Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

Feb. 23 event will feature a guest performance by Willie Jones, as well as tributes to Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter and radio legend Frank Page

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – Organizers of the Louisiana Soundtrack Experience event “From Elvis to Hank to Johnny: Celebrating 65 Years of the Louisiana Hayride” have announced new details of the day-long program, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. The event, a co-presentation of the Louisiana Office of Tourism and The Oxford American Magazine, will feature a 2 p.m. panel discussion featuring local music experts and moderated by music writer and Oxford American guest editor Alex Rawls, as well as a 4 p.m. screening of the LPB-produced documentary film Sunshine by the Stars and a 7 p.m. concert featuring performances by local rock group Dirtfoot and the legendary Louisiana Hayride Band. Admission to all events is free and open to the public.

Organizers have announced that the program will also feature a guest appearance by “X-Factor” finalist Willie Jones, as well as tributes to iconic radio station KWKH, blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, Louisiana Hayride announcer Frank Page, record store owner Stan Lewis and others. Guest performers who will be joining the Louisiana Hayride Band onstage include honky-tonk artist Kenny Bill Stinson, songwriter Tony Ramey, Maggie Warwick, Bobby Cyrus, Debbie Money, Airheart, Denny Fontaine and more. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and representatives of the Louisiana Office of Tourism will also be in attendance. Ken Shepherd will host the Louisiana Hayride portion of the program.

“From Elvis to Hank to Johnny: Celebrating 65 Years of the Louisiana Hayride” is the first of five Louisiana Soundtrack Experience events scheduled to take place throughout Louisiana as part of a year-long celebration of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage. For information on upcoming events in Natchitoches, Lafayette, Ferriday and New Orleans, visit www.louisianasoundtrack.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Several musicians and special guests have made themselves available for interviews and in-studio appearances related to the Louisiana Soundtrack Experience. If you would like to interview someone from this program, contact Chris Jay at (318) 429-0658 or (318) 272-1696 or by e-mail at cjay@sbctb.org.

A concert rehearsal featuring special guest Willie Jones will be held at 5 p.m., Sat., Feb. 23 at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium and all media are invited to attend.

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Shreveport-Bossier Offers Authentic Louisiana Cuisine, Live Music and 24-Hour Riverfront Nightlife for Visiting Fans

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The 2012 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl will feature the Ohio University Bobcats taking on the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks in the 37th installment of the Independence Bowl, set for Friday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m. The match-up will take place at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La. For more game information or to purchase tickets visit www.independencebowl.org or call (888) 414-BOWL.

Located at a cultural crossroads where two great American heritages blend, Shreveport-Bossier is equally influenced by the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana and the wide-open, independent spirit of Texas. Fans who are planning to attend the 2012 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl are encouraged to take time to explore the region known as “Louisiana’s Other Side”.

Here are five essential Shreveport-Bossier experiences that no fan should miss out on while visiting the area:

1. Get a Taste of Louisiana Seafood

Louisiana is known for fresh, delicious seafood and Shreveport-Bossier is no exception. Visit Herby-K’s (1833 Pierre Ave., Shreveport) for a legendary Shrimp Buster sandwich, or grab authentic, New Orleans-style po-boys at Kim’s Seafood and Po-Boy (901 Benton Rd., Bossier City). For fine dining, visit 2John’s Steak and Seafood (2151 Airline Dr., Bossier City) or Wine Country Bistro (4801 Line Ave., Shreveport). 
                                                               

2. Hit the Casinos for 24-Hour Riverfront Fun

Shreveport-Bossier City’s five riverboat casinos and horseracing track at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs (8000 East Texas St., Bossier City) lend 24-hour excitement to the region's entertainment offerings. In Shreveport, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino and Eldorado Resort Casino are located along Clyde Fant Parkway in the heart of downtown. Just across the Red River in Bossier City, Horseshoe Casino & Hotel can be found, along with Boomtown Casino & Hotel and DiamondJacks Casino and Resort. All five casinos offer 24-hour gaming action, a variety of restaurant options, and more. 

