EVENT CANCELLED/Commentary: No Halloween Bash for Mingles

For those of you who have become regular patrons of Mingles Bar and Grill in South Shreveport, you may have already heard this ... but for those of you who haven't -- Tonight's BOO PARTY (mentioned in my Weekend Hapz) has been cancelled.

Not only that, the spot has been shut down until their to-be-announced Grand Opening.

I would go ahead and put some people on front street as I hypothesize why this happened, but let's just say: HATERS STRIKE AGAIN.

Competition is an ugly thing ... and here in the SBC, it's a breeding ground for bitchassness when it comes to parties and nightlife.


Seems like every time a business managed by a young, Black person opens anywhere near establishments that cater to patrons of varied races, there's a problem.

Of course having tipsy people hanging out outside, promoting the spot as a BYOB venue, and allegedly not having a liquor license doesn't help.

BUT -- I suspect that even if all that wasn't a factor, it would still be a problem. Because people (including OUR people) don't like to see other succeed more than them and/or steal their shine. It's sad, but SO ture.


When the place is packed with only word-of-mouth promotion and feels more like a family gathering than a club, AND has the hottest DJ in the city spinning ALL NIGHT, I guess it's worth hatin' on. LOL.


So Mingles, we'll see you later .... Haters never prosper.

- m

WEEKEND HAPZ: Halloween in the SBC!!!

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY ... SO WE CAN TRICK-OR-TREAT AND PLAY!!! :)

This time last year I was STARVING for a place to party (in my costume) on Halloween weekend ... With no kids, I didn't have much to do, so I ended up doing a movie marathon at home.


BUT THIS YEAR, there seems to be a plethora of events for those daring to venture out on the scariest night (and weekend) of the year.



Check them out (weather permitting):




PRE-HALLOWEEN EVENTS:


Some parties are starting even BEFORE the big night .... On FRIDAY, October 30th, you can: Go GLOW BOWL at Holiday Lanes ... Take the kids to Trick-or-Treats night at Sci-Port ... Attend Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Fox Creek Farms or the one at Ralph & Kacoo's ... Go to the Shocktale Show at the La. Fairgrounds ... Go hear spooky stories at Norton Art Gallery or Walter B. Jacobs Park ...





EVENTS FOR THE FAMILIES:


A lot of churches and organizations are offering alternatives to the traditional Halloween events. Like the Greater Outreach Conference , the Party and Dance at First UMC, The Pumpkin Patch Party , The Monster Mash Bash (bowling fun for the fam at Holiday Lanes), and for Singles there's a special party being held for you to mingle on Halloween night (get the info HERE).





FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GOOD SCARE:


This is your last weekend to get spooked at local haunted houses ... like Scary Central in Bossier, the Ultimate Fear Haunted House in downtown Shreveport ... the Haunted Corn Maize in Dixie, Louisiana ...



Not into haunted houses? Go check out Ghostbusters at the RFC. Not exactly scary, but a great way to spend Halloween night (in the comfort of a plush theater seat! :)





FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE:

OUR FEATURED EVENT (covered by Mahogani Media) is the EXQUISITE COSTUME PARTY held at Bijou (shout out to BJ!).


Come out and relax with the professional crowd. Costumes are optional but classy is not. So get creative and make your costume the hottest in the place.

Best costume wins CASH!!!! and only $10 before midnight with a special guest DJ on the mic all night!!!!

Up the street from the Bijou, CROWDPLEASER ENT will present "FEAR FACTOR II" at the Holiday Inn (Downtown Shreveport).

The 1st 100 People in Costumes only $5!!! A cash prize will be awarded to best costume. Doors Open @ 9pm,

ALSO DOWNTOWN ... GiGi's Martini Room is hosting a PlayBoy party on Halloween night ... featuring the Hugh Blackner (don't ask me cuz I dunno lol) and his Bunnies.


Of course there will be a costume contest ... 1st place gets $200, 2nd place gets a $75 bar tab, and 3rd place will get a $25 bar tab AND free admission for two people for the month of November. Doors open at 9 pm ...

IN SOUTH SHREVEPORT: Mingles Bar & Grill (the newest spot in the SBC, behind the Applebee's off Mansfield) is hosting a BOO PARTY ... DJ Slim (the best in the city) will be providing the music. There will be a costume contest and prizes. BYOB. Admission is $5 (Must have costume on!) ... Go HERE for more info.

