Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

NEWS RELEASE

July 8, 2010
For immediate release

Contact:     Shenece Scott
318-221-1848 or 318-272-7067



Sing and Slam offers competition for music and word artists


SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA--- The Sing & Slam Talent Showcase & Competition Central Region preliminary events will be held in Shreveport, La.
 
Admission is $10 at the door. VIP passes for the Preliminary Final and After Party which includes dinner at Orleone's Bistro in Shreveport are also available for $25.

Event dates and times:

        Preliminary Qualifier, July 8, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
        The Naked Bean, 3307 Line Ave., Shreveport, La.

        Preliminary Final, July 29, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
        Artspace/Coolspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport, La.

        Preliminary Final 2010 After Party, July 29, 2010, 9:00 p.m.
        Orleone’s Bistro, 204 Texas St., Shreveport, La.


The winners of the Preliminary Competition will progress to the Regional Competition which will also be held in Shreveport.

At the conclusion of preliminary and regional competition all competitors converge on Atlanta, Ga. for the National Championship Finals. The National Championship Finals will be recorded for a live or tape delayed broadcast on a national network. The broadcast will present the excitement of the SING & SLAM Championship competition with performances by professional artists and celebrities as part of the program that includes award presentations and guest appearances.

The Sing & Slam Talent Showcase & Competition is a national talent competition with a variety of entertainment for the entire family. The purpose of the SING & SLAM is to showcase, highlight, educate and empower everyone from new artists to individuals wanting to be involved in the entertainment industry. The SING & SLAM Competition unites talented artists with a platform to compete against their peers and perform for industry professionals. SING & SLAM returns to the showcase format and brings back the excitement of discovering new talent. The competition provides a venue for new music and word artists who are working to become professional entertainers.  This is all done with the assistance of the public’s participation at the grassroots level. SING & SLAM-2010 National Talent Showcase and Competition is family-oriented and targeted for audiences 18 to 54 years of age.
 
(Bossier City, LA) -  Horseshoe Casino and Hotel will be rolling in stitches when legendary comedian and actor Bill Cosby performs live Friday, July 23rd in the Horseshoe Riverdome!  First show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Second show starts at 9:30 p.m., doors open at 9 p.m.

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project.

In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums, which went on to win eight Gold Records, five Platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV’s I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television’s racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. In the 1980s, he again rocked the television world with the The Cosby Show, a gentle, whimsical and hugely successful series that single-handedly revived the family sitcom (and rescued NBC).

With hit movies like Uptown Saturday Night and best-selling books like Fatherhood, Bill Cosby is quite simply a national treasure with the unique ability to touch people’s hearts.

For more information

•­ Tickets on sale now for $65 & $55

• Reserved  Seating

•Purchase tickets at www.riverdome.com, 888-512-SHOW (7469) or the Horseshoe Gift Horse® Gift Shop


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Who is ShreveBo? My friend, I’ve been asked that question time and again and sometimes the question is more complex than the answer.  But the story, and there’s one hell of a story, is always just a little different each time it’s told…

It all started one cold, rainy Shreveport-Bossier evening.  My momma was a cocktail waitress with sunlit rings of hair like Sally Struthers on a hot day.  As luck would have it – being this is a gambling town – momma just happened to be workin’ that stormy evening at the Horseshoe.  She was tending to drinks around the craps table and all seemed just as it should for the evening, folks carrying-on and such.  She was good at cocktail waitressin’, damn good.  Not a gambler at her table was ever missing a drink.  The liquor was free and the tips were good.  Other than that nasty weather, it was a decent Saturday night.

The thunder boomed with looming vocals that night my friend.  And just as that thunder clapped, the doors swung open and the lightening flashed behind a man whose silhouette was cut straight from solid rock.  His name was Thurston Elmwood Cleveland Hall Smithfield Remington III.  But everyone called him Billy.  They say he was from Dallas and drove east to Shreveport-Bossier each time he had a hankering for fast money and good times. Momma said he took one step inside the Horseshoe and the slot machines stopped mid-spin.  Card shuffling halted. 

