Alexandria Museum of Art to Host Dragon Boat Races

The Alexandria Museum of Art is organizing the First Louisiana Dragon Boat Races on the Red River on Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Dragon Boat racing is a sport that has been around China for hundreds of years, and it has grown in popularity in North America. It is an athletic event that is enjoyed by all ages and all levels of physical accomplishment. Each boat consists of a long boat, 20 paddlers, a drummer in front and a helmsman in the rear.

The Museum is using the expertise of a Montreal based Dragon Boat Racing Company to assist with this exciting and unique fundraising event. The race will provide safe exercise and camaraderie for hundreds of participants and wholesome entertainment for thousands of spectators.

“We have the Red River outside our backdoor--why not use it for a fun community activity?” says Catherine Pears, Executive Director of the Alexandria Museum of Art.

The Museum looks forward to bringing together groups from all cross-sections of Central Louisiana. The competition is open to businesses, churches, schools, athletic groups, military units, government agencies, and groups of friends.

“This is such a unique fundraising event that we hope to grow each year and make a mainstay in the Alexandria events schedule,” says Pears.

Already many large employers are embracing this team building exercise with CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Rapides Regional Medical Center, and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital on board. Other local companies such as Union Tank Car, Red River Bank, Capital One Bank, Walker Automotive, Diamond Grill/Loyd Hall, and Central Louisiana Home Health have already committed to being a part of the inaugural event.

“I think these larger companies see the long term potential of this idea and how it could grow to become an economic plus for the city,” says Wayne Denley, Chairman of the Boat Race Committee. “Other major cities across the country have built these events into city-wide festivals. We are thinking big--that is why we have named it The Louisiana Dragon Boat Races.”

To find out more about how to participate or be on a boat team, go online to www.themuseum.org. Watch for a specific website: www.louisianadragonboatraces.com to be launched for the event, which will include more information. Paddles Up!

Article by: Alexandria/ Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 1070, Alexandria, LA 71309
(800) 551-9546
www.apacvb.org

Shhhhh Central Louisiana has a Secret

My mission when I travel is to find new and unique places to eat and visit. One of my favorite shows on television is Diner's, Drive Inns, and Dives. I just love seeing these real restaurants with real people who have a passion for what they do. I love smelling the food and taking in the local flavor. What really makes traveling fun and exciting is experiencing different cultures and people. One thing that I've noticed is that when you step off the beaten track and give local restaurants and businesses a chance you can find some GREAT people and places.

I'm going to let you in on a secret in Alexandria...you may already know about it...but in case you don't then you need to know about it...okay...I'm going to whisper it to you now...Atwood's Bakery on MacArthur Drive. There. Now you know. Whew, I feel better because I don't like keeping secrets.

When I find a great place I just want to share it with everyone. I'm sure if you are from Alexandria or Central Louisiana then you already knew about Atwood's Bakery. It has now made it to my list of must visit places on my trips to Alexandria. To be honest I love baked goods so I try to stay away from them and if I lived in Alexandria then I would have to take up extreme exercising because I would want to visit here often.

Our first few trips to Atwood's consisted of doughnuts or pastries and they were delicious! On our last trip we decided to take our little ones with us and actually go inside. The plan was to pick out some goodies and hit the road. When you walk into Atwood's you are immediately greeted with the smells you would expect from a bakery the overwhelming smell of buttercream frosting and assorted confections hit you like a ton of bricks. The variety is overwhelming (at least to those indecisive types as myself; I absolutely hate to go to cafeterias because there are too many choices and I start having a panic attack!). There are pastries, cookies, pies, cupcakes, Gelato, tea, coffee, cakes, candy and oh so much more.

Once everyone decided upon what they wanted to try, we decided to sit and eat our goodies. Below you will see what the little ones picked out...two monster cupcakes please. Only our son would not eat his; he liked it too much. He sat there at the table while everyone else ate their delicious treats and he would not eat it. It was not until we got home and took a picture of it would the boy eat it. Now, I don't know what planet he is from because I too had a cupcake (chocolate with buttercream frosting) and I had no problem gobbling mine right up.

Monster Cupcake from Atwood's Bakery in Alexandria
(The cupcake suffered some damage on the way home.)

I wanted to sample one of everything...that's how good everything looked and smelled. What I noticed while sitting there with my family and enjoying our break from the world was the friendliness of the staff and people who worked there. The atmosphere was relaxed and it felt like a place that you just wanted to stay and hang out for a while. Not many places these days give off that vibe. (I found myself singing the Cheers theme song in my head..."you wanna go where everybody knows your name...)

