SBC 411: Voter's Registration & School Benefits

Voter Registration & Education Week


The Caddo Registar of Voters office will conduct voter registration Friday afternoon in conjunction with Louisiana's annual Voter Registration Week.

This event will take place at the Atkins Branch Library from 1 - 3 pm. Applicants should bring a photo identification with them and proof of residency in Caddo Parish.

You can also register from 4-6 p.m. at the Mooretown Branch Library, 4360 Hollywood Ave.,





Centenary To Host Kilowatt 5K Run and Health Walk


Centenary College will hold a 3.1-mile run and health walk Saturday. The event will begin at 8 am at the Gold Dome.

Registration is $15 before race day and $20 on site. Students with a valid ID pay only $10. The fee includes a post party with food and fun for all ages.

Proceeds from the race/walk will go toward purchasing additional solar panels for Centenary

For more information, call (318) 747-3432.






Pancake Breakfast Will Benefit Local Team


The Captain Shreve High School Football team will have a pancake breakfast fundraiser, Saturday August 29th at Savoie's Catering Place. The breakfast will begin at 8 am and last until 11 am.

The cost is $5 (you must present a ticket to attend). Savoie's is located at 2441 E. 70th St.

For more information, call (318) 865-7137.

WEEKEND HAPZ: Football, Dancing and More!

I know, I know ... bad blogger (i.e. me lol). I've been neglecting my readers lately due to soooo many blessings in my personal and professional life. BUT, I'm back on track now ... and I'm here to provide you with all there is see, do, and talk about in the SBC.

Before I get to this week's version of WEEKEND HAPZ ... make sure you check out the side panel for pics you may have missed (cuz I didn't get a chance to post them) ....




NOW HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENIN' THIS WEEKEND IN THE SBC:





The Bijou Wine Bar is hosting two nights of LIVE entertainment. FRIDAY, August 28th ... Dorsey Summerfield will be entertaining the crowd. Admission is free before 10 pm. Then on SATURDAY, August 29th, Muzikology will hit the stage.

LIVE music BOTH nights .... so make sure you go out, sip some wine and enjoy it!!!




ALSO ON FRIDAY NIGHT ...




For football fans, HIGH SCHOOL football officially begins Friday night with the JAMBOREE. Not ONE media outlet has a list of who's playing who and where, so you should pretty much look to your school's website or look to Lee Hedges, Independence and Airline High to be host sites for the Jamboree games.


For the kiddies, there's a party planned for YOU after the games ... go HERE for more info (and let's pray that all ends well for this new "teen" spot ... because the last thing we need is drama.)





ON SUNDAY ....



There's something for the whole family to enjoy ....

If you're a fan of America's Best Dance Crew (also known as ABDC) on MTV, CrowdPleaser Entertainment is bringing the love of dance to a stage right here in the SBC.

The Ark-La-Tex's Best Dance Crew event will be held Sunday, August 30th at Festival Plaza. Advance tickets are only $7. Admission is $10 at the gate.




OTHER EVENTS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEKEND:

• "I Am Rappaport" at the LSUS Black Box Theatre

• Friday Night Freakout presents "ROBOCOP" at the RFC

• Salsa Lessons at Nicky's Restaurant downtown

• Hot For Teacher Party at a local casino

• Check out Olivia Arrington at the Funny Bone

• Rhyme University at Lil' Joe's

And stay linked for more COMMUNITY-oriented events here in the SBC .... Those will be coming sooner than later! :)



HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND PEOPLE!

BIZ BUZZ: Raising Cane's Opens New Location

If you live in South Shreveport, today is the day you've been waiting for ... RAISING CANE's is officially open for business!!!! WHOO HOO!!!

This new location is on the corner of Mansfield and Jewella Ave. ... parked right next to a McDonald's and across the way from several restaurants, video rental places, shopping, and apartment buildings ... oh and a FITNESS CENTER (I'd probably leave the gym and end up eating every calorie I'd burned off lol).


This is the 3rd location for Shreveport (with others at Kings Hwy and Youree Dr.) and there's another location in Bossier (inside Pierre Bossier Mall).


Hours of Operation for the Mansfield Rd. location are: Sun - Thurs 10:30 am-11 pm and Fri - Sat 10:30 am-1 am.

SUPPORT THIS LOUISIANA-BASED, LSU-BORN FRANCHISE!!! And bring me a Box while you're at it! :)

SBC 411: Lawmakers Talking Healthcare With Locals

The nation is abuzz about health care reform. It would take days to tell you all my thoughts on WHY there is a SERIOUS need for reform and universal healthcare, but this post is not about me and my opinions, it's about the chance to voice YOURS.


