Benefit for Shreveport Regional Arts Council

Eddie Spencer on SaxophoneRHYTHM & SOUL FOOD
BRUNCH AND JAZZ REVUE

Sunday, March 28th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Real Jazz! Real Cuisine! Real Artistry! Real Soul!

at the Bijou Wine Bar, Clyde Fant Parkway, Downtown Shreveport (across from El Dorado Casino)
Tickets include the upscale jazz brunch - featuring Chefs J.L. Scott and Chris Hayes, signature cocktails and live classic/ contemporary Jazz.

Cost: $40 in advance and $50 at the door - For reservations or information call 318-861-1886.

This event is brought to you by My Spa My Way Day Spa & Salon, Culinary Passions Catering, and the Bijou!

GARDENS OF THE AMERICAN ROSE CENTER HOSTS ANNUAL PRUNING PARTY

The Gardens of the American Rose Center is hosting its Annual Pruning Party on Saturday, February 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to help us care for our roses.

Pruning is an important part of rose care that encourages new growth and blooms. Participants’ efforts will directly enhance the beauty of the gardens. Everyone is encouraged to participate, regardless of gardening experience, and may bring pruners, gloves and trowels. Noted Consulting Rosarian Baxter Williams will present a “how to” pruning seminar.

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon at Klima Rose Hall. Please contact Ellen Trice at 318-938-5534 for reservations. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

The Gardens of the American Rose Center is the home of the American Rose Society, created in 1974 through the contributions of rose lovers around the world. The 118-acre park contains more than 65 individual gardens with each bed and planting specially designed to demonstrate ways roses can be grown in the average home garden. It is conveniently located just off of I-20, Exit 5, in Shreveport, LA.

By: Maria Scott, Director of Communications, American Rose Society

November at Sci-Port

Grey Matters Adult Lecture Series: The Stressed Brain, Thursday, November 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Grey Matters series continues with LSUHSC neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Schrott and psychiatrist Dr. Anita Kablinger. They will discuss how stress affects our mood, thinking abilities and susceptibility to addiction and diseases. Dr. Schrott will also provide stress management techniques to help survive the ebbs and flows of life.

Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Admission is $5 per person and free for members. Reserve your spot by calling 318-424-8660 by Monday, November 9.

Presented in partnership with LSUHSC.

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Holiday Day Camps, November 23 - 25, December 21 - 23 & 28 - 30, January 4 - 5
Give your kids some Sci-Port fun and yourself a little breather during the holidays! Holiday Day Camps accommodate specific grade groups. Each Day Camp is a standalone experience and explores themes ranging from archaeology and colors to boats, rainforest adventures and the amazing human body (www.sciport.org/holidaycamps for the complete list). Choose your dates and find out what Sci-Port has to offer this holiday season!

Camp Times and Rates
K-1st grade session: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Members $30 General $35
2nd - 5th grade session: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Members $40 General $45

Camps include a mid-morning and afternoon snack, all materials and supplies needed for the session, a thirty-minute supervised lunch provided by Sci-Port's Galaxy Café and an IMAX film. Extended Care Options are available for a slight charge.

Call Visitor Services to register 318-424-8660.

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Sci-Port en Español, Wednesday, November 11, 3 - 5 p.m.
On the second Wednesday of each month, programs will be performed in Spanish by our bilingual staff. A special admission price of $2 will apply after 3 p.m. (admission is free for members). Come learn about science in a whole new way, or just brush up on your Spanish at Sci-Port!
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November Star Party, Friday, November 20, 7 - 10 p.m.
On the Windham Family Rooftop Terrace, observe Jupiter and its magnificent moons, marvel at the amazing Andromeda Galaxy, ogle over the legendary Pleiades and keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars. Space Dome Planetarium presentation and hands-on activities round out the fun.
FREE for Members, $5 for non-Members. Santa vs. the Snowman IMAX film
Opens Monday, November 23 with daily showings through Sunday, January 3
Get in the holiday spirit IMAX-style as Santa vs. the Snowman, an animated film from the creator of Jimmy Neutron, returns as a special holiday treat. This production is packed with laughs, action and a wonderful holiday message. Yule all have a rollicking merry time!

