Film of Miss Mary of Murrell's benefit to be aired at RFC on Sun, Dec 6 at 5 pm; Dirtfoot, Peekers, AJ Haynes, Buddy Flett, Mr Christopher

Miss Mary, Murrell's Grill, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Kern Courtney, musician and producer of the Miss Mary Benefit, worked extra hard to get the video ready for the local all-star show, which was held a year ago. He was elated when it became apparent that the cameras captured a fine night and an effective production.

Sun, Dec 6th, the Robinson Film Center is hosting the film screening of that night; it's called"The Biggest Tip Ever: The Concert for Miss Mary," and starts at 5PM. The benefit concert was held for iconic local waitress, "Miss" Mary Arnold, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Featuring several local artists, including Buddy Flett, Dirtfoot, and A. J. Haynes and the Monkey Business, the film documents the benefit concert through retrospective interviews and live footage from the event.

Julieann Banks of Austin, TX, will perform before the film screening and during intermission. The Abby Singer Bistro will be offering $2 drink specials for attendees. Admission is $10 and includes a copy of the DVD. Also, a CD of live performances from that evening is available for an additional $5 donation.

Cameron Meshell acoustic show - Sat, Dec 5, 9 pm, at Bear's - intros his eponymous CD

Forever Like Red_8414-17
Originally uploaded by I Am Jones Designs

This neat, low-key video of Cameron Meshell's tune, Exit Signs, is by Stephen Patrick Walker. It reminds viewers that Meshell was the central musician on the new record.

The CD release party starts at 9 pm on Sat, Dec 5, at Bear’s, 1401 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, 318-425-2327). He will present songs in an acoustic performance. It's $5 cover and $5 for the cd. “I just played a show with Jewel,” Cameron notes, “and I plan on doing as many regional shows as I can before booking some tours in January. I can’t wait to perform these songs for my fans.”


CM photo by Casey Jones.

Meadows Museum Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition deadline Dec 14; open to artists in 10-parish region

Nancy Graves, Meadows Museum, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

To be juried by Louisiana painter Luz-Maria Lopez and Louisiana collectors David & Nicole Holcombe, the Meadows Museum Northwest Louisiana Artists' Triennial Competition will be displayed beginning Feb 27, 2010.

Artists entering the competition must send entries post-marked no later than Mon, Dec 14, 2009, says Diane DuFilho.

- maximum of 5 works created within the past 2 years may be submitted
- entry form and self-addressed stamped envelope
- images on CD or slides marked w name, title, medium & size.
- resume desirable
- nonrefundable $15 fee
- artists notified of status Feb 1 - 8, 2010
- open to artists from 10 parish region of NW La.
- Works will be judged on aesthetics as well as the clarity and accuracy of images.

- Meadows Museum: 318-869-5169

Dorothinia's oils at Turner Art Center, Centenary College, in retrospective called Images of Being; reception Sun, Nov 29, 2 to 4 pm

Dorothinia's oils at Hardman's Art Supply, Texas St
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Images of Being is about new paintings but is also something of a retrospective: "I will have one painting from every year from 1987 to 2005 in the hallway gallery," says Dorothy Kristin Hanna, aka Dorothinia, of her exhibit at Tuner Art Center, Shreveport.

"In the main gallery will be Images of Being, from 2005 to now."

Of her enormous and vibrant body of work, Kristi says, "All of my work is about color relative to the human energy field and healing. I would love to share this work with you."

Hanna has won awards for her work; the Multi-disciplinary Artist Fellowship from Shreveport Regional Arts Council is one. She is a mixed-nuts artist whose choreography and production of avant garde song and dance has rivaled her prodigious output of painting. She is currently developing an evening of dance and drama set to rare Beatles recordings.


Please see images of her work.

