Dolby Laboratories and Moonbot Studios have created an homage to the history of storytelling - especially inasmuch as sound is the fount of the magic - in a 2:39 movie called "Silent."
Morris Lessmore and The Kid are on a journey, one with a number of startling twists. It is charming and over the top.
"Silent" is followed by a well-edited Behind the Scenes film in which Bots William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg, Limbert Fabian and composer John Hunter talk about the production.
Sound designer for "Silent" was Steve Boedekker. He did the sound for the recent and acclaimed feature, All Is Lost.
Monday, March 03, 2014
Moonbot's latest: Morris Lessmore in a short for Dolby Laboratories called "Silent"
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Rain plan, Krewe of Highland parade: probably to roll one or two hours earlier
Stand by for an update at 9:30 am from the Krewe of Highland on Sun, March 2, at http://www.thekreweofhighland.org/.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
SickSea: Day Old Blues Records in-store, all-ages show Shreveport, Th, Feb 27
"We have a show this Thursday nite! Sick/Sea will be set up for your listening pleasure. Starts at 7pm All Ages. $3 to get in. It goes to helping the band on tour," says Rex Gilcrease.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Krewe of Highland Parade Route 2014: a 4-mile block party
The Krewe of Highland parade may start at noon or 1 pm, Sunday, March 2, says Emma McCarty, allowing for the rain forecast.
Fern Ave will be closed from 7 am until the parade is finished.
Additional streets on the parade route will be closed at 1:00 pm. The route is the same as last year.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Fluent oil painter Julie Crews at Gallery Fine Art Center, Bossier City; party Tues, Feb 25, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Though she says of herself,"I am an oil painter with stakes driven firmly in the painterly realist camp," artist Julie Crews admits, "I am inherently a rule-breaker. I frequently find myself trying to sneak a triangle into the corner of a composition, create uncomfortable tangents and play with multiple focal points."
Living in Ruston since 2008, the painter has made Louisiana her oyster. She's been featured by LPB, included in the Meadows Triennial and been given a solo exhibit in Ruston. Crews has also exhibited in Salt Lake City, Savannah and Sacramento.
Her subject matter? "I desire to give the viewer an intimate glimpse into my personal life. My work concentrates on the very scenes of domestic life that take me away from painting. Some scenes of domesticity require self-portrayal; others are simply familiar scenes of my daily dealings."
Painter Talbot Hopkins Trudeau bought one of Crews' oils upon first view. "The luminosity, clarity and beauty of her compositions is very persuasive," she says.
Painters John Wagoner and Steve Zihlavsky, also worthy artists, share the gallery show with Crews.
Reception Tues, Feb 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The show will remain until April 30.
Gallery Fine Art Center is adjacent to 2Johns Restaurant, 2151 Airline Dr. , Bossier City.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Blanc et Noir Marching Society leads the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sun, March 2, 2 pm; join us!
The New Orleans-style carnival marching club experience is what inspires Blanc et Noir of Shreveport.
Music from Dirty Red and the Shreveport Second Line horns combined with the Beat The Street percussion corps is going to make a jazzin' second line experience.
And the Blanc et Noir festivities begin with a pre-parade brunch.
Throw together a costume of any sort. Black 'n white is favored, but anything will do. Please don a mask or face paint.
Beads, brunch and stickers, $35 per person. Those who can contribute to the costs of the horns, please don't hesitate to write a check to Blanc et Noir.
RSVP to Marion Marks, 318 349 7063, or Robert Trudeau, 318 272 6045.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Costumes Encouraged, Masks Required at Krewe of Highland Bal Masque on Fri, Feb 28, 7 pm, Randle T Moore Center
Costumes encouraged, masks required at the 2014 “Cirque du Highland” Bal Masque
Friday, February 28 @ 7 pm, say Queen Highland XIX Victoria Provenza and Captain Kristy Rabalais.
Randle T. Moore Center. $40 tickets (or $45 at the door) Heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, dance music by Mars Hill Band. Presentation of court, 8 pm.
Individuals not wearing a costume or mask
will be required to purchase a mask for $5 at the door.
Tickets are available for purchase now at Marilynn’s Place.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Bal Masque are available.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Orchesis Dance Company, Louisiana Dance Theater and additional actors, singers perform Can I Get A Witness at Hook Center Feb 27, 28
The Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State University and the Louisiana Dance Theatre, Shreveport, plus additional singers and actors - such as Nia Savoy, above - will present “Can I Get a Witness” Feb. 27-28 at the Emmett Hook Center, 550 Common St., Shreveport, says Vincent Williams.
The production is dedicated to Hattie Wade, retired choir teacher and the minister of music at Galilee Baptist Church, where she has served over 40 years.
The original score of “Can I Get a Witness” is by David Barr with revisions by Williams.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling (318) 687-2672.
Carnival cyclovia: a day for bicyclists to ride the middle of the Clyde Fant Parkway
Cyclovia is the closing of streets to give right-of-way to bicycles and pedestrians. The idea originated in Bogota, Colombia, says Wikipedia.
Locals treasure the principal Carnival parade days, Feb 22 and March 1, as a time for freely biking the major thoroughfares.
Ride in costume or not, say local bike enthusiasts.
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Announcing a new post over at the Shreveport Songs blog...
Around 1972, Essie Lee Hayes recorded two gospel songs at Sound City Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana. “God Truly Healed My Body,” relates a story about Sister Essie’s sickness and subsequent healing. This spoken recording features a haunting, repetitive guitar...it's a favorite around these parts.