ACROSS THE RIVER: DJ Spoonie is hosting the Ghosts & Goblins Bash at the Bossier Civic Center (no word on whether recent weather events will cancel this though).

Ca$h Prizes for the best Costumes, including best Michael Jackson, free tattoo giveaways.

Only $8.00 for the 1st 50 people with Costumes!! For more info 318-828-3559

ALSO HOSTING PARTIES Saturday night: Photographer turned DJ, J. Brown, The Krewe of Centaur , and the Horseshoe Casino.





AND Even though GSU is celebrating their Homecoming this weekend, some Gramblinites still plan to get in some Halloween fun. Go HERE to get details on the party hosted by the Ques.

EVENT ALERTs: SBC'ers Take The Stage This Week

The SBC has the entertainment bug this week. There are a lot of opportunities for those that love the performing arts to see LIVE entertainment this week/weekend. Check it out:



TODAY:

TAP Drama Presents: “The Real Deal”
Written by Judi Ann Mason; Directed by Vincent Williams.

There will be a student performance at 9:45 am (Free) in the Byrd auditorium.

The evening performance is at 7 pm and costs $5.

ON FRIDAY:

The newest spot for showcasing performers invites you to their ACTOR'S CAFE', which will happen every Friday night.


I attended the "opening night" on last Friday and was pleasantly surprised. The spot is nice and cozy, has a great latte' and played some awesome music you won't hear at ANY venue here in the SBC (you know anyone playing Badu and D'Angelo? I didn't think so lol).

The food didn't look half bad either. (I'm not a po-boy fan but I hear the selections WILL change for every event and are sure to please your tastebuds).

As for the ACTOR'S CAFE' ... Patrons were blessed with some VERY talented people last Friday. Students from Magnet High did everything from dramatic monologues to original songs.

And later that night, local actors Justrick "Rick" Lacour and Tileda Moore (pictured above) treated the audience to some improv that blew us ALL away! (See some pics and clips from last week HERE).

The Actor's Cafe' will happen again THIS Friday ... Doors open at 6 pm, Sign-up is until 7 pm, and Performances will begin around 7:30 pm. (Hosted by J. Houston 'aka' Scooby). ADMISSION IS FREE. So go check it out!






ON SATURDAY:

Just A Little Cafe' opens its doors again for it's first OPEN MIC. This Saturday's event will be open to ALL ages. Singers, songwriters, poets, etc. are all welcome to come out and bless the audience.

This event will be the premiere of the OPEN MIC series, which will continue as follows for the rest of the year:


On November 14th (and every 2nd Saturday), the Cafe' will host YOUNG ARTIST'S NIGHT for teens of the SBC. Performers ages 13 to 19 are encouraged to come and sing, dance, recite poetry, tell jokes or act out a skit. Material MUST be tasteful. All ages are welcome to come watch. Admission is FREE.

On November 21st (and every 3rd Saturday), the LYRIC CAFE' will be open to Adults Only (18 and up). All material is welcome (nothing extreme). Poets, singers, songwriters, musicians ... Come out and share your talents!!!

• For more information about these events go HERE, or HERE.

(Mahogani Media is an official sponsor as well so you can also e-mail us for more info!)




AS YOU CAN SEE ... If you're a lover of the performing arts, there's something to do every day if you want! Go share your talents or enjoy the talent of others!!!

SBC 411: Master Plan Meetings, Health Awareness & Charity Events

Master plan neighborhood meetings set for this week

Another round of meetings to discuss Shreveport's future is being held this week. Some meetings were held on Monday but today through Thursday, residents will have another chance to have their voices heard.

A list of meeting locations is below ..... All meetings are slated for 6-8:30 p.m.



TODAY:

C.E. Byrd High School, 3201 Line Ave.
Caddo Career and Technology Center, 5950 Union Ave.



TOMORROW:

Huntington High School, 6801 Rasberry Lane
LSUS University Center, Caddo Bossier Room (second floor)



THURSDAY:

Green Oaks High School, 2550 Thomas E. Howard Dr.
Louisiana Technical College, 2010 North Market St.

• For more info on the Master Plan and the meetings, go HERE.

Next month public comments will be heard on revitalization and the downtown waterfront. That schedule is:


Downtown/waterfront workshop 6-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 @ Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, 400 Edwards St.