Beautiful & Unusual Homes in the Highland & Fairfield Historic Districts on Tour Saturday & Sunday, December 5-6

555 Herndon St, Shreveport: Bruce Allen, Dorothy Kristin Hanna, Arodasi Center
Originally uploaded by trudeau

"Ever spent a holiday inside a 1920s-era neighborhood grocery store-turned-residence?" writes Liz Swaine at the new site CelebrateHighland.com. "A stately Tudor? A Mediterranean mansion? A funky Foursquare filled with color, art and the most amazing holiday tree you may ever see? Welcome then, to the world of Celebrate Highland, our opportunity to show you Shreveport's historic Highland and Fairfield Districts in a way you have never seen them before!"

Swaine and cohorts in the Highland Restoration Association have lined up two tours for 2009. And the houses are well-described on the new tour site produced by the gung-ho media maven herself:

- The Saturday-only Candlelight Tour Ticket is $20.
- The Sunday-only Flight of Fancy Tour is $15.
- BOTH tours can be yours for the low price of $25! For details on purchasing tickets, go to our Ticket Information page.

Darkly entertaining Coen Bros movie, A Serious Man, is at RFC downtown Shreveport

Film Title: A Serious Man
Originally uploaded by Redbrickpaper

A Serious Man is something like the Story of Job as told by Jerry Seinfeld. The post-Seinfeld Jerry.

This Coen Brothers story frames the early 60's acerbically and offers steady opportunities for rueful laughter. Oh, there we were, smoking pot when no one was the wiser. And weren't the institutions of common life - the neighborhood, school, the church - grindingly irrelevant?

Nor does the hero, Larry Gopnick, have a clue. An absent-minded math prof, his attempts to live a righteous life are smartly slapped at each turn.

Thank gawd for the additional comic relief that comes from the grandly quirky uncle, the proto-feminist neighbor and the smarmy guy who seduces Gopnik's wife.

In the silky flow of mundane Americana the Coens embed the music of the Jefferson Airplane and even score a dental scene with Jimi Hendrix' live version of "Machine Gun." It's outrageous but effective.

A Serious Man probes our sense of ethics and tests our sense of cool. It's like the almost-perfect top-drawer indie movie.

More at the Robinson Film Center.

The art of animation: Light Before Christmas stop-motion IMAX film @ SciPort through the holidays

Light Before Christmas IMAX film @ SciPort
Originally uploaded by trudeau

The Light Before Christmas, a new giant screen film produced in stop-motion animation, opens Monday, November 23 at the IMAX Dome Theatre of Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

The film is the tale of young Katie and her brother Makean, says Eric Gipson, who, after losing their way in a Christmas Eve blizzard, are rescued by the Candleman. He is a wise man who invites them to his cozy forest cottage and sparks their imagination with a poem, The Night Before Christmas. Sipping cocoa by the fireplace, the children are transported and become the central characters as it unfolds on the screen.

The Light Before Christmas will show at noon and 3:30 Monday through Saturday and at 4:30 Sunday through January 3. Those wishing to “IMAXimize their holidays” can see the show paired with Santa vs. the Snowman, with daily back-to-back showings; Santa vs. the Snowman shows prior to The Light Before Christmas at 2:15 Monday – Friday, 2:30 Saturday and 3:30 Sunday.



(318) 424-3466
toll-free (877) 724-7678
www.sciport.org.

Math and science education and the block system: will all Caddo schools benefit from a switch to block scheduling?

Mack Evans, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Two well-known and respected teachers at Caddo Magnet High are opposing the imposition of a Caddo block schedule on their school. Math teacher J. Mack Evans and social studies teacher David Wells are concerned about student achievement under the block system.

"'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' This common sense is being ignored by the Caddo Parish School Board as it prepares to impose the dubious educational "reform" of block scheduling on Magnet High School."
Thus wrote Wells in a Nov 15 op-ed piece in the Shreveport Times.

"Our school, like some others in the parish, operates on a traditional schedule of six one-hour class periods per day. These classes are rigorous and challenging, with many of our juniors and seniors choosing to take Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses, which earn them college credit.

