Global competitors perform in Wideman International Piano Competition on Dec. 6-8, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport

Centenary College will host the Wideman International Piano Competition on Dec. 6-8, says Lester Senter Wilson.

The 2013 Wideman International Piano Competition will be held Dec. 6-8 at Centenary’s Hurley School of Music. Admission to the preliminary rounds is free and open to the public. Admission to the final competition is free for students and $10 per person for the public.

Preliminary rounds: Friday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and 2:45-6:15 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Finals: Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 1 p.m.

“We are expecting 41 contestants from eight states and 12 countries to compete for the gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention titles,” says Wilson, executive director.

Intersecting near Centenary and Kings, Shreveport, on Sun, Dec 1, 2 pm to 4 pm: Meadows Museum and blues singer Buddy Flett

"Enjoy tunes from Buddy Flett and get a signed copy of his new CD: "Rough Edges," says Lisa Nicoletti.

The Museum Gift Shop will be open for Christmas shopping; members get 10% off. Keep in mind that a membership to the Friends of the Meadows Museum makes a great gift, too!

Refreshments.

RSVP appreciated: 318-869-5040

More info: www.meadowsfriends.org/

Walk on the wild side at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, Bossier City

"Take a walk on the wild side this Thanksgiving on a National Wildlife Refuge," says the Red River National Wildlife Refuge.

"For a brief spell, flee the turkeys at your Thanksgiving table and seek some wilder birds this year. Explore a foot trail at a national wildlife refuge, thrill to some seasonal wildlife, and emerge looking less like a butterball yourself. Red River Refuge offers impressive autumn colors and great bird viewing in late November."

Refuge trails are open sunrise to sunset daily, even on Thanksgiving Day when refuge visitor centers will be closed. Free trail maps are available outside the visitor center or at a refuge entrance kiosk.

The official RRNWR site and the Facebook site.

Lauded classical guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro at St George's Bossier on Sun, Dec 15, 2 pm

The St. George's Bossier Masterworks Series will present concert guitarist and Centaur recording artist Giovanni De Chiaro, says Kermit Poling. The concert, featuring Christmas music for guitar, takes place on Sunday December 15, 2013 at 2 pm in the sanctuary of St. George's Episcopal Church, 1959 Airline Drive in Bossier City.

The concert is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.

St George: 318-746-2571; kermitpoling@gmail.com

Your portrait on the side of a Shreveport Common building: InSide/Out photo truck hits Shreveport Common Dec 13

"You are the face of Shreveport Common."

Global Arts Team, InSide/Out, will be in Shreveport Common taking and posting photographs of Shreveport Common residents/clients on a building that can be seen as a “Gateway” into this historically rich neighborhood, says Casey Jones.

SRAC’s hope is to set up an appointment time dedicated to you and your family, friends, fans with the InSide/Out team. During this time your group would be photographed (individually) and (as willing) our team of professional storytellers/writers would gather your story.

Come to UnScene on Saturday, December 14, any time between noon and 6 pm; check in at the Central ArtStation; and let us get your Face photographed by the InSide / Out team. Or... if you can’t join in the Fun on Saturday, schedule an appointment for Fri, Dec 13. Please email info@shrevearts.org if you would like to schedule an appointment on Fri, Dec 13.

In regards the photo above of artist Nadine Charity. In 2011 she sent her portrait to the French artist JR, initiator of the InSide/Out Project, and was sent the enlargement seen above. JR's only request was that it be posted somewhere in public. That was the beginning of 2 years of posting on the Beauty Supply Building and, as far as we know, the beginning of InSide/Out involvement with Shreveport.

Super Water Sympathy returns from tour to perform downtown show on Thanksgiving Eve

"Thanksgiving Eve (Wed) and we are back in our hometown," says Ansley Hughes. "Make your plans now for the biggest night out of the year! Get tickets now - cheaper than the door. Order here.

Opening for SWS: 9pm - DJ NJ - Slade Walker 10pm - Mary Caroline Querbes

Phoenix Underground, 600 Market Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101

A mistaken earlier post placed the band in the district in a free show. Not so.