Revitalization Strategies Workshop 6-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 @ Willis-Knighton Community Center, 2401 Bessie St.







Trivia Night will benefit Special Olympics

Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport will host the ninth annual Special Olympics Trivia Night fundraiser this Friday, Oct. 30th. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for registration and a silent auction. A cash bar will be available, and dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by trivia questions at 7 p.m.

Participants will play in teams of six to eight players. Registration is $25 per person. All funds raised from this event go toward supporting the local Special Olympics.


For more information, call Renee Starret at (318) 218-7547 or Suzette Whitemaine at (318) 771-1360.






Parkinson's Disease Symposium Held This Friday

People can learn about Parkinson's disease at the 12th annual Lola Eichler Memorial Parkinson's Disease Symposium at 4 p.m. Friday at LSU Health Sciences Center.

The event will be held inside the center's auditorium (Room 1-400) and is free and open to the public.

Featured speakers are Dr. Cynthia Comella, professor of neurology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago; Stephan Witt, a professor in the LSUHSC-S Department of Biochemistry; Dr. Richard M. Zweig, a professor in the LSUHSC-S Department of Neurology and director of Movement Disorders; and Peggy and John Jennings, patient advocates.


A reception with a silent auction follows the presentations. Auction proceeds support the Parkinson's Disease Resource, which promotes Parkinson's disease-related research at LSUHSC-S.


Call (318) 675-5408 for more information.






Byrd High School Accepting Coats for Kids

The C. E. Byrd PTSA and Freshman Student Council are sponsoring a coat drive through Nov. 3.

You may drop off gently used coats in the school office, 3201 Line Ave., Shreveport.

Child and adult sizes will be accepted. The coats will be collected and donated to the Porter's Coats for Kids Campaign.


For more information, call (318) 868-2729.






ANOTHER EVENT OF INTEREST:

• Takin' It to the Streets Outreach being held this Saturday in an effort to prevent homelessness.

VIDEO: A Little Inspiration ... We All Need It :)

The weekend before last I was out of town and didn't get to post a FaithBook video ... and this past Sunday, I completely forgot with so much else going on. My boy James has been busy lately and hasn't posted in a while, but you can check out the videos you DIDN'T see HERE.


Until then, here are some other videos to give you some inspiration :) ENJOY!!!







And check THIS ONE out too. It's been my inspiration for a few days now :)



HAVE A GOOD WEEK PPL!

WEEKEND HAPZ: Fun for Family + Plenty of Parties

This weekend will be a great one to get out and about ... especially now that the rain has cleared the area :)

From rides, food and fun at the STATE FAIR to seeing a KING OF COMEDY at the CenturyTel, the SBC has a lot to offer this weekend.





TODAY:

Now that the rain is outta here, go take the kids, fam or a date to the STATE FAIR. It's in town until November 8th. Get all the info you'll ever need to know HERE.






TONIGHT:






The featured event for tonight is the ACTOR's CAFE' in downtown Shreveport... After Bears' reclaimed it's bar, the original event was disbanded ...

But thanks to Just A Little Cafe', located at 420 Marshall St. (on the side of the downtown library), this thespian mixer has now been revived.

So bring your scenes, skits, monologues, whatever ... and hit the stage tonight! Sign-up starts at 6 pm, Performances begin at 7 pm. Admission is FREE.

After you leave the Cafe', go do some classy networking at THE KONNECTION. The business mixer will be held at Copeland's restaurant on Bert Kouns.

There will be free food, drinks specials, valet parking, a DJ providing music and a LIVE performance from one of my favorite groups, MAHOGANY DUST.

Admission for all this??? Just $15!!! (Pre-sale is soldOUT) -- Dress is business casual. Come out and network and make a Konnection! :)

Also TONIGHT ... You can hit the Funny Bone for a comedy show (they're giving away free tix on MySpace, hit em up!) .... or Go see CROWNS for it's final performance .... or if you're in the mood to PARTY ... here ya go:

Club Voodoo is hosting PHAT PHRIDAYS with KMJJ (99.7). This party is to cater to the COLLEGE CROWD .... and the other Young Adults in the SBC.

DJ PHAT will be on the 1s and 2s. LADIES get in FREE. COLLEGE & MILITARY get in FREE til Midnight with ID. $1.50 DRINKS until 12AM.

