Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

Shreveport, LA - Food vendors, arts and crafts and two stages of jazz and blues in the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana's historic Highland neighborhood: that's the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival. Organizers have announced that the 9th Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival will take place 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, November 17 in Shreveport's Columbia Park. Admission is free.

"Expect dancing, beer, cuisine from Louisiana and elsewhere, jewelry and visual art and the vibe of a regional reunion," said volunteer festival organizer Robert Trudeau.

Headlining acts at the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival have included well-known performers such as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Chicago bluesman Henry Gray, The Gourds, and more.    

Follow the HJ&BF on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/119069855514/.

For More Information:
Robert Trudeau, Highland Jazz and Blues Festival Organizer
(318) 272-6045
trudeau11 at gmail dot com

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Louisiana is gearing up for the celebration of the century as the state marks its 200th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Involving both education and celebration, Bicentennial events are being planned in every corner of the state. For a statewide calendar of Louisiana events or information on planning a memorable visit to Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LA – The 14th annual Sunflower Trail and Festival will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 2 in Gilliam, Louisiana. The event features art and entertainment for all ages including handmade items for sale by heritage crafters and artists, hands-on activities for children, art exhibits, a sunflower photography contest, and more. Food and refreshment vendors will also be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Festival activities will take place behind the Red River Crossroads Museum in Gilliam, just off of Highway 3049. Highway 3049 (also known as Dixie/Shreveport Road) can be reached from Shreveport by heading north on Grimmett Drive until Grimmett Drive becomes Highway 3049.

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to explore the Sunflower Trail on their way to or from the festival. To drive the Sunflower Trail, turn right at Old Dixie Gin and Sentell Road and drive the loop around the levee. Sentell Road circles back to Highway 3049 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, just north of Dixie. This scenic drive features several sunflower varieties and wildflower fields. Sunflowers along the trail are expected to be in full bloom.

For more information on the 14th annual Sunflower Trail and Festival, contact Gilliam Mayor Helen Adger at (318) 296-4393 or Karen Logan at (318) 296-4303.       
                                                       
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Louisiana is gearing up for the celebration of the century as the state marks its 200th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Involving both education and celebration, Bicentennial events are being planned in every corner of the state. For a statewide calendar of Louisiana events or information on planning a memorable visit to Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.

Festival will offer full slate of programs and special guests emphasizing water safety and fun

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA –  A simulated rescue demonstration from the Life Air Rescue Helicopter, a life-saving techniques demonstration from 12-time Olympic Team USA swimmer Byron Davis, and special programs on learning to swim will highlight the 7th Annual Water Resource Festival, scheduled for May 11-12 at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. Admission to the festival is free and open to all ages.

The two-day festival kicks off, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, May 11, with “Safe Summer” presentations by the Mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City, along with special guest athletes.  The theme of this year’s festival is “The Red River-Your Natural Resource.”

The festival continues, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., on Saturday, May 12. Presenting organizations include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Aquatic & Wildlife Education Foundation, KTBS-TV 3, the U.S. Coast Guard, and CHRISTUS Sutton Children’s Medical Center. CHRISTUS Sutton Children’s Medical Center is the official sponsor for the Corps of Engineers’ national “Wear It” Life Jacket Campaign, providing free life jackets, while supplies last, to children on Saturday.

Sponsored by the national U.S.A. Swimming Foundation’s “Make a Splash” program, Olympic swimmer Byron Davis will be joined by members of the Shreveport-Bossier Fire Department Dive Team and Ozark Society to demonstrate life-saving techniques in a large outdoor pool provided by Bass Pro Shops at the Louisiana Boardwalk.

A simulated “man-overboard” rescue with the Life Air Rescue Helicopter is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, with best viewing from the Louisiana Boardwalk just behind the Texas Street Bridge festival activity booths. Participating in the exercise will be members of the Caddo-Bossier Sheriff’s Red River Joint Task Force and the United States Coast Guard.

Partners and sponsors for this year’s event include: Swimming/USA Swimming Foundation; Louisiana Boardwalk; Spirit of Bossier Exchange Club;  Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries; Bass Pro Shops; U.S. Coast Guard; Talk of the Town with Tom Pace; Citizen's Bank; KTBS-TV 3; Bass Life Associates; Kent Sporting Goods; Shreveport Fire Department; Bossier Fire Department; Caddo Parish Sheriff's Department; Bossier Parish Sheriff's Department; Red River Joint Task Force; Life Air Rescue; Shreveport Sail and Power Squadron; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; Red River Waterway Commission; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Ozark Society; Northwest Louisiana Fly Fishers; and Louisiana State University-Shreveport.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To coordinate interviews with special guests, please contact Tom Pace at (318) 426-8080 or tompacer@comcast.net.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diane Capo, Aquatic and Wildlife Education Foundation
(318) 677-2673
Diane Cook, Lead Ranger, USACE
(318) 381-7517

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SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The 2012 P.R.I.D.E. Awards Dinner will take place, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at DiamondJacks Casino Resort in Bossier City. Designed to recognize Shreveport-Bossier’s most outstanding and exemplary tourism and hospitality employees, the P.R.I.D.E. Awards are held each year during National Travel and Tourism Week. The acronym P.R.I.D.E. stands for “Proud Residents Involved in Developing our Economy.” Awards will be presented in over thirty categories, ranging from Outstanding Hotel Executive to Outstanding Valet. Awards presentations will begin at approximately 7:00 p.m.

