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

                                    ####

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

                                              ###

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

                                                 ###

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

                                                           ####

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.

####

040512

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
                                                             
                                     ####

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

Adam Hart, LOCOFest Organizer/LOCO President
(318) 780-7003
adamdhart@earthlink.net

March 15, 2012

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – LOCOFest, a two-day event culminating in a USA Cycling-sanctioned championship series mountain bike race, will be held April 21-22 at Eddie D. Jones Park in Keithville, La. Pre-registration for LOCOFest is now available at www.locomtb.com.

On Saturday, April 21, LOCOFest presents a four-mile trail run for cyclists at all skill levels along the most technical track at Eddie D. Jones Park. In addition to the trail run, there will be a kids’ race, concert and family activities. Fees to participate in the trail run are $20 if pre-registered and $30 for on-site registration. Registration and check-in on the day of the event will take place, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at Eddie D. Jones Park. April 21 is also Earth Day, and will be celebrated at Chimp Haven, the national chimpanzee sanctuary, which is located on the grounds of Eddie D. Jones Park. Chimp Haven’s Earth Day Festival will include exhibits, art, live music, food, demonstrations, lectures, and kids’ activities.

On Sunday, April 22, the LOCOFest XC Mountain Bike Race, part of the Louisiana State and South Central Regional Championship Series, will be held. Mountain Bike Race entry fees are $30 if pre-registered and $45 for on-site registrations. Registration and sign-in for Sunday's Race starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. There will be cash payouts for Category 1 awards. There will also be awards and prizes for Category 2, Category 3, and Juniors, as well as “Fast Lap” awards. 

For more information on LOCOFest or to pre-register for events, visit www.locomtb.com or contact event organizer Adam Hart at (318) 780-7003. LOCO, which stands for Louisiana Off-road Cycling Organization, is a Bossier City-based social organization comprised of mountain biking enthusiasts in and around Shreveport-Bossier.  

                                                ####                             

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Philip Maxfield, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Southwestern District, Barbershop Harmony Society
dir-mpr@swd.org
(318) 935-9838

March 7, 2012

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY – Voices will be raised in song as the Barbershop Harmony Society’s “Harmony on the Red” returns to Shreveport, March 23-24, featuring approximately 400 participants vying to earn top honors. The event will be held at Caddo Magnet High School Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24.

See the schedule of events for a complete listing of “Harmony on the Red” competition showcases and admission fees. Free Harmony Education classes will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the Caddo Magnet High School.

Following the final night’s competition, a closing-night party called the “Cajun Afterglow” will be held at Lake Street Dancehall, located at 425 Lake Street in downtown Shreveport. Barbershop quartets will take the stage at Lake Street Dance Hall beginning at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes Cajun food and live Cajun and Zydeco music following the barbershop quartet performances.    

Serving as the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Spring competition for its Southwestern District, “Harmony on the Red” brings together quartets and chorus groups from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

For more information on specific event times and admission pricing, see the attached schedule or visit www.swd.org and click the “Events” tab.

“HARMONY ON THE RED”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Harmony Education Class
Fri, Mar 23, 4 p.m.   
Caddo Magnet High School PAC
Free Admission
     
2012 SE Division Quartet Finals &
2012 BHS Prelim. Collegiate Quartet Finals
2012 BHS Prelim. Quartet Semi-Finals
Fri, Mar 23, 6 p.m.   
Caddo Magnet High School PAC
Admission $15

2012 SE Chorus Finals    
Sat, Mar 24, 10 a.m.   
Caddo Magnet High School PAC   
Admission $15

Harmony Education Class    
Sat, Mar 24, 3 p.m.   
Caddo Magnet High School PAC
Free Admission     

2012 BHS Prelim. Quartet Finals    
Sat, Mar 24, 4:30 p.m.   
Caddo Magnet High School PAC   
Admission $15

Show of Champions
Sat, Mar 24, 7:30 p.m.
Caddo Magnet High School PAC   
Admission $15