VIBE FRIDAYS will welcome the HHS CLASS OF '89 REUNION PARTY tonight at the BIJOU LOUNGE ... LADIES get in FREE before 11. 2 FOR 1 drinks before 11. pm

The BIJOU is located in the Red River Entertainment District (the old MacArthur's Steakhouse).

ON SATURDAY:


During the DAY ... You can support breast cancer awareness at the THINK PINK celebration at Centenary ... Go to the FALL FESTIVAL in Haughton ... Party with the "stars" at the Observatory .... or enjoy a night of fright at East Bank Theatre's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD production.

LATER THAT NIGHT ....

Of course you know STEVE HARVEY will be hitting the stage of the CenturyTel Center Saturday night. Tickets are $34-40. Get them HERE.


KDKS 102.1 (your Steve Harvey station) is also giving away some during the day, so check them out!!


Steve is HILARIOUS ... so if you haven't seen him LIVE, go see him. This will make it official, every KING OF COMEDY has graced an SBC stage (RIP Bernie Mac).

AFTER THE SHOW ... The BIJOU will host the Official After Party with GREY GOOSE Specials all night. Live broadcast by 103.7 Tha Beat from 10 pm to 12 am. Discounted admission with your Ticket Stub.









DOWN THE STREET ... CrowdPleaser is back on the party scene with SHOW OFF SATURDAY at Riverview Hall. College students come out and play this Saturday!!! Doors open at 9 pm. DJ Marle Mar will be on the 1s and 2s.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE WEEKEND PPL!!! - m

THURSDAY HAPZ: Good Times in the SBC :)

This time last week I was preparing to see KEVON EDMONDS live at the Bijou.

I know I never wrote about the event, but trust that it was classy ... and KEVON sang his heart out (and looked quite dapper while doing it).

I wasn't one of the long line of ladies grabbing at him, feeling him up or dying to take a pic (I've long lost my sense of being starstruck) ... but I was quite impressed with the event.

Save for the blown fuses (post-show) that shut the DJ down, it was a great look for the Bijou. (I'll post pics later)




FLASHING FORWARD TO TONIGHT ... It's actually a THURSDAY with something to do!!!

DURING THE DAY --- The State Fair opens today (at 10 am) and will run through Nov. 8th! Althought the rides are nice .... I look forward to the fair for the FOOD ... a turkey leg, corn dog and funnel cake ... Please and thank you!!!! :)


Go to www.statefairoflouisiana.com to check out all the new and interesting things at the fair this year (including the safari zoo).





OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST: Go help a school and get some tasty ice cream at the Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Social (the proceeds will benefit a local elementary school) ... or go enjoy Blues and Gumbo at the Barnwell Garden & Art Center (it's FREE!) ... and Gospel fans can enjoy a FREE concert featuring John P. Kee at the Praise Temple Performing Arts Center. Go HERE for more info, or go to http://www.praisetemple.com/.

ALSO TONIGHT ....

It's the opening night for Mahogany Ensemble Theatre's production of CROWNS.

CROWNS is a spirit-filled tribute of the faith and fashion of African American women and their love of hats. This popular musical peers into the lives of five women and one young girl as it celebrates family, faith, love, loss, and finding one's true identity.

CROWNS will only be shown Thursday and Friday at 7:30 each night. Tickets are; $15 for adults, $10 for Seniors/Students, and $5 for Youth (12-under). And Yes, HATS are allowed! :)


For More Information visit http://www.mahoganyensembletheatre.org/ or Call the Box Office at 318-745-ARTS (2787)

The BIJOU is once again opening its doors on Thursday as they premiere FLAVA THURSDAYS (hosted by Dem Dignitaries). Doors open at 9:30 pm.

Ladies get in FREE before 11 pm and there will be drink specials all night ... (dang, Ladies get in free TWO nights a week at the Bijou, alright then! lol) ... PLUS anyone showing an employee ID will get a discounted admission price.




AND THIS IS JUST THURSDAY!!!!

Be sure to check back later for what's happening this WEEKEND, Including the Actor's Cafe at a new downtown hotspot and Steve Harvey at the CenturyTel!

STAY LINKED for details :)

SBC 411: Flu Shots and Fundraisers + Awareness Events

TODAY:



VA Offering Flu Shots for Vets


Overton Brooks VA Medical Center will begin offering flu vaccinations to enrolled Veterans today.

Flu vaccinations will be administered during scheduled clinic appointments or at special flu shot clinics. Vaccinations will be given Today fro 1-3 p.m.


