Sunday, March 27, 2005

Tipitinas Foundation to serve musicians at 700 Texas St.

The Tipitina Foundation's work is in organizing and offering opportunities to musicians. They've had success in New Orleans. Now they're opening an office and studio in downtown S'port - next door to Artspace - in April. The word on the street is that Dan Garner is to be the big chieftan.

See more at musicofficecoop.com

SciFi book discussions: Michael Parker at Artspace


ARTSPACE at the WEST EDGE will host a monthly science fiction book discussion group as part of the continuing Art of Robots exhibit. The discussions will be facilitated by Michael Parker, local used and rare book dealer, freelance writer and independent scholar.

The Sci-Fi Book Discussion Group Series begins on Thursday, March 31, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, will be the topic of discussion.

April 21 -- Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land.

May 19 -- Philip K. Dick's classic novel, Ubik.

June 16 -- William Gibson's Pattern Recognition.

All free to the public.
Copies of the books will be available for purchase in GIFTSPACE, within ARTSPACE - 710 Texas Street.
More info: 673-6535.

Turner Art Gallery, Centenary College: Art from Angola

Since most Louisianians live maybe six degrees away from a path leading to Angola, Turner Gallery will help remind us of what we're trying so hard to avoid.

Turner's hours: M-F 10-5, Sun 3-6 (On view until 4/14; closed 3/18-3/28)
 
Exhibition talks:
March 31, 7 pm, Turner Art Gallery:
Larry Milford, artist and prison educator

April 14, 11-11:50 am, Kilpatrick Auditorium, Smith Building:
Phyllis Kornfeld, author of Cellblock Visions: Prison Art in America (Princeton Univ. Press)

Also showing in the gallery:
Two films by Jonathan Stack: The Wildest Show in the South: The Angola Prison Rodeo and The Farm: Life Inside Angola Prison

Free and open to the public.

Dr. Lisa J. Nicoletti
Art & Visual Culture
Turner Art Gallery Director
Centenary College of Louisiana
2911 Centenary Blvd.
Shreveport, LA  71104
318-869-5261

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Hunter Carter and Evan Falbaum's films at the Louisiana Film Center Gala

Hunter Carter and filmmaking partner Evan Falbaum are award-winning teen artists. They won the Louisiana Film Center student division award in 2004 with their droll "Hey, God." That piece will be shown at the La Film Center gala, to be held Fri., Ap 29.

Carter and cohorts will produce the Mosaic Film Festival at Caddo Magnet High School at 7 pm Wednesday, April 28, showing their new short films in the course of presenting numerous new works by other CMHS students.

See the Carter-Falbaum work at the web site they founded and operate, 2Manshows.com.


More on the LFC event from Sylvia Goodman, director:

The Louisiana Film Center will hold its first annual fund-rasing gala Film Fantasy Fandango on Friday, April 29 at Fox Creek Farms from 7-11 p.m.  Come and mingle with fantasy movie stars.  Enjoy a sumptous cocktail buffet by Bella Fresca and dance to recording artists The Terms (formerly the Sidewalks). Clyde Hargrove and the Terms have signed a recording contract with a major label.  Tickets $100. Call the Louisiana Film Center office at 424-9090.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Hitch your trailer, horse and saddle; the Strand's hosting a downtown trail ride Friday, Ap 1

Riders in the Sky, the singing cowboys best known for their childrens songs in Toy Story 2, are performing at the Strand Theater Friday, April 1. To celebrate the show, the theatre is hosting an official trail ride open to the public, says Danny Fogger, Strand general manager. Here's their imaginative package:

* riders get a buy-one-get-one-free discount.

* no charge for the trail ride, but please pre-register by calling the Strand at 226-1481.

* riders depart from the Strand at 6:00 p.m., travel throughout downtown Shreveport.

* show begins at 7:30 p.m.

* plenty of free parking for horse trailers in the vicinity of the Strand.

* security will be provided before, during and after the performance.



"This is a fun event and we invite families to get in the spirit, dust off their cowboy boots, jingle their spurs and saddle up with the trail ride," says Fogger.


Riders in the Sky shows are feature western music and humor. They are best known for their children's music, including Woody's Roundup from Toy Story 2, which earned them a Grammy award, and Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory Favorites.


Tickets: call the Strand Theatre Box Office at 318-226-8885 or see thestrandtheatre.com

Thursday, March 24, 2005

The Cotton Club Returns: Southern University Shreveport Foundation benefit at the Strand Theater Saturday, March 26

Patrons will be dressed to the nines for an appearance by New Orleans jazz songstress Germaine Bazzle at the Strand Theater, Shreveport, on Saturday, March 26.

