Wednesday, September 30
SBC 411: Master Plan Available For Review, CTC Open House & Free Fair Tickets!
Master Plan Outline Available for Review This Week
Public review meetings for the draft of Shreveport's master plan principles are underway. Here's the when and where:
• Today: Cedar Grove/Line Avenue branch, 8303 Line Ave.; and the Broadmoor branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive.
• Tomorrow: Hollywood/Union Avenue branch, 2105 Hollywood Ave.; and the David Raines branch, 2855 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Each meeting runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Shreveport and Caddo have pledged to spend a total of $1.2 million on Great Expectations: Creating Our Future Together. The document is expected to be complete in fall 2010.
Shreveport's Career Technical College to Host Open House
Career Technical College in Shreveport will host an open house at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 3rd for Fall Open Registration.
Those wanting to tour the school will meet with the admissions team, financial aid planners and enjoy refreshments.
The school is at 1227 Shreveport-Barksdale Highway in Shreveport. Call (318) 629-2889 for more information.
State Fair of Louisiana Hosting Online Contest
The State Fair of Louisiana is giving away general admission tickets and Fair Bucks as part of an online contest via Facebook and Twitter, two social networking Web sites.
Participants should become a fan of the Fair's Facebook page or become a follower on Twitter.
The next drawing is set for Friday; the winner will get four State Fair general admission tickets and $20 in Fair Bucks, a news release states.
The grand prize drawing will be Oct. 16 with the winner receiving two State Fair "Fun Passes" good for the 14 days of the fair with gate admission, an armband for rides and more.
No purchase is necessary. And participants must be at least 18 years old.
Monday, September 28
EVENT PICS/WRAP: SMG Brings Jamie Foxx to the SBC (and it won't stop there!)
Jamie had a special guest with him that night to treat the crowd .. NE-YO .. who was here shooting Battle: Los Angeles.
I heard that the company is willing to take a loss every time just to prove to SBC'ers that they can come through with amazing music events ... (wish all promoters thought that way). I also heard that some local promoters were hatin' on the turnout and on Jamie himself ... but we all know what that is -- LOL.
Sunday, September 27
FAITHBOOK VIDEO: "Smoke Break"
Former DJ/Promoter turned Social Media Star -- James Haggard -- is taking his love for the Lord to a new level ... using the power of the World Wide Web :)
GO HERE to see last week's videos, and here's a new one! :)
I'll be posting James' videos every Sunday, but you can go to his YOU-TUBE PAGE to see more ... or Add Him On Facebook.
HAPPY SUNDAY PEOPLE AND HAVE A BLESSED WEEK :)
Saturday, September 26
WEEKEND HAPZ: The Saturday Edition
Ok so I'm back after a night of entertainment (in more ways than one) at the Funny Bone (I'll blog about that later) ... and now another night of revelry awaits in the SBC ....
I'll be at the Youth Talent Showcase as we close out the Southern Black Theatre Festival (photos to come) ... Tonight's event is hosted by Scooter Burton and will feature talented kids and teens from all over the area. Tickets are $3 for kids and $5 for adults. GO HERE for more info.
YOU CAN ALSO: Check out the West Edge Fine Arts Market ... Take the family/kids to see Finding Nemo as part of Movies & Moonbeams ... Go see The Godfather on the big screen at the RFC ... Attend the True Blood Party (for fans of the show!) ... Check out DJ Jazzy Jeff spinnin' at the Horseshoe Casino's Last Saturday Party ... or do like I did last night and go check out Bill Bellamy for his LAST night at the Funny Bone.
FOR THE COLLEGIATES:
CrowdPleaser Ent. is hosting Polos and Stilettos tonight @ The Holiday Inn Downtown's Grand Ballroom. Doors Open @ 10:06 pm. Dress code will be @ Doorman's Discretion. Sounds Selections By: DJ Marle Mar.
PARTY SAFE PEOPLE ... and check back soon for LOTS of photos and reviews from recent events (I'm getting back to normal now lol) ... Peace!
Friday, September 25
WEEKEND HAPZ: Friday Edition
I KNOW, I KNOW ... Where's da WEEKEND HAPZ? at??