For more information, call (318) 990-4358.






Violent toy drop-off celebrating "A World Without Violence"


As part of a Week Without Violence (a domestic violence awareness event headed by the YWCA), Elementary school-age children are being encouraged to give up their violent toys.

Students are invited to drop off their violent toys between 3 and 6 p.m. at Brookshire's on Line Ave., Bossier City police headquarters at 620 Benton Road, or Brookshire's on Homer Road in Minden.

Children who bring in a toy will receive a free ticket to the Louisiana State Fair for today (number of tickets is limited).







SATURDAY:



Community Walk to Raise Awareness about Suicide


Southern Hills Metro Park will play host to the OUT OF THE DARKNESS walk to help raise awareness about suicide. The event will happen at 9 am Saturday.

Funds will be raised to help suicide awareness and prevention.







ZTA to Host Think Pink Celebration


The ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha will hold an event to raise breast cancer awareness this weekend.

The THINK PINK celebration is a philanthropic fundraising event that will be held on the campus of Centenary College. There will be food, carnival games, live and silent auctions. The celebration will be from 4 to 7 pm. Cost is $10, and T-shirts are available for purchase.






YWCA Northwest Louisiana to Hold Fundraiser Banquet


The Northwest Louisiana YWCA will have a fundraiser banquet this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the University Club, 401 Market St. in downtown Shreveport.

The event, Women Who Mean Business awards, is being held to honor women making strides to end domestic violence and child victimization.

There will be dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per ticket and $1,000 per table of 10. All proceeds go to the YWCA women’s shelter

For more information, call the YWCA at (318) 222-2117 or Martin Faktor at (318) 518-8556.

• Also check out HAIRCUTS FOR A CURE ... and the Run with the Nuns that will benefit abused and neglected children ... two GREAT causes!
  

WEEKEND HAPZ: Movies, Mudbugs & More!

With the kids having Friday off (at least in Caddo Parish), you may be looking for EXTRA things to do this weekend (LOL). So here's some stuff you can check out with OR without the fam (weather permitting):


Go see the Mudbugs play in their season opener ... Take the kids (or your mate) to see "Beetlejuice" in the park ... Go check out one of the Haunted Houses ... Get a final look at the BONAFIDE exhibit at artspace (ends Saturday) ... Go check out the Pumpkin Patch (and take pics!) ... Join the Pet Walk in the park ... or Check out the Arts Market at the Barnwell Center ...




FOR ADULTS ONLY:


Before the nightlife you can: Go see CAPTALISM: A LOVE STORY at the RFC ... Go see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Strand ... Get your fill of beers at the BREW event in Festival Plaza ... or:






Go get your party on at BIJOU at the Marche' Group's VIBE FRIDAYS. Ladies get in free before 11 pm and get 2 for 1 drinks before 11 pm as well ($10 for fellaz and for ladies after 11) ...





NEXT WEEK: The Louisiana State Fair!!! Get ready to ride, walk and EAT :) ... PLUS the premiere night of the brand new Actor's Cafe' and a brand new production called CROWNS (from the Mahogany Ensemble Theatre) ... DETAILS COMING SOON!!!

EVENT ALERT: Paranormal Activity is Finally Here! + "Capitalism" @ The RFC

One movie that damn near all my friends outside of the SBC have been raving about is PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. The thriller is from a newbie director and I hear it's truly a HORROR.

I love horror movies and when the movie came out to limited cities on Sept. 25th ... I just knew it'd be here a week later (as usual) ... but it never came :(


Well it's finally here!!! and Actually from the looks of the Showtimes, there's a showing at Midnight tonight/Friday morning at Tinseltown and the Regal-Boardwalk.

I hear it's hella scary .. yet some are calling it the new "Blair Witch Project" ... Regardless, I'm soooo ready to see it! :)

• Check out more showtimes HERE ... and see the movie's trailer HERE.
  
  
  
  
  
  

IN OTHER MOVIE NEWS:

If you're a fan of controversial films and documentaries (like I am), Friday is the day you've been waiting for. Well actually you've been waiting longer than most ...


Michael Moore's newest fare -- CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY -- premiered nationwide on October 2nd. But of course, it didn't come to our lovely theaters. (Conspiracy? I think so).