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Fourth Friday Astronomy, Friday, November 27, 4 p.m.
Sci-Port celebrates the International Year of Astronomy with a new topic every Fourth Friday of the month. Come November 27 and learn about the latest findings from NASA, plus astronomical highlights of the season.

By: Sci-Port
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Shreveport Farmers' Fall Market
October 24 through November 21, 2009
8 a.m. until Noon

For the Fall Market, vendors will be selling:
Fruits and Veggies, including:
Satsuma Oranges *
Squash
Greens of all sort, including some organic
Fall Tomatoes
Frozen Summer Veggies & Fruits
Pumpkins
Sweet Potatoes
... and much more.

Beef, Shrimp, Smoked Meats *, Artisan Cheeses *, Barbecue, Frozen Gumbo *, Pot Pies *, Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Dirty Rice, Tamales, and delicious treats to devour on-site.

Jams, jellies, preserves, canned fruits & vegetables, pickles, salsas, mustard, and oils.

Baked goods from fresh bread to cakes, pies, and cookies.

Locally-roasted coffees, homemade granola, nuts, pralines, spices and rubs*.

Plants, soaps and herbal products.

Bonsai trees, solar lighting*, and more.

( * denotes new items.)

Support our local economy and support local farmers, artists, crafters and artisans.

Shreveport Farmers' Market is located at 101 Crockett Street, in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana under the pavilion in Festival Plaza.

For more information, please call 318-455-5788 or email farmersmarket@redriverrevel.com.

Source: Shreveport Farmer's Market from Facebook

Christmas in Roseland presents 25th Annual Lights Festival

"Sleigh bells ring, are ya listening, in the lanes snow is glistening, it's a beautiful sight we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland."

Start a new family tradition, visit the Gardens of the American Rose Center for Christmas in Roseland, November 28th through December 26th at the American Rose Center on Jefferson-Paige Road in Greenwood, Louisiana. Spend time walking through the magical gardens of the American Rose Center. The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland and offer great fun for all ages. This is a great family outing!

This is the 25th year of Christmas in Roseland and there are many special events to celebrate this anniversary. including a Christmas in Roseland Sneak-Peak Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd.

Can’t wait until Christmas? Catch some early holiday spirit as the American Rose Center opens Christmas in Roseland this Friday and Saturday, November 21st and 22md, for a sneak peak weekend. Dozens of scenes and twinkling lights are already in place, and Santa Claus will be on hand to hear early wish lists as holiday tunes from the Windsounds Carillon fill the gardens. Gates open each evening at 5:30 p.m., with the last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

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More than a million “blooming” lights will adorn the rosebushes of the American Rose Center as this popular attraction prepares for its 25th Annual Christmas in Roseland celebration. This year’s event will run Tuesdays through Sundays, November 28th - December 24th, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with the last car admitted at 8:30 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays and at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Each holiday season thousands of local residents and tourists visit this whimsical, sparkling wonderland. Centerstage again this year is the 18-foot tall, white, Victorian “Santa’s Cottage” where the jolly old elf will be accepting guests each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and the week prior to Christmas.

The wonder begins Friday, November 28th, as Christmas in Roseland officially kicks off its 25th anniversary season. The Summerfield Estates Silver Bells Choir will lead off the opening ceremonies at 6:00 p.m., followed by Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover’s proclamation of Christmas in Roseland Day in the city. The Shriner’s Clown Patrol will escort Santa onto the premises followed by a civic presentation of “The Nutcracker” by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet.

Other holiday delights include:

• dozens of lighted displays, animated scenes and illuminated walkways interspersed amid twinkling trees, shrubs and rose beds;
• more than 50 giant “Christmas Cards to the Community” created by local elementary, middle school and high school students;
• a model train display in the Administration Building;
• a holiday quilt display by the Red River Quilters;
• a photography exhibit by the Alexandria Photography Guild;
• nightly entertainment at Windsounds Carillon Tower and Hardtner Chapel;
• Santa's Candy Shop;
• the Roseland Express;
• the American Rose Center Gift Shop filled with an array of holiday and gift selections;
• full-service concession stand on grounds.