Well ya girl mahogani has been VERY busy this week and just didn't have time to sit and make it look all pretty.
Today alone I had 3 meetings, picked up some new designer tees I'm pushing, ran some errands, posted new photos on my other website and wrote up a business proposal .... I'm trying to think ... "Did I eat?" lol ...
And now I'm off to the FUNNY BONE to see BILL BELLAMY put on a show! (I'll have a review later lol)
LAST NIGHT, another comic genius (and oh yeah, he's a singer, producer, songwriter and OSCAR winner), came and gave the city a GREAT show ... I'll post pics soon (so check back tomorrow) ...
As always on FRIDAY:
The Marche' Group invites you to VIBE FRIDAYS at the Bijou. Ladies get in free until 11 pm and there are 2 for 1 drink specials until then as well. So go out and get a drink on in a sophisticated setting! :) Admission for fellaz (and everyone after 11) is $10.
I will be back later to post the REST of the Weekend Hapz (for Saturday & Sunday). Until then, PARTY SAFE TONIGHT!!!
(photo of jamie foxx by henrietta wildsmith/the times)
Tuesday, September 22
EVENT ALERT: 2009 Southern Black Theatre Festival
If you were reading my blog around this time last year, you were introduced to the SOUTHERN BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL -- A celebration of performing arts hosted by the Mahogany Ensemble Theatre. Well the SBTF is back for it's 2nd year after an AMAZING inaugural year in 2008.
This year's theme is "Cultivating the Creativity Within", and events are catered to the Youth of the SBC.
Organizers are matching them up with professional artists for one event and letting them showcase THEIR talents at another.
The festival lost its honorary chair this summer -- Judi Ann Mason. I met her at last year's festival and I know she'd be proud of the local efforts to inspire aspiring artists :)
To see a list of festival events, go to www.southernblacktheatrefest.org
Monday, September 21
SBC 411: Teen Cooking & Nutrition Classes Offered
Teens can learn their way around the kitchen in a new program by the LSU AgCenter.
"Teens in the Kitchen" is a food and fitness program for 13 to 18 year olds that will be presented by Lola Shuttleworth, youth development agent, with assistance from Connie Aclin and Dianne Glasgow, both extension educators.
Students will learn about food and kitchen safety, choosing healthy foods and the importance of physical fitness.
Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15 at the Caddo Extension Office (2408 E. 70th St., Shreveport).
The class costs $20, and Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call (318) 226-6805. TODAY is the last day to register!!!
Sunday, September 20
VIRAL VIDEO: James Haggard Turns Facebook Into FaithBook
If you don't know what a VIRAL VIDEO is, you're about to find out.
It's a video (usually posted on You-Tube) that becomes widely popular because people tag it, post it, share it, WHATEVER ... before you know it, that video spreads like a VIRUS (i.e. viral) ... people HAVE to watch it ...
Usually these videos are of stunts gone wrong, fights, or celebrity foolishness, but the one I'm about to share is on a totally different level.
My friend, James (Eskuire) Haggard is a part of the Young, Fly & Saved movement I mentioned in a previous post.
Some weeks ago, James started posting videos on Facebook that were geared toward spirtual people but in a unique (and funny) way. This turned into his FAITHBOOK posts .. and now there's a BUNCH of them.
I'm going to start sharing them on here, so those who AREN'T on Facebook, can catch the one virus, we don't want to get rid of ... FAITH.
CHECK THIS ONE OUT: (a Bible Story like you've never heard before)
AND HERE'S HIS MOST RECENT ONE:
Deep huh? I swear he needs his own show LOL ... To see more of James' videos, go HERE.
I'll be posting one each Sunday from now on. Pass it on and make this even MORE viral!!! Peace and blessings PPL!
Saturday, September 19
EVENT ALERTS: Get Ya Praise On in the SBC!
TONIGHT -- A singer who used to come to the SBC for gigs at KoKo (and other local venues) has flipped the script lately and is now "laying it down" for the Lord.
Pretty Willie, now going by P-DUB, will host and peform at tonight's YOUNG, FLY & SAVED Concert. It's part of the singer's new movement to bring young people closer to God. The event will be held at the Foundation of Life Center (7340 Union Ave. in Shreveport) on Saturday
TOMORROW ...
