EVENT PICS: Cafe' Crowd Gets "Dusted" at SoulTree Show

The dimly lit Café was abuzz Saturday night. Dozens of cultured citizens packed downtown’s Shreveport newest weekend venue to enjoy a tasty meal and an evening of performing arts.

It was the second edition of SoulTree Saturdays, a special event that showcases local artists and others beyond the SBC. On the night’s menu: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Crab Bisque and hometown Duo MAHOGANY DUST.

As I bounced around the café snapping shots before the show, the conversation varied. Some patrons were reacting to their first visit to Just a Little Café. Many have never been to the spot tucked away beside the downtown library, and were pleasantly surprised.

Once just a location for an appealing breakfast or lunch, it has fast become a haven for local performing artists. Hosting an Actor’s Café every Friday, and Open Mics every other Saturday, the café has only been offering nights events just short of two months ... but from the look of the crowd Saturday night, they may have to expand their calendar.

Also a topic of conversation, the ambiance. Holiday-accented tea lights adorned each table and rouge lighting blanketed the stage area. As patrons indulged in the entrée and salad special, they commented on how the atmosphere was different, warm and inviting. I wholeheartedly agree.

By the time the opening acts hit the stage area, the crowd was fed, full and ready for entertainment. Host, and locally-known actor Rick Lacour served as host, and three local poets (included an amazing last minute addition, monikered “Woman”) blessed the mic first.

Then after another intermission, it was time for the main act: Mahogany Dust.

If you’ve never heard of Mahogany Dust, you’re sleeping on some amazing talent. If you’ve never seen them perform, you’re missing a blessing. The husband and wife duo are proof positive that following your dreams pays off.





I first met them in May of this year, when they performed at Expressions After Dark (hosted by local poet/spoken word artist NSpired). They brought an eclectic, youthful vibe to the usually “old school” JOSH Lounge. I bought their most recent CD, “Experience”, after the show ... and I’ve been a fan ever since.

Every performance Mahogany Dust (comprised of spoken word artist DNA and songbird Gi-Twice) tells the story of how just two years ago, the married couple and parents of one, quit their jobs as microbiologists and decided to pursue their career in music.

Starting with just two songs and two acoustic guitars, these Southern University alum, built a musical legacy by investing in their own studio, and producing their own music – which means as independent artists ... they make 100% of their profit. Not many artists, especially in this area, can say that.

They been at coffeehouses and venues all over the country, including major cities like St. Louis, Dallas and Atlanta (their home for several years); they even performed on BET J’s Lyric Café.

More recently, I’ve appeared with them at local high schools where they’ve performed for kids who usually only listen to T.I. and Boosie, and introduced them to a new world by sharing their story and opening their minds to something different. That’s the kind of motivation and energy this city needs.

Saturday night, their crowd was a lot more adult.

The venue was filled with lovers of the arts, including one of last month’s features, Poetic X; NSpired, several of the regular visitors from The Shreveport Times (shoutout to Donecia Pea and the crew), local producer/musician Tashakka Stills, Red River Radio host Eric Jenkins, and La. State Rep. Roy Burrell.

Regardless of their occupations or positions in everyday life, that night everyone was family. A family who came to that Café to enjoy the show -- together.


The minute Mahogany Dust hit the stage, the energy shifted in the Café. It went from the low hum of random conversation to silence and awe.

DNA opened the show telling their musical history and from the first strum of Gi-Twice’s guitar, all eyes were on them.

They performed songs from both their CDs, 2007’s “Livin’” and 2008’s “Experience”. From the playful but poignant “Do What You Want Do” (from Experience) to the motivational “Livin’” (from their debut CD), the applause seemed to get louder after every song.

Front and center for the entire show was a table of their family members who came out for support (DNA is Shreveport native and Gi-Twice is from Tallulah). Even their 5-year-old daughter London was in attendance, and you could tell she was one of their biggest fans.

The rest of the crowd showed them immense love and appreciation and Mahogany Dust gave it right back through poetry and song.

They even performed the song that made me a fan (“Today” from Experience), and in completely lifted my spirit after a long, stressful week.


I think Mahogany Dust lifted a lot of spirits Saturday night. Even Rick, the host, commented that he was inspired that living his dream as an actor is the right choice for him. His affirmation was their music and their story of taking chances and making sacrifices to live out their dream.

Judging by the crowd that came to share in that dream ... Mahogany Dust made the right choice.





Check them out at http://www.mahoganydust.net/ or at www.myspace.com/mahoganydust1 . You can also check out some of their live performances HERE and see more photos from the show HERE.