Kelley and Arsement Awarded Artist Grants

Heather Ryan Kelley

Recently two Lake Area artists, visual artist Heather Ryan Kelley and Cajun musician Ganey Arsement, were awarded funds from the Artist Career Advancement grant with the Office of Cultural Development in Baton Rouge. The grant, which funds up to $3,000 per application, is designed to assist practicing Louisiana artists in a variety of disciplines by funding projects and opportunities that propel creative and professional growth.

Out of over 200 applications received by the state, only 26 were awarded funding with the total amount allocated at $68,452, and Kelley and Arsement represent the two funded applications from Southwest Louisiana. 

Kelley, an art professor at McNeese, received a grant for a project that will focus on James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake. Kelley will create a collage for each page of the comic novel which will collectively act as a meditation on the novel’s motifs and symbols. Kelley was born in Connecticut and holds a BFA in printmaking from Southern Methodist University and an MA in painting from Northwestern State University.

Ganey Arsement

Arsement, an accordionist and vocalist for the local Cajun band the LakeSide Gamblers, received a grant to record a sophomore CD in order to increase his exposure outside of Louisiana. Arsement has been working in the Cajun music industry for nearly 20 years, and his music stays true to the traditional styles of Cajun music. He has toured the world with the Grammy-nominated Basin Brothers, and the world renowned Balfa Toujours. He teaches at Barbe High School and holds a Master of Education from McNeese State University.

Additional grants are offered annually for arts initiatives and projects in Southwest Louisiana through the Arts Council, and guidelines and deadlines can be found at www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org. For details on other grants offered through the Office of Cultural Development, visit www.crt.state.la.us. For more information, contact the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787.

Celtic Winter Concert with Four Shillings Short

The celtic, folk, and world music duo Four Shillings Short will be in Lake Charles this week to perform their show entitled "Celtic Winter Concert."  Toting over 30 instruments from around the world, this duo delivers a set of music that spans the globe, and offers a rare view of music from cultures few are likely to visit. 

Four Shillings Short will do two shows on Wednesday December 19, the first at the Iowa branch of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library at 10 a.m., with an afternoon performance at the Sulphur branch from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.  The following day, Thursday December 20, they will perform from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Stellar Beans in Lake Charles.  

For more information visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org

Rock School SWLA In Session

Marcus Sawyer of Lake Charles, has recently opened a one stop shop for musicians young and old looking to learn the ropes of rock-n-roll.  Music Lessons, Voice Lessons, Music Business Classes, Booking Agency, Recording Classes, and Live Sound classes are all offered under Sawyer's newly opened "Rock School."  

With years of hands on experience in the real world of rock-n-roll, Marcus has a wealth of knowledge to offer on the do's and dont's of the modern rock-n-roll industry.  Employing a team of well known local musicians such as Kris Harper and Matt Moss, to name a few, Sawyer has created the perfect place for musicians to get together and learn everything from the most basic, to the most technical.  

Rock School is located at 2915 Common Street in Lake Charles.  Call (337) 439-0211 For more information, or visit www.rockschoolswla.com

Live Soul Thursdays with Lindsey Papion

HeatWave internet radio presents a new event,  Live Soul Thursdays with Lindsey Papion at the Foundation House, 720 Enterprise Boulevard.  Every Thursday at 7 p.m. head over to the Foundation House for great food, drinks, live music, open mic session, and visual artist displaying their work.  

The venue is a soul food restaurant/lounge, that will roll food, visual art, and music into one funky place for artist to share their work.  Artists and musicians interested in participating can contact Lindsey at info@lindseypapion.com.  

Lindsey is a highly accomplished artist who has performed for President Obama, appeared on NBC's "Clash of the Choirs," and has just released her new album "Lost Sheep."  For more information on Lindsey Papion visit www.lindseypapion.com

Jazz in the Arts!

Jazz in the Arts returns to Central School on December 16th at 5 p.m. in the Benjamin W. Mount auditorium.  The Concert will feature Saxophonist Mike Kittling and Vocalist Verlin Chretien.  There will also be an appearance by Dasia May and Reginald Larkins of Dancing Classrooms DC dance company.  Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and can be purchased at the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA, or by calling Pat Daigle at 337-794-5744.  