Bazzle leads a show entitled "The Cotton Club Returns, a tribute to great jazz legends." It is sponsored by the Southern University Shreveport Foundation and KSLA TV, said Frank Williams, jr., president of the foundation's board.

Also bringing the Crescent City jazz groove to the show is singer George French, who is a City That Care Forgot classic. New Orleanian Sharon Martin will also jazz the audience with a Mississippi-soaked voice.

Sharing the stage with the veterans are young tap dancing twins Jonathan and Sean Scott.

Ticket proceeds will go to scholarships, says the foundation's mission statement.

Expect to see a who's who of the local political structure listening to Bazzle and comperes at the Strand Saturday night. Join them for a ticket ranging in price from a $25 balcony seat to a $2,500 table for 10. More info: 674-3359.

How to move art in Shreveport: match the Montessori Art Auction modus operandi

Lots of paintings, photos, prints and sculpture went home with new owners on the night of the recent Montessori Art Auction. Some 125 pieces of art from regional artists were purchased at the exposition, says Montessori volunteer Donna Walker.

"The majority of the art purchased was priced $300 and below and was 24 X 30 inches or smaller in size," said Walker, chairperson of the art show.

Some 85 artists participated, said Montessori event organizer Jennifer Moorhead. The night was a boon for artists in another way: "Artists may claim up to 50% of the purchase price and set their own minimum bids at the MSS auction," said Montessori Head of School Angie Day.

Above: new painter Carl Bearden with admirers of his work. More on the March 5 Montessori Art Auction in the blog archives.

Renwick & Daniel: art films at minicine Saturday at 9 at 824 Texas

Vanessa Renwick and Bill Daniel, funky filmmakers, once hung together in Oregon. Today Daniel has exited the naulish Northwest for la la land South: Shreveport. This weekend Renwick slides in for a visit with a trunkful of projects to show.

mini-cine presents:

BomB<>BlisS from Portland artist Vanessa Renwick.
Her collection of films will alternately rollercoaster us thru heaven or provide a hellride - art hell? - says host David Nelson at minicine.
The films are by Renwick, Daniel, Gretchen Hildebran, Miranda July, Matt McCormick and Tom Pallazolo.

Nelson also announces Folksonomy, a new art show in which collaborations by local artists is the meat.

Also in the gallery is News from Nowhere, Things on the wall by Bill Daniel, and Grain, which is a video installation by Vanessa Renwick.

Saturday, March 26
824 Texas Ave
5$ Donation
Doors @ 8
Films @ 9. BYOB
http://www.swampland.org

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Metropolis, Blade Runner: SciFi movies free at Artspace Friday night, March 25

ARTSPACE at the WEST EDGE will kick off its Science Fiction Double Feature Series on Friday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. The series will consist of two sci-fi movies -- one a classic, the other a more modern movie, says SRAC. Hosts for the evenings will give a brief history of the movies and share their perspectives on why the two segue. This event is part of the Art of Robots Exhibit, featuring the artwork and concepts behind the movie ROBOTS designed by William Joyce, at ARTSPACE, 710 Texas Street.


Host for the first Science Fiction Double Feature is Chris Jay. Chris is a filmmaker, writer and musician based in Shreveport, LA.  He has produced several short films spanning a variety of genres, including The Dog Thief and A.R.S.E. (narrative) and Generation Gap (experimental), as well as various small documentary projects. Interests that inform his work are politics, socio-economics, the Southern identity, and emerging forms of urban music. 


Chris will be presenting the classic movie, Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang in 1927, and pairing it with Blade Runner, the 1982 Ridley Scott film.


Science Fiction Double Feature will continue throughout the run of the Art of Robots Exhibit, occurring on the last Friday of the months of March, April, May and June. Future classics being presented include Forbidden Planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still and Barbarella. The Science Fiction Double Feature Series is free to the public.



For more information on Science Fiction Double Feature or the Art of Robots Exhibit, please call Artspace at 673-6535.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

"Kerrville groovemeister;" Tom Prasada-Rao, at Fairfield Studios Thursday night

Tom Prasada-Rao burst on the scene in 1992 and has not let up since, says the Fredericksburg Songwriter's Showcase web site. Over the last five years, he has played close to 150 dates a year "wowing audiences with his gentle stage presence and explosive musical ability" (Lydia Hutchinson, Performing, Songwriter)

Tom was born in Ethiopia of Indian parents, and educated in England, the US, and India, and his music reflects that diversity--blending pop melodies with R&B rhythms and finely crafted lyrics into his acoustic guitar, 3rd World instrumentation, and his voice - "like cream of angel soup".