Republican Rep. John Fleming hosting the first of a series of health care town-hall meetings last night.

Without telling too much, he took the forum to tell event-goers that President Obama is in denial.

Fleming made the effort to talk to seniors at a nursing home ... to ease their concerns ... when he really needs to be talking to a group of people who just lost their jobs -- and BENEFITS. Tell someone with 4 small kids how they're supposed to help them when they get sick after they just lost their job.


But I digress ... here's the info about the town-hall meetings:


On Wednesday, he'll be meeting with veterans and employees at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (a government run facility for VETERANS).

The event will begin at 2:15 p.m. For more information, call Amy Jones at (202) 507-1003.



On Thursday, he will shift gears to discuss higher education in a morning meeting at Bossier Parish Community College. That will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 230, Building A.




NEXT WEEK ...


It's the Democrats'/Senate's turn. U.S. Senator David Vitter will host an open forum on health care reform (not a photo op) ... to discuss making health care more affordable.

Vitter doesn't want a government-run health care plan and has ideas about one that would work in everyone's favor (including businesses)


That forum will be held at BPCC, in the Performing Arts Theatre (Bldg. C) on Wednesday, August 26th at 8:30 am.


For more info on this event, call (318) 861-0437.





MAKE SURE YOU TRY TO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS and let your voice be heard on this historic reform effort.

• For more information on the currently proposed reform (and you NEED to educate yourself!), go HERE.

message from mahogani: updates coming soon!

Hellooooo SBC!

There is soooo much to catch you up on from the past couple of weeks. Ya girl has been on the SERIOUS grind but i'm working overtime in the coming days to catch you up ...

• You'll get an update from my last commentary on pisspoor promotions

• I have an installment of Adventures In The SBC as I went Back-2-School shopping for my niece and nephew ... (plus I'll have pics from Back-2-School week at schools around the SBC) ...

• I have pics from the Black & White Party at the Bijou on the 8th, a packed night at GiGi's and other SBC nightlife ...

• AND i'll give you some exclusive info on LSU home-game ticket sales, and upcoming concerts in and beyond the SBC.

Yeah, a LOT right??? So stay tuned!!! and Check back soon!!! :)

-m

EVENT ALERT: Model Casting Call

Modeling Agency Hosting Talent Search

The Michael Turney Agency will hold a talent search Saturday (tomorrow) for aspiring actors, models, singers and dancers.

The free audition will be held at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Boardwalk in the Michael Turney Agency studio on the ground level near Bass Pro Shops.

Local agency representatives will be present. Men, women and children of all ages are eligible for the audition.

Walk-ups are welcome, but times can also be reserved by calling (318) 221-2628.

SBC 411: Unity Festival + Back 2 School Giveaways

Unity Festival Held This Weekend


SPAR's Valencia Community Center will host its 15th annual Unity in the Community Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow.

The event will include free food, a space walk, face painting, games, basketball tournaments and music.

The festival is being offered to the community by SPAR, the Stoner Hill community, Men of God at Work and the Eastside Brotherhood & Sisterhood Association.

Call center manager Shalon Lewis at (318) 673-6433 or the Rev. Charles Cotton at (318) 617-7205 to learn more.





Church Hosts School Supply and Clothes Giveaway

Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church will host its annual Back-to-School supplies and clothing giveaway on Saturday, August 15th from 9 am to 1 pm.

The church is located at 2842 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Shreveport. Call (318) 221-1356 for more information.

WEEKEND HAPZ: Do The Right Thing @ The RFC ... Oh, and some other stuff (LOL)

Ok, so I'm usually not biased when it comes to events for the Weekend Hapz, but with not a lot in the nightlife department, this is the perfect time to do a shameless plug (and then give you some other events on the low ..) .. so here goes ...





In honor of the 20th Anniversary of Spike Lee's highly-acclaimed (and controversial film) DO THE RIGHT THING, the Robinson Film Center is showing the Spike Lee Joint all this weekend!!!


There's only ONE showing each night: Friday at 7:45 pm, Saturday at 5 pm, and Sunday at 2:45 pm. Ticket times vary, but go HERE, to see showtimes, or to purchase tickets online.



I'm hoping to see EVERYONE out there, even with limited resources for promotion and advertising, I hope this event is successful because if it IS, then that will help us get MORE Black films in rotation at the RFC.


So come out, bring a friend (or two) .. Make it a date night or Guys/Girls Night Out ... I'll be giving away a Prize Pack (including the 20th Anniversary DVD) at each screening.