Jazz in the Arts in a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA.  For more information call The Arts & Humanities Council SWLA at (337)-439-2787, or Pat Daigle at (337)-794-5744

Call For Artists: Cash & Carry Farmers Market

The Cash & Carry Farmer's market located in the historic Cash & Carry building on 801 Enterprise boulevard is opening the market to arts and craft vendors for the entire month of December.  The Farmer's Market is held weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 4 p.m. -6 p.m.  Space is limited, so secure your spot now by contacting Jacob Manceaux at lclocalroots@gmail.com 

Jazz in the Arts

Jazz in the Arts returns to Central School December 16th at 5 p.m. for a performance by Saxophonist Mike Kittling and Vocalist Verlin Chretien.  There will be a silent auction at 4 p.m., also on hand will be Dasia May and Reginald Larkins of Dancing Classrooms DC Dance Company.  Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door.  All proceeds go toward the Jazz in the Arts Scholarship fund.  

Jazz in the Arts is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA.  For more information call the Arts Council at 337-439-2787 or Pat Daigle at 337-794-5744, or visit www.jazzinthearts.org

Ballet Legends Exhibit Opening at 1911 Historic City Hall

The City of Lake Charles will host IDA AND EM, an exhibition honoring two ballet legends of Lake Charles, at the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibition will open with a reception on Friday, November 30 from 5:30-8pm and will hang through February 2.

In 1950, two friends, Ida Winter Clarke and Emily Coleman, began a collaboration; Ida as a choreographer and dance teacher, and Emily as a costume and ballet set designer/executor. 

The dedication and creativity of Clarke and Coleman acted as the catalyst to bring the world of ballet to Lake Charles. The IDA AND EM exhibition honors not only these two remarkable women, but also the men and women who gave their time and devotion to promote ballet in Calcasieu Parish, and the hundreds of aspiring young dancers who were a part of this enormous effort. 

Ida and Emily’s most notable creation, “The Nutcracker”, premiered at the historic Arcade Theatre in 1963 with nine future productions over a 30 year period. This was the first full-length performance of “The Nutcracker” in the southeastern United States, and required two years of work and hundreds of loyal volunteers. Many more ballets were mounted, and many more young people were inspired by the beauty and discipline of dance. The exhibition encompasses a period of 3 decades, from 1956-1986, and includes dozens of vintage costumes, set designs and sketches, as well as photos of the dedicated and talented performers, designers and stage hands. Also included is a short film containing memoirs from many of the people involved in this 30 year effort. See how Ida and Em set the stage for the today’s young dancers.

Also opening on the same evening will be Paint on my Fingers in the first floor gallery. Artist Mary Hillier will present to meet and greet guests. Hillier was born in Lake Charles and now resides in Lafayette. As a child of French-speaking parents, she remains humble and close to her roots through art.  Her exhibition contains her favorite subjects including the figure, human face and all God’s creatures. Hillier’s images are transferred from her inspiration straight onto the canvas. She said, “They are mostly abstract and usually colorful. Several images repeat among people and pets such as roses, sunflowers, flamingos. All have meaning to me. Perhaps you also think of a rose as a scent from heaven? A sunflower as a staff of pure power and righteousness? A beautiful bird as a messenger?”  Her hands are her tools, thus the title of her show.

Historic City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Admission to the arts and cultural center is free, however donations are gladly accepted.  For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.  

Cinderella's Holiday Dining

The Children's Theatre company will present "Cinderella's Holiday dining" on Saturday Dec. 1st at noon.  The event begins as children enter through a castle surrounded by toy soldiers before dining. Children will join their favorite storybook characters, such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Prince, Snow White, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin for dinner.  Character meals include pizza, dessert and a drink.  The seating will incorporate a visit from each of the characters as they make their way around the dinner table.  Children can also enjoy photographs and autographs from the characters.  Children are are encouraged to wear their favorite costume.  Hot cocoa and gingerbread will also be served.  

The cost is $25 per person, seating is very limited and reservations can by made by contacting the Children's Theatre box office at 337-433-7323 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.cc

City of Lake Charles Presents “Swamp Pop Christmas Concert”

The Louisiana Crossroads series continues as The City of Lake Charles presents “Lil’ Band O’ Gold Swamp Pop Christmas Concert” Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 PM. at Central School Theater, 809 Kirby Street. The Boys are back! If you missed this Christmas special last year – here’s another chance. Get tickets early – this show will sell out quickly. From covers like Dolly Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas to Swamp Pop originals, LBoG will leave you swooning and in good the Christmas spirit.