Highland Open Studio Tour on Sun, Dec 1, begins at 436 Topeka St, Shreveport; a wide vastness of art for purchase

"Artists around Highland will throw open their homes, studios and workshops for some organic, free-wheeling fun on Sun, Dec 1," says Liz Swaine. "The monthly event is never the same twice, there are always different locations, artists and experiences to well, experience! HOSTS was started by Highland artists Su Stella and Curt Harville, two visual artists who work in various mediums. Their workshop at 436 Topeka is the first stop on the tour each month and the location where you will be welcomed with maps showing the other participating stops. In 2011, Highland became only the second state-approved Cultural District in Shreveport-Bossier."

List and addresses of studios and artists here. Skulls above by Su Stella.

Kern, Ian Quiet, more entertain at Naked BeansGiving, Wed, November 27, 5 - 8:30 p.m, Naked Bean, Shreveport

The Naked BeansGiving, a holiday-themed event benefiting The Food Bank NWLA, The Renzi Center, Pet Savers, Robinson Rescue and TSR Baby Momma, will be held at the Naked Bean Cafe on Wednesday, November 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Live music will be provided by Christina Kilpatrick, Kern Courtney, Daniel Dawson, Ian Quiet and Mike Bryant, with Eric Gipson as emcee.

A silent auction will feature abstract works by Shreveport artist Tracy Prator. Thanksgiving fare with a Cajun twist, plus deserts and specialty coffees, will be be provided by the Naked Bean's barista and culinary specialist Dawn Gipson.

Instead of paid admission, patrons are asked to bring the following items: clothing, shoes, blankets, gloves, household items, pillows, bath towels, soaps, toiletries and non-perishable food items.

Event sponsors are Pam and Dwain Hairsten, Hummer & Sons, Delta Wave Massage, Delta 9 Graphics, STIR, Nell Moore, Elene Wilson, Laney Wheeler, Jelks Coffee and Akido of Shreveport.

The Naked Bean is located at 451 Kings Highway in Shreveport. For information call (318) 864-2999.

Buddy Flett and David Egan sing and pound piano and guitar at Fairfield Studios, Shreveport, on Sun, Nov 24, 7 pm

Reservations: www.shreveporthouseconcerts.org/reservations or by calling 318-933-2514 and leaving a message. We are glad to see your interest in the show here and to see all of our friends who are coming but please make your reservation so we can reserve your seat, says Jim Huckabay. A night of blues featuring two of the masters, and long time friends. Highly recommended.

Southern Girls at LSUS Black Box Theater Nov 21 - 23, directed by Robert Alford

Norla benefit: A Black & White Affair at 1910 Market St on Fri, Nov 22, begins 7 pm

Norla benefit: A Black & White Affair, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

A Black & White Affair: a black and white semi-formal art show & wine tasting @ 1910 Martini & Hookah Lounge on Fri, Nov 22, says Kandi Kane.

~ Support Norla Preservation Project and see the artistic side of Shreveport - Enjoy local art from painted canvas to photography.

~ Wine tasting from 7:00-9:00, art exhibition, with live indoor & outdoor entertainment.

~ Half of ticket sales, $20, along with 10% of art sales and 5% of total sales go to Norla Preservation Project

~Included in ticket price: Red Beans & Rice and
~ Stephan Pool of The Stiff Necked Fools at 7:00 - outdoor stage
~ The Joe Nadeau Band at 8:30 - indoor stage ~ Red wine & beer tasting starts @ 7 pm

Located at 1910 Market St. Shreveport,
318 425 9054.

Music, food, film and street art on Texas Ave: UnScene in Shreveport Common on Sat, Dec 14, all day

UnScene Dec 14, downtown Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

UnScene brings the Inside Out photo truck to Texas Ave on Sat, Dec 14. Initiated by the French artist JR, Inside Out is an artist group that has exhibited all around the world.

People from some 108 countries have participated in photography, printing and Unheard of sized paste up projects. The Inside Out project has inspired group action on themes such as hope, diversity, gender-based violence, and climate change.

In addition to the street art, the day will be filled with artists & musicians performing in Shreveport Common. Below is a list of confirmed happenings.