For the rest of story on Essie Lee Hayes and audio from her record, visit:
http://shreveportsongs.blogspot.com/2014/02/essie-lee-hayes-im-working-for-lord-bw.html
Ch-ch-changes: Texas Ave Makers Fair, April 12, 2014, 11 am to 6 pm, will be integral to UnScene
The Texas Ave Makers Fair has undergone a massive site change. "We will NOT be under the permanent structure across from SRAC's Central ArtStation," says Dan Keele.
Now integral to Shreveport Regional Arts Council's UnScene, the plan has been expanded to a big city-style street fest site.
Register here.
"In collaboration and support of our partner the Texas Avenue Makers Fair, there will be no UnScene/UnKnown Market or UnScene Juried Arts Market in April," adds Kelly McSwain.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Martin Scorses's The Wolf of Wall Street arrives at RFC
Opens February 21
Biography/Comedy, 180 minutes.
Robinson Film Center, Texas St, Shreveport.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Centaur and Gemini Parade Routes, Shreveport, 2014
Clyde Fant Parkway to East King's Highway, basically.
Bossier Arts Council ready to fill 7 gallery spaces with art in 2014-2015 season; apply now
The Bossier Arts Council is open to artist submissions for the 2014-2015 Gallery Season, says Leigh Anne Chambers.
BAC will be accepting applications from March 1st- April 30th. In addition to completing the application form (download: www.bossierarts.org) the artist must submit 3-5 digital images of their work, artist statement, artist biography, and resume (self taught or emerging artists do not have to submit a resume).
Application packets can be mailed, dropped off (630 Barksdale Blvd), or emailed (leigh@bossierarts.org). All applications packets must be labeled as below:
Artist Application Packet
Attention:Leigh Anne Chambers
Guilds, groups. or societies need only to submit one packet for their organization. Packets need to include an organizational bio, organizational statement, member list, and 3-5 images that best represent the groups overall aesthetic.
The Bossier Arts Council manages seven spaces in both traditional and non-traditional settings. They accept artists at all levels of career paths. Application are processed and assignments are made by the BAC Gallery Committee which is made up of professional artists and community members.
Please contact Leigh Anne Chambers, Executive Director at 318-741-8310 or via email at leigh@bossierarts.org with any questions.
Oil composition by Julie Crews above is currently on view at Gallery Fine Arts Center - adjacent to 2Johns Restaurant.
Public radio pledge drive continues at Red River Radio, Shreveport
"The Spring 2014 membership campaign is underway and your support is needed now. Our theme is "I Love Red River Radio" and we hope you will show your love with a pledge of support," says Kate Archer Kent.
"Everyone who pledges is automatically entered into each drawing including our final one for Google Nexus 7 Full HD Tablet at the end of our drive. Call in at 800-552-8502 or go online and pledge now."
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
RFC airs new Blayne Weaver film, a dark, edgy story, Thurs, Feb 20, 7:30 pm
"If you like edge-of-your seat, dark, twisty movies, this one is for you. It is not for the faint of heart," says actor Blayne Weaver. Raised in Bossier City but a NYC actor and filmmaker for some years, Weaver returns to Shreveport with his latest works in hand.
Weaver impressed local theater audiences in the 2013 River City Rep drama, "Art."
"Favor" will be released on Pay-Per-View, VOD and DVD on April 1.
Thurs night Weaver will be doing a Q&A following the film and then having drinks at Abbie Singer's Bistro.
Using SBFunguide.com to spread the word about your arts event
SBFunguide.com is a self-filling site and self-correcting, too.
Try it to see how easy it is to bring new eyes to your arts event: http://www.sbfunguide.com/admin/events/create
Monday, February 17, 2014
San Francisco restaurateur Evan Rich chats with artists in Shreveport on Tues, Feb 18, 6 pm, Central Artstation
Meet Chef Evan Rich of the San Francisco restaurant Rich Table on Tues at Central Artstation.
In preparation of the June UnScene artist residency with Rich Table, we welcome Culinary Artist Evan Rich to Shreveport Common, says Casey Jones.
Tuesday, Feb 18, 6 pm to 8 pm to participate in a discussion with Evan Rich about the Farm to Table/ Locally Grown/ fresh food movement.
Learn about the Vision for the upcoming 2-week Residency in June, and determine how artists can participate!
www.richtablesf.com
www.unsceneshreveport.com/therichtable.
Shreveport Common's subtle new work: environmental art by sculptor Julie Glass on Texas Ave
Escutcheons of concrete seem to float in the air on an empty lot aside the 800 block of Texas Ave. Sculptor Julie Glass recently installed the surreal series, which she calls "Uplifting."
In what will one day be a part of Shreveport Common called Caddo Park, Ms Glass leveraged 3-inch thick plates of concrete from the pavement . As a welder she was able to mount them on top of rebar stalks and weld steel fingers to the mount so as to firmly hold the macadam.
"I have been biking in Broadmoor and walking around downtown Shreveport the last several months as a way to balance activity with my sedentary work life (she is an attorney). I began noticing and eventually became obsessed with the beauty and design of the myriad cracks and imperfections in concrete streets and sidewalks. I started working on a series of sculptures and mixed media pieces based on these exciting irregularities," writes Glass.