While we were waiting for our order we were drooling over the gelatos (which are fresh made right there at Atwood's Bakery). They offered us a sample; not just one flavor but I believe that if we had wanted to sample every flavor they would have let us. (oh and it was delicious!!!) They were friendly and nice. I felt special. Yes, in this day and age of fast food and rude workers; I actually felt like they had pride in their product and wanted to share it with me. What a great feeling!

Now, I have a quest. Now, I am going to have to try everything they have and find a favorite. That may take me years as their menu is quite extensive. The list is small right now....one cupcake, check; one eclair, check; one cannoli; check; one cream puff; check... It will be a while before my next trip to Alexandria but until then I'm dreaming about Atwood's Bakery and what to sample next.

I think in my zeal to share my secret I forgot to tell you that Atwood's Bakery also has a deli where they serve soups, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast. (Deli Menu) There is an extensive sandwich list including a build your own sandwich.

So, the next time you are in Alexandria, make it a point to drop by Atwood's Bakery. There's something for everyone. Prepare to be blown away! One other item of interest is that Atwood's Bakery was on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off. Wow! That's really cool. Louisiana has some really cool people!!

In my quest to promote Louisiana and our businesses, I must ask you that if you live in the Cenla area, please give this local business your money. We need to keep our dollars locally and spend them with the hard working and great entrepreneurs who make our state so great. For that next family gathering, Sunday dinner, special occasion, baby shower, birthday, wedding or other celebration, go to Atwood's Bakery and give them a try. I'm already trying to figure out how to move closer...so I can complete my quest!


Visit Atwood's Bakery at 1125 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana. Call 318-445-5134 or toll-free 800-374-8236

Rock the Red in Alexandria

Summer Genealogy and History Camp

Monday, July 19, to Friday, July 23, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Alexandria Genealogical Library
503 Washington Street, Alexandria, Louisiana
318-487-8556

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Camp is open to boys and girls who have completed 6th grade to 15 years. Camp is limited to 15 campers. Camp fee of $10.00 must accompany Registration Form (call museum for form).

This Summer Camp is sponsored by the Alexandria Genealogical Library, the Alexandria Historical Museum and the Central Louisiana Genealogical Society.

Purpose of the Camp is to acquaint the participants with proper genealogical and historical research. Campers will fill out family group sheets for themselves, their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Proper documentation of these sources will be discussed.

Campers will be given instruction on the use of computers in genealogical research and the role that the Internet plays.

Campers will need a three (3) ring notebook/binder for their information. Handouts will be given out to be placed in this notebook/binder. Campers will be acquainted with records found in parish/county courthouses. Campers will tour the Alexandria Historical Museum.

Louisiana History Museum, 503 Washington Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Dale Genius, Director & Curator, 318-487-8556
Web sites:
www.louisianahistorymuseum.org

See How They Run presented by Lagniappe Theatre Company

You DO NOT want to miss this comedy featuring professional actors from all over the country and also some amazing local talent mixed in!

So swift is the action, so chaotic the situations, so rib tickling the plot in this Comedy Smash that at its finish you're left as exhausted from laughter as though you've run a foot race. Galloping in and out of four doors of an English parsonage are an American actor and actress, a boy-crazed maid, an old church lady lurking around every corner, while four men dressed as ministers try to hide their true identities. Russian Spies, Mistaken Identity, and Loads of Laughs. It's like I Love Lucy on steroids! Great for the whole family! Don't miss the laughter!

You'll pay for the whole seat, but you'll only need the edge!!

WHERE: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center,
1202 Third St., Alexandria, Louisiana

WHEN: Thursday July 15 at 7 p.m., Friday July 16 at p.m.,
Saturday July 17 at p.m., Sunday July 18 at 2:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH:
$15 adults, $12 for children 12 & under/Seniors 55 & up,
$10 for groups of 10 or more.

For tickets call 318-48-STAGE or purchase them at Cenla Broadcasting
at 1115 Texas Ave.

Lagniappe Theatre, PO Box 14015,
Alexandria, Louisiana

From: Lagniappe Theatre

Forest service and Kent House to host "Kent House Bug Day"

The USDA Forest Service and Kent Plantation House invite children of all ages (and their parents) to attend the third annual “Kent House Bug Day” from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. The event will take place at the Kent House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road in Alexandria. “Kent House Bug Day” is free and open to the public.