In addition to our region’s outstanding tourism and hospitality employees, P.R.I.D.E. Awards will be presented to representatives of venues, events, organizations and other entities that have helped grow and sustain the convention and tourism industries in our region.

“The frontline and managerial staffs of our region’s hotels, restaurants and attractions are the backbone of our area’s tourism industry,” said Stacy Brown, bureau president. “The P.R.I.D.E. Awards are our way of honoring them for a job well done.”

According to a U.S. Travel Association report entitled “Economic Impact of Travel on Louisiana Parishes,” travel and tourism is a $900 million industry for Shreveport-Bossier, generating an estimated $22 million annually in tax revenues for local governments. Because of tourism, each household located in Caddo or Bossier Parish saves $190. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau designates the entire month of May as Tourism Awareness Month. National Travel and Tourism Week will be observed May 5-13, 2012.  

P.R.I.D.E. Awards tickets are $35 each and may be purchased at the door. For more information, contact Kathy Melancon at kmelancon@sbctb.org or (318) 455-0799.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Chris Jay, Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
Office: (318) 429-0658
Cell: (318) 272-1696
cjay@sbctb.org
                                                                        
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Louisiana is gearing up for the celebration of the century as the state marks its 200th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Involving both education and celebration, Bicentennial events are being planned in every corner of the state. For a statewide calendar of Louisiana events or information on planning a memorable visit to Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Downtown Development Authority partner for event celebrating area’s tourism industry.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – Shreveport-Bossier will be among more than 75 cities hosting National Tourism Rally Day events on Tuesday, May 8, as the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and the Downtown Development Authority partner to present a National Tourism Day “Lunch on the Lawn” event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., on the courthouse lawn at 501 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. The free event will feature a joint proclamation by Mayor Cedric Glover of Shreveport and Mayor Lo Walker of Bossier City, live music by Airheart, free cake, food vendors and more. Community members are encouraged to wear red in support of the local tourism industry. National Travel and Tourism Week is May 5-13.

According to a U.S. Travel Association report entitled “Economic Impact of Travel on Louisiana Parishes,” travel and tourism is a $900 million industry for Shreveport-Bossier and generates $22 million in local tax revenue. Travel is a broad and diverse industry employing a vast workforce, from airline and hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers. Travel and tourism further supports employees in other industry sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and finance.  

“Travel is a force that can drive our nation’s economic recovery. It is one of the healthiest sectors of our economy in terms of job creation and hiring, employing one out of every nine Americans,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the umbrella organization representing the U.S. travel industry.

To view research and studies on the travel industry in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org/research. To view similar research for the State of Louisiana, visit www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/research. For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Jay, Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
Office: (318) 429-0658
cjay@sbctb.org

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Louisiana is gearing up for the celebration of the century as the state marks its 200th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Involving both education and celebration, Bicentennial events are being planned in every corner of the state. For a statewide calendar of Louisiana events or information on planning a memorable visit to Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.
 

Opening September 29, 2012, the 100th Anniversary Year of Sinking

SHREVEPORT, LA – On April 15, 1912, Titanic, the world’s largest ship, sank after colliding with an iceberg claiming more than 1,500 lives and subsequently altering the world’s confidence in modern technology.  To mark the centennial anniversary, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center has announced that it will host the hugely popular "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" from September 29 through January 20, 2013.  

"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" will allow Sci-Port’s visitors to experience the story of the legendary RMS Titanic like never before through compelling human stories as best told through 200 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations.

“Showcasing 'Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition' is part of our strategic plan to build new audiences and generate new revenue sources that contribute to our overall financial stability,” said Sci-Port President/CEO Ann Fumarolo. “It’s our mission to add science to whatever it is that we do, and we’ll show the science behind something with such historical significance as the sinking of Titanic. This Exhibition will expose new audiences to our mission.”  

True to Sci-Port’s mission, families and students will experience real-world science, and participate in observation, critical thinking and experimentation, as they become explorers of the wreck through the Center’s hands-on programming and demonstrations that will accompany this exhibition.

Now accepting group reservations for "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition." Call (318) 424-8660 to book your trip today.  General admission advance ticket sales available September 1.