"Thinking about a public art installation, I walked around the empty lots of Shreveport Common in the triangle between Cotton, Crockett and Texas Streets. The concrete slabs have beautiful designs in them. I decided to choose some of the designs found on these concrete slabs and literally lift them up so they can be seen by passers-by. This serves two purposes: a) it adds color and visual interest to a vacant, dilapidated area, and b) it helps people to realize there is beauty and potential in the imperfections of the area.
While perusing the vacant lots in Shreveport Common, I also noticed an old rusty metal rope barrier, held in place on concrete-filled metal posts, enclosing part of the space. I wanted to free it from its concrete captivity and help it soar into the air to express the idea of breaking free from its old decrepit state. So I welded the twisted wires to the tops of the stanchions. This series I call 'Breaking free.' "
The work by Glass is high-concept and poetic but visually low-key. It fulfills what Texas Ave resident David Nelson hopes for in the Shreveport Common art: "that installations are done considering context, meaning, scale and audience." Says artist Kathryn Usher, who has installed a series of chrome and red disks on a fence not far from the Glass work, says, "Julie Glass's work is an effective use of materials sourced from the immediate area." She adds, "The three hefty sentinels lean as thought they were attempting to collect rays of new growth on Texas Ave."
Photos by Talbot Hopkins Trudeau.
Lithographic illustrations of the Beatles from Monroe, La, artist Enoch Doyle Jeter
Enoch Doyle Jeter says of his new series of lithographs, "She Loves You Illustrations - 2013: "This exhibition contains fourteen prints taken from original stone lithographs executed between January and December of 2013. Each image is meant to interpret the songs on the album “With the Beatles,” which was released on November 22, 1963."
The illustrations are included in the recent book on John Lennon titled "She Loves You" by Jude Southerland Kessler.
"I hope my work captures a tiny bit of the wonder four lads from Liverpool gave to us all," adds Jeter, who is artist in residence at ULM, Monroe, and is proprietor of the long-running music and burger venue called Enoch's.
See more here.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
UnScene noon to midnight Sat, Feb 15, adjacent to Municipal Auditorium
Skateable sculpture by Steve Olson and team. Also music, dance, food and art.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Critics speak Sat morn 10 am to noon, about the art in Critical Mass II, Artspace Shreveport
The critics return to Artspace Shreveport for talks on Sat, Feb 15, 10 am to noon, on the Importance of critique. They will walk through the exhibit and answer questions about your work - if you are in the exhibition - or general questions you might have about art. This is a crucial experience for any artist, whether you are in the show or not, says Pam Atchison.
David Ulin, Literary Critic
Susan Larsen, Visual Critic
Anne Marie Welsh, Ph.D., RYT, Dance/Theatre Critic
Photo above: visual arts best of show, Taffie Garsee.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
UnScene on Elvis Presley Blvd, Sat, Feb 15, noon to midnight, centered on skateboarder-artist Steve Olson
Steve Olson's “Skateable Sculpture,” adjacent to the Municipal Auditorium, will be vortex center at UnScene on Sat, Feb 15, says Brandon Oldenburg.
Noon to midnight: music, film, Juried Arts Market, Flaming Hula Hoops, Poetry Slams, Theatre, and food trucks.
The UnScene site is Texas Ave at Elvis Presley Blvd (once Grand Ave).
“Skateable Sculpture" is a large, wooden skate ramp designed and crafted by Olson and local artists Taffie Garsee, Jeormie Journell, Ben Moss, and Mary Catherine Rollo. The ramp will remain at Elvis Presley Boulevard and Texas Avenue to be used by the community.
Music: the Ian Quiet Band, Blood Punch, Kings of Pleasure, and Vs.The She Beast.
Dance and music: Princess Monro Brown with the Michael Henderson Trio.
Lyricists/rappers/poets/hip hop artists Live Beats Cypher and Undeniably Atlanta.
Shreveport Little Theatre Academy performs a Broadway review.
Artist Kedrick Williams’ blasts beats via his artistically crafted music player sculpture.
Shreveport Hoop Group perform lighted night performances.
Additionally downtown: an Artspace Shreveport exhibit based on skateboards and the work of skateboarders turned artists, such as the renowned Brooklyn-based artist Dennis McNett.
Olson photo Talbot Hopkins Trudeau.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Solar supported by a microtax: a step toward saving the LSU system, says professor Brian Salvatore
How to save the ailing LSU system is a puzzle that has not provoked a lot of answerers. But LSUS science prof Dr. Brian Salvatore (PhD chemistry, U of Penn) has architected a proposal: look to the future in energy resources for a fund that would benefit the LSU system. "Louisiana could start building a renewable energy and energy efficiency endowment now," says Salvatore.
A 0.33% "microtax" on Louisiana's refined petroleum products and liquified natural gas exports could build a $2.5 billion endowment over a period of 8-10 years, continues the prof.
The principal of this endowment should not be touched for at least 25 years. If invested well, this endowment could provide about $5 billion in interest over a 25-year period. This would allow our universities to use the interest (ca. $200 million per year) to enhance the energy efficiency of our buildings according to LEED certification standards and to install solar energy on our campuses.
A 3 MW solar energy installation on the LSUS campus, for example, would generate about $270,000 of electricity per year (at today's electricity rates). That is money that could be re-invested back into higher education on every campus. Such a system would likely cost under $4 million to install five years from now, and it would have a lifetime of at least 40 years. Funds to pay for LEED-certified renovations of our campus buildings and our energy infrastructure as well as a portion of the cost of new LEED-certified buildings could also be provided by this endowment.
