Arts
Ongoing – April 6: Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival Art Exhibit, First United Methodist Church, Alexandria, 10a.m.-4p.m. Exhibit open daily and features competitive art exhibits by regional artists and special exhibits. Cost: Admission free. Call Julie Bacon: 443-5696.
Ongoing – April: Arts & Helathcare Art Exhibits. The works of St. Francis Cabrini Hospital Associates and their families will be on display in the Gallery for Reflection and Healing in St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, on the first floor. The works of Rapides Regional Medical Center employees and their families will be on display in the first floor gallery. Many of the works on display are available for purchase. Call: 318-769-7602.
Ongoing – May 24: Dueling Visions of Liberty: Depictions of the American Civil War, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Exhibit presents the diverse political, regional and racial viewpoints expressed during the American Civil War through art. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 24: Theo Tobiasse: Textural Emergence, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. This selection of works from the permanent collection represents the later years of this Holocaust survivor’s prolific and innovative career. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 31: Art Shapes the World: 10th Annual Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Youth Art Month is an annual observance every March to emphasize the value of art education for all youth and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Artworks created and submitted by area students, from Kindergarten through the 12th grade, are on display. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 5: Family Art Class: Printing Texture with Tobiasse, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-3p.m. Families and kids of all ages will tour AMoA’s exhibition Theo Tobiasse: Textural Emergence, and then learn how to create textural prints using an embossed collagraph process. Cost: Free to AMoA member families, $20 nonmember families. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 5: The Muse Ceramic Sculpture Workshop with Jeremy Simmons (session 2 of 2), MPAC Building, LSUA Campus, 3:30-5:30p.m. In part 2 of the workshops, LSUA visual arts professor Jeremy Simmons will teach students between the ages of 14-21 ceramic sculpture techniques. Cost: TBA. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 8 – May 24: Exhibit Opening and Reception, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat. Sponsored by GEADA and River Oaks Square Arts Center.
Exhibit featuring artists Nilda Comas, Kimberly Brannon and Sean Khamphouang. Reception April 11, 5-7p.m. Cost: Reception free. All other times regular admission. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
April 12: Spanish Language Tour of Exhibitions and Spanish Language Art Talk, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tour 1-2p.m., Art Talk 2-3:30p.m. Have fun talking in Spanish and learning about the art of Spanish-speaking cultures. Facilitated by Carlos Villaseñor Anaya, International Consultant and expert in Cultural Development and Cultural Policy. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call AMoA: 443-3458
April 25: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8:30p.m. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers are presented by Mosaic Dialect, a collective of Alexandria “poets in motion,” promoting the art of spoken word, self-expression and creating opportunities for poets. Cost: Free for AMoA members, $4 for nonmembers. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
Music
April 4 and 11: DownTown Rocks, Steps of City Hall, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. April 4: Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeko and April 11: Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5225.
April 4: Jazz on Jackson, First United Methodist Church, Alexandria, time: TBA. Sponsored by Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Visit www.fumca.org/artsfestival for more information. Cost: Admission free. Call Julie Bacon: 443-5696.
April 17: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Live music, food and fun. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to music hosted by John Wakefield and snack on tasty food and drink every third Thursday. Cost: Free for AMoA members, $4 for nonmembers. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
May 3: Carmina Burana, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The RSO performs Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana as the orchestra is joined by the Red River Chorale and choirs of Northwestern State University. Cost: $25 general admission, $14 seniors 65+, $10 students. To purchase tickets visit: www.ticket-central.org. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
Theatre
April 3 – 6 & 10-13: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, LSUA Black Box Theatre, 7:30p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:20p.m. Sun. Sponsored by LSUA Empty Space Players. Cost: $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors. Call Robert Harper: 473-6473.
April 3 – 6: Oklahoma, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Thur.-Fri., 2p.m. Sat.-Sun. Sponsored by Holy Savior Menard High School. Please call for ticket prices. Call Cherise Rino: 445-8233.