3. Experience Local Night Life

Another well-known element of life in Louisiana is the unique and vibrant culture to be found in nightclubs, bars and other music venues. Noble Savage Tavern (417 Texas St., Shreveport) is a popular downtown gathering place with live music nightly. Noble Savage Tavern will feature live, 50’s-style rock from The Dragstrip Phantoms following the Independence Bowl. Also located in downtown Shreveport, Lake Street Dancehall (425 Lake Street, Shreveport) is a two-story bar with eclectic live music and a distinctly Louisiana vibe. Lake Street Dance Hall will feature live rock and blues from the Soulfish Blues Band following the game. Especially for country music fans, Bossier City’s Rockin’ Rodeo (1003 Gould Dr., Bossier City) is a favorite spot for dancing.

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop      

One of the most popular shopping destinations in Shreveport-Bossier is The Louisiana Boardwalk (540 Boardwalk Blvd., Bossier City), a riverfront lifestyle and shopping center featuring more than 60 retail and outlet shops including a giant Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The Louisiana Boardwalk will host the Independence Bowl Pep Rally, featuring team mascots, cheerleaders and Mardi Gras floats, at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 27. Youree Drive in Shreveport is home to multiple shopping centers, popular eateries and more.

5. Family Fun     

Traveling with family? Located on the Shreveport riverfront, Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center (820 Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport) was recently selected by Parents magazine as one of the “Top 10 Science Centers in the U.S.” Now through January 20, 2013, Sci-Port is hosting the blockbuster traveling exhibit “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.” Artspace (710 Texas St., Shreveport), a multi-floor interactive arts center, is another must-visit for families. On display through January 26, “The Making of Guardians” exhibit is a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the DreamWorks Animation film Rise of the Guardians.  

For a complete calendar of things to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com or www.shreveport-bossier.org.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: High-quality, high-resolution images of Shreveport-Bossier may be requested by contacting Chris Jay, public relations manager, at cjay@sbctb.org or (318) 429-0658.

Eight-day festival expected to draw 180,000 for art, food and music

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – Non-stop live entertainment on three stages, food, art and more will return to downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza during the 37th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival, Oct. 6-13. The Red River Revel is known as north Louisiana’s largest outdoor arts festival, drawing more than 180,000 visitors annually and featuring the work of more than 120 visual artists from across the United States.

This year’s live entertainment headliners include New Orleans rock band Cowboy Mouth (Saturday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.), R&B singer Cupid (Friday, Oct. 12, 8:30 p.m.), Shreveport’s own Grammy-nominated family gospel group foreverJONES (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m.) and more. Returning favorites include Texas folk rock duo Trout Fishing in America (Oct. 7 & 8, 7:30 p.m.) and national touring fiddle and dance family band, The Hunts (Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.). 

A juried roster of more than 120 visual artists from across the United States will be displaying and selling their original works of art including jewelry, paintings, acrylics, clothing, pottery, photography, wood work and more. Families can enjoy hands-on fun in the children’s education arts area, which features everything from a ferris wheel to events like “Artist for a Day,” “Architecture Alive,” a Salto Trampoline, a climbing wall and more. 

The Red River Revel has garnered considerable national recognition through the years. It is ranked as one of the Top 10 Events in Louisiana by Top Events USA, one of the Top 100 Fine Arts Festivals in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine, an official AAA Southern Traveler "Travel Treasure,” and a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
         
For more information, including admission fees, information on area hotels, and a complete list of sponsors and supporters, visit www.redriverrevel.com. A media kit featuring detailed listings of artists, food vendors, and educational programs, as well as a complete live entertainment line-up, can be found at www.redriverrevel.com/mediakit.  
          
NOTE TO MEDIA:
High-quality, high-resolution photographs from past Red River Revel events are available for use courtesy of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. For more information, contact Chris Jay at (318) 429-0658 or cjay at sbctb dot org.

