Arts
Ongoing-April: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. The Cabrini Gallery will feature Genesis Photography. The gallery is located in the Outpatient Center on the 1st floor across from Radiology. Most of the art is available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing – May 23: Chen Yuhua: The Dao of Nature, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. According to Laozi and the Daoist philosophy, “the way follows nature”. Self-taught Chinese artist Chen Yuhua embodies this philosophy with his watercolor paintings and pottery which focuses on the beauty of nature. Displayed in traditional Chinese style, these paintings and pottery provide a glimpse into Chinese art, nature and philosophy. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for members and children 4-13. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 23: Ellsworth and William Woodward: Impressions of the Southland, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Exhibit incorporates landscapes and cityscapes painted by Ellsworth and William Woodward which depict their view of the south during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Woodward brothers were influential in New Orleans and Southern art, instructing and inspiring young artists for years. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for members and children 4-13. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
April 7 – May 23: Inaugural Dirty South Mug Competition, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Nationwide juried call for ceramics to compete for awards. Cost: $2.00 adults; $1 for children under 12 and seniors; members free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
April 11 and 25: Screen Printing Techniques for Adults – 2 Day Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 2-4p.m. Combining contemporary and traditional silk screen techniques, participants will create their own screen and collection of printed works. Participants are welcome to bring items to apply their design such as pillowcases, additional shorts or other flat textiles. One shirt and all other supplies are included. Cost: $20 for AMoA members; $30 for non-members. Call Nancy Noles: 443-3458.
April 17: 49th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival – Opening Reception, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 6-8p.m. Awards presentation and gallery talk by Juror Glenn Dasher. Special exhibit artists: Samuel Corso, Mary Lee Eggart and Kathy Vellard. Cost: Admission free. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
April 18 – 26: 49th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. 10a.m.-4p.m. Mon.-Sat., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sunday. Competitive Exhibit: Two and three dimensional works by regional artists, Special Exhibit: A Collection of Works by Samuel Corso, Mary Lee Eggart and Kathy Vellard and School Art: artwork by local students and their teachers. Cost: Admission free. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
April 18: Living the Land: Landscape Painting Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Families and kids of all ages will paint their own landscape and nature paintings inspired by the work of Louisiana artists Ellsworth and William Woodard Weather permitting, this class will take place outside. Cost: Free (AMoA members); $20 (non-members). Call: Cindy Blair: (318) 443-3458. www.themuseum.org
April 24: Exhibit Reception, 1330 Second St., 5-7p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Featuring artists Tom Coleman, River Oaks Resident Ceramicists and the Dirty South Mug Competition. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 1 -2: ArtFête, Downtown Cultural Arts District, 4-9p.m. Fri., 9a.m.-7p.m. Sat. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Spring ArtWalk held in conjunction with RiverFête and the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races. Purchase one of a kind arts and crafts from talented vendors from all over the state. Cost: Admission free; Vendor fees vary. Call Julie Prevot: 484-4474.
Dance
April 24 -26: Boogie on the Bayou, Best Western Inn and Suites, time: TBA. Plenty of opportunities to dance and watch a country and western dance competition. Opportunities to attend numerous dance workshops to learn various dances from Hustle to Country Ballroom. Visit www.lacountrydancehayride.com for tickets and schedules. Call Ray Michiels: 447-7459.
April 25: Vicki’s Dance Centers Performances, Alexandria Zoo, 10a.m.-12:30p.m. Costumed dance performances featuring children ages two and up. Fun, family entertainment at Festival Pavilion Stage. Rain date: May 2. Cost: Regular Zoo Admission. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
Music
April 2: Abendmusik Alexandria: Jacques Offenbach, the Cellist, Hearn Stage, Kress Theatre, 6p.m. Closing the first season of Abendmusik Alexandria, cellists Paul Christopher and Milovan Paz introduce you to the cello duets of Jacques Offenbach – forgotten music by the composer of the Can-can and a series of well-loved operettas. Cost: $10 general admission; $5 appetizer plates, cash bar. Call Julie Prevot: 484-4474.
April 8: The Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:30pm. The St. James Episcopal Church Concert Series concludes its 2014-2015 season with a choral concert performed by the Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Consisting of twenty boys and twelve men, this is the only Louisiana appearance on this tour of this world renowned choral group. Presented by a generous grant from The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 445-9845.
April 10 and 17: DownTown Rocks, Steps of City Hall, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Additional date: March 27 – Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band. April 10 – David St. Romain and April 17 – Reverend Charlie’s Patent Medicine Show. Food and beverage vendors on site. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5225.
