Get your dancing shoes and appetite ready! It’s almost time for the 35th Red River Revel Arts Festival, which will be held Oct.2-9. The Revel celebrates the arts with juried artists from across the country, four performance stages that feature live music and a large area dedicated specifically to providing arts education for children. The goal of the festival is to provide the public with a celebration of the finest visual and performing arts experiences, and it reaches and surpasses that goal every year!
This 8-day festival is held at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport and this year’s Revel promises to deliver big on the entertainment. Some of the headliners include:
The Hunt Family, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 2, on the Chase Stage: What do you get when you cross world ranked step dancing with champion fiddling and a family of nine? Answer: A high-powered energetic and refreshing experience with The Hunt Family! They perform original, Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational and popular tunes, offering a unique blend of diversity to every show.
Steel Magnolia, 8:30 p.m., on the Chase Stage: The boyfriend/girlfriend crooners won season two of the television talent show “Can You Duet?” Steel Magnolia consists of Meghan Linsey, a Ponchatoula, La., native, and Joshua Scott Jones. They signed a recording contract and released their debut single, “Keep on Lovin’ You,” in August 2009.
The Band Perry, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 7, on the Chase Stage: Siblings Reid, Neil and Kimberly Perry make up The Band Perry. With a sound that perfectly marries country and rock and roll, they say that they bleed the bright red blood of American music.
Dirtfoot, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 9, on the Chase Stage: Whether performing on big stages at festivals, or playing intimate settings in pubs and the finer taverns all over the Midwest and South, Dirtfoot puts on an uproarious show. The crowds come to take part in the fun and chaos, hollering to all the calls and responses, shaking their bean cans, and getting down with the infectious grooves. I have personally never seen a Dirtfoot show, but I have heard all about it! This is something I definitely will not miss!
Revel favorite Buddy Flett is returning to this year’s event. Flett is a local performer who began his career in Bossier City in 1975. He has written songs that have been recorded by John Mayall, Percy Sledge, and many others.
Although the music is always at a fever pitch, the diversity of visual art hits on all the right notes. More than 100 juried artists from around the nation show off masterful works like jewelry, paintings, acrylics, clothing, pottery, photography, wood work and much more.
Dewayne Hill, the world record-holding magician, entertained Revel goers at the 2009 Revel. In April 2007 he set a world record by performing 71 card tricks in 60 minutes using 1 deck of cards. Hill is one of seven professional black magicians performing in the United States. Come let his family-friendly comedy and magic wow you as he performs at the 2010 Revel!
Children and adults can enjoy the 50-foot Ferris wheel (hope you’re not afraid of heights!) which overlooks the Children’s Arts Education Area and the Red River. Children’s events include Artist for a Day, “Twister” Tot Tent, Architecture Alive, Salto Trampoline and the Rock Climb. Bring the kids out for a full day of fun!
If those things aren’t enough to make for an amazing experience, the Revel is known for equally tantalizing food. Sink your teeth into the expected festival foods such as funnel cakes, nachos and cotton candy. Then treat yourself to the unexpected! Savor chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, Cajun dirty rice, and muffalettas. Are you hungry, yet?
Make plans today to attend this nationally recognized festival, Oct. 2-9, at Festival Plaza. Click here (www.louisiana-bookdirect.com/booking) to book your hotel stay.
You can view a listing of participating artists and food vendors, plus information on tickets and Revel hours at the Revel’s web-site: www.redriverrevel.com. Be sure to check back for updates on entertainment, kids’ activities, and food.