After 25 years, the endowment principal itself could then be reassigned to some other purpose, if need be (like the nearly insolvent state pension system, for example). Our universities and the Environment would continue to reap the benefits from the installations and renovations even after the endowment were reassigned.
Critical Mass II exhibit opens Thurs, Feb 13, 5 pm, Artspace Shreveport
The Critical Mass 2 opening reception and awards ceremony is at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in coolspace (upstairs) at artspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport, says Casey Jones.
Three nationally known critics will name a “Best of Show” winner in each category of literary and visual arts, while selecting finalists to compete — in a live performance — for the “Best of Show” in performing arts.
The critics have been selected through a curatorial process lead by San Diego-based critic Robert L. Pincus. Critical Mass 2 is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The opening reception, critique and awards ceremony are open and free to the public of all ages. Expect complimentary treats and a cash bar.
The critics for this year’s Critical Mass 2 are David L. Ulin, Anne Marie Welsh and Susan C. Larsen. Each critic will give a public critique and award the “Best of Show” winner from their designated discipline. Welsh and Ulin will present via Skype.
Louisiana Artists, Inc, exhibit opens at Norsworthy Gallery, Shreveport; reception Sun, Feb 9, 2 pm
From Bruce Allen to Jerry Wray, a powerful array of regional artists are exhibiting in the Louisiana Artists, Inc, show at Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St, Shreveport.
The reception - valet parking makes it an easy in and out at 214 Texas St - is Sun, Feb 9, 2 to 4 pm. The show continues to Feb 27.
Above, a recent work by Christine Bailey.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
For the fifth year, the Community Foundation is bringing key sessions
from the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado to Shreveport-Bossier City.
The Aspen Ideas Mini-Fest, sponsored by the Robinson Film Center, The Times and the Community Foundation, will be held Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at the Robinson Film Center. Each July, the Aspen Institute in Colorado holds its Ideas Festival, a conference that unites international leaders to discuss critical global issues.
Paula Hickman, Community Foundation executive director, said in a news release, “We want to give our citizens and our leading experts the chance to share ideas on matters that affect our community. I fully expect us to re-create the ambitious exchange of ideas that happens in Aspen here in our own community.”
Topics will include the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, higher education and health care.
Feb.13: “Will Massively Open Courses Transform the Way We Learn?” with panelists Jim Henderson, David Rowe, Paul Sisson and Darlene Williams.
Feb. 20: “Can We Afford Our Health?” with panelists William Lunn, Janet Mente.
Admission is free. Sessions will be held at the Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St., Shreveport starting at 5pm.
The Aspen Ideas Mini-Fest, sponsored by the Robinson Film Center, The Times and the Community Foundation, will be held Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at the Robinson Film Center. Each July, the Aspen Institute in Colorado holds its Ideas Festival, a conference that unites international leaders to discuss critical global issues.
Paula Hickman, Community Foundation executive director, said in a news release, “We want to give our citizens and our leading experts the chance to share ideas on matters that affect our community. I fully expect us to re-create the ambitious exchange of ideas that happens in Aspen here in our own community.”
Topics will include the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, higher education and health care.
Feb.13: “Will Massively Open Courses Transform the Way We Learn?” with panelists Jim Henderson, David Rowe, Paul Sisson and Darlene Williams.
Feb. 20: “Can We Afford Our Health?” with panelists William Lunn, Janet Mente.
Admission is free. Sessions will be held at the Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St., Shreveport starting at 5pm.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
San Francisco restaurateurs Evan and Sarah Rich begin a conversation with Shreveport on Tues, Feb 18, Central Artstation
Culinary Artists Evan and Sarah Rich will oversee the June Residency for UnScene, says Brandon Oldenburg.
They are at the forefront of the farm to table movement and are owners of the restaurant Rich Table in San Francisco.
Sarah Rich is from Shreveport and is excited to return home to share her recipes and relationships while preparing a memorable banquet for UnScene.
To "get the party started," the Rich's will be in Shreveport, Tuesday, February 18. Artists are invited to a meeting with Proprietor and Chef Evan Rich to learn about the vision for incorporating the arts into all aspects of this Culinary Arts Residency, including backdrops, centerpieces, costuming, visual presentation of the feast, performances throughout the feast, invitations, and more.
The Artists conversation will take place for an hour starting at 5:45 pm, Tuesday, February 18, at the Central Artstation - 801 Crockett Street.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Leadership lacking, power sharing rare, checks and balances non-existent in Shreveport-Bossier, says demographer Stonecipher
Shreveport-Bossier is America’s fastest shrinking metropolitan economy, according to data from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The most obvious question to ask, says 710Keel.com, is how did this happen? Who is responsible and how does this get fixed?
Shreveport demographer Elliott Stonecipher says the problem comes down to no accountability.
“We have such a racially divided city and have, historically, when we elect people to public office here, what they know is that they can finesse the news media,” explained the Shreveport demographer. ”They can finesse the opinion leaders. They can accuse them of being racist one way or the other. The news media today in many places, Shreveport included, is a shadow of its former self.”
Stonecipher said that the local news outlets either don’t have the desire or push to seek out the truth and hold our leaders accountable or the content that they do pull out is critique, labeled and disregarded.
“What we have is no ‘sheriff’. There is no accountability,” continued Stonecipher. ”There is no newspaper front page to worry about, there is no group of ministers to worry about, there is nobody who is going to do anything about anything that happens.”