April 16: Air Force Band of the West Community Concert, Downtown Amphitheatre, 6p.m. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana and the Alexandria Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tickets must be reserved in advance at www.ticket-central.com or 484-4467. Cost: Admission free. Call Brandy Wills: 445-7702.
April 18: Jazz on the River, Downtown Amphitheatre, 6p.m. Sponsored by Arna Bontemps African American Museum and GAEDA. Jazz on the River is a free outdoor community jazz concert featuring the Bontempian Big Band, a 16-20 piece jazz ensemble comprised of outstanding Central Louisiana high school students who participate in a jazz residency who will perform along with other jazz musicians. Cost: Admission free; $250 VIP reserved tables of 10. Call Julie: 442-9546.
April 24: 49th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival – Jazz on Jackson, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 6-8p.m. Located in the courtyard of the church. Cost: Admission free. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
May 2: Thundering Drums of Japan, Kaminari Taiko, Downtown Amphitheatre, Noon. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Back by popular demand, the Thundering Drums Kaminari Taiko will echo throughout the riverfront in this one of a kind, pulse pounding experience. Cost: Admission free. Call Matt Henry: 308-2528.
May 5: Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the Red River Chorale, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:30p.m. A delightful concert in the church, focusing on humor in music, followed by a cabaret reception in the Parish Hall, featuring entertainment by individual Chorale members. Cost: $15 adults; $5 students. Call: 484-4463.
May 9: Beyond Borders, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue, Rimsky-Korsakov – Capricio espagnol, Ravel – Bolero. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
Theatre
April 16-19, 23-26, & April 30-May 3: Decades: A Musical Timeline, Fox Theatre in Marksville. Decades: A Musical Timeline is a throwback to the hits we all know and love from the 50s, 60s, 70s, & 80s. With an incredible live band and 25 performers covering dozens of popular hits from country, pop, soul, and motown, it’s a jam-packed celebration of music you don’t to miss! Original Concept by Glenn Leger & Jeffrey Sabree. Directed by Glenn Leger. Musical & Vocal Direction by Sean Brouillette. Choreography by Tricia Brown. Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinee performances at 2:30pm. Cost: $15 (evening); $12 (matinee). Call: 318-308-5522. www.marksvillefox.com
April 23 – May 3: Once Upon a Mattress, Louisiana College, MPAC Black Box, 7p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2p.m. Sun. Sponsored by theatre louisiana college. The musical re-telling of the fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, made Carol Burnett a star. With characters like King Sextimus, Queen Aggravain, Prince Dauntless and Winifred the Woebegone, the audience is sure to enjoy the song-filled plight of the hapless prince, his domineering mother, and his beloved. Cost: $15 general admission; $10 seniors/students; $5 LC students. Call Alana Pate: 487-7495.
Events
Ongoing – April 30: D.E.A.R.: Drop Everything and Read! All Rapides Parish Libraries, time: during operating hours. A national month long celebration of reading designed to remind people of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives. A nationwide celebration in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday in April. Cleary, first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and celebrates the love of reading. In addition we are also celebrating National Library Week. Cost: Admission free. Call Suzanne DeKeyzer James: 445-2411 x 1060.
April 2: AARP Driver Safety Program, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am-12:30pm. A one day, four-hour class for those 50 and over. Bring a check or money order payable to AARP to cover the cost of the course and your AARP membership card to verify your AARP membership number. Please pre-register. Cost: $15 (AARP members); $20 (non-AARP members). Call: -877-801-8441.
April 2: March of Dimes Carnival, Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital Atrium, 1:00pm-3:00pm. This event will include cake, punch and a variety of vendors, raffle items and more. We will also announce the winners of the RRMC “Cutest Kid” and “Cutest Baby” contests. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes. The public is welcome to attend.
April 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:30pm-7:30pm. This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-Registration Is Required. Brown bag supper begins at 6:00pm. Check out our Facebook page: Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 7: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 13, can learn the basic skills needed to be a safe and successful babysitter. This medically-accurate, hands-on class teaches sitters how to entertain children and keep them safe, how to perform basic child-care skills, how to call for emergency help, what to do when a child chokes, how to keep themselves safe and how to start a successful babysitting business. Class size is limited. Cost: $45 per child (includes lunch and supplies). Call: (318) 769-3445.