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Christmas in Roseland joins with
Movies & Moonbeams to show
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

What could be better than watching a holiday classic at a holiday classic? Christmas in Roseland is joining with the Robinson Film Center’s Movies and Moonbeams to show “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7:00 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Friday, December 12th.

The movie will be part of the evening’s activities at Christmas in Roseland and will be free with paid admission. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets for the outdoor presentation.

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"Nutcracker" Civic Performance

The enchantment of “The Nutcracker” will fill the Gardens of the American Rose Center as the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet presents an excerpt of the holiday classic Friday, November 28th, on the opening night of Christmas in Roseland 2008. The performance is set for 7:00 p.m. at Windsounds Carillon Tower

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Holiday Quilt Display

Christmas in Roseland is joining with the Red River Quilters in celebrating their joint 25th anniversaries with a holiday quilt showing featured throughout the holiday festival. Approximately a dozen holiday and traditional quilts will be part of the show on display in the Administration Building of the American Rose Center, Tuesdays through Sundays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 24.

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Photography show "An Exhibit of Roses"

Doctor, lawyer, forester, teacher, military man, highwayman, professionals and hobbyists – all members of the Photographers’ Guild of Alexandria were challenged to photograph roses in any form. The goal was the hanging of an exhibit at the Gardens of the American Rose Center.

The challenge was met. “An Exhibit of Roses,” on display at Klima Rose Hall through Dec. 24, includes more than 40 photographs varying in subject from bud to bloom and roses in the garden to roses in the hand.

The exhibit is open to the public during normal Christmas in Roseland, Tuesdays – Sundays, November 28th – December 24th.
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Special Discount Nights

Tuesday, December 2nd, every 25th car admitted free of charge
Wednesday December 3rd, 25% discount on all gift shop purchases
Sunday, December 7th, $2.50 single admission night
Thursday, December 11th, any with a 25th birthday in 2008 admitted free (i.d. required)
Tuesday, December 16th, KRMD Radio $1.01 admission night.

Located 8877 Jefferson Paige Road, just off I-20, Exit 5, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Gardens of the American Rose Center is easily accessible for local residents and tourists. Admission for this family-oriented celebration is just $5 per person or $15 per carload, whichever is less. Mini-bus and charter bus rates are also available, making Christmas in Roseland a convenient and affordable holiday outing. For more information on this event or Christmas in Roseland, call 318-938-5534 or see www.ars.org/Coming_Events/garden-center.html.
Source and photo credit: The Gardens of the American Rose Center

Christmas in Caddo Parish - Rockets Over the Red

Rockets Over the Red, Saturday, November 29th, 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Riverview Park in Shreveport. A night of fun, fireworks, food and live entertainment. The fireworks are shot from the Red River and Texas Street Bridge beginning at 8:15 p.m. The live entertainment includes Rockhouse performing at 4:00 p.m. and the Benjy Davis Project performing at 6:00 p.m. There is a free shuttle from Shreve City or public parking in the Regions Bank Garage. Call 222-7403 for more information.
Source: http://www.downtownshreveport.com/rockets_over_the_red.htm

Delicious, Smoky, Spicy B-B-Q

There is a FANTASTIC BBQ restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana called the Hickory Stick. It is DELICIOUS! I love it!!!

Where can you get a Chopped Beef Sandwich, two sides and a drink for under $7.00...what a bargain! Delicious BBQ beef and your choice of slaw, potato salad or beans. It is sure to put a smile on your face.

The BBQ sauce at Hickory Stick is scrumptious. It has such a great flavor. In the south there's BBQ and then there's BARBQUE!!! and let me tell you the cooks at Hickory Stick know how to BARBEQUE. The food is consistently GREAT!!

There is so much more to Hickory Stick than Chopped Beef Sandwiches and chicken. There are ribs, sausage, ham, and turkey. There are sandwiches, plates of meat, half chickens, whole chickens, and so much more.

