March 2017 Calendar

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Arts

Ongoing-May 27: Exhibition: Our Living Past, 933 Second Street, During Museum hours. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. The Music Maker Relief Foundation supports musicians who preserve the musical traditions of the South. Tim Duffy, its founder, has spent 35 years photographing the artists who work with the foundation. This exhibition features platinum palladium prints of many of these southern musicians in their own environment. These timeless photographs bring out the personalities and styles of these musicians and their art. Cost: Free (every second Saturday); $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors/Students/Military; $3.00 Youth (children 4-13); Free (children 4 & under). Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing-May 27: Exhibition: Kathryn Keller: The View from Within, 933 Second Street, During Museum Hours. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Alexandria artist Kathryn Keller paints her life in oil and watercolor. Cost: Free (every second Saturday); $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors/Students/Military; $3.00 Youth (children 4-13); Free (children 4 & under).Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing-March 26: Through Mud and Glass, LC Weathersby Fine Arts Building (Gallery #102).  “Through Mud and Glass” will be a month-long display of the drawings of Shreveport native and Baylor University Art Professor Mack Gingles. Gingles explained that the twelve large, framed drawings are part of “a project that allows me to draw out a South without borders and questions without answers. My drawings and paintings work at a description of the people around me as seen through a curtain of surrealistic light.”  Cost: Free.

March 11: Youth Art Month Festival, 933 Second Street, 10:00am-2:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. AMoA celebrates Youth Art Month and supports the creativity of our youth with a festival featuring art from educational FREE interactive art activities, demonstrations, art and food vendors and much more! Cost: Free. Call Nancy Noles: 318-443-3458.

March 16: AMoA AfterHours: Renegade Tour, 933 Second Street, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Our Renegade Tours continue in March. Join local arts and culture personalities for special after hour’s tours of our exhibitions, and enjoy a unique experience at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

March 18: Central Louisiana Food Bank Benefit Car Show, Grand Tire Auto Center in Pineville, 9:00am-2:00pm.  Trophies will be awarded for best paint, best engine, best interior, best car, best truck, best rat rod, best overall and best burnout.  All proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.  Cost: $15.00 Registration or $10.00 + 2 Non-perishable Food Items.  Call: 318-449-4488.

March 24: Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: Some Beasts, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Working in an insular farming community in Appalachia, Sal Damon, a modern day Thoreau, seeks solace from a past relationship.  After a sudden death in the community and the discovery of a feral child living on the lam, Sal must reconcile his place in a world that lives outside the law. Cost: $10.00 Adults; $8.00 Students. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4744.

March 25: Adult Art Class: Plein Air at Chickamaw, 933 Second Street, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Margie Tate will teach the technique of En Plein Art (in full air) oil painting on site at Chickamaw Plantation. Limited to 20 students. Visit www.themuseum.org to register, or for more information. Cost: $35.00 for AMoA Members; $50.00 for Non-members. Call Nancy Noles: 318-443-3458.

Music

March 9: A-Town Evenings: Smithfield Fair, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Hear perennial local favorites Smithfield Fair live for one night only! Cost: $15.00. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4744.

March 14: “Joyful Celebrations,” 430 Jackson Avenue, Sponsored by Red River Chorale. A joyous concert featuring music written for official celebrations throughout history, such as coronations and festivals. Tickets available in advance or at the door. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $5.00 Students. Call Red River Chorale: 318-484-4463.

March 19: Scott Joplin Piano Concert featuring Richard Dowling, Hurst Loft, 2:30pm. Pianist Richard Dowling will present selected works by Scott Joplin in an intimate setting.  Tickets are limited and may be purchased at dowling.brownpapertickets.com or by phone. Proceeds from the concert benefit Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Call: 318-769-7602.

April 6: Rapides Symphony Orchestra featuring Vanessa Williams, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:30pm.  Guest conductor Robert Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor for the Louisville Orchestra will lead the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, joined by renowned vocal star Vanessa Williams in concert inside the newly renovated Coliseum.  Floor seating sponsorships are available now, which include dinner options, reserved tables and meet & greet opportunities.  Cost: $35.00 – $200.00 (Individual Tickets).  Call RSO Office: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

Theatre

March 4: “After the War”, Tyrone Plantation, 6:00pm. Enjoy a lively dinner theatre held in Tyrone Plantation. Cost: $25.00. Call Rae Swent: 318-442-8528.

March 5: Victorian Tea, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, 11:00am. Experience a traditional Victorian tea; guests are encouraged to dress up. Cost: $4.00 (ages 13-61). Call Carrie McCormick: 318-484-2390.