WHAT: TITANIC:  The Artifact Exhibition    

WHEN:  Opens September 29, 2012    
                
WHERE:  Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center    
                 
TICKETS:  Members $10; Adult $23; Child $18; Group, Senior and Military Discounts Available

INFORMATION:  www.sciport.org/TITANIC or (318) 424-3466

About Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center
Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center featuring 290 hands-on exhibits, 70 interactive programs and demonstrations, a Space Center and Space Dome Planetarium, IMAX Dome Theatre, gift shop and café.  Sci-Port is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers; a LA Space Consortium member and is recognized by Parents magazine as one of the nation’s ten best science centers.  The Center is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. For information regarding hours, IMAX showings or special programs, call (318) 424-3466, toll free at (877) 724-7678 or visit www.sciport.org.

RMS Titanic, Inc. and Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRXI)
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is produced by RMS Titanic, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, Inc.  RMS Titanic, Inc. is the only company permitted by law to recover objects from the wreck of the Titanic. The Company was granted Salvor-in-Possession rights to the wreck site of Titanic by a United States federal court in 1994 and has conducted eight research and recovery expeditions to Titanic rescuing more than 5,500 artifacts. The Company recently completed its eighth and most ambitious mission to the wreck site of Titanic in summer of 2010. For the first time in history, RMS Titanic, Inc. alongside the world’s top oceanographic agencies set out to map the entire wreck of Titanic with the hopes of raising the Ship virtually for future generations. 

For More Information
Jennifer McMenamin
Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center
(318) 424-8673; jmcmen@sciport.org
Chris Jay
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
(318) 429-0658; cjay@sbctb.org

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Theme of April 20 program is “Soulsville USA: A Snapshot of Memphis Music."

Shreveport, LA - Students and faculty of the Theatre of the Performing Arts in Shreveport (TPA) will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Yazzy (Youth Celebrating Jazz) during the 2012 Yazzy Youth Celebrating Jazz concert on Friday, April 20, 2012, 7:00 pm, at The Riverview Theatre, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway, in downtown Shreveport. This year’s theme is “Soulsville USA: A Snapshot of Memphis Music.” Guest artists include Michael Ward, jazz violinist from New Orleans, LA and Tom Browne, jazz trumpeter from Garner, NC. Jazz musician Dorsey Summerfield, Jr. serves as Yazzy Project Coordinator for this event.   

The Yazzy Youth Celebrating Jazz Concert is designed to showcase local talented youth in collaboration with renowned professional artists during the month of April, which is Jazz Appreciation Month. This year's musical tribute focuses on the influence of blues, pop, rhythm & blues and jazz from one of most prolific entertainment cities in the world: Memphis.This year's Yazzy concert will also pay accolades to the late Etta James, Don Cornelius, and Whitney Houston.

Adult tickets (18 & up) are $20.00. Children (17 & under) tickets are $10.00. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more at $15.00 each. Tickets are available for purchase at Theatre of the Performing Arts office, 4005 Lakeshore Drive, Monday thru Friday, from 9:00am–5:00 pm, or on the day of the show at The Riverview Theatre.  For additional information, contact the Theatre of the Performing Arts office at 318-525-0740 or 318-621-8914.

2012 Yazzy concert sponsors: Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Other sponsors include The State of Louisiana; City of Shreveport: Department of Community Development, Theatre of the Performing Arts of Shreveport; The Parish of Caddo; Caddo Parish School Board; The Black Arts Coalition with funds from the City of Shreveport; Irma C. Martin; Access 1 Media; The Radio Group; Eunice Wilkerson; Joseph Christopher Jr.;  Regal Plastics; SWEPCO; AT&T; Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourism Bureau; The Community Foundation; Bancorp South; Delores Ashford; Ouachita Independent Bank; S.A. Doyle & Associates; Lakeshore Development; Michael & Frances Flentroy; Ayers Institute Inc., and Green Building Construction & Electric Inc.

For More Information:
Gloria C. Gipson, Executive Director
Theatre of the Performing Arts of Shreveport
318-525-0740 or 318-621-8914
tpaarts318@aol.com

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Shreveport, LA - The 2012 USA Weightlifting National University Championships will be held in Shreveport, April 13-15. The LSU Shreveport gymnasium is the host site for the event, which will feature elite athletes competing for a coveted spot on the 2012 World University Weightlifting Team and a chance to represent the United States at the World University Weightlifting Championships in Eliot, Israel.

This is LSUS’ 11th year to host the event which features over 150 collegiate level athletes, each hoping to capture one of the 15 slots available on the co-ed Team USA going to Israel in November. The competition will consist of 10-20 athletes per category with each competitor lifting as much weight as possible in the two Olympic-style lifts “Snatch” and “Clean and Jerk.” 

