Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

There is just nothing like relaxing outside in the balmy spring weather with a little jazz and blues music serenading you after a long work week. That’s exactly what I was thinking last Thursday night as I enjoyed, for the first time, Hot Jazz on the Red at the Barnwell Garden and Arts Center. A.J. and the Two Tones Blues Band provided entertainment for the 6 p.m., May 5 event, and this Thursday, May 12, Musicology will be the featured band.

The atmosphere was impeccable as I scanned the area tucked between the Red River and the art gallery and gardens for the perfect spot to people watch while admiring Shreveport-Bossier’s gorgeous riverfront. This weekly event is the perfect place to have an evening picnic with a significant other or friends. What I didn’t expect that pleasantly surprised me was the amount of networking. It’s a great time and place to mingle with business peers outside of the office walls.

As I sat facing the river with the music and wind at my back all I could think was, “There is no other place I would rather be.”  As I attempted to take pictures of my experience I found it frustrating, because no picture I took captured the essence of that evening. It’s something you just have to go and see for yourself.

If you do want to see what Hot Jazz on the Red is all about here are some things that will make your experience even more enjoyable.

• Plan a Picnic - bring your favorite beverage and food and make it a date!
• Get Comfortable - dress down and bring lawn chairs or a blanket
• Enjoy Our City- Riverview Park provides riverfront and skyline views of our city like no place else

I absolutely cannot wait to go to Hot Jazz on the Red again! Once you go, you’ll wish this event would last all year round. But for now, check out this cool event every Thursday in May and June. For a complete list of upcoming bands click here.

Holiday fun in Shreveport-Bossier starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18 at the coolest place – the Louisiana Boardwalk. Thousands of visitors and residents gather for the ceremonial switching on of the lights on the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in Shreveport-Bossier standing at 30 feet tall. 

The kids will be so excited because there are special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment will be provided by the Fairfield Cheerleaders and the Caddo Middle Magnet Starline Danceline.

Guests at this year’s event will be treated to the Boardwalk Snow Blizzard set to begin at 7 p.m. even if the Mother nature doesn’t agree.

Cory Ryan with Cumulus Broadcast will emcee the Official Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will be located at the fountain entrance of the parking garage. Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker will be on hand for the event.

“The holidays in Shreveport-Bossier are meant to be enjoyed with family,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “That’s why you find something to see and do almost every night from the official lighting ceremony until the end of the year.”

The riverfront areas on both sides of the Red River will offer fun with shopping and programmed activities on the Boardwalk to new events like the laser show at Barnwell Garden and Art Center and toy making workshops at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

Last year, the Barnwell introduced the community and visitors to a laser light show. Well, organizers of last year’s event have brought it back bigger than ever. There will be a fast-paced laser show every 20 minutes in the conservatory and constant kid activities outside on the patio. Local artists will be showcasing and selling their works for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.

In north Caddo Parish, Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival promises a grand fireworks display, starting at 3 p.m., Dec. 4 in Earl Williamson Park in Oil City. This is the area’s only fireworks extravaganza.

Shreveport-Bossier has so much happening. Other great events include: Benton on the Square Festival, Dec. 11; Highland Home Tours, Dec. 11-12; and Christmas in Roseland, Nov. 26-28; Dec. 3-5; Dec. 10-12; Dec. 17-19.

For more holiday related events in Shreveport-Bossier visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com.

I have always been told that you can’t help who you fall in love with; it’s what is on the inside that counts and love conquers all. Those same principles or ideas that are in place in my personal relationships hold true to my relationship with my community. It’s not just my community, it’s our community and it’s Shreveport-Bossier.

One thing is certain here in Shreveport-Bossier, life is simple and our hearts are big. We have adapted our own culture that is decidedly distinctive. A melting pot of Texas twang and Cajun customs.  The pace seems to slow in Shreveport-Bossier. People take time to enjoy their surroundings and the history of our cities.

Festivals, concerts, dinners, even trips to the grocery store become some type of reunion; running into a classmate from high school or your third grade Sunday school teacher. You realize this is why you stay; this is what makes Shreveport-Bossier so great. It’s the big small town feel, it the smiles on our faces and our eagerness to help a neighbor. Southern hospitality is alive and well and it lives right here in Shreveport-Bossier.