“For the third consecutive year, we’re partnering with the Kent Plantation House to offer kids the opportunity to have fun while learning about the beneficial role insects play in maintaining Earth’s ecological health,” said Doug Streett, project leader for the Southern Research Station’s insect research unit in Pineville, La. “We have an exciting line-up of activities for kids to enjoy as they explore the world of insects and see first-hand the benefits and challenges bugs bring to our lives.”

After entering the event, children will be given a “Bug Passport.” Children who get their passports stamped at all eight “bug stations” will receive a special gift. The stations are:

• Louisiana Insects: See mosquitoes, fire ants and termites, and learn fascinating facts about these pesky pests;
• Insectivores: See a hedge hog, bearded dragon, toad, bullfrog and salamander – some of which may eat live insects;
• Night Insects : Visit a dark room with night insect sounds, place your hand inside mystery boxes and guess contents, and view live cave cockroaches with flashlight;
• Beneficial vs. Pest: Hold live Bess beetles, see insects up close and personal, learn how insects help or harm humans;
• Honey Bees: Learn about honey bees, hold honeycombs and taste different kinds of honey;
• Pet Bug: Make your very own bug home and take home a live insect, learn how to care for your bug and how to catch/trap additional insects;
• Ant Trail: Pretend you’re a leaf-cutting ant and carry a leaf through an obstacle course to reach your nest; and
• Bug Food: Create ants on a log, pretzel butterflies and other delicious snacks. There will also be a photograph opportunity to have pictures taken with live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

For more information about “Kent House Bug Day,” call the Kent House at 318-487-5998 or the Southern Research Station at 318-473-7242.

The Kent Plantation House is one of the oldest standing structures in the state of Louisiana. Kent House offers tours and special events to visitors who want to see the homestead and working plantation of a successful Creole family typical of 18th Century Louisiana.

Learn more about the Southern Research Station’s Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants of Southern Forests research unit, based in Pineville, La., online at: www.srs.fs.usda.gov

BY: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Spring Herb Day at Kent Plantation House in Alexandria

Spring Herb Day, April 10, 2010 from 8:00 - 12:00 noon. Because of the unusually harsh winter here in Central Louisiana, our herb order has been increased. In addition to the additional good quality herbs always featured, there will be plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. We have also been able to locate something just a little different this year such as artichoke, asparagus fern and the very popular and much requested rose geranium plants. The Central Louisiana Rose Society will be selling cuttings of Kent House roses as well as other varieties. The Kent House Gardeners will be selling plants and the Colonial Dames their delicious home-made desserts.

Presentations:
Growing Old Garden Roses 9:00 a.m.
How to Use the Herbs You Grow 10:00 a.m.

Kent Plantation House
3601 Bayou Rapides Road
Alexandria, Louisiana 71303
318-487-5998

By: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Alexandria Spring Artwalk April 16

The City of Alexandria along with the Arts Council of Central Louisiana will host the Fall Artwalk on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 pm.

The Artwalk is a free, family-oriented walking tour that features visual art and live entertainment. Downtown sidewalks, green spaces, and the alleys will come alive as local artists display and demonstrate their works of art. Artists will have booths set up in the Alexander Fulton Mini-Park. Qualifying sale items may be purchased free of state municipal tax under the guidelines of Alexandria’s designated cultural district.

Visitors can tour our various museums, studios, and galleries to view exciting exhibits and live music within a few city blocks. Kid Merv, a New Orleans jazz band, will play on the steps of City Hall.

Local businesses open for Artwalk include: Alexandria Museum of Art, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Finnegan’s Wake, Diamond Grill, Tamp and Grind Coffee House, T.R.E.E House Children’s Museum, and many, many more. The Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival will open on the night of the Artwalk as well.

For more information on the Artwalk, please call (318) 449-5051.

By: City of Alexandria

Jazz on the River 2010: A Continuum of New Orleans Jazz

The Arna Bontemps African American Museum will present its 15th Annual Jazz on the River, Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the Alexandria Amphitheatre in downtown Alexandria. Jazz on the River 2010, which is being held in conjunction with the South West Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tennis Championship Tournament April 15-17, will feature award winning international entertainer Kathy Wade “The First Voice of a New Era” of Cincinnati and The Nile Rhythm Band featuring Maynard Batiste in a free evening concert (6-10 PM) on the banks of the scenic Red River.

Also performing will be the Bontempian Big Band, a 16-20-piece jazz ensemble comprised of outstanding Central Louisiana high school students who participate in a jazz residency under the direction of noted music educator Wilmer Christophe.