The ice among all the drinks on that casino floor clinked together as everyone lowered their glass to take a closer look.  His presence was commanding, cool, and calming all at once – think mid-80s Kenny Rogers with half the mullet. Billy walked straight through, his steel blue eyes fixed ahead.  Are you singing “Islands in the Stream”?  Sorry about that.  Let’s get back on track.  He passed the nickel slots and rounded the Black-Jack tables.  He knew exactly what he wanted. He had itchy palms and a pair of dice was like his Gold Bond medicated powder.  As he walked up to the craps table the players parted like the Red Sea for Moses.  He felt a tap on his shoulder and a woman named Clarice asked what he drank.  “Seven and seven, ma’am.”  His chiseled face told a story of loneliness and strength.  Clarice was intrigued. 

The dice were good to Billy that night and Clarice kept his glass filled.  When the itching in his palms subsided, he asked Clarice if she’d like a steak dinner.  No one ever turned Billy down…

Well, my friends, that’ll do for now.  What do you think happens next? Click here for part 2 of the saga http://www.shrevebo.com/blog/bid/37979/So-Who-Is-ShreveBo-Pt-II.

The Shreveport Regional Arts Council and Artspace present “POP!” art from Bubble Wrap. POP! is comprised of commissioned artworks, sculptural installations, fashion, kitsch, jewelry and accessories, and culinary art that defies imagination. The entire first floor, mezzanine, and outer façade has become an installation – with interactive areas of Bubble Wrap® cushioning. The exhibit is free.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this fantastic exhibit. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this. Amazing pieces of art, funky fashion (so cute you want to wear it), a big inflatable teddy bear, and a cool chandelier are just some of the pieces you will see - all made of Bubble Wrap. You can even re-live some of your youth and pop, squish and jump on the Bubble Wrap. That was one of the highlights of touring this fresh exhibit for me. There is also a video available that shows how the artists came up with ideas and brought their pieces to life, start to finish.

Don’t miss this. Get down to Artspace, located at 710 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport, and see the fun for yourself. While you’re there, visit the Café for some delicious food.

Artspace is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday; and noon-5:30 p.m., Saturday.

For more information, call 318 675 6535 or visit www.artspaceshreveport.com.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience in a great atmosphere loaded with entertainment then look no further than Bistro Byronz. This French-Louisiana style bistro has a New York chic atmosphere. Be sure to taste the Abita chops, a French cut pork chop marinated in Abita root beer, which is made right here in Louisiana. Or try the yummy pot roast Creole, a fork-tender pot roast served with garlic mashed potatoes and Creole gravy.

While dining, jam to the tunes of the live entertainment offered Saturday nights from 9-11 p.m., June through July. Bistro Byronz is located at 6104 Line Avenue in Shreveport.

The following is a list of dates and musicians that will be playing at Bistro Byronz:

June 12, 19 - Eric Craig Band
June 26 - James Pendley 
July 3 -  Eric Craig Band 
July 10 - The Will Callers 
July 17 -  Otis Ockley 
July 24 - James Pendley 
July 31 - Jacob Davis

For more information or for a full menu, contact Bistro Byronz at (318) 219-4848, or visit www.bistrobyronz.com. If you should go, please share your experience.

If you're looking for a walk on the wild side, check out Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo, located at 11441 US Hwy 80, Greenwood, where you and your family can watch as giant alligators feed, wrestle and swim! These remarkable creatures are sure to awe and scare you as you view them in their natural habitat. If you're not into alligators (or may be just a bit scared of them), Gators and Friends now also boasts a fully stocked exotic petting zoo for you and your children to enjoy. Take a walk among tame miniature horses, kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, deer, coatimundis, goats, llamas, a camel, a capybara (the largest rodent in the world), and even a Scottish cow! If you want to make friends with the exotic animals, try your hand at feeding them during feeding times.

I have been to Gators and Friends several times and I have always had a blast! There is one deer that loves to get attention, and I’m always happy to oblige! He’ll come up to you, whether you have food or not, and let you pet his long neck. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about all of their animals and are always willing to answer your questions. The petting zoo is also excited to welcome a new edition! Just three days ago a white tailed deer gave birth to a beautiful baby fawn… in front of on-lookers!