March 10: Shadow Theatre Fireflies, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 3:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Shadow Theatre Fireflies are the first representatives of the genre of shadow theatre in Ukraine. Cost: $20.00 adults; $15.00 seniors (65+); $10.00 students; $50.00 family (2 adults, 2 students). Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4744.

March 24: “Games of the Gods”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6:00pm. Sponsored by Montessori Educational Center. This is an original musical by Bill Bush and Ellene Owens with performance by the students of Montessori Educational Center. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cenlamontessori.org.  Cost: $15.00 Adults; $10 for children 14 and under. Call Montessori Educational Center: 318-445-0138.

March 30-April 2 & April 6-7: Almost, Maine, Fox Theatre in Marksville. A romantic comedy by John Cariani directed by Diane Falcone.  Tickets are available at marksvillefox.com. Call: 318-253-8105.

April 6-9: Willie Wonka, Avoyelles Charter School.  The Avoyelles Charter School presents nightly performances of Willie Wonka at 6:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday matinee set for 2:00pm.  Call: 318-240-8285.

Events

Ongoing-March 31: Teen Tech Month, Rapides Parish Libraries.  Ensuring that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks and video games. To encourage teens to use libraries’ non-print resources for education and recreation, and recognize that librarians are qualified professionals in the field of information technology. Cost: Free. Call Suzanne James: 318-445-2411 x 1060.

Ongoing-March: Cenla Meditation Group, Body Tao Spa, 6:00pm.  Group meets every Tuesday evening.  Call: 318-880-8135.

Ongoing-March: Refuge Recovery Group, 3500 Highway 28 East in Pineville, 6:00pm.  Group meets every Thursday evening at First Christian Church of Pineville.

March 4-5: Blue & Gray on the Red-Battle Reenactment, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, 1:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB & Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site. Civil War era baseball game followed by reenactment. Cost: $4.00 ages 13-61. Call Shirley Ingram: 318-442-9546.

March 7: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm.  The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.

March 8: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am–Noon. This program is 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. The program is free, but space is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445.

March 8: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace, 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

March 8: Young Professionals Group Crawfish Boil, Oakwing Golf Club, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  Looking to network, market yourself or just laissez les bons temps rouler? Join YPG for its annual crawfish boil!  Cost: $10.00 YPG Members; $20.00 Non-Members.  Call: 318-442-6671.

March 9: Suicide Survivor Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm. This group is open to anyone who needs support and has lost a loved one to suicide. It could include parents, siblings, children, spouse, friends or coworkers. The group meets the second Thursday of each month. Call: 318-312-7970.

March 10, 18: Women in Cinema!, Boyce Branch Library, 2:00pm-6:00pm.  Celebrating Women’s History month with film screenings that chronicle important issues in women’s history! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

March 10: Plant Sale and Outdoor Play Day, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-2:00pm. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Celebrate spring with crafts, activities, games and plants! Play in our new outdoor space including a playground and community garden. Cost: Free. Call Kara Edwards: 318-619-9394.

March 10: No Kids Allowed, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 6:00pm-10:00pm. Adults Only Fundraiser! Be a kid again or just young at heart with food, drinks, and museum play, outdoor games and crafts! Cost: $25.00. Call Kara Edwards: 318-619-9394.

March 11: D.A.R.T. Car, Bike and 4-Wheel Drive Show, Main Street in Colfax. Come enjoy the Car Show, Live Music, Food, Vendors, Event T-Shirts for Sale and more all to support the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART).  Cost: $35.00 (Per Car/Bike/4WD, including T-shirt); $35.00 (Vendor fee, waived for nonprofits).  Call: 318-542-0341.

March 13: Family Game Night, Robertson Branch Library, 6:00pm-7:30pm.  We have classic board games that you remember playing as a child! Scrabble, Candyland, Sorry, Life, Checkers and more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

March 13: DIY Fleece Pillows with Shannon, Gunter Branch Library, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Join us as we create fun easy-peasy squishy soft pillows for yourself or to give as a gift. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259.