Kathy Wade, #1 Jazz and Blues Vocalist on MP3.com; #1MP3.com Jazz Vocal Time to Say Good-bye featured on Sci-Fi network’s First Wave sound track and featured in Essence Magazine, March 1999 (Teaching With Music). Kathy is an award winning international entertainer whose “rich interpretative skills as a song stylist extraordinaire” capture the imagery of emotion on her recording, You Got The Magic and upcoming release, Kathy Wade, Klassic. (DAKA Music) “Magic,” recorded in Los Angeles, accents Kathy’s “multi-octave contralto of effervescent energy” with world-renowned musicians including Gerald Albright, Harvey Mason and GRAMMY nominated arranger, Producer/Pianist, Bill Cunliffe. Kathy has opened for Dionne Warwick, Cleo Laine, Nancy Wilson, Diane Schuur, Shirley Horn, Anita Baker, Kenny G, Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Stephanie Mills, Jonathan Butler, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Will Downing, Najee and Ramsey Lewis.

The Nile Rhythm Band featuring Maynard Batiste, Jazz pianist and composer, “taking Jazz and Rhythm to another level.” Mr. Batiste is the son of the late, great Alvin Batiste, Jazz clarinetist.

Jazz on the River is a free outdoor community jazz concert sponsored by the Arna Bontemps Museum every year since 1996. The organization has three major reasons for producing and presenting this program:

• to provide audiences outside of New Orleans and the “Jazz Corridor” a chance to experience live jazz, one of Louisiana’s richest art forms and arguably its greatest gift to the world;
  
  
• to cultivate more venues for the performance of jazz in Central Louisiana, of which there are very few;
  
  
• to showcase the art form which profoundly influenced Arna Bontemps and other artists of his era – the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age – including Langston Hughes, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, and Ernest Hemingway. Over the past ten years, Jazz on the River has evolved into Central Louisiana’s premiere jazz event, each year featuring an impressive line-up of internationally acclaimed jazz artists and local talents. Past performers include Ellis Marsalis, Alvin Batiste, Kathy Wade, the Ed Perkins Quartet, the Quamon Fowler Quintet featuring Grammy®-nominee Maurice Brown, Kent Jordan, and Grammy®-winner Nicholas Payton.

Jazz on the River 2010 is a continuum of New Orleans jazz, the birthplace of jazz.

Jazz on the River is sponsored by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum and co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria.

Tables with a seating for ten will be available for reservation at $200.00 to help offset the cost of the concert. For more information, contact the Museum at 318-473-4692 or 318-448-4697.

By: Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Que'in On The Red

“Everything’s goin’ up in Smoke”, city of Alexandria hosts its 5th annual barbecue festival, Que’in on the Red, March 19 – 20, 2010.

This Memphis Barbecue Network sanctioned festival offers friendly competition in six categories including pork, beef, poultry and sauce.

Teams from across the United States, including Central Louisiana will gather to prove their secret sauces, rubs and grilling techniques have what it takes to be the Grand Champion of the “Red".

North Levee Park, 550 North 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
March 19th-20th 2010

Admission: $10 Adults; $5 Children 12 and under; General Admission, No reserved seating

Que'in On The Red

Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Op FEBRUARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

REOCCURING WEEKLY EVENTS

Thursday(s), February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010 4:30pm- 6:30pm
R&B Jam Session with Dynamic Jake
Mature teens and adults, bring your voice or an instrument to plug in and join the fun. Audience members welcome; please call ahead for large groups. Alcohol and drug free event. Admission is free. Please call the co-op for more information.

UNIQUE EVENTS
Saturday, February 27, 2010 3:30pm- 5:30pm

Songwriting Workshop with DC Sills and NSAI
If you are a songwriter, lyricist, composer, and you would like to meet with like-minded people on a regular basis, please come join others for this awesome monthly group. The sessions are sure to include constructive criticism, idea exchange, and “playing in the round”. Alcohol and drug free event. Admission is free. Please call the co-op for more information.

Tuesday, February, 2010
Adobe Photoshop with Jesse K. Butler
Whatever your specific question is regarding photoshop, chances are Mr. Butler can help you. He holds an M.A. in graphic arts design, and has years of experience working with the adobe suite products. You are welcome to sit in and observe, bring your laptop, or use a co-op PC, but don’t miss out, because these classes are sure to help you on your way to designing that super duper website or basic poster you want. Alcohol and drug free event. Admission is free. Please call the co-op for more information. Date and time TBA.