@ 4 pm - The Senior Choir Ministry of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will host their Annual Men and Women of Color Program. There will be anointed soloists, groups, and other special guests. The church is located at 4670 Lakeshore Drive in Shreveport.
@ 6 pm - Stoner Hill Baptist Church will hold an Annual Evening of Songs. The theme is "It is a Good Thing to Give Thanks and to Sing Praises unto thy Name". The program will be held at the church, located at 1201 Cornwell Ave. in Shreveport.
Friday, September 18
EVENT ALERT: Auditions Being Held For Gospel Play
WEEKEND HAPZ: Even In The Rain ... The Events Must Go On! :-)
The rain has made for a VERY dreary week .... and according to the weather reports, it's not over just yet .... which may dampen some plans for local events this weekend. But WEATHER PERMITTING ... here are some things you (and the family) can check out:
TONIGHT: You can have some fun at the Closing Party for Graffiti @ artspace ... or Go check out a hot new documentary at the Robinson Film Center ...
SATURDAY: That morning, most of the SBC will be Racing For The Cure ... and that night Britney & Ciara will be performing at the CenturyTel so you may want to steer clear of that area! LOL ... for those NOT racing or going to the concert ... you can -- Check out the West Edge Artist Market ... Go to Pioneer Heritage Festival in Greenwood, Enjoy the Super Derby at Harrah's Louisiana Downs ... Attend Glitz & Grits at the LA State Exhibit Museum ...
So there's a lot to do INSIDE, even if it rains! LOL ... I'll be posting a few more events later ... so STAY LINKED :-)
NOW FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE ...
The weather may be wet, but it's pretty much a dry weekend for nightlife ... Only a few choices besides the regular club nights ...
TONIGHT:
The Marche' Group invites you out the Bijou for THE ULTIMATE LADIES NIGHT as they present VIBE FRIDAYs.
ON SATURDAY:
CrowdPleaser Entertainment continues the weekend of Sophistication at Adam's Lounge. Doors open at 9 pm. CHEAPEST DRINKS IN THE SBC :-) DJ Marle-Mar will be on the 1's and 2's ... Go out and enjoy!!!
Thursday, September 17
EVENT ALERT: Graffiti @ Artspace's Closing Party
Calling all B-Boys, B-Girls, Hip Hop Heads and folks who like "Tagging" other people's stuff LOL. A one-of-a-kind exhibit is entering its last days here in the SBC.
GRAFFITI @ ARTSPACE set up shop in Downtown Shreveport at the end of July and ends it's run this Saturday.
If you passed by there lately you probably thought it'd been vandalized ... but no, that's just ART ... Urban art :-)
I went down there a few weeks back and took these shots from outside the building (yeah, they covered the building with it ... cool huh?) .. CHECK EM OUT:
And no, that's not a real person ... I was almost fooled myself LOL. If you haven't been down there yet, go check it out before it's too late!
Artspace is open Thursday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Friday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm and Saturday: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Admission is FREE during regular business hours.
Now On FRIDAY NIGHT, the urban-inspired exhibit will celebrate the end of its run with a Closing Party. DJ Deacon Strukt will team up with Rhyme University to provide an electric HIP-HOP music showcase.
There will also be an Urban Trunk Show featuring T-Shemise Fashions (shoutout to Tiff, who's line opens in Heart&Soul on Kings Hwy at the end of this month!); also featured in the trunk show will be EPIK Board Sports (located @ the corner of Youree and Ockley)
Friday night's event will be your LAST chance to buy original Graffiti art created by ELSE and PUBERT at a fraction of the original prices!!! Some artworks will sell for as much as 50% OFF!!!
Admission to the party is $5. It begins at 7 pm. For more information contact Megan at (318) 673-6535. And you can Read more about the exhibit HERE.
Wednesday, September 16
SBC 411: Flu Vaccine Registration & Shot Clinics + Child Seat Safety Check
Registration Open for H1N1 Vaccine Providers
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has opened online registration for health care providers interested in administering the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, expected to be available initially in limited quantities in October.
The H1N1 vaccine provider registration form can be found HERE, and must be completed in its entirety. Providers with questions may contact the Louisiana Immunization Program at (877) 799-9773.