April 15: The Retrieval, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6p.m. reception, 7p.m. film. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. A Civil War-era western about a fatherless boy sent to retrieve a wanted man under false pretense, and the unexpected emotional bonds that form during their journey. Cash bar during reception. Q&A session with the filmmaker after the film. Cost: $12 general admission, $10 student/military ID. Call Anna Brooks: 484-4478.
April 24 – 27: The Marvelous Wonderettes, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:30p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School Prom, where we meet the Wonderettes, 4 girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to the girls performing classic 50’s and 60’s songs. Cost: $18 general admission, $16 seniors 55+, $13 children under 12. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE.
April 24 – 27: The Apple Tree, Fox Theatre in Marksville. Le Theatre Des Bon Temps, Inc. presents the musical The Apple Tree, a charming and comical twist on the story of Adam and Eve, based on short stories by Mark Twain. Shows will run nightly Thursday through Saturday at 6:30pm. with a Sunday matinee at 2:00pm. Cost: $10.00 adults; $8.00 children 12 and under. Call: 318-253-8105.
Events
Ongoing – April 19: Easter Bunny Visits, JC Penney Court, 10a.m.-7p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mall. Visits and portraits with the Easter Bunny and live rabbits. Cost: Visit free; regular portrait fees apply. Call Mall Office: 264-8064. www.alexandriamall.com.
Ongoing – June 28 (every Tue. and Sat.): Inglewood Harvest Barn Market, Inglewood Harvest Barn, 3-6p.m. Tues., 9a.m.-1p.m. Sat. Inglewood Farm’s full offering of organic fruits and vegetables, organic pecans and pecan oil, Berkshire pork and pastured chicken eggs. Saturdays also offer a generous line-up of local vendors, refreshments, wagon rides/farm tours and more! Cost: Admission free. Call Lee Weeks: 442-6398.
April 5: Spring Herb Day Arts and Crafts Festival, Kent Plantation House, 8a.m.-1p.m. Come browse our fine selection of flowers and herbs and get expert advice from local Garden Club and Herb Society members. Roses for sale by Cenla Rose Society. A large assortment of locally made arts and crafts will be available for purchase. Lunch sales on site. Cost: Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
April 5: Start A Heart Cenla, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 8-11a.m. Bystander CPR Training will teach participants how to perform Hands-Only CPR for adults, perform child and infant CPR, relieve choking in adults, children and infants, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. Cost: Admission free. Call David Melancon: 880-7944. www.startaheartcenla.org.
April 5: City of Alexandria Pet Adoption Day, 200 Animal Shelter Road in Alexandria, 9:00am-2:00pm. Adopters will receive a new collar and leash with a dog adoption or a new collar and cat toy with a cat adoption, while supplies last! www.coaas.org
April 5: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Outpatient Building Conference Room 3A/B, 9 a.m. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 5: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Lunch is included. Please pre-register. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 7, May 5: Kids World, JC Penney Court, 10-11a.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mall. Activity program for kids 2-12. Featuring a special theme, entertainment and crafts. Event will be held the first Monday of every month. Cost: Admission free. Call Mall Office: 448-0227. www.alexandriamall.com.
April 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died that meets on the first Monday of every month. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. Brown bag supper begins at 6:00pm. Pre-registration is required. Find us on Facebook at Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 8, 22: Haven of Hope Medical Clinic, Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church, 6:00pm-9:00pm. A licensed medical doctor provides medical examinations and minimal treatment for anyone in need of a physicians’ care. The clinic is open to everyone. No qualifying or documentation is needed. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3692.
April 9: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering a free program designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease. The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited, please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.
April 11-12: Central Louisiana Garden Expo, State Evacuation Shelter at LSUA, 9:00am-5:00pm. The expo will feature vendor booths, educational gardening seminars, plants & supplies for purchase, Q&A booth, garden clubs and plant societies, master gardener demonstrations and more! Cost: $2.00. Call LSU AgCenter: 318-427-4424.
