Arts
Ongoing – April: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits currently showing: Courtney Chandler will be featured in the Cabrini Cancer Center; works by Christus employees and their families will be featured in the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing located in the Outpatient Center (1st Floor); works by Rapides employees and their families will be featured in the Rapides Regional Gallery located between the South Tower Lobby and ER. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing – May 11: Art Exhibition: Ray Turner: Population, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Portrait paintings capturing communities throughout the U.S., including new portraits of individuals living in the local greater Alexandria community, are rendered in lush layers on square glass panels to create a powerful and beautiful installation. As the exhibition evolves with new portraits from various communities, the body of work increasingly reflects our nation’s diversity. Cost: AMoA members’ free, non-members $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and military, $2 children 4-13. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 11: Art Exhibition: Immersive Space, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Three Louisiana artists, Shawn Hall, Lee Deigaard and Natchitoches native Colin O’Con, create entire room installations to explore elements of created space and invite contemplation about our relationship with the natural world. Painting, drawing and photography installed as part of a larger sculpture space, create rhythm in an immersive environment where emotional space and physical space merge. Cost: AMoA members’ free, non-members $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and military, $2 children 4-13. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing–May 25: “Questionable Issue: Currency of the Holocaust”, Alexandria Museum of Art. This collection of rare artifacts of Shreveport, Louisiana coin collector and money historian, Charlton E. Meyer Jr., is the most comprehensive collection of Holocaust scrip in the U.S. The money in this collection is, in some cases, the only reminder we have of people erased from our world during World War II. The currencies of the Nazi ghettos silently embody the tragedy, depravity, horror, hope and salvation of the time. Presented as part of our nation’s April 2013 annual Days of Remembrance commemoration of the Holocaust, in conjunction with community observance and remembrance activities in cooperation with B’Nai Israel Synagogue, Central Louisiana United Jewish Communities, Central Louisiana Ministers Association, Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim and Emmanuel Baptist Church.
April 11-12: Artist Workshop, 1330 Second St., time: TBA. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter and G.A.E.D.A. Two day pottery work shop. Cost: $100 per person. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
April 12: Exhibit Reception, 1330 Second St., 5-9p.m. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter and G.A.E.D.A. Exhibit featuring Scott Lyken, Tom Richard and Maria Manemann. Exhibit runs April 9 – May 25. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
April 19: Art Walk Reception, 1330 Second St. 5-9p.m. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter. Galleries and Artists’ Studios open for touring. Artists will be selling artwork and doing demonstrations. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
April 19: Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers: Follow the Leader, Hearn Stage, time: TBA. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Three conservative 16 year olds dream of being President, but over the next three years the boys are forced to reconsider their beliefs and ambitions as they set off on different paths into the future. Made possible by a grant from South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cost: $5. Call Roy Rosenthal: 484-4477.
Dance
April 13: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Recital Preview, Alexandria Zoo, 10a.m.-Noon. Costumed dance performances featuring children ages 2 and up. Fun, family entertainment on the Performing Stage Pavilion. Cost: Regular Zoo admission. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
Music
April 5 & 12: DownTown Rocks, On the Steps of City Hall, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. April 5: Papa’s Axe, April 12: Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-chas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5225.
April 12 – 13: Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, downtown Natchitoches riverbank. The city of Natchitoches hosts its 18th Annual Jazz/R&B Festival, featuring live music throughout. Live performances will feature local and regional favorites and headliners Joe Stampley, L.A. Roxx, Trini Triggs and Eddie Money. Cost: $8.00 adults; $4.00 students (in advance). Call: (800) 259-1714. www.natchjazzfest.com.