“The sport of weightlifting has grown tremendously in Shreveport. When we started we had only a handful of lifters and now we have youth programs at the public recreation centers and a large collegiate program that’s growing every year,” said Dr. Kyle Pierce, head weightlifting coach at LSUS.  “I enjoy hosting this competition as it always brings out a great group, and with the help of the City of Shreveport, the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, LSU Shreveport, and the area hotels, we are always able to make this event a success.”

The first lift competition begins at 9 a.m. with doors opening at 8 a.m.  Daily admission is $5 or $10 for a weekend pass.  Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.

For additional information contact Suzy Sanchez at 318-207-3598 or ssanchez@sbsports.org.

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Shreveport-Bossier, LA - The Fit for Life Sports Weekend, May 12-13, will feature athletes from around the world competing in a variety of sporting events throughout Shreveport-Bossier. Bodybuilding, strongman competitions and arm wrestling are just a few of the sports that will be featured during competition at the Shreveport Convention Center, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Admission is $25 per person at the Shreveport Convention Center and will grant spectators access to all events throughout the day. Additional sporting events will take place at Lee Hedges Stadium, Southern Hills Park and Tinsley Park. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.bfitforlife.org.    

Hosted by Robert “Super-Mann” Blount, the Fit for Life Weekend is the largest multi-sport event in Louisiana, and is expected involve an estimated 16,000 health and fitness enthusiasts. In conjunction with the sporting events being held at the Shreveport Convention Center, a Fit for Life Fitness Expo will take place offering the latest trends in supplements, apparel, and training equipment. For additional information on the Fit for Life Fitness Expo and booth space, contact Robert Blount at (318) 429-0651 or (318) 347-2208.

The Fit for Life Weekend is an annual fitness and wellness event designed to promote health awareness in our community through education. 

Though the event is still in its infancy, Blount hopes to expand Fit For Life Weekend each year through the inclusion of more sporting events and a larger expo.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Suzy Sanchez
Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
Office: (318) 222-9391, Ext. 145 
Cell: (318) 207-3598
ssanchez@sbsports.org
                                                             
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May 5 event will feature live music, car show and more

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The 15th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be held in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, located at 101 Crockett Street, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 5. The festival provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy food, music, contests and more, all of which reflect the traditions and culture of Shreveport-Bossier’s rapidly-growing Hispanic community.

Attendees will enjoy activities including Chihuahua dog races, an El Grito contest, magic shows, jalapeno pepper eating contests, a health fair featuring Zumba competitions, live music and dance from local and touring performers, and much more. Hispanic students will also be recognized during a scholarship presentation ceremony. New this year, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will include the premier of Spring Fest 2012, a car, truck and bike show hosted by DreamWerkz Car Club of Louisiana.

“Our Cinco de Mayo Fiesta exists as the main fundraising event for the League of United Latin American Citizens’ scholarship fund,” said Cinco de Mayo, Inc. President Armando Garza. “To date we have awarded nearly $70,000 in financial aid to outstanding local Hispanic youth seeking higher education.”

The date of May 5, “Cinco de Mayo,” commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Mexican Army against the invading forces of the French Army in the Battle of Puebla (1862). Garza added, “In the same spirit of beating the odds, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta aims to secure funds to help local Hispanic students fight the education battle – to make their dreams a reality through scholarship assistance that helps them afford today’s college tuitions.”
 
In order to accomplish this mission, Cinco de Mayo, Inc. has also supported a new program called La Cima (The Summit), which is a bilingual leadership program providing Hispanic students with the skills and tools necessary to become leaders. This year, United Way has partnered with La Cima to make this dream a reality.

“Come prepared for a fun-filled day with traditional Mariachis and, of course, the mouth-watering food that sets the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta apart from other festivals in the area,” said Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Chairman Willie Ortiz.  

The 15th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is sponsored by Black Hawk Concrete Construction, The Radio Group, Vita Latina Magazine, the City of Shreveport, SPAR, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Chevyland, Trejo’s Mexican Restaurant, Eagle Distributing, Paragon Press, Glazers Distributing, Forest Park, DiamondJacks Casino and DreamWerks Car Club.
 
For more information, vendor or sponsor opportunities, please visit www.lousianalulac.org, email info@louisianalulac.org or contact Guillermo “Willie” Ortiz at (318) 734-7062.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Guillermo “Willie” Ortiz, Fiesta Chairman
League of United Latin American Citizens       
(318) 734-7062
gortiz@radiogroupshreveport.com
                                                                 
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Louisiana is gearing up for the celebration of the century as the state marks its 200th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Involving both education and celebration, Bicentennial events are being planned in every corner of the state. For a statewide calendar of Louisiana events or information on planning a memorable visit to Louisiana, visit www.louisianatravel.com.