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.