Gators and Friends was established in 2006 as a way to increase awareness among the public on different types of animals, their habitat, lifestyle, and survival techniques. The owners of Gators and Friends are passionate about wildlife and have been in the wildlife business for over 30 years. Their primary goal is to provide an interactive environment to educate the public on the proper care and understanding of animals that individuals may encounter on a daily basis and on those they may never have another opportunity to encounter. I would say that they have accomplished their goal. I strongly encourage everyone to go visit this amazing place!

For your maximum enjoyment, safety and the safety of the animals, Gators and Friends has a few rules and suggestions for their visitors.

• For maximum enjoyment, they suggest you wear casual clothing, especially sturdy shoes!
• For the health and safety of the animals, no balloons or small plastic toys are allowed on property.
• Many hand-sanitizing stations are available around the park for your convenience.
• Also, don’t forget to BRING YOUR CAMERA!

Prices:  
Adults 13+                 $7.95
Kids 3-12                   $5.95
Kids 2 and under         FREE!
All Senior Citizens (65+) eligible for 10% discount
Feed for animals         $2.00

Dates and times of operation:
May-Aug., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a week
Sept.-Apr., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed-Sun

For more information, you may contact Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo at 318.938.1199 or visit them on-line at http://www.gatorsandfriends.com.

There’s lots going on in Shreveport-Bossier and trying to keep it all together can be a bit confusing. That’s why the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, and Bossier Arts Council have built a website that lists all upcoming events and attractions, their cost, dates, times and any other information you might need to know. The site is user friendly and extremely convenient. Below are just some of the events you will find listed on the site.

Presented by Red River Revel Arts Festival, the Shreveport Farmers' Market will reopen for the summer season on Saturday, June 5, 2010 under Pavilion I in Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. The farmers' market will take place there every Saturday until September 4, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. This year, Tuesday afternoon markets will begin June 15 and end July 27. The Tuesday market is from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and will feature live music. Call 318.455.5788 for more information.

The 19th Annual Cross Lake Floatilla will take place June 12. Come join the music, fun and poker-run on Cross Lake, 5315 S. Lakeshore Dr., Shreveport. The Poker Run is from 1-3 p.m., live music from 2-6 p.m. and the boat parade is at 4 p.m. Bring your boat and decorate it for the parade or just go hang out and enjoy the fun! Call 318.635.8186 for more info.

Enjoy bistro tunes for the summer at Bistro Byronz, from 9-11 p.m. on Saturday nights, June-July. Grab a late dinner and stay for the tunes at Bistro Byronz, a French-Louisiana style bistro with a New York chic atmosphere. The show is free! Call 318.219.4848 for more info. 

Local artist and instructor Jerry Wray has gathered her art students for a show in the Wafer Gallery of the Barnwell Center. The exhibition is up now-June 27.  The show includes work by Laura Core, Genie Burkhalter, Martha Desoto, Stephanie Harrell, Mieko Hathaway, Jolene Johnson, Sandy McKellar, Peggy Selber, Sherrie Sewall, Carol Shafton, Eleanor Spohn, and Star Williams. The show can be viewed during the normal operation hours of the Barnwell Center, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

For more information on these events or to see what is going on in Shreveport-Bossier in the coming months, visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com.

Shreveport-Bossier City is the fastest-growing and most attractive gaming destinations around. "ShreveBo," as it has come to be known, hosts 6 staggeringly beautiful casinos that have become the pinnacle of modern gaming extravagance. It is also home to 216 restaurants, 102 shopping destinations, 62 hotels, 36 night clubs, 27 galleries and museums, 26 entertainment venues, 18 theaters and parks, 14 spas, 9 golf courses and 4 pro sports teams. ShreveBo The region is teeming with culture and history and is home to some of Louisiana�s most charming locals. ShreveBo is an absolute treasure for those seeking excitement and relaxation. You�ll quickly come to realize why ShreveBo is "So much better than OK."