Much research on the effects of block scheduling indicates that it does serious academic harm to student achievement. The University of Virginia reports that graduates from "block" high schools perform more poorly in science than those from traditional schedules. The College Board has reported a decline in AP test scores from schools which have changed to block scheduling.

Music, foreign language, and math classes are especially hurt from not having daily instruction and practice under the block system. Most versions of block scheduling keep students in a classroom for 90 minutes per class, but schedule that class to meet only every other day."

Wells adds, "The long-term effect of reducing time spent in a particular class by 20 percent will have to be a watering-down of the curriculum.

Maybe there are sound, valid, and logical reasons for the new policy. What are they?

Did the School Board discuss and vote on the new schedule? When?"

Meanwhile, President Obama is attempting to encourage rigorous and increased effort in science and math education.

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra board and musicians come together for 3 concerts in 2010; negotiations and fund-raising efforts re-opened

Virginia Sheehee, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
Originally uploaded by trudeau

After some 2 years of struggle, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra board and musicians have set aside differences to produce 3 concerts in 2010.

SSO board president Dick Bremer, musician leader Rick Rowell and Community Fund chief Paula Hickman announced the interim agreement and concert series.

- Michael Butterman remains an active player in the re-tuning, said Bremer.
- The SSO has a current budget of about $110,000, added Bremer. The annual budget for the SSO at its peak was about $1.3 million.
- The Community Foundation has awarded the SSO a $70,000 challenge grant. Its purpose is to stimulate additional monetary pledges.
- Orchestra consultant Doug Patti - well-received by both musicians and board - will help guide the effort.

Women, Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, youths, tech-minded volunteers needed by Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in struggle to rebuild

Paula Hickman, Dick Bremer, Rick Rowell, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Three 2010 concerts have been announced by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in an effort to revive the long-silent music source.

The announcement was a meager one. Not on the scene or on the record were African-Americans, reps from a variety of women's organizations or representatives of the region's growing constituent groups, including Asians, Latinos and the creative class.

Nor was Michael Butterman, vibrant conductor of the SSO who remains on contract for some 10 months, present.

Nor is there an active Paypal or ticket-purchase account on the SSO website.

Given the failure of the corporate and gentry classes to adequately support the orchestra, it would seem that a wide-spread coalition of groups would be the key to reconstitution.

I encourage reps from all these groups to address the orchestra issue.

You might ask yourselves -
* in how many ways does an orchestra benefit your members?
* what kind of orchestra programming would engage your members?
* please don't wait for the SSO board to reach out to you, alas.
* request a pep talk by Michael Butterman. Maestro Butterman could be the key to getting your group involved.
* make a verbal or monetary pledge to dickbremer@shreveportchamber.org.

Cell phone guide service begins at RW Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport; one of 2 museums in Louisiana to offer cell service

Norton, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

At R.W. Norton Art Gallery, where twenty-four galleries display seven centuries of art, you can get a guided tour without a guide. With Guide by Cell, says Jennifer DeFratis, you may stand before a painting, open your phone, dial a local number, and follow prompts to listen and learn new insights about the work and its artist.

The Norton, as its fans call it, is only one of two museums in Louisiana to offer the service. Cost for the tour is measured by your current cell phone plan.

As you stroll through the museum, look for cards beside artworks bearing the Guide by Cell logo and a question. Enter a mailbox prompt to hear the answer.

Although no guide is present, you may still voice opinions and offer suggestions concerning grounds, galleries, exhibits, and programs, such as Guide by Cell. Touch the appropriate prompt, and speak your piece. “Please let us know. That’ s how we may improve the visitor experience,” DeFratis comments.

Voices you’ll hear on your phone include those of DeFratis, museum curators, and artists themselves. They will continue to narrate answers to new questions, so Guide by Cell will offer fresh, new looks at even more exhibits in coming months.