Both Sandra Odom and Greg Williams say that Tom is the tops. Audition songs from his album "Hear you laughing" at Amazon. And read why I enjoyed a recent Fairfield Studios concert.

Tom Prasada-Rao / Red River Radio House Concert Series
Thursday March 24, 2005
Concert starts at 7 pm
Please arrive by 6:30.

Reserve your seat by return email or
call Fairfield Studios: 318 220 0400.

Dana McCommon
Fairfield Studios
1510 Fairfield Avenue
Shreveport, LA. 71101

dana@fairfieldstudios.com
www.fairfieldstudios.com

Monday, March 21, 2005

Cameron Meshell & Pelle Hillstrom in the studio in NYC

Young, talented and footloose in NYC: Shreveport rocker Cameron Meshell says, "Stream new music from www.cameronmeshell.com and watch random video clips from the studio."

Learn to down an oyster shooter with the boy and podno Pelle (Abandoned Pools, modwheelmood, currently in NIN tour) and his Brit manager, see his band rehearsing - in Shreveport - and enjoy a couple of lovely newly-recorded songs, "Second chance" and "Father."

Raw and low-key and rockin.

Squint & Mars Vegas at Sully's Tavern - formerly Alligator Joe's - Saturday

"Squint will be performing Saturday at Sully's Tavern with special guests, Shreveport's own Mars Vegas," says Brett Roman Stampley. "We are thrilled about this show as it promises to win 'show of the year' honors by people who keep tabs on this sort of thing.

We also ask that you support this event to display your enthusiasm to local bar merchants for quality and original rock acts that don't suck."

"The show starts at 10pm sharp. Admission is only $5 and there will be alcohol served till 6 am. There can be no drinking between the hours of 6am to 7am; if you break this Blue Law then you will be forced to say 12 Hail Marys and 2 Our Fathers at the next Shreveport City Council meeting."

The Squint story is a tight one: musicians from small-town Michigan relocate to the metropolis of Ruston, Louisiana, to get their career rolling.

They're such a good riffin' band with a smart vocalist - Dane Adrian - that they've become a success, location be damned.

Chris Smith of Houston Press says of their album,"Squint's music is chock-full of sticky pop hooks, with lyrics both general enough for mass appeal and clever enough to set the band apart."

Casey Jones said on ShreveSpoon this week: "Squint is always a great show. I'll be there. Friday night, Trip Rocket is playing at Sullys; check them out also."

And if you scroll back on this blog you'll see my enthusiastic review of Mars Vegas new album.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Robot speaks apparently amusing syllables to Artspace visitor

Animatronix robotoid heads assembled and customized for the Artspace Robots exhibit were produced by Bruce Allen, Walter Washington, Donna Moore, Susan Breeland, Robert Trudeau & Talbot Hopkins Trudeau, Theresa Mormino, Michael G. Moore, Jerry Davenport and Allison Dickson, said project manager Jeff Courtman (who built the first one of the batch).

There are 5 stations of art activities and amusements as well as shopping awaiting kids and adults at Artspace, open 1 to 6 Sunday ($5).


More info: 673-6535.

The entire Roboteration is free during the week: Mon - Wed: 8 am to 2 pm. Th and Fri 8 am to 9 pm.

Having seen Robots, the movie, I must say the exploration of the art behind the animation at Artspace is fulfilling.

New work at Robin Rothrock's Backroom Gallery in the Arodasi Dance Center

The Backroom Gallery presents "Lunar Intoxication," paintings by Robin Rothrock, Saturday March 19th, and Sunday, March 20th, 1:00-2:00 PM. Come and have a glass of wine and a snack and stay for the performance entitled "Intoxication" (please see Intoxication post below) by the Arodasi Dancers, says Robin.

Rothrock occupies a permanent corner gallery in the back of Arodasi Dance Center - 327 Market St.; Bistineau Gallery is part of the same space - where she works on staging her work for showing. She is creating a series of lunar and planetary inspired works which establish an organic and textural glimpse of the immediate world and beyond.

Recent previously unseen works will be on display which explore the intoxicating spirit of the moon.

Information at robinred@hotrock.com or call 318 227 3075.

Friday, March 18, 2005

Welcome to Shrevetown and Artspace, Blue Skivvies and fans of Robots

Robots producer-designer Bill Joyce is bringing illustrators from the Blue Sky Studios team to Artspace for the opening of the The Art of Robots exhibit, says SRaC's Pam Atchison. The Artspace grand jeter is Friday, March 18, at 7. Tickets are $50 for all the food, entertainment and concepts you can consume.

Saturday, March 19, Artspace's Rivet Town and Robot City - veritable Russias of recycled goods fashioned into a world that mimics our own - are open 10 am to 9 pm ($5). Sunday enjoy the whirring cog wheels of the Robots exhibit from 1 pm to 6.