COME SUPPORT UNIQUE EVENTS!!! :-)



Ok that's enough about MY event ... Here's a peek at what ELSE is going on Around The SBC this weekend:

• DREAMGIRLS continues it's 3-day run with a performances tonight and tomorrow at the East Bank Theatre ... go HERE to get details

• Pretty Willie (aka P-DUB) is hosting the YOUNG, FLY & SAVED Youth Explosion at the Emmanuel Christian Ministries tonight ... Go HERE for more info.

• THE FIRM is hosting the first ever Battle of the Sexes Madden/Bowling Tournament on Saturday. The event kicks off at 1 pm at Pinz Bowling Alley in the Louisiana Boardwalk. Go HERE. for more details (and costs).

There are also some family/community events like: Back To School Day at WaterTown, Movies & Moonbeams presenting Lilo & Stitch, the Unity in the Community Festival at Valencia Park, and Family & Friends Day at the House of Purpose Full Gospel Church in Bossier.





ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND PEOPLE ... BE SAFE ... AND SEE YOU AT THE RFC! :-)

EVENT ALERT: Mahogany Ensemble Theatre presents "Dreamgirls"

A couple of weeks ago, I previewed the Mahogany Ensemble Theatre's upcoming performance of DREAMGIRLS. Well tonight is opening night!!!


The stars of this special production are from MET's Camp ASPIRE ... most of which are YOUNG people. So please go out and support young people don't amazingly positive things in the CULTURAL community.



This event will be held at the East Bank Theatre in Bossier City (on Barksdale Blvd.). Tonight and tomorrow night performances are only at 7:30 pm. On Saturday night (the final night), there is a matinee performance at 3 pm, and then the final show at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 (Group rates are available).

• For more information, go to www.mahoganyensembletheatre.org, call 318-745-ARTS(2787) or e-mail mahoganytheatre@hotmail.com.
  
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EVENT ALERT: GSU Fan & Media Day

GSU is preparing to host its Fan Appreciation and Media Day this coming weekend. The event will be held Saturday, August 15th, at 2 p.m, inside the GSU Assembly Center.

Head football Coach Rod Broadway as well as Kim Young of the Lady Tigers Volleyball and Tamura Crowley of the Lady Tigers soccer teams will be on hand at the event.

Fans will be able to purchase their football season tickets and sign their kids up to be a part of the Jr. Roaring Tiger Club for the upcoming season.

The day will also include plenty of fun and activities for the kids, like face painting and sno cones, relay races and bouncers. Fans will also have the chance to get autographs and take photos with their favorite Tiger or Lady Tiger!

For more information about this event, contact the GSU Sports Information Office at (318) 274-6562. For information about GSU Athletics in general, go to www.gsutigers.com

SBC 411: It's Football Time Again! :-)

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???? I know I am!!! :)


I know it's rare for women to like football but I have to tell ya ... I'm sooo ready to spend my Saturday (and sometimes Sunday and Monday) evenings/nights sitting in front of ESPN cheering on my TIGERS!! (GEAUX LSU!) ...


The season has pretty much started for players but for fans we have to wait a couple more weeks before we get to indulge in our favorite past-time (from the comforts of home or live and in person at the stadium!).


Til them, I'm here to give you the 411 on your favorite teams. Below are the schedules for the SBC's favorite colleges (GSU, LSU and S.U.).


As I did last football season, I'll be posting the weekly schedules on the side bar (on the right) so keep checking back!!! GEAUX FOOTBALL! (lol)

GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS

Sept. 6th (at) South Carolina State (2 pm EST)

Sept. 12th (vs) Northwestern State (6 pm)

Sept. 19th (at) Jackson State (3:30 pm)

Sept. 26th (at) Oklahoma State (6 pm)

Oct. 3rd (at) Prairie View A&M (6 pm)

Oct. 10th (vs) Alabama A&M (3 pm)

Oct. 17th (at) Alabama State (TBA)

Oct. 31st (vs) Mississippi Valley (2 pm - HOMECOMING)

Nov. 7th (at) Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4 pm)

Nov. 12th (vs) Texas Southern (7 pm)

Nov. 28th (vs) Southern University

(1 pm in New Orleans/Bayou Classic!)

To see the full schedule, go HERE.

To get info on ALL of GSU Athletics, go HERE.

LSU FIGHTING TIGERS

Sept 5th @ Washington (9:30 pm, on ESPN)

Sept 12th (vs) Vanderbilt (6 pm, ESPNU)*

Sept 19th (vs) ULL (6pm, ESPNU)

Sept 26th @ Mississippi State (TBA)*

Oct 3rd @ Georgia (TBA)*


Oct 10th (vs) Florida (7 pm)*


Oct 24th (vs) Auburn (7 pm)*


Oct 31st (vs) Tulane (7 pm)


Nov 7th @ Alabama (TBA)*


Nov 14th (vs) Louisiana Tech (7 pm, Homecoming!)