Saturday February 20, 2010 12:00pm- 2:00pm
Pro-Tools with Adrian Chandler
It is essential in today’s audio recording world to be familiar with software interfacing. If you’ve been curious to learn about ProTools audio recording software/digidesign mixer and how to get started, then don’t miss this session. Adrian will help you on your way to basic set up, tracking, editing, etc. Alcohol and drug free event. Admission is free. Please RSVP to the co-op; call for more information.

Tipitina’s Music Office Co-Op, 321 DeSoto Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
318-442-6463
myspace.com/alexandriacoop
alexandria@tipitinas.com

Mardi Gras in Central Louisiana

Calendar of Public Events for Mardi Gras Celebrations in Alexandria, Louisiana

Saturday, February 6, 2010 (1:00 PM), Woodworth Mardi Gras Parade, 318-308-7697

Thursday, February 11, 2010 (6:00 PM), Krewe of Antiqua, Olinger Hall, Prompt Succor School, Alexandria, LA, Live Band, Heavy Hors d'oeurves, Senior Citizens: $1, Non Senior Citizens: $3, 318-487-1561

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (Noon), LSU Alexandria Mardi Gras Parade, 318-427-4403

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (6:00 PM) Krewe of Kolbi Bow Wow Ball, Alexandria Zoo, Sponsored by the Zoo and the Alexandria Animal Shelter, 318-473-6469

Friday, February 12, 2010 (4:30 PM), College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars Parade, Downtown Alexandria - Murray - 5th - Jackson - 4th - 3rd to St. James St., 318-427-6407 or 318-442-9533

Friday, February 12, 2010 (6:00 PM & 7:00PM), Taste of Mardi Gras, Reserved Tables: 6:00 PM, General Admission: 7:00PM, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Alexandria Riverfront Center, Ticket Information: 318-793-4570

Saturday, February 13, 2010 (10:45 AM), AMGA Fourteenth Annual Children's Parade, Downtown Alexandria -Murray - 5th - Jackson - 4th - 3rd to St. James St., 318-443-0520 - Cell 452-2068 - Fax 767-5941

Saturday, February 13, 2010 (2:00 PM), King Cake Party, Alexandria Zoo

Sunday, February 14, 2010 (11am to end of parade) FREE ZONE - Alcohol/Tobacco free area. Enjoy Mardi Gras in a whole New way! Alexandria Mall - Circuit City parking lot. Free food and drinks. Inflatable jumpers/slide, children's activities. Bead bags given to the first 500. All children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No ice chests allowed. No previous consumption of alcohol before entering zone. Bring lawn chairs.

Sunday, February 14, 2010 (2:00 PM) AMGA Seventeenth Annual Krewes Parade, Parade Route: Texas Ave. - Masonic - Memorial -North Boulevard - Alexandria Mall

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (3:30 PM) Krewe of Provine Parade, Parade Route: Coliseum Boulevard - Hwy28 West

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (6:00 PM to 10:00 PM) Fat Tuesday Party - That's A Wrap! Ticketed event at The Diamond Grill, 924 Third Street – Downtown Alexandria. Hors d’oeuvres – Cash Bar - Live Music Tickets are $25 in advance -- $30 at the door

FROM: www.alexmardigras.com

“TRIMPIN: THE SOUND OF INVENTION” IS FOURTH FILM FOR SOUTHERN CIRCUIT TOUR OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana presents “Trimpin: The Sound of Invention” with Producer/Director Peter Esmonde as part of the Southern Arts Federation’s Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7 p.m.

This documentary explores the outrageous work and agile mind of Trimpin, a wildly creative artist/inventor/composer/engineer who uses only his last name. Recipient of a MacArthur Genius Award and many other accolades, Trimpin combines music-making machines and kinetic sculpture with homegrown computer technology. Working six days a week, 12 hours per day, he has no use for galleries and agents, and has neither web site nor cell phone – in fact, Trimpin agreed to be the subject of this feature film only reluctantly. Filmmaker Peter Esmonde set out to document the processes of a highly creative person working in many fields, with a motley assortment of media and collaborators, across a variety of situations. His film deliberately highlights Trimpin’s moments of discovery, relentless problem-solving, and eccentric decision-making. What results is an amusing, kinetic exploration of a creative genius in perpetual motion.