SRAC has heard the complaints of the impecunious artists & downtowners and provided something free to enjoy: in the Artspace window will be a Robotnik Family going about their daily life-in-storefront-window ablutions.

Hip-hop Robotoids? B-reakdancers will be onsite, says SRAC.

Coffeespace will be open, too, and the reconstituted Giftspace is stocked and upfront.

More info: 673-6535.

The entire mechanoid gulag can be ogled and toggled free during the week: Mon - Wed: 8 am to 2 pm. Th and Fri 8 am to 9 pm.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Benjamin Kamin riffs Dead Elvis with the SSO at the Civic Theater Saturday at 7:30


ElvisKamin
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Dead Elvis is a popular 1993 chamber work by Michael Daugherty. Bassoonist Benjamin Kamins - Houston Symphony, Rice University, chamber ensembles across the globe - will don the robes of Elvis impersonator for this bit of serious fun with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Saturday at the Civic Theater.

The SSO also welcomes conductor candidate Arthur Post to the podium (please see more below). Additionally, the drawing for deluxe prizes in the 16th Annual Luxury Raffle will take place. The raffle is a major fundraiser for the SSO. If you'd like to be a symphony patron and jump upon the excellent odds offered by this Mercedes raffle, please see the SSO raffle site or call me at 861-6809.

And don't forget valet parking at the AmSouth tower as a parking alternative for Saturday night downtown.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Theremin player C. Wayne McAllister: sounds for the Artspace show The Art of the Robot

C. Wayne McAllister is playing in Shreveport without the support of either of the bands he's in, neither Liquidrone nor The Myrtles, writes Mimsy Borogroves. He will be playing the Theremin (and other electronic toys) at Artspace, 710 Texas Street, as part of the Grand Reopening of Artspace and the opening of The Art of Robots Exhibit. You just can't talk Robots without a good Sci-Fi soundtrack going on. Casey's Theremin will fill the bill nicely.

Although Artspace will now be free on weekdays, this Grand Opening is $5 admission. I'd pay that just to hear Casey play, myself. But you'll also get to see the exhibit, probe the giftshop for the coolest tin windup robot collection ever bought off Ebay, and health department willing, sip a coffee from the finally-opened cafe!

Saturday, McAlister's playing on and off from 5 to 9; Sunday, catch him in the afternoon from 1 to 4. Bring friends. It'd be a shame to have him drive all this way and not be appreciated. Please spread the word.

Intoxication: new choreography at the Arodasi Dance Center Saturday at 7 pm

Choreographer Kristi Dorothinia Hanna has been working on Intoxication for several months. "It all began in Hawaii," she explained, "when Sondra Fraleigh was talking about Soma and what it means, which is the entire body of an organism - as well as an ancient drink of the Hindu gods - and it has evolved steadily since then ..."

A Visual Sound and Movement Company will present a Dance Concert with Sondra Fraleigh as featured performer, in a collaboration entitled Intoxication.

Saturday, March 19 at 7pm
Sunday, March 20 at 2pm

Arodasi is Maureen Murov, Liliana Lara, Monica Fayad, Jenny Potter, Skye Creswell and Dorothy Allen.
Musical highlights include the Offenbach Cello Duets, as recorded by Paul Christopher and Ruth Drummond, and original music by Leonard Service.

Fraleigh (see post below) is an internationally known dance educator, author, and researcher.  She has studied Butoh extensively as well as written a book on the topic.  This will be a unique opportunity to see Sondra in a Butoh-inspired performance, says Arodasi director Hanna.

Contact Peggy LaCour at 518-6282 or Pldragondance@aol.com for tickets ($10).  Arodasi is an intimate art space with limited seating; reservations are recommended, says LaCour.

Friday, March 18, 7 pm: Sondra Fraleigh will read poetry and excerpts from her book Dancing Identity: Metaphysics in Motion. Following the reading, workshop students will perform a dance developed this week. $10

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Parts&Labor and Breaker! Breaker!, both from Brooklyn, hit Lil' Joe's Tavern Thursday with Dirtfoot and Chicago's Sybaris


Parts&Labor, Brooklyn, hit Lil' Joe's with Dirtfoot, Breaker!Breaker! and Sybaris
.
DirtFoot - 3 friends have recently exclaimed "You gotta see 'em!"
plus SXSW-bound bands,
including:
Parts & Labor....Brooklyn
Breaker! Breaker!....Brooklyn
Sybris....Chicago
@ Lil' Joe's Tavern... 163 Kings Hwy.
says David Nelson ....