For additional informative, entertaining walks through the Norton, visitors may want to join DeFratis early each month for her popular First Saturday Tour, at 2 p.m. The Norton also offers group tours by appointment.

Norton Art Gallery: Located at 4747 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, 1 to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Christmas Carol from MLP, SLT and director Heather Peak Hooper opens Dec 17

MLP & SLT
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Marjorie Lyons Playhouse and Shreveport Little Theatre are starting an annual holiday tradition, a production of A Christmas Carol, says Robert Darrow.

Heather Peak Hooper will direct this classic story based on Charles Dickens' novel, adapted by John Mortimer. Don Hooper is the Scenic and Lighting Designer. Alan Berry is the Technical Director.

Performances will be December 17, 18, 19, 26 at 8 p.m., December 20, 24, 27 at 2 p.m. and December 25 at 4 p.m. at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on the campus of Centenary College.

Michael Blake Powell stars in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Other cast members playing multiple roles include Dean Anthony, Stephen Atkins, Adler Birmingham, Heather Bryson, Eric Champney, John Goddard, Madeline Hiers, Tony Hobson, Helen Marrs, Bailey Montgomery, Lauren Morrison, Caroline “C.P.” Paxton, Bella Prince, Sylvia Rachal, Brooks Robinson, Cameron Robinson, Stephen Scarlato, Natasha Sebegrun, and Andrew Wood.

Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for seniors and active military and $15 for adults.

The box offices at MLP and SLT will begin taking reservations on December 1. For reservations or further information, contact MLP at 869-5242 or SLT at 424-4439.

Port Belly Project at 2 pm, artists from 10 am to 6 pm at the Louisiana Boardwalk on Sat, Nov 21; it's the West Edge Fine Arts Market

Port Belly Project, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Christmas Shopping Ideas Abound!!! exclaims Neecee Blackwell of the West Edge Artists Fine Arts Market on Sat. Nov. 21, 10am - 6pm, at Louisiana Boardwalk.

Original artwork, jewelry and photography make intersting Christmas gifts, she says.

At 2pm, says ms Blackwell, you can catch the well-accomplished Port Belly Project Belly Dancing Troupe at the at the Boardwalk -- under the Texas Street Bridge!

Rooftop viewing of the Andromeda Galaxy at SciPort Star Party from 7 to 10 pm on Fri, Nov 20

Table Mountain Star Party
Originally uploaded by Dan Hershman

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will hold a Star Party featuring rooftop viewing of stars and planets through the science center’s telescopes, hands-on activities and several Space Dome Planetarium presentations, this Fri, Nov 20, from 7 to 10 p.m, says Eric Gipson.

Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Great Square of Pegasus and Fomalhaut Star will be especially interesting features of this Friday’s sky, according to Greg Andrews, Sci-Port Astronomy Programs Leader.

Programs taking place inside Sci-Port’s Space Center include the make-and-take craft activities Planetary Bracelets and the Modeling the Milky Way. Space Dome Planetarium programs include Starry Night, Eye on the Sky and Musical Astronomy.

Admission is $5, $3 for Sci-Port members, and no reservations are required. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars.

Coming to the RFC on Sat, Nov 21: Louisiana-made movie Invisible Girlfriend - with the filmmakers

Coming to the RFC: "Invisible Girlfriend" with filmmakers, November 21
Originally uploaded by Robinson Film Center

"Invisible Girlfriend is a film we’ll be screening here at the Robinson Film Center on Sat, Nov 21 at 5:00 PM with the filmmakers in attendance. It’s a Louisiana-made documentary that is, simply put, one of the most difficult to describe films I have ever programmed at the RFC," says Chris Jay.