The specials change everyday. Several days a week the special is chicken and dumplings, green beans and cornbread. Oh yes, homemade chicken and dumplings. Just right for the cool weather. It really hits the spot.

In the fall and winter Hickory Stick serves delicious soups and in the spring and summer there are salads.

There is no shortage of good food. In addition to everything that I've mentioned so far, they serve hamburgers as well.

If you are looking for something to bring home for dinner without much work, think about giving Hickory Stick a call. You can order meals for families that serve up to 10 people. Hickory Stick is available for your next party, holiday, special occasion, business meeting or celebration. You can let Hickory Stick handle your cooking and you can enjoy your family and friends.

I almost forgot something very important, the people who work there. All of the ladies that I have dealt with over the years are extremely nice. I know many of them have been working there for years. They are very warm and personable. It feels like you belong there. Customer service is alive and well at Hickory Stick.

Hickory Stick is located on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Don't be put off by the building, it is located in an old Captain D's restaurant. If you haven't experienced Hickory Stick, give it a try. If you are visiting the area, stop in for some great food. Be sure to tell them you heard about them on Louisiana Trekker.

Contact Information:
The Hickory Stick
4448 Youree Dr
Shreveport, LA 71105
318-861-7527

33rd Red River Revel Arts Festival

Arts, education, music, food, fun, and children. What do all of these words have in common? They are all part of one of the largest arts festivals in North Louisiana, the 33rd Red River Revel, which is to be held October 4th-11th. This arts celebration has it all. Every year this celebration gets bigger and better.

When the Red River Revel began 33 years ago, the primary goal, according to the Revel website, was arts education for children. That goal is evident in all of the events slated for this festival.
There is so much to do and see at the Revel.

Children's events include: SciPort activity area, Shreve Memorial Library Book Walk & Storytelling, Northwest Louisiana Food Bank clay pot painting, kid fish, mock geological dig, architecture alive, Brookshire's grocery store, tot tent, Christus Schumpert Sutton Children's mini medical center, climbing wall, sand art, creation station and more. This is a hands-on festival where children are able to get their hands dirty and be free to use their imaginations to create one-of-a-kind art in a creative atmosphere. This festival teaches children that an arts education is valuable and that the world around them is full of art.

Other children's events include three time Grammy nominee, Trout Fishing in America; a student art exhibit "All things....India" at the Barnwell Gardens and Arts Center; and Children's Sewing Day, Saturday, October 11th, at Riverview Hall, sponsored by Red River Quilters.

Musical entertainment includes live music in a variety of styles. There are artists playing jazz, funk, rock n' roll, zydeco, country, R&B, and more. Enjoy the live performances of Edgar Winter, Lakeside, Brick, Bucky Covington, Stephen Cochran, Futureman and the Black Mozart Ensemble, and Grammy Award Nominee Lisa Haley & the Zydekats. Also local and regional favorites: Dirtfoot, Outlaw Nation, The Roscoes, Frank Ott & Hell Yeah, Todd O'Neill, The NOIDS, Trini Triggs, Star de Azlan, Dixie Tradition, and Cody Jinks.

The Red River Revel has fantastic food that is not your typical fair food. Some of the dishes are more foods you would find in a restaurant such as fajitas, dirty rice, gumbo, turkey legs, blakened catfish, Natchitoches meat pies, chicken fried rice and more. But for the diehard festival lover the Revel does have funnel cakes, hot dogs, hamburgers and other yummy festival fare. North Louisiana offers a variety of dishes with many different cultural tastes. And many of these scrumptious dishes can be sampled at the Revel. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure and enjoy the flavors that Louisiana has to offer.

In addition to the children's activities, live music and great food, there will be over 100 visual artists selling all types of artwork--jewelry, watercolor, painting, wood, photography, glass, metal, ceramics, pottery, drawing and more.

The Revel is open daily at 11:00 a.m. Admission is free: all day on Monday, and until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Admission is $5.00 on Saturday until 6:00 p.m., all day Sunday, and after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday. On Saturday after 6:00 p.m. admission is $10.00. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

The Revel is located at Festival Plaza in Downtown Shreveport.