Cajun Afterglow    
Sat, Mar 24 @ 10:00 p.m.
Lake Street Dancehall   
Admission $5

                                                                  ####

“Haynesville” filmmaker Gregory Kallenberg will announces largest film contest of its kind at Jan. 26 event

SHREVEPORT, LA – One lucky filmmaker could receive the largest prize of its kind when a new short film contest launches in Shreveport on Jan. 26. “Haynesville” filmmaker Gregory Kallenberg will announce his new contest, the La. Film Prize Contest and Film Festival, at a press conference, 5 p.m., Jan. 26 at Robinson Film Center. The press conference will be followed by a celebration during “The Last Martini,” a film industry networking event, held 6 to 8 p.m. at Robinson Film Center.

The La. Film Prize Contest and Festival invites filmmakers from all over the world to create and present a short film under one condition – it must be shot in Shreveport-Bossier. The winner will receive a grand prize of $50,000.

Filmmakers will have five months, from February 1 to July 9, to produce their film. Each filmmaker will be provided with an ambassador and a team of volunteers, resources and aids to help them with production, housing, promotional events and other needs during their stay. 

The top 20 films will be selected to promote and screen their film during the La. Film Prize Festival weekend, Oct. 12-14. The winner will be chosen based on the votes of a panel of expert judges from all over the country, as well as the vote of the filmmaker’s audience. Finalists are encouraged to heavily promote their project and enlist turnout support from friends, family and the public to heighten their chances of winning.    

Organizers hope the La. Film Prize will further grow and transform Shreveport-Bossier’s creative community, alongside the existing efforts of organizations like Moonbot Studios, Gorilla Design Studio, CoHabitat, Robinson Film Center and artspace.

“Ever since I returned to my hometown, I’ve wanted to find a way to help spur the ongoing evolution of our town into a creative mecca and give our city a national brand as a home to the creative class,” Kallenberg said. “As SXSW transformed Austin, the La. Film Prize will do the same for our region.”
 
Contact Gregory Kallenberg 318-213-6437 or visit www.lafilmprize.com to enter and learn more information about the La. Film Prize Contest and Festival.

####

25 year-old Andrew Upshaw of Hemphill, Texas will be competition’s first College B.A.S.S. Angler

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The last time 25-year-old Andrew Upshaw of Hemphill, Texas was in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana for the Bassmaster Classic, he was working a booth at the outdoor expo that takes place during the massive, three-day event. That was in 2009, and Upshaw and his fishing partner, Ryan Watkins, both students at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, were well on their way to becoming one of the most accomplished collegiate fishing teams in the U.S. Three years and a national collegiate championship later, Upshaw is heading back to Shreveport-Bossier for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, which will take place Feb. 24-26 on the Red River. This time around, he won’t be sneaking into parties to meet his favorite anglers; he’ll be competing against them as the first-ever College B.A.S.S. angler.

Upshaw says he’s not intimidated by the competition, though he’s excited to be sharing the water with anglers who he considers to be the best in the world.

“These guys are the best in the world for a reason,” Upshaw said. “But I really feel like I have a great chance to win it. That may sound crazy, but that’s how I approach every tournament: I go to win.” 

The Bassmaster Classic is a three-day event that has been called “the Super Bowl of professional bass fishing.” During the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, 49 anglers representing 22 states will compete for the sport’s largest prize: $500,000 and the title of Bassmaster Classic champion. In addition to exciting daily launches and weigh-ins, fans will be treated to a free outdoor expo sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods. The expo, which will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center, will feature over 150 vendors, giveaways by B.A.S.S.’s sponsors, fishing seminars, angler appearances, and more.   

For more information on the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, visit the official website at www.bassmaster.com/classic. For information on planning a visit to Shreveport-Bossier during the event, or to request a Visitor’s Guide to Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana’s Other Side, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org/bassmaster-classic.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Andrew Upshaw is available for media interviews upon request. High-resolution promotional images of past Bassmaster Classic events are also available upon request. For more information, contact Chris Jay at cjay@sbctb.org or (318) 429-0658.