Arts
Ongoing – February: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits currently showing are: works by Maria Manneman at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing (located in the Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) and the Cabrini Cancer Center; and works by Donna Jane LaBorde at the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery (located at Rapides Regional Medical Center between the South Tower Lobby and ER). For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org. Cost: Free. Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing – February 22: American Watercolor Society: 146th Annual Traveling Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Explore contemporary trends in watercolor paintings of 40 watercolors by artists throughout the world. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors/students/military, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing – February 22: Eric L. Reed: A Still Photo Journey through Film in Central Louisiana, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Documenting the production experience of the first project of Alexis Crew Productions, founded by Actress/Producer Faith Ford and Writer/Director Campion Murphy, the photographs by Pineville-based Eric L. Reed feature many of Central Louisiana’s creative individuals blending in seamlessly into the filmmaking process. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors/students/military, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing – February 22: “Keep the Joy of Loving In Your Heart,” Marie Constantin: Photos of Mother Teresa, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Behind the scenes moments of the late Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to caring for the poor. Baton Rouge photographer Marie Constantin was one of two 2professional photographers in the U.S. invited to photograph Mother Teresa while traveling through the U.S. and Calcutta. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors/students/military, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458
Ongoing – February 22: Reflections: African-American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. 20th Century African American life is reflected in paintings, works on paper, and fabric works by prominent artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Hale Woodruff, James VanDerZee, and Betye Saar from the collection of costume designer and arts patron, Myrna Colley-Lee. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors/students/military, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing – February 22: Our Cenla: The Muse Juried Instagram Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. This exhibition presented by The Muse, AMoA’s club for teens and young adults, features photographs inspired by images throughout Cenla taken by area youth and shared via Instagram, an online photo-sharing website and mobile application. Cost: $4 adults, $3 seniors/students/military, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
February 8: “Making A Mark” Exhibit Featuring the works of Clementine Hunter, Lemee House (310 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches), 10:00am-4:00pm. This exhibit will communicate Clementine Hunter’s role and influence as a celebrated African-American artist. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 8: NCHS Art Exhibit, Natchitoches Arts Gallery (584 Front Street in Natchitoches), 2:00pm-4:00pm. Featuring the works of art students at Natchitoches Central High School. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 15: AMoA Family Class: Piecing Art Together, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-3p.m. Families and kids of all ages will discuss the collage pieces of Romare Bearden and create collages inspired by the artist’s work. Bring the kids or just your kid at heart. Cost: Free for member families, $20 per nonmember family. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
February 15: The Muse: Marble Papermaking Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 3:30-5:30pm. This experimental technique presented by artist Amanda Roe uses spray paint in a non-traditional way to marbleize paper for multiple uses including printmaking and book binding. Not only is it fun, but it’s simple, with endless combinations of texture and color. Teaching artist Amanda Roe from The Louisiana School of Math, Science and the Arts will be leading this workshop for teens and young adults. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
February 18 – April 5: Art Exhibit, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 10a.m.-4p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat. Exhibit featuring artists Sue Karr Boagni, Carole Steele and Warren Land Ford. Exhibit Reception February 21st from 5-7p.m. Cost: Reception free. All other times regular admission. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
February 23 – March 8: 35th Annual Contemporary Artists’ Guild Bank Show, Capital One Bank downtown Alexandria. Sponsored by Capital One Bank, the opening reception will be held February 23rd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Call Anna Dubois: 318-613-5650.
March 1: 39th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Kees Park, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Red River Arts and Crafts Guild. Featuring many local artists and handmade creations such as paintings, pencil art, watercolor, jewelry, woodwork, wooden toys, ceramics, photography, jams, jellies and much more. Door prizes. Cost: Admission free. Call Donna Fontenot: 443-1785.
Music
February 8: Hardrick Rivers in Concert, Cane River Lake Riverbank in Natchitoches, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 20: Live Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Come out and enjoy live music and food in a casual coffee house atmosphere in our café where various local and regional musical guests join host John Wakefield. Cost: Free for members, $4 nonmember adults and $3 for students/seniors/military. Call Anne Reid: 443-3458.
February 22: Gospel Music Workshop, Abundant Life Church (618 Ben Drive in Natchitoches), 9:00am-2:00pm. Workshops will be held to discuss the power of gospel music. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 23: Black History Month Gospel Concert, Abundant Life Church (618 Ben Drive in Natchitoches), 5:00pm. This moving concert will feature Thomas Dorsey, the Hawkins Family and Kirk Franklin. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
Theatre
February 6-9 and 13-16: Dancing at Lughnasa, Martin Performing Arts Center, Louisiana College, 7p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Louisiana College. August 1936, rural Ireland. Step into the kitchen of the five fiercely proud Mundy sisters, a place for talking, laughing and lively dancing. This Tony-Award-Winning play captures a beautiful and exuberant sliver of these women’s lives, a summer where love, and everything else, seemed possible. Cost: $15 general admission, $10 seniors/students, $5 LC students. Call Theatre of Louisiana College Box Office: 487-7495.