Think of news outlets in other metropolitan areas. The most obvious example of what Stonecipher is talking about are newspapers like the New York Times, New York Post and New York Daily News in New York City. Anytime there is a scandal, even just a hint of one, that front cover is the first thing that people see and think of when they go to the ballot box or are asked for their opinion about a particular subject.
“We depended on the media for that accountability,” Stonecipher noted. ”For decades, we had it here. We don’t now. It’s a big problem.”
And the Shreveport demographer added that this is a fairly unique problem.
“I do see that there are small markets, smaller than Shreveport-Bossier let’s say, that still have really daily newspapers, for example, because they are relatively mature markets,” Stonecipher stated. ”You have East Texas towns that still get daily news, their local TV and radio stations provide it. It’s very unique to have a place like Shreveport-Bossier for there not to be a front page for politicians to not worry about. It’s a pretty unique problem.”
However, it’s not so unique of a problem that other Louisiana communities don’t complain of it either.
“We hear the complaint more and more from other places in Louisiana, too,” Stonecipher explained. ”You don’t hear it from Baton Rouge. You don’t hear it from New Orleans. You increasingly don’t hear it from other places along I-10 and I-12 that are in fact being expanded into by the Baton Rouge Advocate.”
And Stonecipher noted that the issues with media also tell of a deeper problem Shreveport is facing.
“If people here who work hard, do their jobs, care about their city, pay their taxes, when they find out that things like corruption are just accepted now, that the absence of work ethic among public officials is just accepted now, that you can’t talk about those things because you get accused of racism, I think it all adds up to suppression of what we all had thought for decades was a common community interest and goal of good government and growth,” Stonecipher told 710 KEEL.
He continued that the way to solve these problems hasn’t be solving the problems.
“What would jump start that is where we are left. What in the world can step into that vacuum in Shreveport an kick things off again and the answer is it’s supposed to be elections and it’s supposed to be the media and neither of those is working.”
“Shreveport is racially divided to a degree that maybe it hasn’t been since the ’60s,” Stonecipher explained. ”Shreveport is now majority African-American. The African-American political leadership is not looking at that task as a community-wide task.”
What can be easily noted in Shreveport’s census bureau data maps is the stark differences between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in Shreveport and the different issues those residents face separately from each other.
“We are finding out that like the old ’30s, ’40s, ’50s white leaders who ignored the African-American community, African-American political leaders ignore the white community.” Stonecipher continued, “All we’ve done is switched the players from one side to the other and net-net you still don’t get the community-wide response to anything.”
“Another way of saying that is ‘no leadership,’” said Stonecipher. ”No leadership, almost no news media coverage of the truth of what is happening here and that is pretty remarkable in 2014 in America. Shreveport has been a very real two-race city for many, many decades.”
And despite having what can be described as an incredibly diverse city, the members of this diverse city are not working together to resolve the city’s problems.
“The black and white communities here do not share power,” explained Stonecipher. ”It is showing up in the fundamentals in the economy. It is expressing itself in the fundamentals of the stories we are talking about right here.”
What is even more concerning to the Shreveport demographer is the next election cycle.
“Shreveport mayor’s race is going to be the test for Shreveport as will the city council races be,” Stonecipher told 710 KEEL. ”The leadership in Shreveport, the ‘haves’ as you put it, they have not been interested in finding a candidate for mayor. I’ve been here my entire life… almost. That is just unheard of that the leadership, economically and financially, of this town doesn’t have enough interest to attract candidates of all races, both genders, to be a part of this city’s leadership. I think it’s a measure of how badly things are sliding away from us.”
Texas has become an economic powerhouse post-recession. However, despite the close proximity Shreveport has to Texas and the extensive history Shreveport has had tied to the Texas economy, Shreveport-Bossier is seeing little to no benefit from the increased activity to our west.
Stonecipher says it has something to do with the demographics.
“If we assume racial division, especially in the deep South, that means fed by such awful, awful history, if racial division is the issue, then let’s look at the demographics,” Stonecipher explained. ”Only three states in America have an African-American community which is two-and-a-half times the national incidence. Nationally, about 13% of the population is African-American.”
Stonecipher continued with his mathematical approach: “In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, that number is two-and-a-half times that size. If we assume that racial division is an issue, and I believe it is the issue, then let’s decide what size that issue is. Well, if we’re two-and-a-half times the national incidence it’s much, much more of a problem. Therefore people from Texas, close by in vibrant communities, if they want to compete on this side of the Louisiana line they know they are going to run into things that mean that they will not get the return on their investment that they would get if they stay in Texas or Arkansas, so they don’t come.”
Stonecipher explained to 710 KEEL that it is not a matter of race on the surface that is the problem. The problem is trying to work with government’s like Shreveport where there isn’t one united force working together to improve a city or region’s economy.
“That’s why the energy complex has been so important to Louisiana and Haynesville Shale is so important to us here in Shreveport-Bossier,” said the Shreveport demographer. ”It was the rising tide to lift all boats, even Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama boats.”
Stonecipher then went on to look at the future goal of American energy independence by 2020.
“Louisiana is perfectly positioned, Shreveport-Bossier included, to be at the heart of what that means economically.” Stonecipher asked rhetorically, “Will we be? My answer is no. The I-10/I-12 corridor parishes, yes, they will be. Will anything north of I-10 participate in that? I don’t expect it to.”
The demographer explained his logic, “Our participation was the drilling of natural gas wells. That seems to have pretty much been finished. Unless that comes again to north and central Louisiana in the context of oil drilling where we go from the depletion of the shallow wells to these deeper wells, then I don’t see anything that holds the promise for Shreveport-Bossier that we had with Haynesville Shale.”