April 11-12: Scrappin’ For Babies, First Baptist Church of Pineville Fellowship Hall, 9:00am-Midnight. Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital is hosting a two-day, scrapbooking event to benefit the March of Dimes. This special event will be filled with scrapbooking fun, food, door prizes and a few surprises. Vendors will be present to discuss the newest scrapbooking techniques. Cost: $50 per day or $75 for two days. Call Stephanie Kidd: (318) 419-4527 or Denise Cross: (318) 769-7569.
April 11: Pine Needle Basketry, Marksville State Historic Site. Please pre-register. Cost: $4.00 adults; Free children/seniors (under 13 or over 62). Call: 888-253-8954.
April 12: Inglewood Spring Fling, Inglewood Harvest Barn Market, 9a.m.-1p.m. Come celebrate Easter on the Farm! Full Inglewood Market, generous line-up of local vendors, pig roast, egg hunt, wagon ride/farm tour, live music and more. Cost: Admission free. Call Lee Weeks: 442-6398.
April 12: Second Saturday Market, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-1p.m. Admission is free every second Saturday to AMoA. Arts activities for kids, live music, exhibition tours, local produce, and original local art. There’s always something new to explore. All one-of-a-kind works of art are tax free in the Downtown Cultural Arts District. Cost: Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 12: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Terrace Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. Call: 318-769-4440.
April 12: Taking It 2 the Street, 933 Main St., 10a.m. Sponsored by Bayou Dawgs, Sayes Office Supply, Greg Walker Law.com; a cooperative effort funded by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority. This family friendly walking tour of Alexandria’s Downtown Cultural Arts District starts at AMoA and is guided by local media celebrities. The tour stops at scenic locations along the route to be entertained by local street performers. Cost: Admission free. Call Rich Joyce: 445-1234 ext. 242.
April 12: Rapides Parish Library Community Health Fair, Alexander Fulton Hotel, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with healthcare providers from area agencies, and Library staff will be available to share information on the latest health and wellness websites, apps, and databases. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes screenings will be available, as well as games and activities for children. Sponsored by Amerigroup Healthcare. Cost: Free. Call Faith Johnson: 318-445-2411, ext. 1030 or 1036. www.rpl.org
April 12: The Civil War in Avoyelles, New Marksville Public Library, 10am -1pm. Call: 318-253-7559.
April 13: March of Dimes Play Day, Slinkees in the Alexandria Mall, 2:00pm-4:00pm. $3.00 for every paid admission will be donated to the March of Dimes during this special event. Cost: $8.00 per person.
April 14: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving. The Morning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 14: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. This free class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 16: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, The Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. “The Melody of Life” presented by concert pianist Sherry Woodruff and Alexandria Senior High’s ‘a cappella’ vocal ensemble. Please pre-register by Friday, April 11th. Cost: $16.00 (includes salad, entrée, dessert, coffee/tea, music and speaker). Call: 445-2154.
April 17: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month and is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family/caregiver. We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Please pre-register. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 17: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 17: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 19-20: Egg Knocking Fests & Contests. April 19th: April 19th Cottonport – 220 Cottonport Avenue 71327; Effie – Ben Routh Recreational Park, Hwy 1196, Effie 71331. April 20th: Marksville – Avoyelles Courthouse, 312 N. Main, Marksville 71351. Call: 800-833-4195.
April 21: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, Noon. If you or someone you know has cancer, or you are a caretaker of someone with cancer, please join this group on the third Monday of each month. A light meal will be served. Please pre-register. Call: (318) 769-7200.
April 22: Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, Country Inn and Suites, Pineville, 11:45a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by LaPine Chapter of IAAP. The LaPine Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals will celebrate Administrative Professional’s Week by hosting its annual luncheon. There will be a guest speaker and the 2014 Administrative Professional of the Year award will be presented. Cost: TBD. Call Crystal Watts: 613-6359.