St. Patrick's Explosion
3/17/05
8PM
868-7890
$5

Fresh meat: conductor-finalist Arthur Post leads the Shreveport Symphony Saturday, March 19

"Serious music with a sense of humor" says the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra about the Commedia concert Saturday night at the Shreveport Civic Theater.

Perhaps better than the lively music is the presence of rakish conductor Arthur Post, music director of the San Juan Orchestra.

Post graduated from Yale and Juilliard and has studied with Seiji Ozawa, Zubin Mehta, Michael Tilson-Thomas and the late Leonard Bernstein. He has had positions with the New World Symphony, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Pitttsburgh Symphony.

A special event at Saturday's concert will be the drawing of winning raffle tickets in the SSO's major fundraiser, the Luxury Raffle.

This week board members and volunteers are trying to sell a few hundred more tickets. Please call the SSO, me (861-6809) or use the online ticket service
to support the SSO with your purchase. Pardon me if I claim it to be intrinsically meritorious!


A story about Post from SSO development director Jennifer Akers: "In the course of chatting after we picked the conductor up at the airport he asked me, 'Why do you work for the symphony? You're underpaid and overworked, if I'm not mistaken.' I replied 'At what other job do you get to run around with cool people all month getting ready to give the city a gigantic party?'
With that answer, he beamed.'"

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Movement therapy guru Sondra Fraleigh to lead Dancing Down the Bones workshop this week at Arodasi Dance Center

Sondra Fraleigh, of the EastWest Somatics Institute for Dance and Somatic Movement, Brockport, NY, is guest of dancer-choreographer movement therapist Kristi Dorothinia Hanna this week at the Arodasi Dance Center, 327 Market St.

Fraleigh, author of books on dance and movement therapy, will present daily workshops called "Dancing down the Bones, excavating body memories and possible selves."

Both Hanna and Fraleigh are certified in Feldenkrais therapy and are choreographers and dancers. The illustration above portrays a Fraleigh dance called "meditations."

For more info see Fraleigh's website or call Peggy LaCour, program corrdinator, at 518-6282.

Student life: Tibet flies to Bossier via phonecam


JavierRivasParkwayHSMrsNoyes
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Viewing the historic photos on display at Meadows Museum, Centenary College, in the Tibetan Photo Project exhibit is secondary student Javier Rivas. Snapping a photo of the material while enjoying the show, Rivas is in a class that was encouraged to visit the museum - you can play the Singing Bowl, spin prayer wheels and see big color photos, too - and write about Tibetan life. He was sent by Parkway teacher Mrs. Noyes.


"RT: "How do you spell your teacher's name?"
JV (to classmate): "Say, how does Mrs. Noyes spell her name?"
Classmate: "Mrs. 'No' 'Yes,' man!"


Meadows is open Sundays 1 to 4 and closed Mondays. Othwise it's noon to 4. Thursday is their late day: noon to 5.

Artspace: Noma Fowler-Sandlin

Producer of the mobbed Peter Pan Quiz Night for Artspace, Noma Fowler-Sandlin is also copy writer for the whirl of S'pt regional Arts Council events surrounding The Art of Robots exhibition. Can you guess her favorite characters in Bill Joyce's new book, The Art of Robots?

Among her clarion items from SRAC is New Hours and Prices for Artspace next week!

Artspace will be FREE weekdays and $5 per person on Saturdays - when there will be expanded artist-facilitated hands-on events for kids and families to enjoy. Rates for Special Events will vary.

Call 673-6535 for details.

Artspace will be closed on Sundays. Hours Monday through Wednesday will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus later for Special Events.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Miss Saigon finds Strand Theater March 12 & 13

Set in 1975 during the days leading up to the shameless American evacuation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is the story of two lovers torn apart by execrable forces yet coiled together by a stinging passion and the fate of a brilliant child. This unbelieveable musical, from the super-duper creators of the mega-successful Les Miserables, with its soaring, searing melodies and unstoppable emotions, has captured box offices around the world.


Please find more info on the Strand website.

Me, I'm looking forward to the Strand's presentation of tap dancer Savion Glover - April 5 - doing a show called Improvography.

Friday, March 11, 2005

If it's 2005 this must be an art gallery and ...tattoo parlor

The Body Electric Tattoo Studio / Art Gallery opening is Saturday, March 12th, from 7:30 pm until Sizer Yerger, proprietor, says "Gee whiz, folks."

Expect art, music, food and drink. And tats.

Area artists showing work:
Rob Peterson
Ruth Junto
Allison Dickson
Bryan Sullivan
Michael Moore
Jen Wasson
Sizer Yerger
Eric Dean
Denise Peske Dews
Shannon Palmer
Noma Fowler-Sandlin.