Well thanks to the Robinson Film Center, you'll finally get to see it. It was supposed to debut at the downtown film hub LAST Friday but a shortage in prints pushed it to THIS Friday ... and it'll be there until October 29th.


I can't WAIT for this either!!! :)

• Check out showtimes at the RFC HERE ... and Check out the Trailer for the film HERE.
  
  
  
• Read/See more on MICHAEL MOORE and ALL his films/projects HERE.
  
  
  
  

EVENT ALERT: Kevon Edmonds is Back and Performing @ The Bijou

It's been more than 20 years since the world was introduced to the now infamous soul group AFTER 7. It's been over 10 years since the group parted ways, and EXACTLY 10 years since we heard from the unofficial lead singer, KEVON EDMONDS. Well, Kevon is back.


On Tuesday, KEVON released his second solo album, titled Who Knew featuring the popular single "Oh".


Filled with crossover potential, the new single is a little lighter than his debut album "24/7", but still has some great melodies and lyrics that will appeal to the masses. (Take a listen -- and buy the CD -- HERE).






For those who've missed KEVON's signature voice, you'll get a chance to hear him LIVE tonight at the Bijou Ultra Lounge (in the Red River District).

Admission is $10 and the place is expected to be PACKED after KDKS put 102 listeners on the VIP list. So get there early!!!

The doors open at 7 pm. Fellas, bring your ladies, you'll that Kevon in the morning (he he) ... :)




For those who can't attend, here's a couple of videos to keep you entertained :)








Also check out: 24/7 .. Ready or Not ... and Nights Like This (from the 5 Hearbeats)




** And stay linked for more Concert 411 ... Kevon's brother, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds comes to the SBC next month -- More info coming soon :)

FAITHBOOK VIDEO: Decrease/Increase

Here's another one!!!


If you haven't been checking this blog on Sundays, let me introduce you to JAMES HAGGARD and these amazing videos he's been producing and posting on Facebook and YouTube ... They're called FAITHBOOK videos ... CHECK THIS ONE OUT:







To see ALL of his videos (there's a bunch) go HERE. And log on to this site every Sunday to see the latest one :)


HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

EVENT ALERT: Autograph Auction + Coming Out Day

Autograph Auction to Benefit Reading Program

An auction of more than 40 autographs of famous people will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Sunday) at Cush's Grocer and Market (9535 Ellerbe Road in Shreveport).

The event is by Books Out of Kindness, an organization founded by Charlton Boyd, a 13-year-old student at Caddo Middle Magnet. The organization provides a reading program for children in the area.

Admission to the event requires a book to be used by the organization in the program.

Among the autographs: President George H. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Tom Brokaw, Sean Hannity, President Jimmy Carter, Coach Trent Johnson, Tom Cruise, Alan Jackson, Ted Turner, Dick Vitale, Lee Iacocca, Archie Manning, Coach Les Miles, John Grisham, Coach Dale Brown and Coach Mike McConathy.

Donations to the group can be made by mailing a check to: Charlton Boyd-BOOKS, 411 Pierremont Road, Shreveport LA 71106. For more information, call (318) 861-2022 or (318) 458-5252. Donations of used or new books are also accepted.

• Also having an auction -- LIFESHARE Blood Center -- They'll be auctioning off items like LSU football tickets, items donated by David Toms, jewelry and other items. Learn more about the event (and the auction items) HERE.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

PACE to host Coming Out Day on Sunday

People Acting for Change and Equality and The Center for Families will host "Living Authentically-National Coming Out Day 2009."

The event will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Today (Sunday) at 864 Olive St. in Shreveport in honor of National Coming Out Day, a day of empowerment for millions of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people across the country.

"Coming out of the closet can be a traumatic process marked with fear and shame as well as fear of rejections from family, friends, classmates and co-workers and the religious community," PACE president Bryan Sullivan said.

PACE and The Center for Families will provide a support panel to help those in the process of coming out of the closet. They are available by phone at (318) 222-0675 or visit the location to speak to someone in person.

The support will include psychologists, attorneys, ministers and medical professionals as well as members of the local college Gay-Straight Alliances.

EVENT PICS: Fox Rich Celebrates New Book

Local motivational speaker Fox Rich celebrated the release of her new book, "The One That Got Away," last night.

Fans and friends alike packed the Shreveport Yacht Club to congratulate her and get copies of her book signed.

I couldn't even get near her to say more than a HI because the line kept coming (lol).