Nov 21st @ Ole Miss (TBA)*

(*) denotes SEC games .... To see the FULL schedule go HERE.

For all LSU Athletics info, go to http://www.lsusports.net/.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JAGUARS

Sept. 5th - at University of Louisiana-Lafayette (6:00 PM)

Sept. 12th - vs. CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY (6:00 PM)

Sept. 19th - vs. TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (6:00 PM)

Sept. 26th - vs. ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY (6:00 PM)

Oct. 3rd - vs. JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY (6:00 PM)

Oct. 10th - (Open)

Oct. 17th - vs. FORT VALLEY STATE (HOMECOMING) - 5:30 PM

Oct. 22nd - PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY (TBA)

Oct. 31st - @ Univ. of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (2:30 PM)

Nov. 7th - (Open)

Nov. 14th - vs. ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY MOBILE, AL (6:00 PM)

Nov. 21st - (Open)

Nov. 28th - vs. GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY in NEW ORLEANS @ 1:00 PM (State Farm Bayou Classic XXXVI)

Dec. 5th - at Texas Southern University (1:00 PM)

Dec. 12th - (SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BIRMINGHAM, AL @ 1:00 PM)

For all info about SU Athletics .. go to www.gojagsports.com

*** FOR SBC HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES ... GO HERE !!!

commentary: bad events + bad business = a bad look for the SBC

It's been a while since I did a commentary. Mostly because people don't seem to like (or appreciate when I tell the truth) ...

In these commentaries, I'm speaking from the heart and from experience instead of the journalistic side of me. And sometimes that ruffles a few feathers (not that I care). So I've kept a low profile ...


But recent events prompted me to say SOMETHING about that way some SBC people are handling business and making us ALL look bad.



As if we didn't have enough embarrassment this year from the tomfoolery at the State Capitol when local representative Barbara Norton decided to turn the State Legislature into a Hurricane Chris promotional concert (which ended up on TMZ and had all local media outlets a-buzz) ...

But now local PROMOTERS, event hosts and so-called businessmen are making us look band will NATIONAL promoters, artists and record labels/management companies but constantly pulling stunts where they can't or WON'T pay an artist ...



Take this past weekend for example.


Two nights. Two concerts. Two promoters (as far as WE know). Two different venues. A total of 5 artists on stage over the course of 48 hours (even though we only wanted to see 3 of them lol).



So what happened?


Nothing happened. That's what.


Both concerts fell victim to bullsh**. And they wonder why people don't support events in this city ... or why major artists don't want to COME to this city (forcing us to drive to other major cities for entertainment).



SO - Here's what I heard ...



FRIDAY NIGHT ...


HOW U RIDIN' (creators of the magazine and hosts to several car/truck/bike shows in the area) were supposed to bring R&B singers Carl Thomas and Dave Hollister to the Riverview Theater on Clyde Fant Parkway.

I've seen the flyers out for at least a month, saw blasts on all the social networking sites. Even saw one of the promoter pubbing it and remarking about what great events he puts together.


Even then, I didn't believe the hype. Hell ... look at Carl's face on the flyer:

Maybe that was a message to his fans ... I dunno. But when I saw that Garland's was going to be a ticket outlet for the concert, I knew something was going to go wrong.

For YEARS now, any time that name has been on a flyer, the concert was cancelled, an artist (maybe more than one) didn't appear on stage ... and from what I remember, people had a hard time getting their money back from some of the shows.

Why is this man still in business? I can't tell you that. Why is he allowed to promote events using other people's names? I dunno. But alas, here's another event and things started going wrong even before the doors to the venue opened.

The day of, a friend of mine posted on Facebook that Carl Thomas was not going to appear.

It seems that Carl's plane ticket was a no-show and therefore he never made to to Shreveport the same night (before) that Dave did. I would think booking a ticket shouldn't be that much of a problem, but maybe I'm wrong.

Carl issued his deepest apologies (via the friend), but he was unable to appear. Not his fault though, the promoter apparently didn't give a damn and kept saying throughout the day that both of the men would be there

A little after 6 pm ... The Times.com posted an item saying Carl would not perform (still no blast on either MySpace or Facebook from the promoter). The doors were scheduled to open at 7 pm (with the show starting at 8 pm) ... with less than 2 hours until the show, the best the promoters could do was to offer a $5 discount on the admission price.