April 18: Acoustic Concert Series, Clementine Café, 6:30-8:30p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Live music at the museum in a casual coffee house atmosphere. Concert offers an outstanding line-up of performers hosted by John Wakefield. Cost: Admission free AMoA members; regular AMoA admission others. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
May 4: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Dance Performances, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 10a.m.-Noon. Costumed dancers ages 9 and up. Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical and more! Fun family entertainment. Cost: Admission free. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
May 4: Little Walter Music Festival, downtown Alexandria Amphitheater, 5:00pm. Join us for an evening of Blues on the Red River as we celebrate the man behind the harmonica–known as “Little Walter”. Performances by Bobby Rhodes & the Ministry of Blues, Josh Hyde & the Hitchhikers, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame “Little Walter Legends”, Liz Neville and more! Call: (800) 551-9546. www.theheartoflouisiana.com
May 4: Rapides Symphony Concert “A Heroic Finale”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The RSO’s final concert of 2012-13 featuring the orchestra along with guest pianist Antonio Di Christofano. Mozart – Overture to La Clemenza di Tito, Mozart – Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 467 and Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, “Eroica.” Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $50 family. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
Theatre
April 25-28: Legally Blonde, PinevilleHigh School Auditorium, 7p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Pineville High School Theatre Dept. Visit www.pinevillehigh.tix.com for ticket info. CallPinevilleHigh School: 442-8990.
Events
Ongoing Tue.-Sat.: Inglewood Farm Harvest Market, Inglewood Farm Harvest Barn, 3-7p.m. Tues., 9a.m.-6p.m. Sat. Delicious, nutritious organic fruits, vegetables, pork, forage-fed eggs and all natural pecans are locally grown and fairly priced. A showcase for Inglewood products and other local products. Slow down your day with a short trip to our market and stock up on healthy food for your family. Cost: Admission free. Call Keenan McDonald: 442-6398.
April 6: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-3 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. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 8: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 10:00am-11:30am. 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 9, 16, 30: Cancer Control, Rapides Senior Centers, 10:45 a.m. During National Cancer Control Month, Rapides Senior Citizens Centers has partnered with Rapides Regional Medical Center to remember those we have lost, support Americans fighting this disease, and recommit to progress toward effective cancer control. April 9: Pineville Senior Center; April 16: Sieper Senior Center; April 30: Bolton Avenue Senior Center. Rapides Regional will provide guest speakers. Call Rapides Seniors Citizens Centers: (318) 487-156
April 9: Jewish Temple Annual Corned Beef Lunch Sale, 2021 Turner St., 11a.m.-1:30p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Temple. Rescheduled date. Yummy corned beef lunch. Dine in or drive through carry out. Delivery can be arranged for 12 or more lunches. Tickets available at the Temple, Kitchen Warehouse, Caplan’s Downtown or from any Temple member. Cost: $8. Call Jewish Temple: 445-3655.
April 9: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6 p.m. The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 769-7569.
April 10: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-Noon. 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. Reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.
April 11: Children’s Miracle Network Community Kickoff Breakfast, Kincaid Room Cabrini Mediplex, Masonic Dr., 7:45-9a.m. Sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network and Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. CMN sponsors and area business leaders are invited to the CMN Kickoff Breakfast and to meet Miracle Kids that graduated from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at CabriniHospital. Call Theresa Slater: 448-6580.
April 11: AARP Driver Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am. A one day, four-hour class for those 50 or older will focus on driving safety issues specifically targeted towards seniors. Cost: $12.00 for AARP members; $14:00 non-AARP members. Bring AARP membership card to verify membership. Please pre-register. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 12: American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Holy Savior Menard High School track, 6 p.m.-midnight. Join the American Cancer Society for this year’s Relay for Life. The event features food, music, fun for all ages and a time for remembrance. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Call: 769-7200.
April 13: Second Saturday Market, AMoA parking lot, 9a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by AlexandriaMuseum of Art. Purchase original local art through AMoA gift shop and vendors, farm fresh products, live music and art activities for kids. Cost: Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 13: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical 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. Please pre-register. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 13: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 13: Taking It the Street, Downtown Alexandria, 10a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Capital One Bank, Sayes Office Supply and Estate Planning LawCenter. Free walking tour of Alexandria’s Cultural District is guided by local media celebrities and features performances by local entertainers all along the route. Tour begins at AMoA at 10a.m. Cost: Admission free. Call Rich Joyce: 445-1234 x 242.