March 16: Homeschool Art Class, Gunter Branch Library, 9:00am-10:00am.  Beginning in March, we explore our creativity and imagination with art classes. Each month we have fun with a different form of art. Space is limited and registration is necessary to make sure there are enough supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

March 16: Spring Garden Class, Johnson Branch Library, 3:00pam-5:00pm. Learn about the beauty of nature, plant and watch your seedling grow in your own personal bottle greenhouse. Registration is encouraged! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

March 17: Lucky Charms, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:30pm. Join us as we celebrate Teen Tech Month! We utilize our library resources with a fun scavenger hunt. There are treasures hidden throughout the library – be the first to find the four leaf clover. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

March 18: CPR Class, 1831 Turner Street, 9:00am. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Call YWCA: 318-445-8880. www.ywcaalex.org

March 18: Cenla Kidzfest, Alexandria City Park, 9:00am-Noon. Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital is proud to be the title sponsor of the Junior League of Alexandria’s first Cenla KidzFest, an event designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and safety of our youth by offering hands-on, fun activities that both educate and inspire. This one-day event also features the Kids in the Kitchen program.  Cost: Free.

 

March 18: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm.  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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-3445.

March 18: Ice Effects, Johnson Branch Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Spring is on its way… Will it arrive like a lion or a lamb? Come in for an icy treat and learn about the coming of spring! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

March 18: Main Movie Mania Presents Swiss Family Robinson, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. A family en route to New Guinea is shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. They are forced to remain on the island because of the damage to the ship and the pirates that are roaming the islands. There’s plenty of fun and adventure! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

 

March 20: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor, this class will be an in-depth opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and other comfort measures for labor and delivery. The support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Bring pillows to class. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-3445.

March 21: Forever Young Crafts-Marbleized Mugs, Martin Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. We take ordinary coffee or tea mugs and transform with nail polish a one-of-a-kind mug to keep for your own or share! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

March 22:  Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens 12:00. “The Lure: A Story of Freedom” will be presented by Kathy Westrick.  Invite your friends for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please pre-register by March 17th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].

March 24-25: Friends of the Boyce Library 2-Day Book Sale, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am-6:00pm. There will be books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and more! Add to your own home library collection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Boyce Branch to help with programming and over activities throughout the year. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

March 24: Teen Pencil Holder Craft, McDonald Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. With a tin can, popsicle sticks, glue, and other supplies we have on hand, we’ll create pencil holders to hold pens and pencils at our computer desks for customers to use to take notes or jot down information. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-4848. www.rpl.org

March 24: Author Talks: Dr. Keagan LeJeune, Boyce Branch Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Dr. Keagan LeJeune discusses his book, Legendary Louisiana Outlaws, and explores Louisiana’s most fascinating fugitives! Pre-registration is required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

 

March 25: 3D Design 101 Using TinkerCAD, Westside Regional Library, 9:00am-11:00am. What better way to celebrate Teen Tech Month than learning how to create your own 3D designs using TinkerCAD! This will give you a nice starting point to print models on the library’s 3D Makerbot printers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

March 25: First Time Home Buyer Seminar, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Presented by First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Representatives discuss the steps in buying a home. Topics included are: credit score and borrowing basics, budgeting and spending plans, and an overview of the buying process. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1030. www.rpl.org

 

March 25: Family Movie Matinee Featuring The Secret Life of Pets, Robertson Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Ever wondered what your pets do all day while you’re gone? You might not want to know! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

March 27: Healthy Lifestyles with the Good People Kitchen, Gunter Branch Library, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Tasty and healthy can and do go together! Find out how to prepare healthy meals and snacks for the family. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

March 30: Doctors Day. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center as it salutes its medical staff on National Doctors’ Day. In 1990, President George H. Bush signed legislation designating March 30th as “National Doctor’s Day.” Go to the RRMC Facebook page to leave a note of thanks to your favorite doctor. Call Rapides Regional Medical Center’s physician referral line at 1-877-801-8441 to find a physician near you.

Sports

Ongoing – March 31: Water Aerobics, 1831 Turner Street, 8:00am & 5:15pm. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Call YWCA: 318-445-8880. www.ywcaalex.org

 

March 7, 14, 21 & 28: Yoga in the Gallery, 933 Second Street, 5:45pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Yoga is offered every Tuesday at AMoA. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice.  Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Free. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

March 10-11: Rapides Parish Rodeo, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:30pm. Call Jim Morrison: 817-366-1784.

March 11: Fox Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Fresh Catch Bistreaux/Broken Wheel Brewery in Marksville, 9:00am.  Register online at marksvillefox.com. Call: 318-253-8105.

April 1: 2017 Cenla Kidney 5K Run/1  Mile Walk, Courthouse Square in Marksville, 8:00am.  Take a lifesaving step and join in for the 2017 Cenla Kidney 5K Run/1  Mile Walk in Marksville.  Pre-registration for the run is available at www.imathlete.com, and for the walk at www.kidneywalk.org.  Call: 504-861-4500.