And all boats can’t be raised?
“Absent something that big, that much of a rising tide that lifts all boats, economic interests other than things like chain restaurants, stay out of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama,” Stonecipher stated. ”They understand the racial division is in the way of normal political action, it’s in the way of normal community activity, it’s in the way of just about everything we can discuss. We are, in the Deep South, another generation or two away from that problem literally dissipating. We are at the heart of it right now. What should make the difference is leadership. We don’t have it.”
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Sam Cooke's "A change is gonna come" had roots in Shreveport, says biographer
"Fifty years ago this week, Sam Cooke strolled into a recording studio, put on a pair of headphones, and laid down the tracks for one of the most important songs of the civil rights era," says NPR.com/music.
It continues, "Rolling Stone now calls 'A Change Is Gonna Come' one of the greatest songs of all time, but in 1964 its political message was a risky maneuver."
Author of Cooke's biography, Peter Guralnick, wrote "In the fall of 1963, Cooke faced a direct affront: He and his band were turned away from a Holiday Inn in Shreveport, La.
"He just went off," Guralnick says. "And when he refused to leave, he became obstreperous to the point where his wife, Barbara, said, 'Sam, we'd better get out of here. They're going to kill you.' And he says, 'They're not gonna kill me; I'm Sam Cooke.' To which his wife said, 'No, to them you're just another ...' you know."
Cooke was arrested and jailed, along with several of his company, for disturbing the peace. Guralnick says "A Change Is Gonna Come" was written within a month or two after that."
See and hear more of the story.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Skateboard artists' exhibit at Artspace Shreveport opens Fri, Jan 31, features Brodfallianesque Brooklynite Dennis McNett
Among the nine skateboard-based artists in the show opening at Artspace Shreveport on Fri, Jan 31, 5 to 9 pm, ($10) is Brooklyn-based graphic monster Dennis McNett.
McNett's work looks like C. Mark Burt crossed with Micah Harold. He is a contemporary, vulpine Hieronymous Beast.
"Teeth-gnashing wolves, writhing serpents and penetrating owls stare and glare from aggressive masks as well as linocut and woodcut prints and carvings," wrote Gwynn Vitello for Juxtapoz.com of the recent McNett opening at Known Gallery, Los Angeles.
At the Print Center Gallery Store McNett is celebrated thusly: "His graphic aesthetic and love for narrative work has been translated in many ways from larger than life Viking ship performances/parades (Manhattan, Philadelphia, Kansas City, St. Louis), to resurrecting Nordic giants on West Broadway in Manhattan, Dragon slayings in Oklahoma, masks, installations, performance, sculptures, unique hand-carved wood carvings, traditional relief prints, and graphics."
More: "Participating in both the fine art and design worlds, McNett has created series’ for Anti-Hero skateboards, designed shoes for Vans, has had his work fill the windows of Barneys, New York, and participate in the Deitch Artparade. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Juxtapoz, Thrasher and Complex Magazine."
Destinitively pursue the brodfallianesque imagery of the energy-spewing McNett of Wolfbat Studio.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Will singer Cara Watson, Shreveport, be the next Louisiana voice on American Idol?
"Cara Watson of Shreveport, LA got her golden ticket last night, Thurs, Jan 23, on American Idol Season 13," writes Erin McCarty of k945.com. "She’s heading to Hollywood!"
Watson won the audition in Atlanta, but it was not without stress. She reported that the judges were critical of her performance. Nonetheless, they have opened the door to Los Angeles.
The Caddo Magnet HS grad sang for 4 years at Magnet, working with Patti Reeves and others. Watson also sang with Academy of Children's Theater. In the photo above she was performing as one of the principals in "Fame." Yet it all began in the church, says Christopher Mazen, an encouraging classmate at Magnet and a successful singer in his own right. Abundant Faith Ministries was cited by Mazen.
"The last several years have proven that Shreveport/Bossier City is a hotbed of musical talent," says McCarty, "with Shreveport native Willie Jones appearing on The X Factor USA and Dez Duron and Cole Vosbury on The Voice."
See more.
Zack Kopplin at Centenary College -Bynum Commons Wednesday 1/29/2014 @ 7 PM
Zack Kopplin is an American political activist, journalist, and television personality from Louisiana. Kopplin has campaigned to keep creationism out of public school science classrooms and been involved with other separation of church and state causes. He has opposed school vouchers because they provide public money to schools which may teach creationism. As a senior at
Baton Rouge Magnet High School, he secured the signatures of 78 Nobel
laureate scientists opposing the passage of the Louisiana Science
Education Act, which opened the door for the teaching of creationism in
public schools. Zack is active in issues involving the separation of
church and state and is a strong voice for the teaching of science in
public school classrooms.Zack will be on campus Wednesday night at 7pm, and Thursday at 11:10am. Both events are in the Whited Room, which is in Bynum Commons. The Monday, Feb. 3, event is also at 7pm in the Whited Room. It will be a panel-led community conversation.
Location Information:
Centenary College - Whited Room- Bynum Commons (View Map)
2911 Centenary Boulevard
Shreveport, LA 71104
Time: 7pm
Phone: 318-869-5011
Room: Whited Room
Contact Information:
Name: Beth Leuck
Email: bleuck@centenary.edu
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Smear paint with a master: skateboarder Steve Olson at Artspace Shreveport to show how to make the leap from board to art gallery
Artist and 70's and 80's skateboard champ Steve Olson helps kids spread paint and discover art on Sat, Jan 25, noon to 4 pm, Artspace Shreveport.