April 13: 39th Annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival, Melrose Plantation, 10am-3pm. Over 100 vendors from around the region will exhibit and sell their original work. Your admission gets you in all day! Lot parking and guided tours of the museum are additional charges. In addition to the arts and crafts, food and dessert vendors will be on hand to satisfy your hungry side! Cost: $5.00. E-mail: [email protected].
April 13: Ms. LSUA Pageant, Barbara Brumfield Caffey Ballroom, LSUA Campus, 7p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Department of Student Support. All interested in attending may purchase tickets in advance through LSUA Auxiliary Services Department starting April 1 or you may purchase tickets at the door. Cost: $6 general admission, $3 LSUA students. Call Kathy Wimmert: 473-6546.
April 15: 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 15: 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: Baby Momma (and Daddy) Drama, 1724 Bank Dr., 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Global Impact Ministries. Can’t we all just get along? Are you stressed out dealing with your baby’s momma or daddy? Learn effective strategies to live a drama free life and raise your child(ren) in a healthy environment. Cost: Admission free. Call Natalie Davenport: 442-8638.
April 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Spring Fling, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00noon. Featuring Tempe Brown from Greenville, SC singing and speaking about “All That Jazz”. Please RSVP. Complimentary childcare available upon request. Cost: $16 (Includes lunch).
April 18: 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.
April 18: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30 p.m. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 18: 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: Look Good…Feel Better, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Conference Room, Noon – 2:00 p.m. “If you look good, you’ll feel better…” that is why Christus Cabrini Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society are offering a very special program called Look Good…Feel Better. This program is designed to help women cope with the physical changes that might occur during cancer treatment. Reservations are required. Call Cabrini Cancer Center: 318-448-6917.
April 20: Train Day, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10a.m.-2p.m. Train enthusiasts, children and adults come and invited to come and enjoy a day full of trains! Along with the trains on our layout we have other engineers coming in with their own personal layouts for guest to enjoy. Cost: $4 per person with children under 2 free. Call T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum: 619-6364.
April 20: Party for the Planet, Alexandria Zoo, time: TBA. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Learn to “go green” at a fun earth fair. Over twenty booths, lots of community participants and give-a-ways. Sci-Port of Shreveport will have an interactive math and science exhibit. Animal encounters, craft booths, food concessions and entertainment. Cost: TBA. Call Zoo Office: 441-6814.
April 22: 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.
April 22: 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.
April 23: Polk Street Neighborhood Group Meeting, Bolton Avenue Community Center, 6pm. This meeting will feature a “SafeAlex” workshop which will train us how to look out for our neighborhood and what to do if there is criminal, physical or other decay. The meeting is open to all interested residents of Alexandria. Cost: Free.
April 25: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6p.m. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
April 27: T.R.E.E. House 15th Birthday Party, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10a.m.-2p.m. T.R.E.E. House is celebrating its 15th birthday and everyone is invited! A day of fun, including a magician, the Chick-fil-a tent featuring a limited menu for purchase, and birthday cake. Cost: $4 per person with children under 2 free. Call T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum: 619-6364.
April 27: Fallen Riders Foundation Annual Biker BBQ Challenge, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, 10:30am. Featuring BBQ competition, car, truck and bike show, music and group motorcycle ride. Winning team wins up to $1,000. BBQ plates will be available for $5.00 each. Camper sites available for $25.00/night. All proceeds benefit Fallen Riders Foundation. Cost: $100 (Grilling team of up to 3). www.fallenridersfoundation.net.
April 27: March for Babies, Downtown Amphitheatre, time: TBA. Sponsored by March of Dimes. We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary this year! From polio to prematurity. You have been thinking of your baby for 9 months and we have been thinking of them for 75 years. Cost: Admission free. Call Tarnisha Brady-Williams: 290-2496.