This will be a one-of-a-kind, over-the-top holiday extravaganza featuring CC Adcock, Steve Riley, Warren Storm, "Dickie" Landry, David Egan, Tommy McLain, "Lil" John Troutman, and other guests . The gang will reunite for an all new Christmas show filled with amazing music, infectious spirit, and surprises better than anything you’ll find in your stocking.

 Advance tickets for the Lake Charles shows are $10 and can be purchased at the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana on the second floor of Central School or on line at www.louisianacrossroads.org. Tickets at the door will be $12. For more information, please call (337) 491-9159 or visit the department of cultural affairs at www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Louisiana Crossroads 13^th season will continue with Joel Savoy's Honky Tonk Merry-Go-Round & Special Guests, January 30; and Zachary Richard - An Acadian Homecoming, April 10, 2013. Tune in for live broadcasts via 100,000-watt regional National Public Radio affiliate KRVS, simultaneously streaming audio worldwide via krvs.org. For a complete line-up of season 13, including the Lafayette performances, go to www.louisianacrossroads.org. 

McNeese Art Briefs

Heather Ryan Kelley, professor of art at McNeese State University, has had work accepted in the exhibition, “Man, Machine and Nature,” on display in the Sisson Gallery at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Mich. Kelley’s piece, “Volume” is an etching that incorporates text and the image of the back of a semi-tractor trailer. The exhibition is sponsored by the Mid America College Art Association and the Los Angeles Printmaking Society and is on view through Nov. 16.

            

Dr. Jacob Blevins, professor and head of the department of English and foreign                    languages at McNeese, has two articles appearing in American Notes and 

Queries - one an introduction to an edited cluster on Robert Herrick and the 

other an article on Thomas Traherne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He has also been        

invited to speak at Cambridge University in December on Traherne for a special 

symposium on future directions of Traherne studies.

            

Dr. Scott Goins, professor of classics and director of the McNeese Honors College, and Barbara Wyman, instructor of English and Latin, co-authored an English 

translation of “The Consolation of Philosophy,” a work written in the 6^th century by 

Anicius Boethius, published by Ignatius Press.

   

McNeese English instructor Chris Lowe’s chapbook - “X&O: Stories”- has been named a finalist for the Iron Horse Literary Review’s Single Author Competition. 

His story, “Harrison’s Famous Pulled Pork,” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2011. Another story, “Barrier,” has been accepted by Vine Leaves Literary Journal 

to be published in an upcoming issue and in its Best of 2012 anthology. He was also one 

of the featured writers at this fall’s Eudora Welty Writer’s Symposium at 

Mississippi University for Women. 

            

Dr. Dafydd Wood, McNeese instructor of English, has had an article, “Sound,” recently published in the fourth edition of The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics.

Dr. Baerbel Czennia, assistant professor of English at McNeese, recently had published 

an essay titled “The Futurity of Fame: Eighteenth-Century Paths to Immortality” in a collection titled “Great Expectations: Futurity in the Long Eighteenth Century.”

Dr. Molly Martin, assistant professor of English at McNeese, presented a paper, 

“Malory’s Royal Couple in Space” at the 38^th Annual Conference of the Southeastern 

Medieval Association in Gulfport, Miss. She will also present a paper, “Competing for 

Space and Place in Malory’s ‘The Day of Destiny’” at the 128^th Modern Language 

Association Annual Convention in Boston, Mass., Jan. 3-6.

Dr. Wendy Whelan-Stewart, McNeese assistant professor of American literature and 

women studies, presented a paper, “Gwendolyn Brooks, Citizen Poet, Rewrites the 

‘Odyssey’ with a Difference” at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of 

American Women Writers in Denver, Colo. She presented another paper, “Acting Out: Burlesque Speech in Sylvia Plath’s ‘Lady Lazarus’” for the Southern Comparative 

Literature Association meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. 

Mila Tangier, McNeese Master of Fine Arts student, has had two poems, “Daphne” and “Metamorphosis,” accepted in the fall edition of the literary journal, Quiddity.

Ellen Frazel, McNeese MFA student, has had a story, “Intersections,” appear in Issue 

5 of Fiddleblack.

