Friday, July 31, 2009

Artspace Shreveport exhibit on Graffiti opens Fri, July 31, 7 to 11 pm; dance, eat, drink and party with guest artists Else and Pubert

The Graffiti exhibition at Artspace Shreveport opens Fri, July 31, from 7 pm to 10 pm at 710 Texas Street. It's a display of Urban Culture enveloping the behavior and lifestyles that make American cities unique, says curator Megan Clark.

Tickets are $10 per person with a $5 discount for students and military.

Joshua Porter, production director of Artspace, says, "This exhibit will bring the art and culture of Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans to Shreveport."

Opening night dance to the mash up sounds of DJ Deacon Strukt and DJ Nate. DJ Quickie Mart is providing the exhibition's soundtrack of Indie, Hip Hop, Ghettotech and Mash Ups.

The cafĂ©@artspace will go Urban with a sampling of ‘Street Vendor' foods and weekly lunch specials throughout the exhibit.

Graffiti, which runs through September 19th, will display street art in the interior as well as as the exterior of 700 block of Texas Street. The centerpieces will be created by professional Graffiti artists, ELSE from California and PUBERT from Phoenix , who will work with a selected team of local artists and students.

Says Steve Ross, Artspace exhibition committe chair, “Graffiti is probably the most controversial exhibit artspace has undertaken… there are many who consider graffiti to be vandalism and can't imagine it as art… this exhibition will offer people the chance to see graffiti in a different light.”

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Debbie Buchanan Engle: photos and paintings on display during month of August at Columbia Cafe; reception Sat, Aug 1, noon

"Come see the latest collection," says Debbie Engle, "some old, some new, some red, some blue. Installation will be on display thru the month of August at Columbia Cafe' @ the corner of Kings Hwy. & Creswell Avenue."

She adds, "We're forgoing the opening reception...Boring! Have a cuppa with whipped cream on top while you're there - it'll cure what ails you!
And be sure thank Matthew Linn for supporting local artists!"

Enjoy images and Engle's salty commentary at her blog, Debbiebuchananengle.blogspot.com.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Tuesday, July 28, last of Tues sessions of Shreveport Farmer's Market 2009 season; Saturday markets continue to Sept 5

Tuesday, July 28, will be the LAST DAY of our TUESDAY market for the 2009 season. Musical guests for the afternoon are Dr. Cookie & Louisiana Dan, singing familiar Southern tunes. Have no fear though -- Saturday markets continue until September 5.


Sincerely,
Noma Fowler-Sandlin
Manager

Shreveport Farmers' Market
is located at 101 Crockett St. in downtown Shreveport
under the shady pavilion in Festival Plaza.
It is open on Saturdays until September 5 from 7 a.m. until Noon,
and on Tuesdays until July 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information call (318) 455-5788.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Scott Green to leave the Shreveport Symphony as of July 31, says the Times

Scott Green has resigned as executive director of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, the region's moribund musical organization. He has taken a position as the executive manager for The Tower at the Oaks, part of new retirement community property, The Oaks of Louisiana, in southeast Shreveport, wrote Donecia Pea in the Shreveport Times.

Green served as the symphony’s executive director since 2005. Prior to that, he was the orchestra’s director of development from 1993 to 2000, wrote Pea.

The symphony board and musicians remain deadlocked in contract negotiations that have spanned nearly two years.

Slow food week continues: Bistro 6301, Shreveport, among 8 restaurants featuring seasonal, regional cuisine


Bistro 6301, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The week of July 18-25, several Shreveport restaurants will be featuring special Slow Food inspired menus to help raise awareness about Slow Food and its message of the benefits of eating seasonally and regionally, says Angie White. Participating restaurants include:

artspace (lunch).
Bella Fresca (dinner)
Biscotti (lunch)
Bistro 6301 (dinner)
Charles Ashley Catering (lunch)
Columbia Cafe (dinner)
Robinson Film Center
Wine Country Bistro (dinner)

Please go patronize as many of these restaurants as you can that week and see what they've cooked up! And tell your friends!!!!!

Slow Food North Louisiana will kick off and wrap up the week by hosting a local chef at the Shreveport Farmers Market to do a live cooking demo. Check out what Charles Ashley of Charles Ashley Catering has in store July 25, 9:30 am.

Slow Food North Louisiana is a volunteer-led organization that was established in 2007 and is part of a growing international movement to foster awareness about the foods we eat and provide an opportunity to share and protect local food customs and traditions. To become a member, visit www.slowfoodusa.org and join today; you'll be assigned to Slow Food NLA based on your zip code.

http://www.slowfoodnla.org

Signed & numbered Monster Mash prints remain on sale through August at Body Electric Tattoo, Shreveport

Says Matthew Crowson, "For those of you who could not attend the Monster Mash, the art will be hanging in the gallery at the Body Electric Tattoo shop until the end of August.