“Trimpin: The Sound of Invention” has screened at a number of prestigious film festivals. In the United States, the film has shown at South by Southwest, Silverdocs, the Seattle International Film Festival, the Independent Film Festival of Boston, the Nashville Film Festival, San Francisco DocFest, and the Newport International Film Festival. “Trimpin” has also screened in London, Barcelona, Gijon, Sao Paolo, and other cities around the world.

The Southern Circuit, now in its 24th year, brings six independently produced films to host cities over the course of eight months, along with the films’ directors and producers, who participate in a question and answer session with the audience after the screening of each film.

A trailer for Trimpin: The Sound of Invention is available on the Arts Council of Central Louisiana’s website at www.louisiana-arts.org, along with trailers for each of the films featured in the Southern Circuit.

Tickets for the screening are $5 and may be purchased at the box office on the day of the screening, or in advance by calling the Arts Council of Central Louisiana at (318) 443-4718. Those with Silver Ticket Passes may attend a private VIP reception with the filmmaker before the show. The filmmaker will conduct a Q & A session after the film.

By: Arts Council of Central Louisiana

Kent Plantation House is hosting "African American History Through the Eyes of Our Youth"

Kent Plantation House is again hosting “African American History Through the Eyes of Our Youth”, an art competition for children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Any form of art pertaining to African American History is acceptable. The exhibit is separated into grade level categories and judged by local artists.

Deadline for entries is 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27th. All art pieces should be delivered to the Kent House Office in the Visitors Center.

Entries will be judged and prizes awarded at the Opening Reception on Friday, January 29th at 6:00 p.m. The reception, free and open to the public, will be held in the all-purpose room of the Kent House Visitors Center located at the rear of the complex. Refreshments will be served.

The entries will be on exhibit at Kent Plantation House through the month of February, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There is no admission charge to view the exhibit.

For additional information or an application, please contact Kent Plantation House at 318-487-5998.

Rapides Parish Events

The Red River Chorale will present its annual Christmas concert this Thursday evening, December 17, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, in Fourth Street, near Elliott Street. (See the beautiful concert poster attatched.)

The concert will feature a short cantata by Dietrich Buxtehude, a Baroque German composer. The composition, Das Neugeborne Kindelein (The Newborn Babe,) will be sung in German. The remainder of the concert will consist of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, in beautiful arrangements, sung to the accompaniment of the Reuter pipe organ, the Bechstein concert grand piano, and a string quartet.

There will be a reception after the concert in Xavier Hall. All in attendance are invited to attend.

Tickets to the concert are only $10 for adults and $5 for students. They may be purchased from any Chorale member, or by calling the Chorale office at 484-4463.

Consider what lovely Christmas gifts concert tickets would be, either for this concert, or for the next one, "The French Connection," on Thursday, March 18, 2010, under the direction of Lynn Bauman and featuring the Durufle' Requiem, as well as other works by French composers, including Jean Racine's lovely Cantique.

For tickets or for more information, call the office at (318) 484-4463.

Arts Council of Central Louisiana to open season with Kaminari Taiko Drummers of Houston

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana will kick off its newest season with a BANG. Thundering drums will be heard throughout downtown Alexandria as Kaminari Taiko of Houston performs at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, November 21 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5 or $20 for a family of five.

In Japanese, “kaminari” means “thunder” while “taiko” means “great drum.” Taiko drums were originally used on Japanese battlefields more than 1,400 years ago to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. Over the next millennium, taiko drumming transcended to the art form it is today. Combining rhythm, theatre, and dance, taiko drumming is an important Japanese tradition. Using twelve (12) drums, Kaminari combines the values of this magnificent art with the rhythms and beats of the world for an unforgettable performance. In their last performance, Kaminari Taiko of Houston performed to over 19,000 people in just two nights.

Because of the generosity of many community members, local organizations for children such as: the Alexandria Boys and Girls club, CASA, Volunteers of America, Hope House, Turning Point, and many more, will receive tickets for this performance.

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana will continue its series in February 2010 with New York’s Ailey II dance group. For more information on these events call 318-443-4718.

Honoring Veterans in Alexandria on November 12

A brief ceremony honoring veterans of all military branches will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 11:30am. The public is invited to attend.

This special tribute, including a “wreath-laying”, will take place at Alexandria City Hall on the Veterans Memorial Plaza, facing Third Street. The ceremony takes place to offer the opportunity for citizens to again visit the plaza and reflect upon its meaning and symbolism in central Louisiana.

The Alexandria Veterans Memorial Plaza was dedicated on November 11, 1999 in memory of former Alexandria City Councilman, Bob Lawrence. Its design honors all military branches as represented by their seals mounted on the memorial and is dedicated to those men and women of Alexandria who served in the United States Military, during peacetime and wartime.