Lori Mosley, McNeese MFA student, has a poem, “In Conversation with the Tangerine Jesus,” accepted for publication in an issue of the print magazine - burntdistrict.

Ben Sutton,  McNeese MFA student, has three poems from his series, “Eternity, Ohio,” accepted for publication in a literary issue of Salt Hill. Another poem from the series will 

be published in the 2013 issue of Handsome, while another two poems from the series, “Refutations by Memory,” are due to appear in Whiskey Island and Barrow Street publications. A poem from the series titled “Notes from the After-Images” will 

be published in the next issue of Third Coast. His chapbook, “Eternity, Ohio,” was a 

finalist for the Ahsahta Chapbook Prize at Boise State University.

            

Call for Artists: Mardi Gras 2013 Poster Contest

The glitter and glow of the 2013 Mardi Gras season begins with summoning artists to submit original artwork for the annual poster contest promoting Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana. Entries need to be in hand by Friday, Nov. 30.

The winner receives $400 and the privilege of having his or her artwork printed on a commemorative poster showcasing Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana.

No computer generated or digital art is accepted. The winning poster will be scanned in and printed with the finished product being 16 by 20 inches. The poster must include the phrase “Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana 2013,” and all entries become the property of Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana.

The drop off for entries is Healthy Image Marketing Agency/Thrive Magazine, located at 836 University Dr., in Lake Charles. Call 337-526-9009 for more information.

Mayor's Arts Awards Winners Announced!

Chester Daigle, Artist of the Year,
with his wife, Pat, and Mayor Roach

On Friday, October 12^th, in the Benjamin W. Mount Auditorium at Central School, the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana and the City of Lake Charles honored area individuals, businesses, and organizations during the annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. Mayor Randy Roach presented awards to seven recipients in recognition of their work to promote, produce, and support the Lake Area’s arts and cultural endeavors and programs. Julie Dallas, Arts Educator of the Year 2010, created original vases as part of each recipient’s award.

Chester Daigle, a celebrated musician, was awarded Artist of the Year, and he accepted the award with his wife, Pat, at his side. Daigle has been performing and promoting jazz in the Lake Area for over 40 years, particularly through the family’s nonprofit organization Jazz in the Arts which provides community-based jazz concerts to foster jazz music education. “Chester continually proves to be a leader in our jazz community, and the deep musical culture of Lake Charles is safe in his ever-capable hands,” stated Mayor Roach during the ceremony.

Stellar Beans Coffee House was awarded Citizen of the Arts for its presence as a creative space for musicians, writers, and artists to exhibit and perform in. Since opening in 2010, Stellar Beans has hosted regular art events and fundraisers, including NikFest which donates musical instruments to the Bulber Youth Orchestra. Danita Noland and Matt Smith accepted the award on behalf of owner Valerie Smith.

Friends of Central School, Laura Leach,
Annette Ballard, Randy Lanza with
Mayor Roach

The Citizen of the Humanities Award was given to the nonprofit organization Friends of Central School, and Chairperson Laura Leach with committee members Annette Ballard and Randy Lanza accepted the award. Since 2007, Friends of Central School has been dedicated to the preservation of Central School as both a historic structure and an arts center. The group’s success can be seen in the addition of the Snead Fountain and events such as the annual Haunted House and the Centennial Celebration. Earlier this year Friends of Central School worked with the City of Lake Charles to dedicate the auditorium to the late Benjamin W. Mount who was integral, with his wife Willie Mount, in saving the historic building in the early 1990s.

Mayor Roach honored Tracy Beaugh of Sowela Technical Community College with Arts Educator of the Year for her work with graphic design students. A graduate of Sowela, Beaugh has been an award-winning educator since 2000 and many of her students have gone on to make great impacts in the graphic design field across the country. The Patron of the Year Award was given to L’Auberge Casino Resort and its parent company Pinnacle for their commitment to supporting arts organizations and programs in the Lake Area. L’Auberge and the Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation have dedicated sponsorships to many of the area’s most loved organizations such as the Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Black Heritage Festival, and the Arts Council, among others. “By lending an arts organization the resources needed for its success,” Mayor Roach said, “business are playing a direct role in the betterment and livability of our community.” Keith W. Henson, Senior Vice President & GM, and Harold Rowland, Vice President & AGM, accepted the award from Mayor Roach.