Along with food, drink and book sales, the night featured a performance by the Shreveport Community All Boys Choir.

In her book, Rich takes readers inside her journey facing 297 years in prison and serving seven of those years for being an accessory to armed robbery and jury tampering. She shares how she turned it into a positive message for others as a motivational speaker at schools and colleges across the state.


Rich also will re-launch her self-titled show "The Fox Rich Show" in early 2010, which will showcase life stories of people who overcome limitations.

• To learn more about Fox Rich, her book and her movement ... go HERE.

EVENT PICS: Bonafide! Performance Night

Thursday night, I got the chances to mix and mingle with some of the most influential artists in the SBC.

artspace (yes, it's all lower case) played host to a Performance night that is part it's Bonafide Exhibition.






BONAFIDE! has gathered over a dozen artists in visual and performing arts and is displaying the works of these juried artists at artspace until October 17th.

Thursday night was dedicated to the performance artists in the exhibition. I couldn't tell you half their names but there was musical prose, an Elvis spitting haiku, and an elementary school teacher who was a cute as a button and funny as heck too.

The highlight of the night was the performance by newly initiated artist POETIC X. He performed several pieces ... and while he was on stage, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop (seriously).

At the end of the night, the director of SRAC awarded two $1,000 checks to Best in Exhibition and Best Performance. POETIC took home the performance award (a no-brainer).



Aside from the event itself -- (which was sooo much fun ... I love not only being around cultured people, but mixed crowds that are oblivious to color/race) -- artspace is a really cool place to go:

It's an actual gallery and upstairs (where the event was held) is a cafe' that serves THE BEST cookies I've ever tasted, not to mention you can get a glass of wine, a cup of coffee or a hot sandwich :)

• Go HERE to get more info about artspace (including cafe' hours) ... and go HERE for more info about BONAFIDE (which runs until October 17th). And see ALL the pics HERE.
  
  
  
  

Congrats to POETIC X and all the artists exhibited ... I may soon join you on that SRAC Roster :) ...

OH! and stay linked for more info on an upcoming event featuring Poetic X. Til them ... check him out HERE.

(photos by Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times & ME)

WEEKEND HAPZ: Rain, Rain, Go Away!!!

I'm not going to even entertain events for this weekend because the rain is here and doesn't look like it's going anywhere ...

BUT FOR THOSE STILL TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE ....

This is the last weekend for the Red River Revel (it ends Saturday) ...

The Marche' Group is histing VIBE FRIDAYS at the Bijou (tonight ... Ladies get in free before 11 pm, Drink specials!) ...

The Haunted Houses are up-and-running for those interested in a pre-Halloween scare ...

Octoberfest is being celebrated at a local church ... and ...

Local celeb turned author, Fox Rich is hosting a mixer to celebrate the release of her tell-all memoir ...

There are a lot of other events going on ... and if the rains stop, you may be able to check them out LOL. Go HERE to see a full calendar. . AND STAY DRY AND SAFE!!!

EVENT ALERT: Thursday Night = Performing Arts in the SBC

Performance and poetry reign the event scene in the SBC tonight. Thursday seems to be the night in which creative types gather to enjoy each other's company and share their art.


If you want to celebrate your creative spirit, there are two events you may want to check out. (and both are FREE!!)



artspace will be hosting the BONA FIDE Performance Night at 7 pm. BONAFIDE is a current exhibition at the downtown art center/gallery that features works by Northwest Lousiana Juried Roster Artists. These works include poetry, 3-D, photography, dance and music .. and will be on display until October 17th.


TONIGHT, The featured artists -- which include local favorites Poetic X, Ron Hardy and Jerry Davenport -- will be competing tonight for a $1,000 award for Best Of Show in Performance. There will also be a $1,000 award for Best of Show in the Exhibition.


The community is invited to view and purchase the artwork in the Exhibition to support the continued growth and development of artists in Northwest Louisiana.


The Northwest Louisiana Juried Artists' Roster is a select and exemplary group of local and regional artists residing in Northwest Lousiana who demonstrate work that is of the highest artistic quality and is produced in a professional manner. This group of artists meets monthly to help shape the artistic and cultural landscape of our community.

• For more information on these individual artists or to apply to become a member of the Juried Roster Artists' group go to http://www.shrevearts.org/.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

There's another artistic event held at the NAKED BEAN CAFE' on Line Ave (right by Byrd High School).

iNCEPTION inc. will present Poet's Night Out at 7 pm. All poets, spoken word artists, etc. are welcome to come take the mic.