At the plaza’s entrance is a sculpture by local artist, Morris Taft Thomas, five wings representing the five branches of the United States armed services.

For additional information please contact the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 318-442-9546.

By: The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sugar Day at Kent House

The second Saturday in November brings Sugar Day to Kent Plantation House once again. This year’s festival, November 14th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., promises to be filled with food, traditional crafts, music, and fun for all ages with the scent of cooking syrup filling the air. Admission to the grounds for the day will cost $3.00 per person and children six and under will be free.

New to the festival this year will be the poster competition. Area artists were invited to design the first commemorative poster for the 16th annual festival. The winning poster should reflect the image of the Sugar Day Festival. A commission of $300.00 will be awarded to the winning artist. The winner will be announced on Sugar Day. All entries will be on display in the Exhibit Room through the month of November.

Live music will be featured throughout the day. Headlining the musical entertainment will be Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecropper Cajun Band. Castille is a veteran Cajun fiddler who has been both an ambassador for Cajun music around the world and a strong supporter of efforts in South Louisiana to preserve the Cajun language and culture. He is the recipient of numerous musical awards. Castille, his son Blake and his granddaughter Sara Jayde Williams will perform at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. D. C. Sills, local musician/songwriter and other musicians will also be performing during the daylong festival.

Craft demonstrations from throughout Louisiana will include basket making, woodworking, duck carving, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, quilting, cornhusk crafts, and flint napping. Some of the demonstrators will be selling their crafts and the Kent House Gift Shop will be open featuring historic and regional books, cards, toys, syrup, jams and jellies, and a variety of other items. Additionally, costumed docents will be churning butter, making soap and candles, and cooking in the open-hearth kitchen.

Special children’s activities, some traditional and some new, will be offered throughout the day. Tours of the House will be offered free of charge but admission tickets will be necessary. Additionally, visitors will be able to choose from among tamales, jambalaya, gumbo, meat and crawfish pies and hot dogs. Desserts include funnel cakes and delicious homemade cakes and cookies.

To condense the long open-kettle sugar making process, the demonstration at Kent House begins with cane juice already reduced to syrup. Cane syrup from David Stewart of Alma Plantation in Lakeland, Louisiana will fill ‘la batterie’, the fourth and smallest of the traditional kettles in which the sugar cooking was finished. Volunteers will spend the day minding the fire and stirring the syrup. This year, local celebrities and dignitaries will help stir with long handled paddles while standing on top of the mill.

Commercial sugar making in Louisiana dates officially to 1795. Though primarily a cotton plantation in its heyday, Kent Plantation grew and processed some sugarcane for its own use. The re-creation of today’s 1840s-style open kettle sugar mill at Kent House dates back to 1994. A ten-year project, the Kent House sugar mill began with the 1982 donation of sugar kettles from Augusta Plantation by descendants of Dr. William Haas, and a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Mikell.

Kent Plantation House, the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana, dates back almost as far as commercial sugar production in Louisiana. Its mission as a historic site and museum is to interpret the history of Central Louisiana between 1795 and 1855.

For more information about Kent Plantation House Sugar Day 2009, call 318-487-5998.

Things to do in Alexandria, Louisiana

FALL FEST ANTIQUE SHOW is scheduled for October 16 & 17, 2009 at the Jena Fair Grounds just off Hwy 84 next to Walmart in Jena, LA. Friday, Oct 16 will be a set up/swap meet day. Saturday, October 17 starting at 8 am will be the day of entertainment – Tractor Pulls, Antique tractors, car/trucks, hit & miss motors, and all type of heritage displays. Games for all ages, Kids tractor pull, Kids barrel race, grass sack race, adult tractor games, women skillet toss and much more. Live music all day with group jam sessions. Arts & Crafts booths. Don’t miss out - . Free Admission. For more information you may call 318-992-2206.
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FALL ARTWALK: 5 – 8pm, Friday, October 16, 2009, Downtown Alexandria. The Artwalk is a free, family-oriented walking tour that features visual art and live entertainment. Downtown sidewalks, green spaces, and the alleys will come alive as local artists display and demonstrate their works of art. Artists will have booths set up in the Alexander Fulton Mini-Park. Qualifying items may be purchased free of tax. Visitors can tour our various museums, studios, and galleries to view exciting exhibits and live music within a few city blocks. Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs will play on the steps of City Hall. For more information, please call the Division of Community Services at (318) 449-5051 or the Arts Council at (318) 443-4718.
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Don't Miss...
A progressive Gypsy Jazz band from Buffalo, NY inspired by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. Babik has the ability to bridge passionate jaw-dropping virtuosity, with a rare toe-tapping danceability that keeps its audiences enthusiastically engaged.