Tickets/admission: $35

Only half of the performers show up and all people get is a $5 discount? I'd be outraged!!! The discount was later upped to an insulting $7. I swear, I'd be asking for my money back AT THE DOOR.

From a source who actually attended the show, no one was notified until they got INSIDE the theater that Carl wasn't coming (even though they already knew).


So what exactly did event-goers get for $28 to $35 a piece?


The doors weren't opened until 15 to 20 minutes after 7 pm. They got to sit whereever they wanted because even though the theater holds 1,725 people, I'm told only abut 25 people showed up.

A couple of local acts performed first, including local singer JULES. Apparently the event producers used a smoke machine for the locals and forgot to turn it off - and sounded off the fire alarm.


After the locals finished ... there was a 45-minute to one-hour break (while some CDs played in the background). Why? Well my sources say Dave Hollister hadn't gotten paid yet.

With most artists, the promoter sends a deposit in advance (plus, most times, travel and transportation) to make sure they'll come to town. BUT, they're supposed to get the REST of the money when they get here ... BEFORE the show.

Dave was backstage ... waiting to get paid before he touched the mic. Around 10:30 .. the man with the deep pockets finally showed up to save the day. And Dave hit the stage to perform for the dozen or so that stuck around. I hear he gave a lackluster performance (probably because he was thinking "This some BS").



Soooo ... where does that leave us?

CARL THOMAS (who's been here a few times) is sitting at the crib mad 'cause these people made him lose money and look bad ... over a damn plane ticket. They probably knew they couldn't pay him the rest of his money and just decided to take the loss of the deposit ... but damn, disappointing his fans? JUST WHY?

And as for DAVE ... we know he hasn't had a hit since Baby Mama Drama (1999) but the boy can BLOW and we need him to be 100% if he's the only person peforming ... not pissed cuz you doing bad business!!!


Needless to say, everyone who attended was pissed. Not only did they waste money and an outfit ... they didn't get a good show ... and the PROMOTERS are solely to blame. So yeah, I'm putting them on blast because they have put US on blast ... making US look bad to the industry and I don't want ANY frickin' body to give them another dollar!!!

MOVING ON ...




Let's go to SATURDAY NIGHT ...

CHARLIE WILSON was scheduled to perform at the Shreveport Convention Center. Any promoter/event planner worth their salt knows that the SCC is hard to pack ... and hella frickin' expensive. So you better be able to sell tickets and pay your people.


I was out and about in the SBC Saturday doing some State-Tax-Free shopping when I get a text saying the concert had been cancelled. I was instantly disappointed because the promoter for THIS event was a LITTLE more reliable ... and after Friday night's foolishness, it was hard to believe this was happening again.

When I got home around 5-ish, The Times.com was on it once again ... posting that the concert was cancelled, but giving no explanation to why ... and told people to check back for updates ...

So I checked back ...


And they later reported that the tour "production truck" broke down and that's why they (Charlie, Cupid and Rude) couldn't come. It could be considered a lame excuse, but at least they GAVE ONE.

No plans as of now for rescheduling the tour stop ... and tickets obtained from the box office can be refunded starting Tuesday (August 11th) at the CenturyTel Center box office. Tickets purchased online must be refunded through Ticketmaster.com.



Of course (if the story is true) this wasn't Charlie's fault either. All the artists were victims ... whether it be a breakdown of a vehicle or a breakdown in communication. But either way two cancellations in two nights is NOT a good look.


Promoters need to learn to have back-ups and Plan B's. And learn to stop hiding things from people.

Now, In the second incident, they promptly notified people (in less than 12 hours) where they could get refunds ... THEY GET THEIR MONEY BACK!!!


In the first incident, that was just HUSTLING.

People with money trying to make more money by using someone's name to promote something and then not giving a damn if it doesn't happen right. And then you wonder why only 25 people show up and why you get put on blast ... and why folks in Shreveport are looked down on by the industry.

IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU!!!

I'll have more on this in a future commentary I'm working on about the local promotion/events game in general.

IN CONCLUSION ...

It's not a good look people. If you're gonna do business, do it right. Stop HUSTLIN' and expecting to come up ... because real people don't respect that.

Start treating patrons like they mean more than their money ... maybe you'll see more of a return on your investment.

And then maybe those of us who are TRUE music lovers and WANT to see major artists come here can finally get them to come down and leave happy (and PAID). That way, we ALL win ...

- m

EVENT PICS: MMA Fight + Other Photos You May Not Have Seen :)

I'm sure the City of Shreveport usually doesn't approve of fighting in public venues, but it was all good this past weekend ... as some Fighters took over two different places this past weekend: The Municipal Auditorium and Harrah's LA Downs.