The Naked Bean is a new coffee shop that sells ... duh ... COFFEE and coffee drinks, plus some other drinks ... and eats.

I checked this place/event out a few weeks back and save for the coffee grinder and traffic noises, it's a cool little spot to chill :) ... Check them out at http://www.nakedbeancoffeeshop.com/.

SBC 411: NNO Postponed, Volunteers Wanted & Free Meals for Seniors

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS POSTPONED


Even though the sky was clear by nightfall, earlier threats of thunderstorms shut down plans for National Night Out events in the SBC.

The events now will be held Nov. 3rd in both Shreveport and Bossier City.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AREA CAUSES

The Northwest Louisiana Volunteer Center has announced the following volunteer opportunities.

— Make A Difference Day, a nationwide volunteer event, will take place Oct. 24. Communitywide volunteer events will occur.

— Volunteers of America's Highland Center needs after-school mentors to help fourth- through eighth-graders with homework and afterschool activities.

— Caddo Parish Animal Services is looking for volunteers to walk dogs, play with cats and help with laundry and dishes and more. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

— Donations, including DVDs, are needed for the Soldier's Care Package Drive, sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors. Contact the Volunteer Center to give donations.

— SPAR needs volunteers to coach sports teams. College students and others are encouraged to apply.


Call the center at (318) 677-2504 to sign up or learn more about these and other opportunities.

MEAL SERVICE FOR SENIORS BEING OFFERED

Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral and Valley Food Service have teamed up to provide free lunches to area Senior Citizens.

Thanks to state Rep. Barbara Norton and $30,000 in federal stimulus funds, seniors aged 60 and older can get a free meal from 11 am to 2 pm on weekdays. (Home delivery is also available).

Two other locations recieved the same funding and will offer the same service during the week: A.B. Palmer Park and Airport Park.



For more information call:

• Rep. Barbara Norton at (318) 632-5887.

• Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral at (318) 631-5683.

• Socialization Services at (318) 671-5800.

EVENT ALERT: National Night Out 2009

Communities around the SBC will mark National Night Out this evening with block parties and cookouts.

Residents will join forces with law enforcement and firefighters to promote crime and drug prevention, encourage participation in anticrime programs, strengthen police-community partnerships and let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.


Most communities in the U.S. celebrated National Night Out back in August but the SBC decided to postpone the event until the weather was cooler, in hopes of a greater turnout. Hopefully the predicted rain will stay away long enough for communities to gather for the events.



Most parties will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. today. Check out the communities hosting block parties in SHREVEPORT and BOSSIER CITY (click the city names to pull up a PDF file).


And take some time out to enjoy some food and fellowship with your neighbors tonight!!!!



BE SAFE PEOPLE! :-)

FAITHBOOK VIDEO: 2 for 1 Monday ... Enjoy!

Since I didn't get a chance to post my weekly FAITHBOOK VIDEO yesterday (Sunday), I'm posting TWO today :) Enjoy!!!










This boy is about to GREAT things, powered by FAITH (that's an unstoppable force people, (BELIEVE IT). Check out more of James Haggard's FAITHBOOK VIDEOs here.

EVENT ALERTS: Job Fair Being Held Wednesday

Job fair for Disabled held at Local Church

A job fair to help move job-ready citizens with disabilities toward greater self-sufficiency by connecting them with the business community will be held Wednesday.

This will be one of nine job fairs across the state in October by the state Department of Social Services.

The Shreveport event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Christ United Methodist Church, 1204 Crabapple Drive.

The 2009 Louisiana Job Fairs, which coincide with Disability Employment Awareness month, will also take place in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and the Northshore.





LSUS to Host Fall Career Fair & Volunteer Fair

LSUS Career Services, in partnership with LSUS Institute for Human Services and Public Policy, will present the Fall 2009 Career Fair & Volunteer Fair Wednesday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.


College students and alumni from other accredited universities and colleges are welcome to attend. Students will be able to meet recruiters, build networks, find career and volunteer opportunities, learn about internships and visit with graduate schools.

Attendees are encouraged to wear professional attire and bring copies of a current resume.


For more information about the Career Fair or the Career Services at LSUS contact Gina Starnes, director of Career Services, at 318-797-5062 or visit www.lsus.edu/career.