Nancy Vallee of the Whistle Stop accepted the Arts Organization of the Year Award for the Dancing Classrooms program which began in 1994 nationally by the American Ballroom Theatre Company. Dancing Classrooms teaches 5^th grade students a variety of ballroom dances in order to encourage confidence, respect, and an improved academic performance. This year the Whistle Stop facilitates over 60 classes in 28 schools, and the program’s innovative premise has shown to have astounding positive effects in the lives of area students and teachers.

Keystone Award Recipient,
Pam Breaux, with Mayor Roach

The Keystone Award is traditionally awarded to an individual who works behind the scenes; similar to a keystone in architecture, the recipient is vital to an arts community’s success. Pam Breaux, Assistant Secretary to the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism under Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, was recognized for supporting the arts for Lake Charles and for the state. Breaux served as executive director for the Arts Council for six years, during which she managed our region’s allocation of the Decentralized Arts Funding grant program which distributes funds to arts initiatives across Louisiana. Breaux serves as the Vice President of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and as a board member for Louisiana Partnership for the Arts and the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, and her years of experience have helped to make the area’s arts community what it is today. Mayor Roach stated, “It’s an understatement to say that Pam has been a big part of the arts…Pam has been a crusader, and her work has grown our own cultural economy by leaps and bounds.”

The Mayor’s Arts Awards was held in conjunction with Founder’s Day, an annual banquet hosted by Art Associates of Lake Charles. Mayor Roach presented a proclamation to Art Associates for its 55 year history as an avid promoter of area artists. After the recipients were honored, Breaux gave a presentation on trends in the arts nationally and statewide, and Mayor Roach awarded the winners of the Art Associates Gallery’s Lydia & Joe Cash Juried Exhibition. A reception for the exhibit and for Black Heritage Gallery’s View My Soles exhibit was held after the ceremony.

Nominations for the Mayor’s Arts Awards are accepted year-round and can be emailed to director@artsandhumanitiesswla.org. For more information on this event or the Arts Council, visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org or call (337) 439-2787.

LPB documentary of the Bicentennial of Louisiana

The Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library is pleased to host LPB's documentary of the Bicentennial of Louisiana narrated by New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. on Wednesday October 24.  The film will take us through the state's historical past to the present with wonderful points of interest.  There will be a panel from LPB for an informative question and answer to follow.  The showing will be from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library 411 Pujo Street, contact (337) 721-7110 for further details. 

the first annual Arts & Cultural Symposium: The Business of Art.

Mark your calendar for Thursday November 8th for the first annual Arts & Cultural Symposium: The Business of Art.  The SWLA Economic Development Alliance, Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Lake Charles, and the Arts & Humanities Council are joining forces to present an annual summit on the economic value of the arts for our area.  Admission is $10 with lunch included.  Contact the Alliance by November 1st at 337-433-3632

Calcasieu Cinema Presents - "The Middle of the World"

Celebrating the second CultureFest Louisiana, Calcasieu Cinema International kicks off festivities with a free screening of the Brazilian film “The Middle of the World.”  A generous donation by Dr. Carrie Chrisco makes possible this event, to be held Tuesday 23 October, 7 p.m.,  in Room 101, Frasch Auditorium, on the MSU campus and across from the McNeese Library.  Signs will help direct patrons. 

This 2002 film has gained international attention for its exploration of the individual’s basic survival,   of family dynamics, and of the individual as part of a larger culture.  Referred to by one reviewer as “a road movie on bicycles,” “The Middle of the World” is based on the real experiences of an unemployed man and his family, who travel over 2,000 miles on bikes to find a good job and the good life.  TV Guide says “it both opens a window onto another culture and …speaks the universal language of teen angst.” 

Dr. Steven Rainey, Professor of Geography at McNeese, will lead discussion for this film.  Dr. Rainey is engaged in research regarding land management and the impact of hydroelectric dams in Brazil’s western Amazon.  Calcasieu Cinema International, a branch of the Council for International Concerns, will present the award-winning film in partnership with McNeese State University’s Office of Diversity, Banners Cultural Series, Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, Lake Area Psychiatry, The Hearing Center, Common Ground/CultureFestLouisiana, and Lake Charles Coca-Cola.  Snacks and drinks will be provided!  For more information, email cbadeaux@mcneese.edu or jkprjs@gmail.com.