Eighteen artists' original pieces are for sale as well as the $10 silk-screen prints.

On behalf of Thick as Thieves Promotions and Body Electric Tattoo, we thank you for your support of local artists."

Body Electric Tattoo
984 Jordan Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
318.681.0990

Sun + Mon closed
Tue - Thur 1 - 9 pm
Fri + Sat 3 - 11 pm

Above: artist Kristen Cater.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Brady Blade, Jr, leaves the Shreveport Economic Dev team to rejoin family in Sweden


Brady Blade, Jr, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover announced the resignation of Assistant Director of Economic Development Brady Blade Jr., and the addition of Matt Bailey, who will join the Mayor’s Executive Staff effective August 5.

“After much internal debate and deep consideration, I have decided to return to my wife and children in Sweden,” said Blade. “I am thankful and still in awe of the gracious opportunity that was given to me by my lifelong friend Mayor Glover. Coming home allowed me to renew friendships and expand my horizons far beyond my career in music and entertainment. As I rejoin my family in Sweden, I will continue to be vigilant, always on the lookout for potential growth opportunities and partnerships that will benefit my hometown of Shreveport.”

“While Brady is an accomplished, talented musician and a notable giant in entertainment business, he has a deep sense of family,” said Mayor Glover. “Brady has returned to a family that needs him a little more than we do - his wife and two lovely daughters, one who’s excited and starts kindergarten this year. I know it was a tough decision.”

A member of Mayor Glover’s Executive Staff for a little over one year, Blade took the lead launching initiatives to solidify support for Louisiana’s film industry, re-develop Shreveport’s downtown Red River District, attract new business to underserved communities, assisted in efforts that designated the City’s first Cultural District, developed digital media partnerships and helped make Shreveport the home of the legendary Lead Belly Blues and Folk Festival, said the mayor's office.

Children of Eden, musical by Shreveport Little Theater Academy, opens July 23 and runs through Aug 2 at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse

Children of Eden is a breathtaking musical, freely based on the story of Genesis, both the Creation Story and Noah’s Ark, says Robert Darrow. It is a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children, and faith... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business!

Adam, BRADLEY SILMAN
Eve, EMILY MWAKITAWA
Cain, TYLER KRIEG
Abel, CHRISTOPHER WHITE
Seth, PAUL SAVAGE
Snake, ASHLEY COKER, ANDREW HAWKINS, MADISON PUGH, CLARE SHELBURNE, JONATHAN WEBER
Young Cain, IAN DOLLAR
Young Abel, GUY HYMAN
Seth’s wife, MEREDITH ODEN
Zorah, MIA HESTER
Noah, AE’JAY MITCHELL
Mama, LINDSEY FILECCIA
Shem, ROGER KALMBACH
Ham, ETHAN SKAGGS
Japheth, GENTRY WILLIAMS
Aysha, CHRISTINE LINSCHOTEN
Aphra, KAYLAH WILLIAMS
Yonah, WALLACE RAKOCZY
Cain’s Wife, MADISON PUGH
‘Generations’ Soloists, ALLYSON WILSON,
NOLAN E . BUDGEWATER, JR ., CAROLYN BRYANT
Dove, TAYLOR FOSS
Storytellers , BRIANNA BURKe, LAUREN CAREY, ASHLEY COKER, TAYLOR FOSS, ANDREW HAWKINS, MIA HESTER, MADELINE HIERS, MEREDITH ODEN, MADISON PUGH, SARAH REPPONd, JOE ROSSI, PAUL SAVAGE, CLARE SHELBURNE, TORI SMITH, MATTHEW TORMA, JONATHAN WEBER
Young Storytellers, IAN DOLLAR, GUY HYMAN, CAMERON FILECCIA, LAURALEE WEINLAND
Choir
STEVEN BELK , CAROLYN BRYANT, NOLAN E . BUDGEWATER, JR, ROBERT K . DARROW, AMANDA HAACKER, AMANDA HOCK, KATIE JONES, TRACI MORRIS. RACHEL McCONNELL-SWITZER, REBECCA SKELTON, CHRISTOPHER M . VAUGHAN, ALLYSON WILSON


$20. Call (318) 424-4439 for reservations.