DHH continues to monitor the progress of the H1N1 flu to alert the public to any significant changes that would impact the public's health.
For more information on flu activity in Louisiana, including guidance for families and medical professionals, visit http://www.flula.com/.
MEANWHILE ...
Overton Brooks VA Medical Center will begin offering flu vaccinations to enrolled Veterans.
Flu vaccinations will be administered during scheduled clinic appointments or at special flu shot clinics.
Vaccinations will be given Tues.-Thurs., 1-3 p.m., Now through Nov. 25th, and on Wednesdays only (same times) Dec. 2-30.
This service is Free. For more information call (318) 424-6171. The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is located at 510 E. Stoner Ave.
AND FOR THE KIDS .... The Shots for Tots unit will be out and about Wednesday, Sept. 16th at Toys R Us in Bossier from 10 am to 1 pm, and then at Brookshire's on Bert Kouns (in Shreveport) from 2:30 to 5 pm.
IN OTHER COMMUNITY NEWS ....
A local department store will provide free child seat safety inspection this Saturday.
Burlington Coat Factory, in partnership with the Shreveport Police Department, is sponsoring a car safety seat inspection on Sept. 19th at its location at 1239 Shreveport Barksdale Highway (in Shreve City).
The event will be held from 11 am to 2 pm. It is FREE.
During “Project Checkpoint” certified safety seat experts will inspect vehicles for proper installation and operation of restraints as well as provide child fingerprinting, and invaluable information on preventing child injuries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 90 percent of all child safety seats are improperly installed, needlessly exposing children to an increased risk of serious injury.
Monday, September 14
SBC 411: Meetings to Help Form Shreveport's "Master Plan"
The City of Shreveport's attempt to get the community involved in planning the city's future is well underway after two meetings last night at local high schools.
The very first meeting of its kind was held back in August but many didn't get to attend the one-day event.
So members of a committee called The Community Advisory Group (made up of over 30 representatives of businesses, nonprofits and neighborhood groups), have been dispersed all over the SBC to host meetings where each area will have a chance to get their residents involved, and give them a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.
Last night's meetings were held at Captain Shreve and Southwood High Schools. But those are the last of them!!!!
TONIGHT: Forums will be held at BTW High School (2104 Milam St) and Huntington High School (6801 Rasberry Lane).
THURSDAY: Northwood High School (5939 Old Mooringsport Road.) and Woodlawn High School (7340 Wyngate Blvd.)
FRIDAY: Green Oaks High School (2550 Thomas E. Howard Dr.), Byrd High School (3201 Line Ave.) and Fair Park High School (3222 Greenwood Road).
** ALL meetings will be held from 6-8:30 pm.
Comments from these school meetings will be combined with those from August to help identify principles to be included in the master plan. Those should be available by next month.
- For more information about the Master Plan ... go HERE.
Sunday, September 13
SBC 411: Public Pool Remains Open
With Labor Day behind us, and kids in class, Summer is unofficially over ... But SPAR and the City of Shreveport are making sure SBC'ers can still beat the heat by leaving a local pool open.
Shreveport's only government-run swimming hole, at Southern Hills Park, 1002 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, will stay open through Sept. 30.
Programs and operating hours are:
Senior water aerobics, 7-9 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Public hours, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays.
Swim fee is $1.
The Shreveport City Council, with agreement from the mayor, opted to keep the city's eight other pools closed this year. The move was aimed at saving nearly $500,000. Pools were among $6 million in budget cuts for 2009.
Shreveport partnered with Rock Solid Sports, which put on private day camps at Southern Hills and also kept public hours.
Southern Hills Park and Recreation Center also offer tennis courts, a fitness room, a one mile walking trail, ball fields, a playground and computer training rooms.
{file photo}
EVENT PICS: NAACP Banquet & Krewe of Sobek Coronation
ON FRIDAY ...
The Shreveport Chapter of the NAACP held a banquet for their Freedom Fund at the Clarion Hotel this past Friday (9.11).
Community members and area professionals gathered for a moment to remember 9/11 and raise funds for the historic organization.