February 21-22: A Song for Nadine: The Musical, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Savoy Entertainment. Based on Keisha Orphey’s award-winning screenplay Ella, depicting the life of legendary jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. This musical will surely have you dancing out of your seat and falling in love. Cost: $15 advance, $20 door. Call Keisha Orphey: 613-4841. www.savoyentertainment.net
Events
February 8 and March 8: Second Saturday Market & Community Table, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-1p.m. Admission is free to AMoA every Second Saturday with arts activities for kids, live music, exhibitions, creating art projects together, and discovering one another’s creativity. Home gardeners and local farmers are invited to sell their extra produce and plants at the Community Table. One-of-a-kind works of art sold in the downtown Cultural Arts District are tax free. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
February 8: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
February 8: Red River Bank University Finance Class, Central Louisiana Business Incubator, 9:00am – 12:00noon. This three-hour training class will teach consumers methods to repairing damaged credit. Call: (318) 561-5800.
February 8: Historic Walking Tour of Historic Natchitoches, 10:00am. Park rangers from Cane River Creole National Historical Park will offer guided walking tours of downtown Natchitoches. Tours begin at the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, located at 550 Second Street. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 8 & 9: Black Fire: 147 Years of Black Methodism in Natchitoches, Asbury Methodist Church in Natchitoches, 2:30pm. An exhibit and presentation featuring the influence of Black Methodism in Natchitoches Parish. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 10: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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.
February 11: SBA Social Media and Disaster Recovery Webinar, 2:00pm. Communicating a key message in a timely and accurate manner is essential when a disaster strikes. Increasingly, organizations are relying on social media to get ahead of and dispel misinformation. The webinar will cover effective uses of various social media channels, simple first steps toward building a crisis communications plan and best practices based on recent experiences. A Q&A will follow. Sponsored by the Small Business Administration. Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/574641720. Cost: Free.
February 12: 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.
February 13: “Journey to Freedom” Film Screening and Panel Discussion, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6p.m. The film tells the true stories of two men, 21st Century Cambodian Vannak Prum and 19th Century American Solomon Northup, who were sold into slavery more than 150 years apart. A panel discussion will explore the concept of freedom through the context of Solomon Northup. Journey to Freedom is produced by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the U.S. State Department and Google. Cost: Admission free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
February 15: 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.
February 15: Cause We Care Fair, Alexandria Mall, 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by LSU AgCenter, Rapides Parish Library and Kiwanis of Central LA. All school age children that attend and participate in all activities receive a free t-shirt. Cost: Admission free. Call Quincy L. Cheek: 767-3968.
February 15: We Love Louisiana Authors Day, Westside Regional Library, 10:00am-4:00pm. his event is for local authors to showcase their material and will include networking, book signings, panel discussions, and more. Authors who would like to reserve a table should do so by February 3rd. Call Tammy DiBartolo: 318-442-2483 ext. 1906. www.rpl.org
February 15-16: Lynn Trefzger Live, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Lynn Trefzger, an extremely talented ventriloquist and comedian, will present two performances. The Saturday performance is an adult show. Audience members must be 18+. Sunday’s performance will feature comedy for all ages. Both performances will feature a pre-show reception, beginning at 6:00pm each night. Cost: $25 adult; $15 student/military; $10 children (Sunday only). Group rates are available. Call: 318-484-4471.
February 17: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 12:00noon. 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.
February 17: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
February 18: Lights Out in Blackham Preview, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest History Museum, 10:00am-4:30pm. In 1966, Beryl Shipley, former coach of the University of Southwest Louisiana, became the first coach to integrate his athletic team in the Deep South. Filmmaker Douglas Domingue will preview Shipley’s role in Louisiana sports history. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 18: Happiest Baby on the Block, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. The program was created by Dr. Harvey Karp and is designed to teach parents simple, effective and fun techniques to quickly soothe their babies’ cries and help them to sleep a little longer. Please pre-register. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-36270.
February 19: CenLa Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00noon. This month’s meeting will feature “Stealz & Dealz”: how to save on almost anything! The luncheon will also feature a mini concert by Brenda Copeland. Childcare available by request only. Please RSVP. Cost: $16. Call: 318-445-2154.
February 20: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am-12:30pm. 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.
February 20: 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.
February 20: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
February 21: “The Long Memory” Presentation, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm. Art historian and Interim Executive Director, New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and History, Dr. Mora Beauchamp-Byrd, will present an image slideshow and lecture on themes related to the exhibition, Reflections: African-American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection, on view at AMoA, which features African-American artists whose narrative subjects and landscapes of the American South highlight 20th century African American life and storytelling traditions connected to a sense of place. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
February 22: A Taste of Culture African-American Heritage Parade, Downtown Historic Natchitoches, 2:00pm. The parade will travel up Martin Luther King Street to Amulet, Jefferson, Church and Fifth Streets. Call: 1-800-259-1714. www.Natchitoches300.com
February 23: Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade, Marksville, 2:00pm. The Members of the Rotary Club of Avoyelles are pleased to announce the tenth annual Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade. This event is being held to provide a source of family entertainment for all in Avoyelles Parish and Central Louisiana, and to showcase Avoyelles’ French heritage and some of the traditions associated with the “Cajun” Culture. There is no entry fee, however, all entrants must be pre-registered. The deadline for entries is February 17th. Call Allison Ravare-Augustine: 318-264-9392.