- Kings of Pleasure: blues and jazz music from Shreveport
- Ron Hardy: Art in Da Hood Allstars
- Robert Trudeau: Illintentious Anatomy- Ankle to Ear (art film)
- Musicology International: Around the World in One Note (kids show)
- Renee Caldwell: A Kid's Christmas (musical storytelling)
- John Lomax- Retaining Wall painting (street art)
- Qean Ballard - Blazer Parade

More events and site info trucking up soon.

Supporting Shreveport Opera: a shopping experience called Boutiques de Noel at Bossier Civic Center Nov 21 - 23

Boutiques de Noel 2013 Party, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Opening party, "A French Quarter Xmas," Wed, Nov 20, 6:30 pm. More at FB.

Highland spilleth over with jazz, blues and food and jewelry on Sat, Nov 16; use this site map to find it, 10 am to 5 pm

Highland Jazz & Blues Fest site map, 2013, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

More at http://www.highlandjazzandblues.org/.

Highland Jazz & Blues Fest, Shreveport, Sat, Nov 16, 10 am to 5 pm, Columbia Park

Highland Jazz & Blues Fest, Shreveport: India's Restaurant plate, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The top five Highland Jazz and Blues Fest questions trending right now, says Kenney Koonce, are . . .

1) Is there an admission fee? There is absolutely no admission fee. Save your money to spend with our vendors and maybe pick up a festival T-shirt or three. Really, they're great! You're going to leave with something.

2) Who's playing? when are they playing? And what's good to eat? See our website. Our webmaster worked really hard on it. Swing by and admire it.

3) Are dogs allowed? Yes, we love our dogs and have set up an area just for them. What we don't like...owners who don't clean up after them.

4) Can I bring my own food or drinks? Well, why would you want to do a thing like that? We're know for our food! Plus the drink sales are invested back into the event and allow us to keep it free.

5) Is it too late to get a vendor booth? We have rearranged, recounted and now re-closed the vendor application. We love our vendors.

A reminder: there's an all-fest Mall St Vincent free shuttle so that you don't have to hassle with parking.

And it might be a perfect day for bicycles.

Merchant of Venice, Caddo Magnet HS, Thurs, Nov 14, Fri, Nov 15, 6:30 pm

Merchant of Venice, Caddo Magnet HS, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Well-rehearsed teens, elaborate costumes, stylish set; a recommended student production. Teachers Patti Reeves and Bill Knox are the comptrollers.

CMHS. 318 221 2501

Photo Michael Boyd.

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra on Sat, Nov 16, 7:30 pm, Riverview Theater

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Tickets: shreveportsymphony.com.

Meet people, give back to the community, make a better life for the next generation: Red River Clean Up Sat, Nov 16, 8 am - noon

Red River Clean Up Sat, Nov 16, 8 am - noon, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Acclaimed music documentary Muscle Shoals @ RFC Nov 11- 14

Muscle Shoals @ RFC Nov 11- 14, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"In Muscle Shoals, Alabama, music runs through the hills, the river, and the spirit of the people. It is a place where, even before the Civil Rights Movement really took shape, the color of your skin didn't matter inside the studio," says Rottentomatoes.com, where the movie gets a 92% from the audience, 97% from critics.

Robinson Film Center has it this week.
11/11 - 7:15PM
11/12 - 7:15PM
11/13 - 7:15PM
11/14 - 5:00PM

Parking's easy if you take a shuttle to the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, Shreveport, on Sat, Nov 16, 10 am to 5 pm, Columbia Park

Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Kenney Koonce, director of the Highland Jazz & Blues Fest says, "Try our free shuttle service provided by iShuttle and Mall St Vincent. All non-residents are asked to use this service to alleviate congestion in the neighborhood."

"iShuttle will dispatch their entire fleet, beginning at 9:30 AM. They will loop continuously throughout the day. Pickup is in the northeast lot of the mall (outside Dillard's Men Store). Drop-off is curbside on Creswell Ave."

He adds, "You'll want to bring plenty of cash and your holiday shopping list to the 10th annual HJBF. More than 40 artist vendors will be on hand with their wares."

Headliner is New Orleans' sweetheart, the timeless Irma Thomas. See the music schedule here.

You'll notice that the HJBF begins a bit earlier - 10 am - than ever. Thanks to the board, benefactors and volunteers for making the most of this communal opportunity.