Festival of Words celebrates written, spoken word

            The Fifth Annual Festival of Words — featuring author readings, public readings, community and school creative writing workshops, drive-by poetry in the streets and more — will take place Nov. 8-10, 2012, in Grand Coteau, Sunset, Arnaudville and surrounding communities. The event celebrates the written and spoken word and includes well-known authors such as Jarvis DeBerry, Kelly Harris, Randall Kenan, Patrice Melnick, Bonny McDonald, Chancellier “Xero” Skidmore and Louisiana Poet Laureate Julie Kane.

WORKSHOPS: Authors will lead community poetry and fiction writing workshops during the week of the festival and its final day, Nov. 10. 

LITERARY READINGS: Readings by featured authors and spoken word artists will take place in the community centers of Grand Coteau and Sunset. Readings are free, but donations welcome.

AUTHORS IN THE SCHOOLS: The Festival of Words brings authors to the local schools to conduct creative writing workshops in October and November. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS: On the Festival’s final day, Saturday, Nov. 10, there will be Drive-by Poetry, live poetry performances from both youth and adults, in area cafes and gift shops of Grand Coteau. There will also be original performances on the outdoor Community Stage, tours of the old St. Peter Claver High School and Christ the King Church in Grand Coteau, oral history sessions and booksignings by local authors at the Book Fair, sponsored by the Writers’ Guild of Acadiana, among other events.

For a complete schedule, visit festivalofwords.org. For more information, contact Patrice Melnick at (337) 662-1032 or email festivalwords@gmail.com.  

Call for artists - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

CALL FOR ENTRIES!  The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell will begin accepting crafts applications for its 2013 event on Friday, October 12 at 12:00AM (midnight).  

The Festival will once again showcase three unique craft areas: Congo Square African Marketplace:  features unique, handcrafted artwork that reflects cultural influences seen throughout the African Diaspora.  Presentations by artists and vendors resonate with the rich African-Caribbean cultural legacy in Congo Square.  Contemporary Crafts:  presents work by both Louisiana and the nation’s most talented contemporary artists.  It features original, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind designs and limited-edition works, accepting applicants from all crafts media and disciplines.  Louisiana Marketplace:  introduces Festival-goers to a variety of handcrafted works by only Louisiana artisans and craftspeople.  The Marketplace showcases works that express various aspects of the state’s unique cultural heritage.  

Apply at www.nojazzfest.com click on the “Apply to Crafts” link or go directly to www.zapplication.org.  The application fee is $30.00, the deadline is Wednesday, November 28, 2012.  For more information contact: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Crafts Department 336 Camp Street,  Suite 250, New Orleans, LA 70130.  Phone (504) 410-4100, fax (504) 558-6121 craftsadmin@nojazzfest.com .  

Wheels of Hope Charity Bike Ride benefits local children with autism

Wheels of Hope Charity Bike Ride is “letting the good times roll” on Saturday, October 27, 7:30 a.m., at St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School in Moss Bluff.  

This fully supported bike ride is a fundraising event for St. Nicholas Center for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing services to children with autism and developmental delays.  The ride features the beauty of Sam Houston Jones State Park and 5 of SWLA’s most beautiful bike routes, ranging from a 10 mile family route to a 75 miler.  Each rider will receive a rider bag, t-shirt, and enjoy fully stocked break points and the support of SAG vehicles during the ride.  After the ride, there will be a “Taste of Louisiana Rider Celebration” with gumbo, boudin, and jambalaya. The top ten fundraisers choose from prizes that include an iPad, bicycle, and 50” TV.  

Advanced registration is $35/adult and $15/child at Capitol Cyclery on Friday, October 26, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., or online right now at active.com.  Race Day registration is 6:00-7:15 a.m.  

Registration forms, fundraising updates, prizes, and routes are at www.wheelsofhopelc.com  Questions? Call Lee at 337.540.2446.  

Call for Artists - The George Rodrigue Foundation

The George Rodrigue Foundation is pleased to announce its Call for Entries to their 4th Annual Art Contest!  The 2013 art contest theme is "Louisiana's Culinary Heritage" and they have teamed up with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF).  