April 27: Healthy Kids Day, 1801 Sylvester St., 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by YMCA of Central Louisiana. A free community event to get kids moving and learning, and families living healthier. Features fun active play and educational activities that will inspire kids to carry a spirit of excitement and exploration throughout the summer. Cost: Admission free. Call Courtney Paige: 449-4686. www.ymcacenla.com.
April 27: St. James Day School Lobster Boil, St. James Episcopal Church, 6pm. Enjoy a delicious 1 ¼ pound Maine lobster and all the fixings! The event will also feature an extensive silent auction, original artwork by the students on display, music and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the students of St. James Episcopal Day School. Cost: $45.00. Call: (318) 445-9901.
May 3: NAMI Educational Event 2013, Alexander Fulton Hotel, time: TBA. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Join us as guest speakers Kelley Pears Ph.D. Psychologist and Wilfred Gallien, LPC talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CEU’s available. Must call for fee schedule. Call Shu Yang: 542-2092.
May 3-4: MAYFEST, Downtown Leesville. Join in the fun at the 2012 Louisiana Festival of the Year! The festival includes live music by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Mia Borders, Cody Cooke & the Bayou Outlaws, Josh Hyde & the Hitchhikers, gospel choirs and many, many more! Explore the traveling exhibit from SciPort, enjoy pancakes by the Leesville Lions club and Chalk-a-Block with Leesville Rotary. Call: (800) 238-0783. www.venturevernon.com
Sports
April 5: Light Up The Night 5K, Rapides Cancer Center, 6 p.m. This 3.1-mile race begins and ends at the Rapides Cancer Center on the campus of Rapides Regional Medical Center. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Cost: $30 (includes an event extreme-tek T-shirt). You may register online at www.active.com, or visit www.rapidesregional.com for an entry form. The deadline to register online is Thursday, April 4th.
April 6: 3rd Annual Run for the Hills 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Louisiana Athletic Club, Pineville, 8a.m. Sign up at www.Louisianaathleticclub.com. Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members. Call Ronnie Schwartz: 487-1000.
April 6: Bass Tournament Presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim South Tire & Propane, Grand Ecore Landing, Red River, Natchitoches, time: safe daylight. Sponsored by Christus Cabrini Foundation & Children’s Miracle Network. Fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. First place winner guaranteed $5,000 with additional 14 cash paid prizes based on 100 boat entries. Cost: $150 per boat, 2-person team. Call Randy Despino: 445-4561 or 447-0102.
April 9, 16, 23 & 30: Yoga in the Gallery, 3rd floor Gallery, AMoA, 5:30-6:30p.m. Sponsored by AlexandriaMuseum of Art. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with 14 years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all levels incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Made possible by a grant from Rapides Foundation. Cost: Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 27: Cenla Autism Network 5k and 1-mile Walk, England Air Park, 8:00am. The Cenla Autism Network is a non-profit organization that provides support for parents of autistic children, provide resources for help, provide group activities for the children. All proceeds from the walk benefit the organization. Cost: $30.00 Call Grant Pratt: 318-623-7143 or Angie Pratt: 318-623-7439.
April 27: Urban Adventure Race, Downtown Alexandria, 8:00am. Are you tough enough? Test your canoeing, cross country and urban running, orienting and biking skills as your 3-person team races through Historic Downtown Pineville and Alexandria! Race as an all-male, all-female, or coed team. Mystery events will be placed throughout the course. Expect the event to last 3 – 4 hours. Race starts at The Alexandria Museam. Cost: $225/team. Call Lance Lopez: 318-729-6268 or Billy McRae: 318-446-4814.
May 4-5: Racing Rapides Cycling Stage Race & Free Kids Bike Races, locations vary, time: TBA. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla. Saturday’s race will be held in Boyce and Sunday’s race will be held in Downtown Alexandria. Free kids bike races are family friendly. No training necessary. Spectators welcome. Visit www.fitfamiliesforcenla.org for fees and more information. Call Lori Martin: 729-1565.