I only have pics from the latter (via shreveporttimes.com), but check em out:

I bet these events ARE great date nights lol .... ANYHOO ... To see ALL the photos from the MMA Fights, go HERE. (photos by Val Horvath/The Times)

BACKTRACKING A BIT ...

I just saw the photos from the Hair Show/Battle on August 2nd at the Shreveport Conventioin Center. I had another obligation so I missed it :( ... but it looks like it was an AWESOME event! Check these pics out (photos below by Pretty Boi Entertainment):

My photog homie, KEVIN JOHNSON (a member of the barber/beauty community himself), also documented the night in pictures. Check out ALL his beautiful images HERE.

AND HERE ARE SOME OTHER GALLERIES YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT:

• The Stunnas & Stilettos Day Party on Aug. 3rd (including the photo abuve/NXT LVL Consulting)
  
  
• The Go Live or Go Home Step Show on July 31st
  
  
• The YMCA Pageant
  
  
  
  

*** Got photos of your event you want to submit to Around The SBC??? E-mail them to us at mahoganimedia@gmail.com!!! ***

SBC 411: Dropout Prevention Summit & Rally 4 Peace + Back 2 School Events

This Saturday morning, SUSLA's campus will play host to a national event targeting the LOCAL dropout crisis.

A new report commissioned by America’s Promise Alliance finds that the local graduation rate is 59.4%--meaning that four in ten Shreveport teens do not graduate with their class.

In response to this crisis, various organizations and the City of Shreveport will host The Shreveport Dropout Prevention Summit: Parent University .

This event is one of 100 such events nationwide in which local leaders will develop workable solutions to prepare our youth for college, work and life–starting with a high school diploma.


This summit is part of the national effort to curb high school dropout rates. The event will tae place from 10 am to 12 pm at the SUSLA's Health and P.E. building (GYM)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Rob Dixon, Project RISE Executive Director & teacher at Thayer Academy, Braintree, MA


ALSO EXPECTED TO ATTEND: Caddo Superintendent Gerald Dawkins, Mayor Cedric Glover, District Attorney Charles Scott, Sheriff Steve Prator, school personnel, elected officials and community leaders


The community is encouraged to come out and learn what THEY can do to help OUR children succeed in school and GRADUATE! Parental involvement is IMPORTANT to OUR children's success. So parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend and talk to educators and school officials about what they can do to get more involved.

• For more information contact: Kathie D. Boyett at kboyett@alliance4education.org or 318.424.0599.
  
  
  
  
  

OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS HAPPENING SATURDAY ....



9 AM: Clothing Give Away @ The Macedonia House

Giving away clothes for the family. Bring proof of need, address verification, Medicaid/Medicare card or your Louisiana Purchase card. The Macedonia House is located at 5150 Interstate Drive, Suite 210. The giveaway will last until Noon.




10 AM: Rally for Peace March @ Greater Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church

This march will begin at Greater Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. The march is organized by Elder Cary McCall, pastor and founder of New Beginnings Praise Ministries. The church is located at 3204 Darien St. in Shreveport. For more information, call 318-635-6546, 773-4587 or 208-2592.




1 PM: Back to School Bash @ Fair Grounds Field

Shots for Tots and the Shreveport-Bossier Captains will host the "Back to School Bash" featuring face painting, inflatables, mascots as well as the Shots for Tots mobile unit, which will be on site providing immunizations. Any child (ages 4-12) who is immunized or who has an updated shots record will receive a voucher for one child and one adult ticket to see the Shreveport-Bossier Captains play the Grand Prairie Airhogs at 7:05 p.m. Remember to bring your child's immunization records.

WEEKEND HAPZ: August = Shopping, Concerts and Parties

ATTENTION SBC SHOPPERS!!! Start your proverbial engines!!! This is not a drill!!! This weekend you will save money on your back-to-school shopping because the state of Louisiana will waive their taxes to give you a 4% break!!! Yes a WHOLE 4 percent! :)

Yeah, contrary to popular belief you WILL have to pay SOME taxes (i.e. federal) during Tax-Free Holiday Weekend. You just don't have to pay STATE taxes. STILL, when you're buying a LOT, it will help!!!!


Besides, a tax break on your shopping, there's a lot MORE going on this weekend in the SBC:







Music lovers ... two of R&B's best are coming to a stage near you. Friday night (August 7th), DAVE HOLLISTER and CARL THOMAS are scheduled to the hit the stage of the Riverview Theater (formerly the Civic Theater) in downtown Shreveport.