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

Christy M. Long, Office Manager
Red River Revel Arts Festival
(318) 424-4000, christy at redriverrevel dot com

106th installment of fair will feature live entertainment, concessions, livestock exhibits and more

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The State Fair of Louisiana will celebrate 106 years of providing unique, family-friendly entertainment when it returns to Shreveport’s fair grounds, Oct. 25-Nov. 11, 2012.

This year’s schedule of live entertainment includes: a PRCA Rodeo at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, Nov. 2-3; nightly concerts at the World of Wireless Free Entertainment Stage featuring headliners like blues guitarist Wes Jeans, Nov. 8, and zydeco legend Wayne Toups, Nov. 10; a live broadcast of Amistad Radio’s “Talk to the Bishop” featuring Bishop Fred A. Caldwell, Sr., Oct. 28, and more. A non-stop program of free performances and attractions, ranging from fire-breathers and escape artists to BMX and skateboard stunt teams, will take place along the midway for the entertainment of guests.

As always, animal lovers will find much to enjoy at the State Fair of Louisiana, from a full program of livestock exhibits to attractions like Ultimate Safari, Wild Whitetails, the Tiger Encounter Show and Hollywood Racing Pigs. The State Fair of Louisiana is the premier showplace for young 4-H and Future Farmers of America members to exhibit livestock and agricultural projects.  

One of the most popular elements of the State Fair of Louisiana is the unpredictable variety of unique food and drink available for purchase. From traditional festival fare like giant corn dogs, funnel cakes and blooming onions to Louisiana specialties such as jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee, the State Fair of Louisiana serves up crowd-pleasing favorites alongside unique, local delicacies.  

This year’s State Fair will include a special Military Appreciation Day, with free admission for veterans and active military with valid military ID on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11. Also on Veterans Day, a Louisiana Veterans Honor Parade will be held, 2-4 p.m., concluding in a free concert and recognition ceremony at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

The State Fair of Louisiana is open, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. The fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. General admission is $10 per person and Pay-One-Price Admission, including gate admission and ride armband, is $30 per person. The FunPass, which includes admission and ride armband for each of the 14 days the fair is open, is $75 per person. Parking is $5. Discounted advance tickets are currently available at select Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods stores in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. For a full list of participating discounted ticket locations, visit www.statefairoflouisiana.com.   

A complete schedule of events, attractions and entertainment at the 2012 State Fair of Louisiana, along with information on group tickets, preferred hotels, and more, is available at www.statefairoflouisiana.com.

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

                                     
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Annual event will be held at DiamondJacks Casino, 6 p.m., July 21

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA - Celebrate a cultural tapestry through the flavor, sight, and sound of the many ethnicities represented in Northwest Louisiana, including Creole, Cajun, Native American, Korean, Filipino, Scottish, Turkish, German, Japanese, Hispanic and more, during the Multicultural Center of the South's annual "A Taste of Culture" event. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 at DiamondJacks Casino. Featured chefs include DiamondJacks' own Gunter Kilian and Sushi Chef, Gloria Liu. Host Emcee, Michelle White Lafitte of KTAL Channel 6 will preside over a silent auction and entertainment from various cultures. Admission is $35. For ticket information, call (318) 424-1380.

This event is sponsored by The Multicultural Center of the South in conjunction with these sponosors: DiamondJacks Casino, AT&T, El Dorado Casino and Resort and Dr. Reddy’s Pharmaceuticals.

The Multicultural Center of the South is a non-profit organization designed to educate the general public about the rich diversity and history of Shreveport, Bossier, Northwest Louisiana and the South. Visit us at 520 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, or call (318) 424-1380.

For More Information:
Janice Gatlin, (318) 773-6180
Patty Kim, (318) 564-0303
Loreta Leavitt, (318) 798-9967

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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.