Olson will use your child as a "brush" to create a new work of art, says Megan Porter. These "pieces" will become part of Steve's upcoming exhibition. It is gamely called "Generationless: Skateboarders can be artists, too!"
In the video above you can see compagno Olson making art at the Venice Biennale in 2011.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Painters Julie Crews, John Wagoner, Steve Zihlavsky exhibit at Gallery Fine Art Center, Bossier City; show opens Feb 1
BAC's Gallery Fine Art Center presents the art of Julie Crews, John Wagoner and Steve Zihlavsky, says Leigh Anne Chambers. The Show will be from Feb 1- April 30 with a reception on Feb 25, 5:30-7:30.
Gallery Fine Art Center, 2151 Airline Drive, suite 1200, Bossier City, Louisiana. Tues-Sat, 12:00-5:00pm.
Julie Crews grew up in Asheville, NC. Her painterly work bespeaks an ability to find beauty in the mundane and surprise in the repetitious.
In 2007 she received her Associate degree in Illustration from Brigham Young University- Idaho and in 2008 she had her first solo exhibit in Salt Lake City. She has since been included in several National Juried Exhibitions and was chosen as a Louisiana Public Broadcasting Patron Artist in 2011.
More: (318) 741-8310 or www.bossierarts.org.
Monday, January 20, 2014
'I have a dream' week activities for Shreveport based at CentenaryCollege Jan 21 - 25
Selected activities from the Centenary College-based Dream Week calendar:
Convocation: Dr. Lee Morgan, Professor Emeritus
January 21, 11:10 a.m., Whited Room in Bynum Commons
Lee Morgan will discuss his personal stories of integration in the Shreveport-Bossier area and on Centenary's campus. Archivist Chris Brown will introduce the "Presence of African Americans at Centenary prior to 1956" history exhibit, located in the lobby of Bynum Commons. Lunch with the speaker.
Film Screening: "42"
January 21, 7 p.m.
Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street
"42" is a 2013 American biographical sports film written and directed by Brian Helgeland. The film is the story of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey, who broke Major League Baseball’s color line when he signed Robinson in 1946. Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson and Harrison Ford plays Branch Rickey.
Dream Week Convocation: "The Unknown Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement"
January 22, 12:00 p.m., Whited Room
Dr. Dana Kress and Dr. Peter Huff lead this conversation about the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights era.
Dream Week Convocation: Ms. Sherricka Fields '05
January 23, 11:10 a.m., Whited Room
Listen to a Centenary alumna discuss her years at Centenary and her current work with the Shreveport Mayor's office.
Lunch with Ms. Fields
January 23, 12:00 p.m., Cafeteria in Bynum Commons
Film Screening: "Race—The Power of an Illusion"
January 23, 7:00 p.m., LSUS University Center Theatre
"Race—The Power of an Illusion," is a three-part PBS documentary mini-series that investigates race in society, science, and history. For directions to the University Center Theatre, visit http://www.lsus.edu/about-lsus/visit-lsus/campus-map-of-lsus.
Theatre Performance: “Four Little Girls”
January 24, 7:00 p.m., Marjorie Lyons Playhouse
The Mahogany Ensemble Theatre will stage a reading that honors the lives of Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins, on the 50th anniversary of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. The play takes a look at what every child imagines they want to be when they grow up and dares to examine what it's like to be a child in the most extreme conditions. Admission $5 for the public.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition
January 25, 1:00 p.m., Marjorie Lyons Playhouse.
Presented by Mahogany Ensemble Theatre in partnership with the City of Shreveport, Shreve Memorial Library System, and Centenary College.
Info: Chris Lavan, Director of Global Engagement, at (318) 869-5542.
Lloyd Maines and Terri Hendrix @ Fairfield Studios on Sun, Jan 26, 7 pm
"This Sunday will be the fourth time that Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines will perform in the Shreveport House Concert Series at Fairfield Studios. Wonder why we would have them back more than any other performers? Because they are that good," says Jim Huckabay.
"Terri Hendrix is an award-winning Texas songwriter. A classically trained vocalist and deft multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin and harmonica), she dodges musical pigeonholes alongside legendary producer Lloyd Maines (guitar, dobro, pedal steel), by weaving folk, pop, country, blues and swinging jazz into an eclectic style all her own."
Sun, Jan 26, 7 pm
1510 Fairfield Ave
$20 cash only; thanks.
shreveporthouseconcerts.org, reservations@shreveporthouseconcerts.org
318 933-2514 (Please leave a message).
Sunday, January 19, 2014
River City Rep at East Bank Theater on Jan 24 - 26, Holocaust memories in one-woman show, Silent Witnesses.
Patric McWilliams and River City Rep will present the one woman show, Silent Witnesses, at East Bank Theater. A production based in Loa Angeles, it is directed by Anita Khanzadian.
"I saw it in NYC and it's a really wonderful evening of theatre. This is a continuing project of River City Rep's to bring performance pieces dealing with contemporary issues and subjects dealing with humanity in a visceral, entertaining style," said McWilliams.
Silent Witnesses
January 23-24-25 at 7:30 pm
January 26 at 3:00 pm
East Bank Theatre
318-868-5888 Monday thru Saturday, 10-5.
Tickets $35.00; $10.00 students with ID.