Read more: a feature in the Times.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Graffiti talk for media & artists by SRAC guests Else & Pubert at Artspace Shreveport on Tues, July 21, 6 - 8 pm

Media and artist-types are invited to listen, says Megan Clark and Josh Porter, on Tues, July 21, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm @ artspace to an Artist Talk with ELSE from California and PUBERT from Phoenix who are our featured artists for GRAFFITI, opening July 31, 2009 @ artspace.

This exhibit will showcase the diverse aspects of the artistic skill of graffiti and its continuing evolution and integration into the field of fine arts.

Come by and enjoy the speakers and their art!

Guitar Showdown for ages 6 to 21 from the James Burton International Guitar Fest and Tipitina's Music Co-op: auditions Aug 1 & 8, noon to 5 pm


Jett Trudeau, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
The 2009 Guitar Showdown is fast approaching, says Ronny Cates. As part of the James Burton International Guitar Festival, Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport is Co-Sponsoring this awesome talent competition for guitar players ages 6-21.

Auditions will be August 1st. and 8th. from 12noon to 5pm at the Co-Op office at 700 Texas Street in Shreveport.

For more information, contact Ronny at 318-934-0000 or at shreveport@tipitinas.com. Also, an official website has been set up at http://guitarshowdown.blogspot.com/.

Dates:

* Saturday, August 1, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
* Saturday, August 8, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
* Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 9:00 am

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Review: Robert Gadpaille, Mary Anglin, Katie Hall Smith, John Goddard, Ben Maxey, Heather Bryson, Erik Champney, Ryan Williams: A Secret Garden offers terrific voices and ensemble acting at PAC

Robert Gadpaille's protean voice is the centerpiece of a first-rate production of the romantic drama A Secret Garden at the Performing Arts Center, First Methodist. Gadpaille's acting also captures the gravitas appropriate to his role as the aggrieved father.

His energies are matched by spirited teen Mary Anglin, playing his daughter, and by the capable acting and singing of John Goddard, his brother in this tale.

Heather Bryson and Erik Champney both bring first-class voices and smiles to the stage as the housekeeper and the garden lad. Bryson exudes brogue and confidence. Champney almosts bursts with Irish tenor-type vibe. Katie Hall Smith's top-flight voice and stage presence seemed an ideal match to the role sung by Gadpaille.

Benjamin Maxey, another young teen, brings clarity and tunefulness to his role as the lordly cripple.

In the pit is a 15-piece orchestra of first-call musicians under the direction of Carrie Stephens.

A Secret Garden is a dark tale and the music is artfully varied. But tense passages resolve into soaring moments. This is a more sophisticated work than might be expected in a summer musical.

Director Ryan Williams has forged a large cast into a dulcet ensemble that seemed to hit every cue on Friday night.

Two more performances:
7:30 pm Sat, July 18;
2:30 p.m. Sun, July 19.
Performing Arts Center at First United Methodist Church-Shreveport, head of Texas Street.
$18, adults and seniors; $9, children.
Box office, (318) 429-6885, hours are noon to 4 p.m; it's also open one hour prior to curtain on performance days. Say hello to the marvelous Kass Gray.

Alex Kent's review for the Times is here.
See cast snaps at Shreveport Faces.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Fourth Annual Taste of Culture Fundraiser at the Multicultural Center of the South on Sat, July 18, 6 pm til 9 pm


Aseana Park, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
4th Taste of Culture Fundraiser
The Multicultural Center of the South
401 Texas Street

Saturday, July 18, 2009
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tickets $35.00 per person

Sample authentic cultural foods from around the world. Wine provided by Glazer. Entertainment by local cultural organizations and artists. Silent auction & more!

For tickets, contact the Center at (318) 424-1380, ext. 206.
Or purchase now online at MCSS.org through PayPal.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Documentary on Haynesville Shale by Gregory Kallenberg debuts trailer and web site: Haynesvillemovie.com

In Haynesville, a movie about the early agonies and ecstacies in the Haynesville Shale story, Gergory Kallenberg and Mark Bullard have found three compelling people to follow: a good ol' boy done well who loves his DeSoto parish land, an African-American minister who's also done well and a tough young woman who organizes her neighbors Erin Brockovich-style from her trailer house.

Haynesville is a full-length documentary that takes pains to examine the role that natural gas will play in the near future. The movie is loaded with experts. But the memorable and even analytical stuff is in the lives of the North Louisianians whose lives are being torqued by the money.

Having seen a beta version of the movie I can recommend that you take the first opportunity to watch it. In the meantime, enjoy the trailer at Haynesvillemovie.com.

The team that jumped on the Haynesville story bears noting: at the site you'll find bios of Kallenberg and Bullard, editor Chris Lyon, associate producer Patrick Long, cinematographer Rob Senska and composer Jay Weigel.