All winning entries of the 2013 Scholarship Art Contest will be used in a new Louisiana Culinary Heritage Cookbook to be published by GRFA and LRAEF!  The annual art contest offers one-time college scholarships and awards totaling over $45,000 to the top ten (10) senior and top five (5) junior winners. In three years The George Rodrigue foundation have awarded $130,000 in awards!  All Louisiana juniors and seniors attending public and private high schools, home schooled students and GED students may enter the contest.  Deadline is February 20, 2013!  For more information visit http://www.georgerodriguefoundation.org/artcontest

"Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Live Old Time Radio Show

Every Saturday Night from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Liberty Center, the City of Eunice and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve present a live radio show, featuring both Cajun and Zydeco music in the Grand Old Opry/Louisiana Hayride/Prairie Home Companion format.  Cajun French is the language of the show with enough English spoken so that everyone can enjoy this unique and one-of-a-kind experience.  Tickets are sold beginning at 4:00 pm on Saturday, the day of the show, and seating is general admission. For more information call the Eunice Mayor's Office at (337) 457-7389. 

 The home of the "Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Radio Show, the Liberty Center for the Performing Arts, located at the corner of South 2nd Street and Park Avenue, is a 1924 vaudeville/movie house which was purchased by the City of Eunice and renovated through a community project.  The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been included in the Great American Movie Theaters Preservation Press Guide published by the Smithsonian.  During its "hey-days" of the 1920's and 30's, personal appearances were made at the Liberty by Fattie Arbuckle, Tex Ritter, Jimmy Clanton, the Bowery Boys, and Roy Rogers.  

The Liberty Theater is open Saturdays 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm.  

Louisiana Crossroads Presents BeauSoleil Avec Michael Doucet

October 24th at 7pm in the Central School Theater, Louisiana Crossroads presents BeauSoleil Avec Michael Doucet.  This Grammy Award winning super-group blends Zydeco, Tex Mex, Western Swing, Blues, New Orleans Traditional Jazz, and Caribbean Calypso.  You do not want to miss this evening of incredible music!  Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and can be purchased at the Arts and Humanities Council office on the second floor of Central School, or online at www.louisianacrossroads.org 

Arts Council to Host Seminar on Artistic Branding

On Tuesday, October 9th at 11:30 a.m., the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will host a free seminar in Room 108 of Central School Arts & Humanities Center as part of the quarterly Regional Arts Network luncheon series. The seminar will focus on the importance and process of branding for artistic success and recognition.  The collective efforts of creating a brand with a cohesive and communicative logo, the ability to hone in on one’s target market, and the increase in brand equity over time are essential to the success of and individual artist in his or her market.       

Marketing experts Peter O'Carroll representing the O’Carroll Group, Kristy Armand representing Healthy Image Marketing, and Oran Parker representing Parker Brand Creative will sit on the panel and offer strategies and methods for building a brand specifically for individual artists representing all artistic disciplines from visual art to music. Area artists with first-hand experience in the success of increased visibility through branding and marketing will also sit on the panel, including Sue Zimmermann, a local artist who has been exhibiting professionally for over 13 years and was former president of Associated Louisiana Artists, and Justin Robinson, founder of The Chuck Live and member of the local band Go, Granny, Go! which has successfully created a recognizable brand for their own band’s style.

An RSVP is required, and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. for $5 per person with the seminar to follow at noon. Regional Arts Network luncheons are design to bring together those working or interested in the arts for networking opportunities and round-table discussions of regional arts initiatives. The Regional Arts Network series is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, and Recreation & Tourism.

For more information or to RSVP, call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787. 

Calcasieu Cinema International Presents "A Peck on the Cheek"

There will be a free screening of the 2002 Indian film "A Peck on the Cheek" this Friday, 28 September, at 7 p.m.  Central School auditorium in Lake Charles, Louisiana, will be the venue for the start of the second year of Calcasieu Parish's international film series. 

 

  A Peck on the Cheek goes beyond the romance and music of Indian film to confront difficult relationships and familial bonds.  With the aid of her adoptive parents, 9-year-old Amudha searches for her birth mother in war-torn Sri Lanka.  Facing rejection and possible conscription as a child soldier, Amudha goes on a journey that changes several lives.  Director Mani Ratnam's film is stunning in its honest portrayal of love and life's tough choices. 

   Dr. Kashi Yadalam, a native of  India, practices psychiatry and conducts research at Lake Charles Clinical Trials.  He and his family have enjoyed the cultural richness of the Lake Area for over twenty years and actively support the Banners Series. 

