Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

'Fall for Dance' formerly known as Ballet Under the Stars is this Saturday, Sept. 17.

The Municipal Auditorium has seen some of the most famous performers and performances in the nation, and it seems that lately the historic site has been more in demand than ever. This Saturday, Sept. 17, the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet or SMB will promenade across the stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. for their upcoming performance of ‘Fall for Dance’ at the Municipal in downtown Shreveport.

Dance enthusiasts get excited because this is the kick-off performance of the SMB’s upcoming season which includes all-time favorite, The Nutcracker coming December of this year and in April 2012, Cinderella. In its 38th season, SMB was created to give local dancers an outlet for their talent. And aren’t we glad they did? The Saturday performance will feature New Orleans dance company Delta Festival Ballet, Louisiana’s only professional ballet company and a lineup of area performing dance groups.

For the first time ever, this year the SMB’s kick-off will offer a pre-performance dinner package. There are only 20 tickets left, so if you’re interested in a little dinner-theatre action, hurry to reserve a spot. Dinner package tickets are $15 for children and $25 for adults. General admission and tickets are $10 for adults and all children 12 and under get in for free. For ticket information for ‘Fall for Dance’ call (318) 221-8500 or click here.

To see a slideshow of Shreveoprt Metropolitan Ballet images click here.

"Landscape" by Edwin Pinkston:A glimpse of the Gallery Fine Art Center's newest exhibit

Shreveport-Bossier is home to many galleries and museums that host incredible art and exhibits year round. One of the newest and most modern galleries is located in Bossier City at 2151 Airline Drive in Suite 200. The Gallery Fine Art Center is a contemporary art gallery featuring local, regional and national artists most of whom live and work in the community. Affiliated with the Brunner Gallery, one of Louisiana’s most popular and well recognized contemporary fine art galleries, the Gallery Fine Art Center is dedicated to giving local artists an outlet for their work.

“The Brunner Gallery has done a great job of gathering contemporary artists in the state and getting them involved in the arts scene,” said Jennifer Robison co-owner of the Gallery.

In addition to modern art, the Gallery is home to Robison’s photography business JRobison. Perhaps this is the only gallery in town where you can find modern photography, enjoy exquisite art collections, buy a piece that inspires you, and have a conversation with the artist all under one roof. And if you would in fact like to have a conversation with an artist, stop by the Gallery Fine Art Center on Thursday, September 22 from 6-8 p.m. to hear Edwin Pinkston discuss his new exhibit. We heard he is, “really interesting to listen to.” It will be on display from Sept. 20-Oct. 28. For more information about the Gallery Fine Art Center and upcoming exhibits click here.

Crawlers walking down Texas Street in downtown Shreveport at the Unwind Downtown Pub and Culture Crawl

It’s August. It’s hot, and everyone is looking forward to fall festivals, cooler weather and maybe a little thing called football. But before you put away your shorts, sundresses and flip flops take one last summer night to enjoy a favorite downtown activity. The August Unwind Downtown Pub & Culture Crawl will start at 5 p.m. tonight, Thursday, August 18 at Artspace (710 Texas Street) in downtown Shreveport.

If you’ve never been on the adventure that is the downtown pub and culture crawl, it’s an experience that is both full of urban fun and fantastic deals from a variety of different locations. With a pub crawl passport and a designated to go cup anyone 21 and older can enjoy great drink specials anytime from 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. Crawlers have the option of riding a trolley or walking from pub to pub, and in this weather no one can blame those opting for air conditioning.

The pub and culture crawl is a great way to experience the heart of our cities while relaxing after a hectic work week, and with drink specials ranging from $2-$5 you can start your weekend a little early without breaking the bank.

Lagniappe
This month’s participating venues include: Artspace (710 Texas St.), Lake Street Dance Hall (425 Lake St.), Sandbar (415 Spring St.), The Boot (211 Texas St.) and Chicky’s Boom Boom Room (205 Texas St.).