Sunday, October 18, 2009
3 pm
Jewish Temple, 2021 Turner St.
Free & Open to the Public
For info., call 445-3655

Sponsored by the Bindursky-Fuhrer Cultural Fund
A program of the Rapides Parish Library Big Read

FREE concert at the Jewish Temple this coming Sunday, October 18 at 3 pm ., 2021 Turner St.
There is no charge.
It is open to the public and there will be a reception with food and a chance to meet the performers afterwards.
If someone plays guitar, this concert is not to be missed.
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City Park Players presents BlackJack : A Thief of Possession, October 15 -18 at the Hearn Stage in downtown Alexandria, LA.
Performances are scheduled Thursday – Saturday Evenings at 7:30 and on Sundays at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Black Jack is a play by Rosary Hartel O’Neill, directed by Dan Forest. It follows an eccentric New Orleans family as it is squeezed into the close quarters of a Mississippi Riverboat cruise for the New Year’s holiday. Irene, the matriarch of the family, suspects a rift in her estranged daughter's second marriage. Her Latin assistant sets her sights on the grandson, a successful rock star. Kaitlyn, the daughter, is convinced that she is channeling the poet Baudelaire, and certain that her husband, Beau, a brilliant novelist, is having an affair with a larger-than-life character, Rory DeBango. Everyone dons costumes for a New Year's Eve Party, casting off their old identities. As fireworks explode, cracks are revealed in the family’s façade and ugly truths belie frivolity.

Theresa Louviere is the wealthy New Orleans Garden District matriarch, Irene Soniat DuBonnet. Her daughter, Kaitlyn Dubonnet Ellis, is portrayed by Kim Patton. Beau Ellis is played by Casey Scarbrock and Susan Hathorn is Rory DeBango. Bunky Dubonnet Legere is played by Danny Higdon with Christal Workman as Luisa.

In the continuation of our Community Connections initiative we salute Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare, a not for profit organization whose mission is to bring innovative arts experiences into healthcare settings. They work to enhance the environment of hospitals and healthcare facilities by providing public performances in lobbies and waiting areas, rotating art galleries, and in-room healing arts experiences for patients and families. We invite you to view the "Chairs For Charity" exhibit on display in the lobby of The Hearn Stage. Twelve chairs creatively decorated and painted by Studio Artists at Ethel Dixon's Studio are being auctioned (final bidding takes place Oct. 16). Proceeds will go to help Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare continue its healing arts programs.

Reservations are urged. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office before the show. Ticket prices: Adults $12 – Seniors (over 65) $10 - Students $5. The Hearn Stage is located at 3rd & Johnston in Downtown Alexandria in the Rapides Foundation Bldg. Discounted group ticket sales are available. Please contact City Park Players at (318) 442-1800 or email cityparkplayers@gmail.com. Our blog is also a good source of information. http://cpptheatre.blogspot.com

A premiere community theatre, City Park Players is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to offering quality cultural activities and experiences to the entire Central Louisiana community through live theatre productions, programming, and education. City Park Players’ programs are supported, in part, by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Roy O. Martin Foundation as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.

Additional support comes from our patrons and donors and people like you who believe that community theatre enriches our lives and enhances our quality of life.
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FALL ARTWALK TO BE HELD IN DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA OCTOBER 16

The City of Alexandria along with the Arts Council of Central Louisiana will host the Fall Artwalk on October 16, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 pm.

The Artwalk is a free, family-oriented walking tour that features visual art and live entertainment. Downtown sidewalks, green spaces, and the alleys will come alive as local artists display and demonstrate their works of art. Artists will have booths set up in the Alexander Fulton Mini-Park. Qualifying items may be purchased free of tax.

Visitors can tour our various museums, studios, and galleries to view exciting exhibits and live music within a few city blocks. Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs will play on the steps of City Hall.

Local businesses open for Artwalk include: Alexandria Museum of Art, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Finnegan’s Wake, Diamond Grill, Emmanuel Baptist Church Art Gallery, T.R.E.E House Children’s Museum, and many, many more. Also, students from Bolton High School will take over downtown sidewalks as a canvas for their chalk art.

For more information on the artwalk, please call (318) 449-5051.