The weather cools and the leaves begin to change, we see those bright red, white, and blue tents fill Festival Plaza. The streets downtown are filled with people attending the Red River Revel. The smell of food and the sound of live music fill the air. Sidewalk booths showcase unique jewelry and pieces of art. Our cities come alive.

The Revel comes to a close and soon after, carnival rides and food booths fill the fairgrounds. The hearts of children warm as they think of the State Fair of Louisiana. Adults find their inner child as they are flooded with the memories of their own fair experiences. And who doesn’t love fair food?

As we move away from the Revel and the Fair, the Louisiana Boardwalk lights the 30 foot tree and it’s a sign that Christmas is near. The cities soon begin to twinkle from the millions of Christmas lights that decorate the streets. Shreveport-Bossier is as picturesque as a Normal Rockwell painting.

But what would the holiday season be without football? In Shreveport-Bossier we love gridiron action almost as much as we love...okay more than we love anything else. You can’t go anywhere without seeing bumper stickers or t-shirts that say “Geaux Tigers” or “Who Dat.” In Shreveport-Bossier our time-honored football tradition is the Independence Bowl. Thousands gather for pre-game tailgating followed by a rush into the stadium to huddle under blankets, while cheering on our favorite college teams. It is the perfect way to move into the New Year and a new season filled with many more electrifying activities.

I will admit, I am smitten. I am in love with my community. There is so much to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier. I couldn’t imagine my life anywhere else. Shreveport-Bossier is the perfect place to stay, play and fall in love.

*************************************

Are you in love with Shreveport-Bossier? If you are, we'd love to hear about it. Check out our Facebook page at Louisiana's Other Side and tell us why you love Shreveport-Bossier. In the meantime, enter our Fall in Love with Shreveport-Bossier sweepstakes for a chance to win an overnight getaway in our cities. Click here to enter.

Shreveport-Bossier has enjoyed having the highest hotel occupancy rate in the state, thanks in large part to events like the Port City Classic.

Grambling Tigers and Tech Bulldogs fans are steadily booking their overnight stays in our area hotels. With the game just a few days away there are some vacancies left, but you should book as early as possible to be sure you get rooms at your favorite hotel chain. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau is making daily calls to our hotels and motels to check on availability. You can check for vacancies on our website at www.shreveport-bossier.org/vacancy or see a list of all our accommodations. You can also browse our website for great ideas on things to do and see, places to eat, etc. while you're in town.

There are lots of ways you can keep up-to-date on what's going on in Shreveport-Bossier:

Our events calendar, ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com has information on all the events associated with the Port City Classic. You'll also find lots of other fun things to do on the Fun Guide.

Visit our facebook page to interact with other people visiting and living in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Follow us on twitter.

Or, if you just like to talk to a real person, call us toll-free at 888-45-VISIT. One of our information specialists will be happy to help you plan your trip to Shreveport-Bossier.

While you're planning, go ahead and put the Shreveport Classic, October 23, on your calendar. This is a gridiron contest between Prairie View A&M University and Southern University. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

You'll also want to attend Red River Revel Arts Festival. This is one of our biggest festivals and is a Southeast Tourism Society Top Twenty event. The Revel starts on Saturday, Oct. 2 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 9. Enjoy art from more than 120 visual artists from across the nation - just in time for the holidays! Plus, five performance stages feature non-stop entertainment and will showcase some great Revel favorites.

The Downtown Lunch Trolley rolled through downtown Shreveport yesterday between 11am-2pm, picking up lunch passengers and dropping them of at 3 lunch destinations: the café @ Artspace, the Hilton Hotel’s River Rock Grill, and the new Texas Street Grille. Kelly Wells, the Vice President of Tourism at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau, was one of the trolley riders and he shared his experience with me.

He and his group of friends and co-workers were picked up by the trolley at the Regions Bank Tower and were greeted by a girl dressed as a conductor and handing out “tickets” to ride and menus designed specifically for trolley riders so that they could pick something quick and have an idea of what they wanted by the time they reached their destination.