Guests were treated to a dinner and speaker ... and Lt. General Russel L. Honore was given a token of appreciation from Mayor Cedric Glover.
Read more about the event's guest speaker HERE. and See the rest of the photos HERE. (photos above by Val Horvath/The Times)
DOWNTOWN ....
The Krewe of Sobek rang in Mardi Gras season with their Coronation event at Riverview Hall:
This year's theme was "Bon Voyage" ... with Krewe members dressing up like shipmates :)
Other Krewe members (and past royalty) were dressed to impress (above) ... and were joined at the celebration by other local Krewes (below) ...
- See all the photos from the Coronation HERE. (Photos above by Paul Schuetze/The Times)
- Also check out photos from the March of Dimes Brunch held over the weekend HERE.
Friday, September 11
WEEKEND HAPZ: A Lil' Sumthin' For Everyone - Movies, Music & More
After an EXTRA-busy holiday weekend (last weekend) it's kinda quiet on the event-front this weekend. Of course there are the usual offerings at local clubs and a COUPLE of parties to attend, but most people are watching the skies, hoping it doesn't rain.
If you're looking for something to do (besides the nightlife), here are some suggestions:
TONIGHT: You can attend the Krewe of Sobek Coronation ... check out the NWLA Gay & Lesbian Film Festival at the RFC ... or go see comedian Vince Morris on stage at the Funny Bone (all weekend long).
SATURDAY: You can attend the Male Conference at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, ... Check out the Farmer's Market in Greenwood ... Take the family and kids to see the Weiner Dog Races at La. Downs ... Show off your green thumb at a special seminar at the Rose Gardens ... Shop Til' You Drop at a local crafts show ... Join a local neighborhood for their Back To School Jamboree ... Enjoy "Monsters Inc" as part of Movies & Moonbeams in Bossier City ... or Go see LSU vs. Vanderbilt on the big screen at the RFC (for FREE!)
So there is something to do for EVERYONE (literally! lol) ... and don't forget Friday night football (local high schools) and Tyler Perry has a new movie out (I Can Do Bad By Myself) ...
... and now FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE:
TONIGHT:
THE MARCHE' ENTERTAINMENT GROUP invites the SBC to an experience classy nightlife toinght at the BIJOU (formerly MacArthur's in the RRED). Come enjoy a great atmosphere, hot music, and drinks specials! Ladies get in free before 11 pm. ($10 for everyone else).
TOMORROW NIGHT:
For the YOUNGER CROWD, CrowdPleaser and Fatha Flow will host SWAGFEST '09 at Riverview Hall (the new college party headquarters lol). Doors open at 9 pm ... $10 until midnight.
Down the block, the BIJOU is bustling for a 2nd night with good music as they welcome MUZIKOLOGY to the stage. Show starts at 8 ... Admission is $5 before 11 pm.
PARTY HARD BUT PARTY SAFE!!! :-)
EVENT PICS: Labor Day Blues Fest + Other Recent Events
Blues Fans got a night out to enjoy their favorite music this past Sunday (9.6). The LABOR DAY BLUES FEST brought LOTS of SBC'ers out to enjoy local/regional and national blues acts.
Check out some pics from the event, held at Festival Plaza:
I couldn't tell you who those people are on the stage, but it looks like the crowd enjoyed it!!! and that's all that matters :) It's good to see music shows do well (and with no drama!)
-- Check out more pics from Times Photographer Val Horvath HERE. And see other photos from earlier that day (by Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times) HERE. And read the event story HERE.
(all except 2nd image by Val Horvath/The Times; 2nd image by Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)
AND HERE ARE SOME OTHER PHOTOS FROM THE PAST WEEK YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT:
Gospel Singer Dorothy Norwood (performing at a local church)
Students at West Shreveport and Apollo Elementary watching Obama's speech on education (Tuesday)
Southwood vs. Bossier, BTW vs. Fair Park, and Capt. Shreve vs. Woodlawn (High School Football Flicks)
LSU vs. Washington (Geaux Tigers!)
The Nuvo Party at the Bijou
AND STAY TUNED FOR PICS FROM THE MARCHE' GROUP MIXER (last Friday) ... I know I'm behind but I'm getting back on track soooo enjoy!!! :)