Artist backgrounds ? Please see Northwest Louisiana Art Gallery.
Live Music will be dramatically performed by Dirtfoot and a new rock trio, Mars Vegas.

984 Jordan Shreveport
More info (or archetypal body adornments in ink): 681-0990

Shreveport Opera presents L'elisir d'amore Saturday, 7:30 pm, S'pt Civic Theater

Shreveport Opera presents Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, March 12, at 7:30 PM, in the Shreveport Civic Theatre.


Adina is a wealthy local farm owner. Nemorino is a young villager who laments that he has nothing to offer Adina but love. Sgt. Belcore is a conceited soldier. And Dr. Dulcamara proclaims the virtues of his patent medicine, an elexir of magical breadth and depth.


See more at ShreveportOpera.org and especially see Times writer Jennifer Flowers' extensive "Opera 101, a crash course to a night at the opera."

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Robots rumble from silver screen to ArtSpace, Texas St.

A Riveting Robot Experience
Awaits Every-bot-y at artspace

by Noma Fowler-Sandlin

Fasten your seatbolts, Shreveport! The Art of Robots Exhibition at artspace at the west edge will rivet the attention of audiences beginning the weekend of March 18, 19 and 20, featuring original artworks, designs and concepts related to the new animated movie, Robots, produced by Shreveport's-own William Joyce.

William Joyce has authored 16 books including Santa Calls, George Shrinks, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs and others. He currently boasts two successful television series -- on PBS George Shrinks and on Disney Channel, the Emmy award winning, Rolie Polie Olie. He's been named by Newsweek as one of 100 "People to Watch" in the New Millennium and by Entertainment Weekly as one of the "100 Most Creative People." William Joyce is a Founder and Creative Director for artspace as well as designer of The Art of Robots Exhibition.

Artspace at the west edge is a partnership between Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the Downtown Development Authority. Artspace has been closed for renovations since striking the popular Peter Pan Centennial Celebration Exhibition in December, but this re-opening, in addition to the brand new Art of Robots exhibition, will showcase even more improvements to the building, the former Ivan Smith Furniture, at 710 Texas St. You might say the building has been repaired for adventure, just as audiences should now be.

Despite the huge amount of Hollywood star-power, perhaps the biggest star of Joyce's new animated feature and of this exhibit is design. Things that have long been considered junk were given a second lease on life as models for the movie and this exhibition. Chris Wedge, Director of the movie, Robots, says that Rodney Copperbottom, the film's hero, was fashioned from an Evinrude boat motor from the 1940s or 50s and elements of a VW Van.

In the artspace exhibit, you'll see that same sort of adaptive recycling. Recognizable items will catch your eye at every turn, especially in the Joyce-designed Rivet Town and Robot City, one of the many exhibits on hand for this show.


Stay tuned to this space for more info on the divers activities yet to flex.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

"Ghost Town Flood:" new CD from Mars Vegas

Sounds like those made by John Fogerty and Green Day come roaring out of the speakers as I listen to the new CD from Mars Vegas. This rock trio makes dramatic roots rock without corny retro-stylings on their EP "Ghost Town Flood." The "Ghost Town" is basically "about the lovely town of Shreveport," says Brett Roman Stampley, bassist.

Mars Vegas singer/guitarist Josh Coker has the potential to get your attention because he's telling stories. And doing it by both tweaking the rock formula as well as sticking with the basics. "Ghost," BTW, has a Beatlesque progression and melody. The guitar solos don't blaze, the vocal notes occasionally stray, but each song seems to come together with passion and intelligence.

Listen to "Sleep Tight" and "Ghost Town Flood" on Purevolume.com to inquire into the curious world of Mars Vegas. Recorded last month at Sandbox Studio, Shreveport, one of the songs on the 6-song album is "Sylvia Plath (s'got nothing on me)."

Mars Vegas joins Dirtfoot and a slew of visual artists in opening Sizer Yerger's new tattoo parlor, The Body Electric Tattoo Studio / Art Gallery, Saturday night.

The Body Electric is at 984 Jordan. More info: 681-0990.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Austin's SXSW: Film Fest, March 11; Music, March 18


SXSW: Zykos' Cat
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
"Now in its 18th year, the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, is a veritable fantasyland for music fans. There's a nearly 24-hour-a-day onslaught of live music showcases, parties and panels, as well as a whiplash-inducing propensity to run into other journalists, publicists and long-lost friends, said Billboard Magazine.

And it all takes place about 6 hours drive from here. The film fest begins March 11; the music fest begins March 18.