April 24: H2O – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church parking lot, 10a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America Homeless Outreach Program along with other community partners provide instant, on-site services to the homeless or imminently homeless population. Food, clothing, housing options, haircuts and medical screenings are available at no charge. Cost: Admission free. Call Tracey Colson Antee: 442-8026.
April 24: Big Heart and Award Banquet, Alexandria Convention Hall, 6p.m. Sponsored by Re-Entry Solutions. Central Louisiana is a great place to call home because of our good hearted neighbors. Come help us say thank you and recognize locals who have a big heart. Jazz music, catered meal, coat and tie event with a cash bar. Cost: $25. Call Candy Christophe: 715-8179.
April 24: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6 p.m. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
April 26: March of Dimes 2014 March for Babies, Alexandria Levee Park Amphitheater, 10:00am. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center employees as they walk in support of healthy babies. Registration for the two-mile walk begins at 9:00am.
April 26: Prehistoric Mounds Tour, Marksville State Historic Site. Cost: $4.00 adults; Free children/seniors (under 13 or over 62). Call: 888-253-8954.
April 26: Plant & Outdoor Festival, St. Joseph’s Church in Marksville, 10am – 2pm. Call: 318-253-7561.
April 26: Lagniappe Festival, Daisy – Mansura, 10am – 4pm. Call: 318-964-2933.
April 26: Healthy Kid’s Day, 1801 Sylvester Street, 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by YMCA of Central Louisiana. Building a happier and healthier kid! An event to educate and motivate kids and parents to stay physically and intellectually active all summer long. Cost: Admission free. Call Courtney Paige: 445-8261 or 449-4686.
April 28: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia. We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 28: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Emeritus Senior Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach. This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month in conjunction with the Caregivers Support Group. The caregiver must attend the Caregivers Group and stay on campus during this group time. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 3: 7th Annual Getting Buggy at Kent House, Kent Plantation House, 8a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by USDA Forestry Service – Southern Research Station. Come learn about the world of bugs, the good, the bad and the buggy! Complete bug crafts and get up close and personal with various bugs and reptiles both local and exotic. Have your picture taken holding a giant cockroach! Take part in the Bug Olympics. Local pest control companies will be on hand to answer questions about pests in your home. There is something for everyone ages 1-101. Cost: Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
May 3: Mad Hatter Tea, Center Court, Alexandria Mall, 1-3p.m. Meet the royal cast of Wonderland characters along with tea time, crafts and photo opportunities. Children are invited to come in their most enchanting attire. Cost: Admission free. Call Mall Office: 448-0227. www.alexandriamall.com.
May 3: Holi: The Festival of Colors, Downtown Alexandria, 11a.m.-3p.m. An Indian Festival of Colors and music promoting Indian culture and heritage in Cenla. 3K walk/run followed by plate lunches. Come experience the music, dance and food of India. All proceeds will benefit a local charity. Charity will be announced before event date. Cost: TBD. Call Amy Pillarisetti: 792-1147.
May 5: Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future: AMoA Sponsor/VIP Party, Murray Street Pavilion, 5p.m. A gathering of Dragon Boat sponsors and AMoA Sponsor-level members and above will meet to watch the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races first practice runs for this year’s race. Cost: Admission free for AMoA and Dragon Boat Sponsors. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
Sports
April 7: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm-5:15pm. Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. This class is on-going and meets every Monday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 12: Bass Tournament presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim’s South Tire & Propane, Grand Ecore Landing, Red River, safe daylight-3p.m. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network. Fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. First place winner guaranteed $6,000 with additional 14 cash paid prizes based on 90 boat entries. Cost: $175 per boat (2 person team). Call Randy Despino: 445-4561 or 447-0102.
April 26: Art Run, First United Methodist Church, Alexandria, 8a.m. Sponsored by Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Visit www.fumca.org/artsfestival for more information. Cost: TBA. Call Julie Bacon: 443-5696.
