young actress Kelly Mills, who plays a hottie - with brains. Mills’ comic timing and almost-over-the-top persona are well deployed, as are her boobs.
Bouncing off Miss Mills is jiving James Palmer, the earthy, quasi-Lothario who is buddy of the ‘tagonist. Holding the center in this tale of elusive fertility in the midst of complicated upper middle class lives are Jamie Norwood and Jennifer Warren.
Norwood is rich of voice and clever of eye, though his body English was constrained on Friday night. The appealing Jennifer Warren uses a laser gaze, sleek tongue and fluent body language to capture the audience.
Director Robert Alford is building a troupe of actors who can spar with fluidity. We saw Mills, Warren and Palmer in Alford’s recent production of Sarah Ruhl’s The Clean House. They were snappy. The trio seems equally successful in the absorbing production of Family Planning.
In the style of the godly Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Family Planning explores the vacuoles that develop as we become big loaves of bread.
The language in this play is raw, but so are the issues that surround marriage.
Julia Edwards, the playwright, is in town for the week and will do a talk on Sat, Feb 19, at 11 am, says Alford. "Ms. Edwards will offer her thoughts on playwriting in general and discuss the essential components of professional playwriting."
Robert.Alford@lsus.edu
There were several reasons for the general amusement. One is that domestic strife can be funny when you’re not personally strifing. Another is the stage presence of young actress Kelly Mills, who plays a hottie - with brains. Mills’ comic timing and almost-over-the-top persona are well deployed, as are her boobs.
Bouncing off Miss Mills is jiving James Palmer, the earthy, quasi-Lothario who is buddy of the ‘tagonist. Holding the center in this tale of elusive fertility in the midst of complicated upper middle class lives are Jamie Norwood and Jennifer Warren.
Norwood is rich of voice and clever of eye, though his body English was constrained on Friday night. The appealing Jennifer Warren uses a laser gaze, sleek tongue and fluent body language to capture the audience.
Director Robert Alford is building a troupe of actors who can spar with fluidity. We saw Mills, Warren and Palmer in Alford’s recent production of Sarah Ruhl’s The Clean House. They were snappy. The trio seems equally successful in the absorbing production of Family Planning.
In the style of the godly Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Family Planning explores the vacuoles that develop as we become big loaves of bread.
The language in this play is raw, but so are the issues that surround marriage.
Julia Edwards, the playwright, is in town for the week and will do a talk on Sat, Feb 19, at 11 am, says Alford. "Ms. Edwards will offer her thoughts on playwriting in general and discuss the essential components of professional playwriting."
Robert.Alford@lsus.edu
Friday, February 13, 2009
Zulu: a lard can for a crown, a hambone for a scepter, grass skirts and blackface
"The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, one of the earliest and still the most prominent of the African-American social clubs, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year," says writer Wayne Curtis in the NY Times .
The occasion is being celebrated with a 3,000-square-foot exhibit, “From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu,” at the Louisiana State Museum, on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. The yearlong exhibit explores Zulu origins and costuming practices and else.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade is scheduled to roll at 8 a.m. on Mardi Gras, Feb. 24 (www.kreweofzulu.com). The thickest crowds, including most out-of-towners, tend to cluster on lower St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. For more local flavor, go to the first leg (Jackson Avenue, between St. Charles and Claiborne Avenues), or the last (Orleans Avenue, between Rampart and Broad Streets).
The occasion is being celebrated with a 3,000-square-foot exhibit, “From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu,” at the Louisiana State Museum, on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. The yearlong exhibit explores Zulu origins and costuming practices and else.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade is scheduled to roll at 8 a.m. on Mardi Gras, Feb. 24 (www.kreweofzulu.com). The thickest crowds, including most out-of-towners, tend to cluster on lower St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. For more local flavor, go to the first leg (Jackson Avenue, between St. Charles and Claiborne Avenues), or the last (Orleans Avenue, between Rampart and Broad Streets).
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Coming to the RFC: Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts, February 14, 15, 21 and 22
Coming to the RFC: Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts, February 14, 15, 21 and 22
Originally uploaded by Robinson Film Center
Ratings? "The animated program is appropriate for ages 13+, I’m told, but the live action is equivalent to an “R” rating for language."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
On art and kitsch and the need for visual arts criticism in the region
Neil Johnson writes, "On the (once again) need for a visual art critic in NW Louisiana:
The challenge for a true critic is to find someone who 1) KNOWS art/art history to some degree, 2) is not connected at the hip to the local arts scene so they can be brutally honest, 3) have a thick skin, and 4) have half-decent writing skills. A tough, but not impossible combo. A Barksdale person (or spouse) who has just transferred in and is looking for something to do in the community might be just the ticket. This person would also need to commit to the job for at least a minimum of two years.
They also must do it for the passion for the arts, i.e., there ain't no money in it. Maybe a SRAC grant? And then, where to put reviews? The TImes might do it, but ONLY if donated. Or the Forum. Or an independent website. Let's get this discussion going, folks!"
This site, Shreveport Blog, would absolutely be available for publishing reviews. If only we could find a few people that meet the standards that Neil has well stated. It does not have to be one person. This duty would only be workable if shared, in fact. And I can see young medical types and new college faculty types stroking their chins and asking "Should I speak up?"
As an editor I would be delighted to give an assignment to those of you willing to try being critics or discerning observers. Would you like to review Tattoo at Artspace? You'll find both the laudable as well the not-so-laudable in that exhibit. If you'd like to begin with a less sensitive show, take the Warhol material at Meadows Museum or the Realism show at Norton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)