According to Wired.com, you can download some 750 mp3 tunes posted - via bit torrent - by the gigatrip of bands participating.

http://2005.sxsw.com/

Folmer, King, Poppell in Richard III, East Bank Theater, March 10 through 20

Richard III, Shakespeare's classic tale of politics, intrigue and murder, will be performed at the East Bank Theatre March 10 through March 20.


Produced by The Company Repertory Theatre and directed by Heather Peak, the cast includes: Richard Folmer, Dick King, Mary Joris, Patrick Kirton, Reece Middleton, Jim Cowles, Mary Zapcynski, Crystal Poppell, Haley Young, Eugen Crook, Tyler Krieg, Benjamin Maxey, Josh Talley, Ed Finuf, Gordon Christy and Ken Loggins.


Box Office hours are 9-5 Monday through Friday.

Ticket prices are $13.00 Adults; $11.00 Seniors, Students and Active Military.
Group rates available.
For reservations call 741-8310.


Folmer, King, Joris and Poppell are among my favorite actors in the city. Folmer and King by themselves could entertain us, could have us rolling on the floor laughing our derrieres off - by reading the instructon booklet to your new camera.

This production of Richard III, directed by the gorgeous and deeply-trained Shakespearean actress Heather Peak, has been fortified by a long list of names of local players whose names are synonymous with hard work and competency. Thus there is no stretch involved in recommending this production to you at the highest level.

RT

Sunday, March 06, 2005

John Smith, folksinger: House concert Wednesday, March 9, at Fairfield Studios

For the past twenty years John Smith has been sharing his music with audiences all across the United States, and abroad. Driving some 50,000 miles on a motor scooter to play over 150 dates each year, he has become a favorite at coffee houses, colleges, and house concerts alike, says the Smith web site. In addition to being a past winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award, John Smith has released four CDs to rave reviews from trade publications such as Dirty Linen, Performing Songwriter, and Sing Out! Magazines. He has also served as a staff songwriter for the WrenSong Music Group in Nashville.

Catch him at 7 pm Wednesday, March 9, at Fairfield Studios, across from the State Building.

Having attended last month's concert I can tell you that
1) the ticket price included enough sandwich makings - coldcuts, cheeses, etc. - and salty bits to make a satisfying, if basic, supper; plus beer, carbonated beverage or water.
2) conversations were easy to begin - there was a solicitous vibe to the staff.
3) the sound quality of the room and gear was pristine, but it wasn't loud.
4) Seats were comfortable.

Expect Smith to sing two sets separated by a goodly chat break. Over by 9 pm or so.

There were a couple of well-behaved 11 year-olds in the audience. No problems with kids, though they pay full price.

Parking was plentiful in the lot next to Kalmbach Advertising. What's not to like?

Smith sounds quite nice on the mp3's on his web site. And musician Sandra Odom, who is my guide to the top quality house circuit singers, gives him a thumbs up.

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Adelaide: sonic & visual delights from Portland

Adelaide will perform at minicine? Sunday, March 6, at 8 pm. Their website reveals dreamy multi-media cascades of wegway ala Tortoise.

"Love, love, love:" no tariff this eve at David Nelson's funky townhouse performance space at 824 Texas Avenue.

Artwork on the wall... Allison Dickson Collaborations:
One each with: Rob Peterson, Jon Mackey, Morgan Thomas, Landry Debussy
On the other wall... some photos by Davey


Wry filmmaker, photographer and host Nelson adds: "Do not let anyone Valet Park your car."

Jennifer Flowers included a mini-chapter on Nelson in her March 1 Bill Daniel profile in the Times.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Still life by Talbot Hopkins at the Montessori Art Auction, Saturday, March 5

Bidding at the Montessori Art Auction begins at 6 pm Saturday evening, says chairperson Jennifer Moorhead. Art Exhibition chairs Rhonda Hall and Donna Walker have gathered work by some 85 regional artists for the pleasure of the crowd of art lovers to descend upon the Shreveport Convention Hall.

A roomful of goods and services at silent auction is also part of the Montessori evening; the considerable array was organized by Melissa Dove Maurice and Kim Viniard.

Entertainment will be provided by a lovely, harmonizing group called Lip Service from 6 to 8 pm. Lip Service is followed by the rockin' quartet Drama Club, featuring blond singer Juliann Banks. They will play from 8 to 11 pm.

Light hors d'oeuvres will come from Bella Fresca, says catering person Susan Perkins. The cash bar will be humming with all manner of libations, says genial bar master Dr. Danny Payne.

Admission is $10. See more info in a prior blog post, or call Montessori at 861-6777.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Celebration of Women's Week: Lip Service to harmonize at noon Sunday, March 6

Lip Service, the all-girl band directed by guitarist-singer Barbara Jarrell, will blend voices, guitars and keyboards on the riverfront Sunday, March 6, says Joanna Ballard.