February 24: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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.
February 24: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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.
February 25: “Bidder 70” Screening, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. . This documentary, part of the Southern Circuit Independent Film Tour, follows a college student, Tim DeChristopher, who derailed President Bush’s widely protested federal oil and gas lease auction. The film will be preceded by an opening reception at 6:00pm, with a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers immediately following the feature presentation. Tickets are available through www.ticket-central.org or at the door. Cost: $12 general admission; $10 student/military. Call: 318-484-4471.
February 26: LSUA Mardi Gras Parade, LSUA Campus, Noon. An opportunity to come celebrate and catch some beads on the LSUA Campus. This annual event is hosted by faculty, staff and students. Cost: Admission free. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
February 27: Professional Women’s Network Luncheon, Catering By Yolande, 12:00pm. This month’s featured guest speaker will be Dr. Paul Coreil, Chancellor at LSU of Alexandria. Please RSVP. Cost: $10. Call: 318-445-0446.
February 27: Krewe of Antiqua Mardi Gras Party, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church Family Life Center, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Senior Citizens’ Center, INC. Think Mardi Gras is just for young folks? Well think again and look again at the Krewe of Antiqua. Come pass a good time and dance along with us! Cost: $3 for 59 and younger, $1 for 60 and older. Call Donna Sayer: 487-1561.
February 27: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. . Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
February 28: Hixson Autoplex College Cheerleader & Classic Cars Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30p.m. Sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Call Daniel McGuffee: 561-5893 or 419-7216. www.alexmardigras.com
March 1: AMGA 17th Annual Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10a.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Entry applications can be found on the AMGA website. www.alexmardigras.com Cost: $100 per parade entry. Call Jenna Bonner: 443-1200 or 542-9084.
March 1: Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade, Historic Downtown Natchitoches, 5:30pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “Natchitoches Tri-Centennial Celebration”. Registration forms are available on the Krewe’s website at kreweofdionysos.yolasite.com, the Krewe Facebook Page or by e-mail at [email protected] Call Rick Calvert: 318-471-0923.
March 1: Zydeco & Old School Dance, Alexandria Convention Hall, 9p.m.-Midnight. Sponsored by Re-Entry Solutions. This mixed cultural event is for the old and new generations alike. Family fun and wholesome atmosphere for all of Cenla to enjoy. Cost: $15 advance, $20 door. Call Andre Christophe: 715-8178.
March 2: AMGA 21st Annual Krewes Parade, Mid City, 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Route: Texas Ave. to Masonic Dr., Memorial Dr. to North Blvd. Cost: Admission free. Call Becky Deville: 452-3681. www.alexmardigras.com
March 7-8: TBIPAC Spring BBQ Throwdown, Paragon Casino Resort RV Park, 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Trade booths set up on Saturday. Judges are needed for brisket, ribs and chicken on Saturday. 500 BBQ Plate lunch sales from 11a.m.-1p.m. Sat. Cost: $150 for BBQ Contestants and free general admission. Call Amy Sampson: 240-6414.
March 7-30: Central Louisiana Outdoor Adventure Festival, Rapides Parish, times: TBA. Sponsored by Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Enjoy one of “America’s Top 100 Adventure Towns” during a month-long calendar of events focusing on our great outdoor activities. Cost: Varies by event. Call CVB: 442-9546.
March 8: Annual Heart Walk, Big Island, 8a.m. registration, 9a.m. walk. Sponsored by American Heart Association. Super Hero is the theme for the Heart Walk. Come dressed as your favorite character. Register on line at www.cenlaheartwalk.org. Cost: Admission free. Call Kourtny Bratton: 794-9621.
March 8: Taking It 2 the Street, Downtown Alexandria, 10a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Bayou Dawgs, Sayes Office Supply and Greg Walker Law. Kicking off its 4th season, Taking It 2 the Streets is a walking tour of Alexandria’s Cultural District with Media Celebrity tour guides and street performers all along the route. This family, friendly tour starts at the Alexandria Museum of Art’s Second Saturday Market. Cost: Admission free. Call Rich Joyce: 445-1234 ext. 242.
Sports
Ongoing – February 15: Upward Soccer Registration, Kingsville Baptist Church. Each player will need to attend an evaluation on either Friday, February 14th at 4:00pm or Saturday, February 15th at 9:30am. Register online at www.kingsvillebaptist.org. Cost: $75. E-mail Kristetta Miller: [email protected].
February 11, 18, 25 and March 4: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m. Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday, thanks to a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Yoga Instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with 14 years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
February 22: ALBC/LSUA Open Scholarship Bass Tournament, Red River Midway Marina, St. Maurice, 5a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by LSUA and Association of Bass Clubs. Weigh-in at 3p.m. Street address is 3185 HWY 477, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Cost: $150 per two person team. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