He is pleased to be a co-sponsor and to lead the discussion for the movie. Inviting the audience to join him, he will examine some of the rich, complex relationships in the film.  Free popcorn and drinks are provided. 

Calcasieu Cinema International, a branch of the Council for International Concerns, will present the award-winning film in partnership with McNeese State University's Office of Diversity, Banners Cultural Series, Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, Lake Area Psychiatry, The Hearing Center, Common Ground/CultureFestLouisiana, and Lake Charles Coca-Cola.

   For more information, email cbadeaux@mcneese.edu or jkprjs@gmail.com

Itinerant Theatre World Premiere: Cleoma ~ A First

Itinerant Theatre announces its second Bicentennial Year production, the world premiere of Cleoma ~ A First.  This one-woman play, written by Lake Charles native Carolyn Woosley, is from her 13 play cycle Louisiana Women.  Cleoma will be performed as a staged reading by two-time Grammy-nominated musician, Ann Savoy.  Cleoma will be performed at Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 204 W. Sallier St. Lake Charles, La.  Performances will be held at 7pm, Thursday - Saturday, Ocotber 4-6.  Tickets are $10 at the door.  





A Q&A with author and actress follows the Thursday night premiere.  Opening Friday night is Things From Our Past by Angela Wubben, a one-half hour dramatization of life in rural Acadiana.  After the Friday performance of Cleoma, Ann Savoy will introduce her new CD of Cleoma Falcon music.  Ms. Savoy will sign CDs and host a Q&A on its making.


Following the Saturday performance, the Grammy-nominated female troupe, The Magnolia Sisters, will play two sets of a blend of musical genres authentic to SWLA. This musical event begins at 8:00pm, outside at The Annex.  An additional $10 ticket is charged.  

Cleoma (Cleoma Breaux Falcon) and her husband Joe Falcon were the first Southwest Louisiana musicians to be recorded (Columbia Records 1928).  Cleoma was an iconic rule-breaker.  Women did not perform music in public, either before or after her, perhaps until Marc and Ann Savoy of Eunice, La.  Set in Crowley in the 1930s, Cleoma gives the audience a taste of life in the rough-and-tumble dancehalls of SWLA during a time of change as Acadiana’s music meets up with “hillbilly” and other musical forms.  Songs, woven throughout the play, will first be interpreted into English by a “reader” who will be on stage with Ms. Savoy.

Producers of Cleoma ~ A First are Joy Pace and Carolyn Woosley.  Ms. Woosley is Director. Ann Savoy is costume designer. Leslie Berman is sound designer. Technical consultant  is Norman McKnight. A grant by the Convention & Visitors’ Bureau of SWLA helped make this production possible.  Tickets for Cleoma are $10. A separate $10 is charged for the Saturday night Magnolia Sisters concert, with $5 discounts for those who attend any Cleoma performance.  To purchase all tickets, visit the website www.itineranttheatre.com , call 337-436-6275 or at the door.  Tickets for Cleoma are limited to 60. Tickets for The Magnolia Sisters are unlimited.
            Itinerant Theatre is dedicated to providing an affordable, professional forum for the performing arts and artists and productions for artistically underserved audiences.  For information call 337.436.6275, visit Facebook or the website: www.itineranttheatre.com                    

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First Friday Reading Series Presents Phd. Candidate J Bruce Fuller

On Friday October 5th, at 7pm the First Friday Reading Series returns with a free reading by J. Bruce Fuller of the Ph.D. program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  The reading series, co-sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, is held at the Porch Coffee House & Cafe in Lake Charles.

J. Bruce Fuller is from Louisiana, and currently teaches at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette where he is a Ph.D assistant in poetry.  His chapbook 28 Blackbirds at the End of the World was published by Bandersnatch Books in 2010, and he has had three limited edition broadsides published by Yellow Flag Press.  His poems have appeared in Crab Orchard Review, Yankee Pot Roast, Louisiana Review, The Lilliput Review, The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, as well as Improbable Worlds: an Anthology of Texas and Louisiana Poets (Mutabilis Press), edited by Martha Serpas.  His translations of Javier Lentini's poetry have recently appeared at Aldus, Brown University's journal of translation. 

The First Friday Reading Series occurs on the first Friday of each month and presents a wide range of published poets from across Louisiana The Porch Coffee House & Cafe is located at 4710 Common Street in Lake Charles.  For details, contact the Arts Council at 337-439-2787.