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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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

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Free festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 19 in Columbia Park 

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The 2011 Highland Jazz and Blues Festival, presented by MetroPCS, will take place 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 at Columbia Park in Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood. The annual festival, which features two stages of non-stop live music, food vendors, and an Artist’s Alley, is free to attend. Preservation Hall Jazz Band, a critically-acclaimed Dixieland Jazz collective from New Orleans, will headline a roster of blues and jazz performers including Buddy Flett, Wes Jeans, Jazziana, David Egan, Fannin Street Players with Danny Wilder, Stiff Necked Fools, Soul Fish, Jimmy Wooten Trio, and more. Columbia Park is located at 700 Columbia Street in Shreveport.

In addition to live music, the festival is known for attracting an uncommon variety of food vendors. Offerings include Cajun jambalaya, Caribbean jerk chicken, locally-roasted gourmet coffees, and more. Artist’s Alley will feature local artists and artisans selling items including hand-made jewelry and original works of art, jams and jellies, and home décor.  

Now in its eighth year, the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is supported by the City of Shreveport and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. The Highland Jazz & Blues Festival is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit arts organization, dedicated to being a positive force in the growth of Shreveport's historic Highland neighborhood. For more information, visit www.highlandjazzandblues.org or search for Highland Jazz and Blues Festival on Facebook.        
                                                                    
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Special Event will Feature Live Music, Appearances by Cast of Williams Biopic "The Last Ride"
 
SHREVEPORT, LA - Hank Williams became the first big star of the world famous Louisiana Hayride stage and radio show. Hank and Audrey moved to Shreveport in 1948 from Montgomery, AL and Hank, Jr. was born in Shreveport on May 26, 1949. The combination of Hank Williams and the Louisiana Hayride became the genesis of a music revolution. Hank’s blend of roots country and blues music forged a style emanating from the Louisiana Hayride that literally changed the world. He opened the pathway at the Hayride for acceptance of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Johnny Horton, and countless other musicians.
 
The Louisiana Hayride is now extremely honored to celebrate the greatness of Hank Williams. In collaboration with Harry Thomason, Director, and Tim Jackson, Executive Producer of the new motion picture "The Last Ride," the non-profit Louisiana Hayride Foundation will present a free Sunday afternoon Louisiana Hayride concert of Hank Williams' music, October 16, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 619 Louisiana Ave. in Shreveport. Performers are Hank’s daughter Jett Williams, the Cox Family, and a host of musicians and singers who performed in the Louisiana Hayride Band. Other popular musicians and entertainers will include bass player Joe Osborn, along with Kenny Bill Stinson, Buddy Flett, Ted Jones, Matthew Davidson, Ben Franks, Bill Boles, Jeremy Parsons, Maggie Warwick, Miki Honeycutt, Robin Beach Black, Monty Russell, Charlie Barrett, Kent Gill, Al Harris, and many more.
 
Other singers will be exciting guests who play lead roles in the "The Last Ride." Henry Thomas ("E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," "Gangs of New York") plays Hank, and Jesse James, plays the young driver of Hank’s Cadillac. Everyone will remember Thomas from his role as the lovable young boy in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." Both actors are also musicians, and will join in the Louisiana Hayride concert with some great Hank Williams songs.
 
“The Last Ride” opens in Shreveport at Cinemark Tinseltown 17 on October 21.  On-line tickets are available now. Producers of the movie are donating a dollar per ticket sold on-line prior to opening, which will be donated by the Louisiana Hayride Foundation to two local charities, The Providence House and Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission.
 
Ken Shepherd and Maggie Warwick will co-host the Hayride concert and will feature special interviews with Hank’s old friends from the Louisiana Hayride, such as Felton Pruitt, Sonny Harville, Frank Page, Norm Bale, Stan Lewis, George Dement, Tillman Franks’ family and more. Media interviews with entertainers, musicians, actors, and producers are being scheduled.  Please call for more information.

For more information on the motion picture "The Last Ride," visit www.thelastridefilm.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Louisiana Hayride Companies
Maggie Warwick - (318) 868-9444
Alton Warwick - (318) 227-9110
Cell: (318) 560-1903 - alwarwick@aol.com

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