"It’s a road movie/portrait of rural and backroads Louisiana, as seen by a schizophrenic man from Monroe, LA who is riding his bicycle to New Orleans because he believes his girlfriend is psychically calling him there. And his girlfriend is Joan of Arc, and she’s invisible. Anything I could say about the strengths of the film is better said and summarized in this review:"

"A surprising and profoundly compassionate road trip about an America struggling to get back on its feet, with filmmakers Ashley Sabin and David Redmon working at the intersection of Flannery O'Connor Avenue and Werner Herzog Boulevard." -Ty Burr, Boston Globe

Any lover of southern lit or documentary film will find those to be fightin’ words – and I did, too – but I watched the film and found that I agreed 100% with that review.

p.s. If anyone wants to take advantage of that new bicycle trail through downtown, we’re offering free admission to anyone who bikes here for the film.

End your poverty and depression by winning the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt in the Triumph Over Tragedy project

Artspace: Triumph Over Tragedy exhibit
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Through November 29th, North Louisiana residents can explore 21 Parishes across North Louisiana and the Great Depression by playing the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the Caddo Parish Commission, and earn a chance at $2,000.

The goal of the Great Virtual Scavenger Hunt, says Julia Foley, is to engage participants in questions that pertain to historical venues photographed for Triumph Over Tragedy, the book and film, The Grapes of Wrath, video and audio clips from elders who have shared their stories, hobo signs, and information concerning the 150 events taking place through April 2010 related to the project through exploring the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

Weekly clues are included in the Triumph Newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter on the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

To participate in the Hunt, you must be at least 13 years of age and reside in one of the participating 21 Parishes of North Louisiana. After completing the questions, there is a chance to win one of the following:
• A first place $2,000 cash prize. Happy days are here again!
• A second* place receives lunch for 4 at the cafe@artspace in Shreveport.
• A third place* prize of a free tour for two of Barksdale Field Historic District and lunch at the Barksdale Club.
• A Runner Upper Parish will get two free passes to an arts event in their parish or any other parish.

Winners of the prizes will be selected based on the participant that filled out the highest percentage of correct answers. In the result of a tie (i.e. 5 100% correct answer ballets) the winner will be chosen randomly from among those in the tie.

Winners will be announced on the website and via email alert on December 1, 2009. For information on rules and to sign up to play, go to the Eye20CreativeCorridor.com website.

Chris Brown's Romp & Stomp show, KSCL, 91.3, to feature Bruce Flett on Tues, Nov 17, 8 pm

Bruce Flett, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

"I'm gonna be Chris Brown's special guest on "Romp & Stomp" Tuesday at 8pm..KSCL 91.3fm," writes musician and musical historian Bruce Flett.

"We'll be talking about and playing music from Shreveport Music History," says Flett. "We'll focus on the R&B successes of the 60s and 70s but begin with the "Suzie Q" 50s."

This Amazon.UK listing of the album "Red River Blues: Shreveport Blues from Ram Records," reminds readers that Shreveport muic history is a big deal in England and places like Australia, Japan and Germany.

Sharrows, or share the street arrows, added to Shreveport streets by Caddo Comissioner Matthew Linn and members of A Better Shreveport

Share the street arrows, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

11/11/09
Mayor Glover,

Thank you for allowing Dr. Hallie Dozier of L.S.U., myself and friends
to paint sharrows on certain streets marking safe bicycle passage from South Highland to Downtown Shreveport. These markings are very
inexpensive to apply and bring priceless, heightened awareness that
something other than an automobile is allowed on the street. When
people who are only accustomed to driving a car or truck are informed of the new "Louisiana 3 foot law", they will be grateful to have a
friendly reminder of being respectful to bicyclist.

The template of the "Bicycle Sharrow" has been donated to "A Better
Shreveport." I encourage everyone to work together to make our home, Shreveport, easier and safer to navigate by all means of transportation.

Matthew Linn
Caddo Parish Commissioner, District 4

11/15/09
Commissioner Linn:

It is my pleasure. As mayor and as a citizen I welcome Shreveport becoming a more biker, runner and walker friendly city. Please pass my thanks along to all involved and let's keep forging ahead.

Kindest Regards,

Cedric