More cowbell, please: Tipitina's Music Storage & Rehearsal now open at Tips Co-op, 700 Texas St


John's noise band preps
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Says New Orleans musician Todd Souvignier, "I'm writing you today to let you know that Tipitina's Music Storage & Rehearsal is now open for business at 700 Texas Street, above the Music Office Co-Op. It's a 26-space facility, all newly renovated, and our first band tenants are already moving in.

At the risk of stating the obvious, there's been a desperate need for sanctioned music rehearsal space in the Shreveport/Bossier area. We've had so many phone calls from people telling the same story: "Tried to rehearse at a mini-storage facility, but they kicked us out. Tried rehearsing in Mom's garage during the day, but the cops kept coming." We've wanted to bridge that gap for a long time, so we're very excited about finally opening the doors."

Interested parties should contact:

RONNY CATES
Co-Op Manager
Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport
700 Texas Street, Shreveport LA 71101
(318) 934-0000
shreveport@tipitinas.com
http://www.myspace.com/shreveportrehearsal

Monday, July 13, 2009

Yazzy Puttin on the Ritz performances and art show on July 24 & 25 @ CE Byrd Auditorium, 7 pm


Unwind Downtown Pub & Culture Crawl as well as Downtown Trolley Tour on Thurs, July 16, 5 pm to 9 pm; bring cash for cafes

ShreveportHappyHour.com and the Downtown Development Authority have partnered together for a Pub and Culture Crawl, says the web site.

Registration begins at 5:00pm at Artspace. Join at any time; there will be plenty of drink specials.

Anyone 21 or older can register at Artspace from 5:00pm - 9:00pm (710 Texas Street). You will receive a FREE passport to direct you to the participating locations.

*Please remember that the easiest way to complete the Pub and Culture Crawl is with CASH! Many of the sidewalk cafes only take cash.

Pub Crawl Registrants are permitted to walk the route or use the Pub Bus with an open container, provided that the beverage is bought at a participating bar and is in a designated to go cup obtained at the bar.

Each location will stamp your passport. Members who complete the route will be entered in a drawing for a private party hosted by ShreveportHappyHour.com at Overtime Sports Bar and a $100 dollar bar tab. Drawing will take place at the end of the crawl.

* The designated to go cup is to be used between locations.
* Open Containers are only allowed in a to go cup within downtown Shreveport.

Sharpen your songwriting demos at Tipitina's Workshop on Sat, July 18, 11 am til 1 pm


Ronny Cates, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport and the Red River Songwriters' Association will be hosting a workshop at the Shreveport Co-Op, says Ronny Cates. This event is open to the public and will be discussing the topic of Songwriting Demos.

The first hour of the event will be dedicated to "How to Record a Song Demo" while the second hour will be dedicated to "What to Do With Your Demo".

This informative workshop will educate and inform songwriters on the basics of how to record a simple song demo using a computer program called "GarageBand". In addition, participants will learn how to use technology to get their song exposed to potential producers, singers and promoters.

Please RSVP to: shreveport@tipitinas.com or renefoley@hotmail.com


Tipitina's Music Office Co-Op/Shreveport
700 Texas St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
p. 318.934.0000

Gypsy Mountain in July: Sam's Town Fri and Noble Savage Sat


Gypsy Mountain in July
Originally uploaded by trudeau
Writes Will Maranto, "Gypsies are bringing our Traveling Medicine Show and Roots Rock Revue to two venues near you (or near me anyway). The band’s energy level is especially good going into these shows and I can’t wait to do them.

Friday night we’re playing at Sam’s Town Casino. You should expect to hear some new covers including Chuck Berry (!), Wilson Pickett and the Young Rascals. We’ll of course do the stuff we do best too.

Saturday will be Gypsy Mountain’s first show at the Noble Savage in three years. That’s amazing to me because we’ve played it so often, but geography and schedules will do that to you. Anyway, this will be a really varied show. We’re even going to start a bit early with an acoustic set before we get into the usual electrified theatrics."

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Mandible, Austin group with former Shreveporters Phillip McEachern & Robert Bernard, play Celebrity Lounge at Eldorado on Sun, July 19

Shreveport's own Phillip McEachern and Robert Bernard return to play their hometown as part of Austin quasi-supergroup Mandible, says the droll McEachern.

Hailed for its hard pop punch and art rock-inspired arrangements, the band has gained a reputation for powerful, eccentric live shows. Mandible's debut CD ''Here Come the Mandible'' is currently out on Almost There records, with a new album coming in the Fall of 09.

Hear their four of their monkey shines on Facebook.

Happily wacked.