Downtown Shreveport is under a tornado warning even though the twister season is winding down. Now through September 30 catch a glimpse of nature’s extreme forces in Tornado Alley, a larger than life IMAX film that takes place in the Great Plains of the United States. Check out movie times here.

The film takes you through a high speed chase to catch what is described as, “one of Earth's most awe-inspiring events,” the birth of a tornado. Real life IMAX film-maker and star of the Discovery Channel show “Storm Chasers,” Sean Casey films the events as close as humanly possible in the protection of a custom-built Tornado Intercept Vehicle (known as “the TIV II”). This allows him to actually film inside the tornados.

Casey recently visited Shreveport-Bossier to meet with fans and promote the opening of the film at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport. Many may have seen the TIV II traversing the streets of downtown, but if you missed it, make plans to be blown away by Tornado Alley.

For more information about Tornado Alley click here.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Cathey

Blocks away from the Shreveport Convention Center tucked away in a quiet corner of downtown Shreveport stands a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel where romance and relaxation resound in extraordinary fashion. For owner and operator Newton W. Dorsett, recent renovations are a reflection of his passion for quality work, exceptional materials and a vision that continues to grow. And for the clientele, The Remington Suite provides convenience for corporate business stays, as well as a romantic rendezvous and relaxation for weekend getaways.

When Dorsett, an oil and gas entrepreneur began renting office space above the run-down Remington Suites Hotel, he wasn’t planning on one day owning the property. As fate would have it and through a series of events, Dorsett having absolutely no experience in the hotel industry became the sole owner of the now rustic European style venue. A little construction background, attention to materials and detail and fervent dedication all wrapped up into one major transformation, and the result is a spectacular hotel, event venue and meeting space that are brag-worthy.

This pet-friendly property also boasts an in-house spa especially important to Mr. Dorsett who will invite you in for a chat and a pedicure any time you want. The Remington Suite is an inexpensive getaway starting at $79 with amenities including a box suite at the newly renamed CenturyLink Center upon request. This boutique hotel could just be the romantic getaway you and your significant other have been waiting to experience.

Check out their facebook page for specials and spa information.

Guests seated in Abby Singer's Bistro for a fundraiser at The Robinson Film Center

There’s a place downtown where I love to grab a drink with friends or catch a flick with my better half. On any given week I may run into old college professors, community movers and shakers and even a celebrity or two. Once you’ve experienced the Robinson Film Center like many in Shreveport-Bossier have you can’t help but fall in love with this charming non-profit arts organization. Located at 617 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport the film center hosts a number of independent films ranging from Black Swan back in February to Midnight in Paris featuring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates which will close Thursday, July 21.

The Robinson also hosts several fundraising events each year, and coming soon to the RFC a dinner theater event that involves suspense, intrigue and incredible cuisine! For $50 partakers can experience a mystery dinner theater show, Law and Murder, an interactive musical spoof of NBC’s Law and Order presented by the Random Acts Theater Company, exquisite fare and an atmosphere that captivates patrons of all ages and backgrounds. Tickets are on sale now, and the event will take place Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m.

If you’re interested in attending this mystery dinner theater call (318) 459-4122. To learn more about supporting the Robinson Film Center click here.

YUMMY!!! This is frozen deliciousness at its finest.

The City of Shreveport’s 15th Annual Ice Cream Social sponsored by Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) is a great opportunity to enjoy a summer evening on the riverfront, satisfy your sweet tooth and beat the heat with a frozen treat. Come down to the Barnwell Garden and Art Center, located at 601 Clyde Fant Parkway starting at 6 p.m. today and enjoy free ice cream.

Of course what would a get-together be in Shreveport-Bossier without a little live entertainment? While cooling off with your favorite summer sugar snack sit back and listen to some cool tunes provided by the Matthew Davidson Band. The ice cream social will wrap up around 8 p.m. this evening, but stay a little longer and enjoy an outdoor cinema in Riverview Park.