Tickets are $35, and are available at the door. Doors open @ 7pm, the show starts @ 8pm. This isn't Carl's first time in the SBC, but it is for Dave.


I hope the show is as awesome as I think it will be (actually, I just hope they show up!!). If you go, let me know ... because I have other obligations that prevent me from attending :(



Charlie Wilson is also in town performing Friday night with Cupid and Rude ... Get the details HERE.









On Saturday, The Municipal Auditorium will play host to a martial arts match. The ULTIMATE CAGE FIGHTING "It's On" bout will take place on Saturday at 8 pm.

• For more info on who's fighting ... go HERE. For tickets, check out www.ticketmaster.com
  

If none of that tickles your entertainment fancy ... you can always do other stuff:

Like .... Catch an outdoor flick @ Movies and Moonbeams (featuring Madagascar 2) or go see some local baseball with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains ...

FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE:






ON FRIDAY ... The Bijou Wine Bar is playing host to the city's Grown & Sexy First Friday event.

The upscale spot will cater to the Grown-up crowd (23 and up) and feature live music by Total Choice, drink specials and a cool atmosphere. Doors open at 9 pm. Dress code enforced. Come out and enjoy!

Over on Texas Street, Sylvester "PosterBoy" Marshall will be hosting his birthday bash at the Robinson Film Center on Friday night.


He's inviting all of his fellow Nupes, Masons, Eastern Stars, and classy partiers from around (and beyond) the SBC.


Dj ROB REAL wii be on the 1's and 2's. There will be drink specials all night and free food. Call 318-243-4262 for more information.







ON SATURDAY ....

Ladies, on Saturday night the QUEENS HAIR SALON invites you to come experience an evening of elegance as Salon stylists show you the latest in hair care products and techniques.


They will also have available a full inventory of their Queen 100% Indian Remy Hair Extensions, curling irons and cosmetics.


And while you are there treat yourselves to complimentary wine and cheese bar as you explore every aspect of their new salon!


This event begins at 7 pm. For more info, call 636-2323 or go HERE.







In Downtown Shreveport, a BLACK AND WHITE PARTY is being hosted at BIJOU (formerly MacArthur's Steakhouse). Black and white (or black, or white) attire is encouraged.

This party is from 10 pm until. Admission is $10. 23 and up admitted ONLY. Dress code strictly enforced. Get your outfits ready and come party with the Grown and Classy!!! :)

Riverview Hall is becoming College Party Central ... and this Saturday, the Alphas of Tau Beta will be hosting the last big college party of the summer:

SUMMER JAM III will kick off at 10:06 pm. Greek discount all night. DJ MARLE-MAR will be on the 1's and 2's ... (For more info, call 318-422-5322).

PARTY HARD BUT PARTY SAFE Y'ALL!!!

SBC 411: Back 2 School Haircuts & Shots 4 Tots

Cosmetology School Offering Free Haircuts


Guy's Academy will offer free haircuts today, beginning at 4 pm. Their campus is located at
1141 Shreveport Barksdale Hwy in Shreveport. For more information, call 318-865-5591

If you miss out today, they'll be offering them again on Thursday (August 6th) at the same time.






Shots for Tots On Both Sides of the Red This Week


The Shots for Tots mobile unit will be at the Sam's Club in Shreveport today (Tuesday) from 10 am until 2 pm. This is a free service. All you have to do is bring your child's immunization record.


On Wednesday (tomorrow) the unit will be at JC Penney in Bossier (at Pierre Bossier Mall) from 10 am to 2 pm. Same rules apply.

Adventures In The SBC: The Club Hoppin' Edition

My friends and I went out to several places this weekend to enjoy some SBC Nightlife.

I'm used to club hoppin' when I'm covering events, but to go just to be out ... haven't done that since college! Especially for the low price of $20! ...

Three clubs, three parties ... and as the saying goes: Sometimes you get what you pay for ... LOL. Here's my report:




ON FRIDAY:


We travelled to Club Tiffany's (formerly Game Time and The Stock Exchange) on Hollywood Ave. That's where J. Lee and Lee Hunter hosted UNFORGIVEABLE FRIDAYS.

I think I've been inside the club all of two times, so I was eager to see what was inside.


Oh, and I went to support BILLY BROADWAY, who was scheduled to perform :)



Admission was free for Ladies before 11 pm. And when we arrived, we got a ticket for a free drink.

My regular is usually an Amaretto Sour, but the lady bartender told me that didn't classify as a well drink ... so after my bestie told her that I like sweet drinks, she served me a concoction that satisfied my needs (even though I never found out what it was).

