The Gardens of the American Rose Center opens for 2010 season

Experience more than 20,000 roses in bloom as the Gardens of the American Rose Center. The Gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and older, $4 for seniors 60+, $3 for children 6 - 12, 5 and younger are free. For more information, 318-938-8051.

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, ARS

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Green Thumb Seminars at The Gardens of the American Rose Center

The Gardens of the American Rose Center is hosting a Green Thumb Seminar with former Shreveport Rose Society President Charlotte Haring on Saturday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the Klima Rose Hall, the American Rose Society Education & Visitor Center. Haring will be discussing “David Austin and his English Roses.” The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information 318-938-8051.

Charlotte Haring is a former President of the Shreveport Rose Society, a Consulting Rosarian of the American Rose Society and a Past President of the Louisiana State Museum Landscape and Grounds Advisory Board.

Green Thumb Seminars are held each month at the Gardens of the American Rose Center and features a new gardening topic and speaker. Gardens of the American Rose Center
It 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, ARS

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 Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children should bring Easter baskets for the prize-filled egg hunt which is divided by age groups. Guests may also take part in Easter-themed games and photos with Peter Cottontail before and after the egg hunt. Parents must accompany children to the event, and an adult must remain with each child under age 5 throughout the activities. Admission is $10 per car load. Rain date is scheduled for Sunday, April 3.

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, ARS

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

GARDENS OF THE AMERICAN ROSE CENTER ANNOUCES SPRING GREEN THUMB SEMINAR SCHEDULE

The Gardens of the American Rose Center announces the Spring Green Thumb Seminar Schedule. Green Thumb Seminars are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Klima Rose Hall, the American Rose Society Education & Visitor Center. Each month features a new speaker and a new gardening topic. Each seminar is $5.00 per person. The seminar is free for members of the American Rose Society and/or the American Rose Center. For more information, please contact Ellen Trice at 318-938-8051.

2010 SPRING GREEN THUMB SEMINAR SCHEDULE

March 13, Dr. Joe White, Topic: Lawns
April 10, Marilyn Wellan, Topic: David Austin and His English Roses
May 15, Dr. Peter Gallagher, Topic: Irrigation Alternatives for Landscaping
June 12, Carolyn Hayward, Topic: Landscaping with Roses
July 17, Claude Graves, Topic: Earth-Kind Roses

Speakers
Dr. White is a retired Extension Horticulturist with the Louisiana Agricultural Center and a columnist for the Shreveport Times. Marilyn Wellan is a former President of the American Rose Society. Dr. Peter Gallagher is a Professor of Plant and Environmental Science at Louisiana Tech University. Carolyn Hayward and Claude Graves are Consulting Rosarians for the American Rose Society.

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.

Released By: Maria Scott, Director of Communications

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

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

Alive After 5 will kick off with “A Night of Theatre”

The Natchitoches Main Street Program will begin Alive After 5 on February 19 with “A Night of Theatre”.

The first Alive After 5 event, “A Night of Theatre”, will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at the Natchitoches Arts Center located at 716 Second Street. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The show is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Refreshments will be available to those attending.

NSU theatre students will present an evening of theatrical entertainment combining the talents of singers and performers. Musical Theatre students will sing a wide range of Broadway favorites and the “Out On a Limb” Improv Troupe will perform improvisational comedy scenes between songs. The performances will be suitable for all audiences.

Alive After 5 is a six month series of evening events taking place from February to July. The series includes art events, concerts, theatre and other cultural events which will all take place in the Natchitoches Historic District.

All events are free to the public and tourists and residents alike are encouraged to become more engaged in downtown arts and culture. Additional Alive After 5 events will be held on March 12, April 9, May 22, June 12 and July 4.

Alive After 5 is supported by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Additional funding is provided by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

For more information about Alive After 5, call the Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746 or toll free at (866) 941-MAIN.

By: Leslie Smith, Main Street Manager, City of Natchitoches