Movies and Moonbeams, sponsored by SPAR and The Robinson Film Center will host a showing of GREASE starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, maybe some lawn chairs, and don’t forget your bug repellant. Come relax and kick off the holiday weekend with the perfect ice cream sundae and a movie in downtown Shreveport.

Summer is here to stay, and by now the kiddos may be getting a little restless. It’s time to get creative with the summertime activities, and Sci-Port has a fun, safe and educational experience that will satisfy even the most persnickety pupil. Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center is inviting kids K-8th grade to be apart of their Summer Blast Day Camps every week though August 5. Camp themes change every week, and activities are planned to accommodate specific rising grade groups and ages.

Campers can expect to test their construction and technology skills during Build It!, perform crazy science tricks in Mad Scientist Lab and dissect aquatic organisms in Under the Sea. Who would want to miss out on a Robotics Lab where you can actually build and program LEGO NXT robots and use them to perform a virtual surgery?  Sci-Port’s Summer Blast Day Camps are the only place in Shreveport-Bossier where kids can soar to space, dive into the deepest ocean and explore the human brain all in one day.  Click here to learn more about the activities and schedules or to enroll online.

Above is a map of the 9-block area of downtown that is SHREVEPORT COMMON

There’s something BIG happening in the triangular area of downtown Shreveport nestled between Common Street and Texas Avenue, and we don’t want anyone to miss it!

When Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover challenged the Shreveport Regional Arts Council or SRAC with revitalizing the 9-block area surrounding their new Central ARTSTATION, they accepted the challenge with creative and fascinating vigor. A plan was made to create and develop an arts and cultural district that would promote creative expression, economic development and community. Now wrapping up a year of planning and fundraising, SRAC is inviting the public to ‘Discover SHREVEPORT COMMON’. This Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. visitors can stop by the ‘Triangle’ at the corner of Crockett and Common Street in downtown Shreveport to see, hear, taste, walk and do everything that the oldest newest ‘Uncommon’ community has to offer.

Attendees can expect a virtual vision of what SHREVEPORT COMMON will one day look like by Gregory Free and the SHREVEPORT COMMON Design Team. A question and answer session will inform the public of what’s to come, and a round table discussion will take place for individuals to engage in discussions regarding the vision. Something we are classifying as a ‘Must-See’ is the Giant Ear people can whisper into to voice their ideas. Those who participate are encouraged to tour and experience everything about SHREVEPORT COMMON. It’s FREE and open to the public, and honestly it’s an event that is so ‘Shreveport-Bossier’ we want everyone to experience it with us!

This past Saturday, June 4 the Shreveport Farmers’ Market welcomed over 12,000 people on its opening day. “It was absolutely phenomenal,” said Noma Fowler-Sandlin, market manager of the Shreveport Farmers’ Market. This year marks the 25th consistent year of the present Farmers’ Market as we know it. This year’s Market is also being labeled the largest in its history with 148 booths spread out over two pavilions at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.

This is what you need to know if you plan to go. The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is now open on Saturdays from seven a.m. to noon until September 3, and beginning tomorrow Tuesday, June 7 stop by anytime three p.m. to six p.m. until July 19. Also, Tuesday markets will feature live local musical entertainment for market goers to enjoy while they shop. Because The Farmers’ Market is located under a pavilion it is what we call a ‘rain or shine’ event, meaning that the show will go one unless a severe weather alert is issued by the National Weather Service.

Meter parking is available on streets surrounding Festival Plaza and behind Riverview Hall, and handicapped parking is available on Commerce Street and in the Overlook Lot close to the pavilion. Note that on Saturdays parking is free at meters. Free parking is also available at the parking lot closest to Sci-Port adjacent to the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Regional Visitors’ Center.

There is no admission to the Shreveport Farmers’ Market. For additional information click here. One of our favorite insider tips: Stop by on Tuesday to get your sweet corn! It’s a hot item, and lines are typically shorter on Tuesdays. So, bring your cash, your bags and your walking shoes. The 2011 Shreveport Farmers’ Market is open and ready for one HOT season!