Later, our group was joined by about a dozen other people, including a group of AKAS and my photographer and DJ friends, PARTY PUSHAZ (shout to to Isidor, Stan and Anthony :)

As for the club, it's a nice spot. Remind me of clubs I used to go to in high school and college (only one entrance/exit). However, the DJ had a hard time with the "equipment" skipping his CDs so it made it hard to dance or entertain ourselves.





I did get to chill, get a free drink, and meet a new model & fashion designer (shoutout to Latasha and Dennis).

BILLY was attacked by some kind of bug inside the club (pictured above). We never figured out if it came from outside (where he was standing before entering the club) or was an inside bug (lol).

I left before BILLY performed (had to make some mooney), but I heard he made it short and sweet, AND K.P. was there to help.

I also heard he didn't get compensated for his performance. Hmmm ... And folks wonder why we can't get live shows here in the city.

MOVING ON ...


Our next stop Friday night was BIJOU (formerly McArthur's Steakhouse) in downtown Shreveport. It was set to be the spot for the Greek Show afterparty, but the show ran late (and I hear the Kappas punked out of the Stroll Competition) ... so partiers consisted of mostly Grown Folks.

I ran into Pat Brown of the MARCHE' GROUP (who's getting ready for his big Labor Day Mixer on Sept. 4th), and a few other personal and professional friends. The crowd was kind of shallow but we lounged for a while and chatted.


Yet AGAIN, the DJ made it difficult to enjoy ourselves. I was already hungry and a lil' tipsy but when I finally sat down to lounge, my ears were assaulted by 10-minute long oldies/blues songs, immediately followed by more current line dances ... and then songs like "Da Butt". The DJ (a female) was all over the place.

I've had a friend tell me part of the reason they don't enjoy themselves at the spot is because of the "80's music" played there. I think I would have to concur from my experience this night.

Usually I love it there because it's a great atmosphere and a cool chill spot, but Friday night was just OFF for some reason.



I know one time I was there and Bill Sharp (wassup!) DJ'd I really enjoyed myself. He played neo-soul and R&B and it was really nice.

Hope next time I'm there I can hear him ... or that AMAZING saxaphonist Eddie Spencer (or Total Choice or Mark Scroggins ... I mean take your pick people, there's a lotta talent in the SBC! lol).

The one entertaining moment was when PRETTY BOI ENT's Kendrick got on the dance floor and literally "dropped to the floor" .. LOL. He danced like his life depended on it!!! :)

He had us DYING laughing (though I don't think it was meant to be funny lol) ...


Needless to say we didn't stay long. Night one was a total bust. MOVING ON ....




ON SATURDAY ...


Our crew regrouped and added a few people to the flock to head out to GIGI'S MARTINI ROOM.


The main reason we went was to try to salvage our weekend ... and another reason was to help BILLY BROADWAY continue end his week-long birthday celebration will a bang. Even though we had to pay $10 admission -- We got VIP treatment and a reserved balcony.

The staff was great to us (especially the security guy with the dreadlocks) and DJ SLIMM was on his ish as usual (shouting out Billy's name at least 30 times over the course of the night, and making us feel like celebrities by shouting our crew out too).

I swear SLIMM is the most underrated DJ in the city. EVERY time I go to GiGi's he makes me sweat ... cuz I STAY on the dance floor!!! And he's right, I NEVER (or Rarely ever) hear the same thing twice when he DJs. And he REALLY enjoys his work. He bounces harder than the crowd does! lol.

VIP. Champagne. Personal service. Awesome music. GIGI's did it right, I must say. They helped us have a GREAT weekend.

Aside from some of the rude-ass people who don't know how to say "excuse me" and some of the clowns on the dance floor it was a perfect night. THANKS TO MACK & THE GIGI'S STAFF :) !! :)

OH ... AND ONE MORE THING ...

Before we walked in GiGi's, we saw this outside of KOKOPELLIS ...

YES .. a chartered bus dropped off a gang of people like it was the a pub c I rawl, a tailgate party or better yet -- The 40/40 club and Jay-Z and Beyonce were inside. People, WTF???

Seriously? Did people spend MONEY to get dropped off on the corner of COMMERCE street in SHREVEPORT???? Only at KOKO ... (SMDH) .

***

SOOOOO ... What's on TAP for next weekend??? CARL THOMAS & DAVE HOLLISTER in Concert on Friday ... a BLACK & WHITE PARTY at the Bijou on Saturday .... PLUS a lot more to see and do.

Check in on THURSDAY for the WEEKEND HAPZ Report to get all the details (or check the flyer bin at the bottom of the blog for limited info right now!!!)