They will be part of the Ann Rowell Celebration of Women in the Arts at Riverview Park, adjacent to the Barnwell Center. Visual Artists, musicians, storytellers and spoken word artists will perform. There will be, says Ballard,
some 40 visual and performing female artists from across the state. Admission is free; performances will take place from noon to 5 pm.

Lip Service, featuring performers Barabara Jarrell, Cookie Garner, Sandra Odom and Robin Patterson, will perform at noon. The Arodasi dancers, directed by Kristi Dorothinia Hanna, will perform at 2 pm (see more on this blog earlier).

This event is being held in conjunction with the YWCA's Celebration of Women Week.  A percentage of all art sales will benefit the YWCA of Shreveport.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Tango to Gongo: chamber orchestra percussion from the SSO

Argentina, Brazil, Japan and China are among the locations to be evoked musically when the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's chamber concert thunders and paradiddles on Thursday. The group will employ some 20 percussion instruments in the show.

Shreveport Symphony percussionist Chan Teague will direct the performance, called World Rhythms, at Hurley Music Building, Centenary College, Thursday, March 3 (7:30 pm).

This show will be particularly rich for those who love drums, gongs, chimes and blocks and the multifarious sounds produced thereupon.

Yet the group will include violin, bass, accordion and flute. Expect vinuous (curling like vines) textures from Teague and fellow musicians. And see more about the concert In Jennifer Flowers' article for the Times and at the SSO page.

Arodasi Dance choreographer-dancer: Kristi Dorothinia Hanna

Kristi Dorothinia Hanna is a protean artist: painter, dancer, choreographer, designer, provocateur. Among her obsessions is the Visual Sound and Movement Company, which she founded during a dream state in the 1980's. Today the name for her dance troupe has migrated; they are the Arodasi Dancers. And they will present a dance program outdoors on the riverfront Sunday at 2 pm.
This program is a collaboration with Helen Wood, producer of a new Paul Christopher and Ruth Drummond recording of the Offenbach Cello Duets. The dance movements have been choreographed to the lovely album recorded by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra cellists.



The Arodasi Dancers includes Monica Fayad, Jenny Potter, Dorothy Allen, Maureen Murov, Liliana Lara and Skye Creswell.

The concert, part of the YWCA Celebration of Women's Week, will bloom on an outdoor stage by the rose garden adjacent to the Barnwell Garden & Art Center from 2:00 to 3:00.


More info: 318-518-6282.

Listening to the Christopher and Drummond recording of the Offenbach cello duets, I am struck by the intelligent production. First, it is appealing music, secondly, it is well performed and third, it is a smart package. Recorded locally by Roger Barnes, musician and technology maven, it is a model for musicians of the region. I bought my copy at Tower Books (865-7161), an oasis of literacy at 721 Azalea - near Steinmart on Line Avenue.

Karen Eterovich, NYC actress, presents multi-media one-woman show Saturday at LSUS

"Love Arm'd" is a multi-media one-woman show focusing on the life and work of Aphra Behn, a fascinating 18th-century celebrity, considered by many to be the first professional woman writer. Her work reflects her exciting adventures as a spy, mistress and intellectual woman.


Created and staged by New York actress Karen Eterovich, "Love Arm'd" has been performed to critical acclaim on stages across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Her performance at LSUS will mark her third in a series of four commemorating Women's History month. This performance is made possible in part by contributions from the Noel Collection and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

The biography will unfold in the LSUS University Center Theater Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

More info: Dr. Diane Boyd at 318-798-4151or dboyd@pilot.lsus.edu, or Dr. Helen Taylor at 318-797-5211 or htaylor@pilot.lsus.edu.

Russ Brabham & Hominy Ranch: Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:30, Sharpie's Clubhouse

Rockin' comfort food that's salty, reliable and makes a solid place in your gut; that's the sort of music you get with Russ Brabham and Hominy Ranch. Brabham has honed his sense of humor, melody and sense of fun to a fare-thee-well. His sidemen are some of the most capable and road-proven musicians in town. Catch them Thursdays at Sharpies Clubhouse, from 5:30 to 8:30.


The band, from left to right:
Bill Umverzagt: Keys
John Peck: Fiddle
Greg Williams : bass and vocals
Russ Brabham: Guitar and Vocals
Blue Martin: Congas and Percussion
Gary Buchannan: Guitar,Harp, and vocals

Greg calls Sharpie's, corner of King's and Youree, "The little pool hall that could." Sample the rockin' folk-country of Brabham and the Ranch at Separate Branches Publishing.