Bayou 2 Bay Volunteer Clean-up in Valencia and Coates Bluff Trail area, MLK Day, 2 to 4 pm
"The goal of the Bayou To Bay project is to improve the health of our local waterways. Through education, action, and play, communities in Northwest Louisiana will learn to care about what it means to be "downstream," one watershed at a time," says Jon Soul.
More at www.bayoutobay.org/
Friday, January 17, 2014
BAC compiling guide to those who create Lights. Set. Sound.
River City Rep's "Night of the Iguana," East Bank Theater, Bossier City, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.
The Bossier Arts Council is currently compiling a resource guide for traveling theatre companies, says Leigh Anne Chambers.
They are searching for local
-Lighting Designers/Operators
-Set Designers/Builders
-Sound Designers/Operators
-Running Crew
-Costumers
-Propmasters
-Etc.
If you would like to be included in this guide,
Please send your contact information to robin@bossierarts.org.
Above: Phillip Jordan Brooks in River City Rep's "Night of the Iguana." At BAC's East Bank Theater.
Regional artists: Critical Mass 2 deadline extended: Sat, Jan 25
Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) and artspace present Critical Mass 2 – an open invitational exhibition for all Northwest Louisiana “Directory” Artists.
The Exhibition encourages Artists to register on the NWLA Artists’ Directory (by the date of submission of artwork) and to submit one work to be exhibited and critically reviewed by a professional, out of area Critic. The Critic will select the work of one artist who will advance to a “solo” Exhibition/Presentation.
SRAC will support the solo Exhibition with a $2,000 cash award and an advertisement featuring the selected Artist in a national publication. The Critic will return to artspace to review the work; the review will be published.
The 2014, Critical Mass 2 @ artspace Exhibition will bring three nationally renowned Critics so that awards can be presented in Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts.
Deadline extended to Sat, Jan 25. Submit Online.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Waterway activist Jon Soul brings Bayou to Bay program to Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport
Jon Soul, Shreveport waterway activist, ushered some 200 Caddo Magnet HS students onto a sloping lawn to demonstrate the properties of a watershed. Earlier, his visual show helped students learn the difference between a storm drain and a sewer. He showed the teens images of the massive amounts of trash that clog Bayou Pierre a few miles south of Shreveport.
Scores of plastic water bottles strewn across the lawn reminded students of the typical ways in which citizens contribute to the degradation of the watershed.
Said student Ryan Vauclin, "I've learned a lot today about the impact of innocent garbage on the environment. I liked his point about the number of basketballs, softballs, soccer balls and kids' play balls in the bayous. Eventually those rubber and plastic balls arrive at the Gulf of Mexico. Our bayou trash becomes an international problem."
His visit was organized by social studies teacher Dionne Procell-Brown. She was aided by SciPort's Michelle McKee and Donna Vishnefski. Also involved: teachers Patti Lafargue and Robert Trudeau.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Shreveport painter Tony Reans opens exhibit at River Oaks Square Art Center, Alexandria; party Fri, Jan 10, 5 to 7 pm
"Earth Energy Alchemy" is the title of Tony Reans painting exhibit at River Oaks Square Art Center, Alexandria. It opens Jan 10 with a party which will be webcast, says Reans.
Reans will also offer a two-day workshop on Thurs, Jan 9, from 10:30am to 4:30pm, and Fri, Jan 10, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Space is limited, and the fee is $75.00 per person.
Reans' artist lecture is free and open to the public on Thurs, Jan 9, at 9:30am.
River Oaks: (318) 473-2670.
More at tonyreans.com.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Shreveport Songs: January 14, 2014 - Romp and Stomp’s annual all-Shreveport radio show
Announcing a new post over at the Shreveport Songs blog...
The ninth annual all-Shreveport radio show on Romp and Stomp is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2014, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Tune in to KSCL 91.3 FM or listen live online at www.kscl.fm. You’ll hear songs by Shreveporters, songs about Shreveport, songs recorded in Shreveport, and songs released on Shreveport record labels.
Featured musicians include: Grégoire Nakchounian And His Russian North Star Orchestra, Sleepy Jeffers, Danny & Jerry, Marion Ester, The Mighty Ambassadors Of Shreveport La., Curly Davis & The Uniques, Reverend Joe Battle And The Gospel Explosion, and more.
KSCL 91.3 FM | Shreveport, Louisiana
Romp and Stomp | Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
listen live online: www.kscl.fm
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Friday, January 03, 2014
Witty woodcut artist Sean Starwars at Meadows Museum, Shreveport, Jan13 - 18
Possums, gators, monkeys, robots and goats: Outlaw Printmaker member Sean Starwars exploits his Mississippi ambience with a big grin. He lives in Laurel, Mississippi, says Wikipedia, where he specializes in droll woodcuts.
Prolific and profane, he is a 'One Woodcut a Week" type fellow. Wikipedia says he recently jacked up his rate to 'One Woodcut a Day'.
The artist will take the measure of Shreveport's snakes, goats and art collectors with a residency at Meadows Museum Jan 13 - 18.
Info: Ed Ragan, eragan@centenary.edu
Baroque Artists of Shreveport perform at St Mark's Cathedral,Shreveport, on Sun, Jan 12, 2 pm
The Baroque Artists of Shreveport will present a concert at St. Mark’s Cathedral on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at 2 pm. "Their concerts, which consist entirely of music from the Baroque period, are always exciting and impeccably performed," says Leslye Gilchrist.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Dallas Buyers Club opens downtown Shreveport at Robinson Film Center on Fri, Jan 3
http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/
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