On their way to pick up more passengers and reach the restaurant of their choosing, they were entertained by the trolley’s driver, “Bubba.” I have had the pleasure of riding with “Bubba” before and it’s something I look forward to doing again! He definitely knows how to show you a good time!

Kelly and his group chose to eat at the Café’ @ Artspace. The café allows diners to enjoy art exhibitions on two floors or purchase a unique item in Giftspace while enjoying the café’s signature soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Artspace is currently taking down one exhibit and getting set up for another one. For this reason, Kelly told me they had a walk-way through the main floor where they were working to the stairs that lead to the café.

“It was kinda’ neat, though, because you got a sneak peek of what the next exhibit is going to be,” he stated.

 Kelly said that even though the wait staff was very busy, they did an “incredible” job and got his Turkey Reuben and bowl of fruit (made from fruit purchased at the Shreveport Farmer’s Market!) out to him quickly. He also stated that the meal was inexpensive and delicious! The whole lunch experience, trolley ride and all, took about 45 minutes.

 The next lunch trolley will begin picking up riders next Wednesday at 11am in front of the Regions Bank Tower, 333 Texas Street; Government Plaza, 505 Travis Street; and each of the three participating restaurants. The trolley runs at each of these stops every 20 minutes. Get out, catch the FREE trolley and have your own lunch experience right here in downtown Shreveport!

To check out the menu for the Café at Artspace, visit: http://artspaceshreveport.com/cafe/cafe-menu.

For the River Rock Grill: www.hilton.com.

For Texas Street Grille: www.texasstreetgrille.com.

PHOTO: Don Shea of Downtown Development Authority announces the launch of the Downtown Shreveport Lunch Trolley. The trolley is pictured in the background.

Headlining this year’s Red River Revel Arts Festival is country duo Steal Magnolia. The boyfriend/girlfriend crooners will open up the Revel on Saturday, Oct. 2. The festival runs eight days.

Steel Magnolia, consists of Meghan Linsey, a Ponchatoula, Louisiana native, and Joshua Scott Jones. They won season two of the television talent show Can You Duet. Subsequently, they signed a recording contract and released their debut single “Keep on Lovin’ You” in August 2009.

The Revel, which is held at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport, boasts four performance stages. Many of Shreveport-Bossier’s home grown musicians perform all week along with national and international entertainers.

Though, the music is always at a fever pitch, the diversity of visual art hits on all the right notes. Upwards of 100 juried artists from around the nation show off their masterful works featuring jewelry, paintings, acrylics, clothing, pottery, photography, wood work and much more.

If those things weren’t enough to make for an amazing experience, the Revel is known for equally tantalizing food. Sink your teeth in the expected festival foods such as funnel cakes, nachos and cotton candy. But savor chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, Cajun dirty rice, and muffalettas. Are you hungry, yet?

So make plans to attend this nationally recognized festival, Oct. 2-9, at Festival Plaza. Click here (http://louisiana-bookdirect.com/booking_results.php?cloneID=292&rooms=1&nights=1&sDay=24&sMonth=07&sYear=2010&start-date=07%2F24%2F2010&end-date=07%2F25%2F2010&lodgingID=103&group_id=7676) to book your hotel stay.

Check out the Revel’s website for constant updates on entertainment, kid’s activities, and food at www.redriverrevel.com.

REVEL HOURS
Thursday, Friday, & Saturdays • 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday - Wednesday • 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Children's Area Hours:
Saturdays & Sunday • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday thru Friday • 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION
Admission Free
Monday: All Day
Tuesday - Friday: Until 5:30 p.m.
Every day: Children 12 & under when accompanied by an adult

$5 Admission Fee
Saturdays: Until 6 p.m.
Sunday: All Day
Tuesday - Friday: After 5:30 p.m.

$10 Admission Fee
Saturdays: After 6 p.m.

$15 8-day Reveler Pass at the gate

Buy your Reveler pass at any Porter's Fine Dry Cleaning or Brookshire's in advance for $10 and save!

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


###

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.