April 7: Bayou Dawgs for March of Dimes, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Help support the March of Dimes by grabbing a hot dog from Bayou Dawgs for lunch. Bayou Dawgs will be set up in the parking lot of RWCH on the Fourth Street side beneath the skybridge.
April 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: 769-7569.
April 8: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9 a.m.-Noon. This 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 and reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3445.
April 9: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 10: American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Holy Savior Menard High School track, 6:00pm. Join Rapides Cancer Center at this year’s Relay for Life. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
April 11: Start A Heart Cenla, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 8:00am-1:00pm. Start a Heart Cenla teaches 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 a stroke. Participants must be middle-school age or older. Cost: Free. Call: 877-477-7637.
April 11: 3rd Annual Inglewood Spring Fling, Inglewood Farm Harvest Barn, 9a.m.-1p.m. Primitive cooking demonstration pig roast, hay rides, horse rides, fun jumps, face painting, Farmer’s Market and live music. Cost: Admission free. Call Stephen Reed: 442-6398.
April 11: 5th Annual St. Mary’s Trail Ride, Kisatchie National Forest, 135 Turnage Rd Elmer, LA 71424, 9:00am. In addition to the trail ride, the event features cake, a horse auction, barrels, poles, games and more! Hay rides will be available for the kids. Primitive camping is also a fun option. Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch); $5.00 (children 14 & under). Call: 318-451-6514 or 318-729-3599.
April 11: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-3:00pm. 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: 318-769-4440.
April 11: Pump it Up! Exploring Heart Health with Children’s T.R.E.E. House Museum, 1403 Third St., 10a.m.-2p.m. Parents going to Start a Heart Cenla can drop their children off for child care and heart related activities. Lunch provided. Register by calling 619-9394 or going to www.ticket-central.org. Children must be ages 4-10 and must be registered by April 8. Cost: $20 per child. Call Marissa Sonnier: 619-9394.
April 11: Taking It 2 the Street, Downtown Alexandria Cultural Arts District, 10:00am. Beginning at the museum, special celebrity hosts will lead the tour to various downtown attractions, where exciting performers like DyadXtreme and Raven Sayer will entertain the crowd. Along the tour route, the hosts will provide interesting facts and anecdotes about the city. Finally, the tour will conclude back at Alexandria Museum of Art so visitors don’t miss any of the fun at AMoA’s Second Saturday at the Museum! Cost: Free. Email: [email protected].
April 11: Karaoke Night, Rebel State Historic Site, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Channel your inner musical star by performing on the site’s Country Music Museum stage. Rebel State Historic Site is located approximately 25 miles west of Natchitoches on La. Hwy. 1221 N. Call: 318-472-6255. www.LaStateParks.com
April 11: Ms. LSUA Pageant, 8100 Highway 71 South, 7p.m. The winner of Ms. LSUA not only walks away with the title, but also earns $1,500 scholarship. Cost: $6 general admission. Call Sarah Black: 427-4407.
April 13: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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.
April 15: LOPA Butterfly Release, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Outdoor Patio, 10:30am. The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and Rapides Regional Medical Center invite you to attend The Gift of Life Service and Butterfly Release to honor organ donor silent heroes and their families for sharing the gift of life. The patio is located on Scott Street.
April 16: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 16: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Cancer 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 16: Thursday’s on Third, Downtown Alexandria, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Downtown Alexandria Merchants and DARE. Fun, food and entertainment along Third St. in Downtown Alexandria. Cost: Varies. Visit www.downtownalexandria.org for more information.
April 16: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 18: Party for the Planet, Alexandria Zoo, 10a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Discover more about the environment, wildlife and our natural resources at this mini earth fest. Learn how to make every day Earth Day with booths, animal encounters, entertainment, fun games and educational crafts. Cost: Regular Zoo admission; FOTAZ members free with card and photo ID. Call LeeAnn Whit or Angele Ehlers: 441-6810.
April 18: T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum’s 15th Birthday Party, 1403 Third St., 10a.m.-2p.m. Come celebrate with music, food, dance, martial arts exhibits, princesses, super heroes, a bouncy house and more! Cost: $5 per person; children under 3 free. Call Marissa Sonnier: 619-9394.
April 18: Great Cloth Diaper Change, The T.R.E.E. House, 10:30am. Help us break the Guinness Book’s record of the most cloth diapers changed at the same time worldwide. Learn about cloth diapering or meet other families who are making cloth mainstream. More details found at our event page http://tiny.cc/gcdccenla. Cost: Free. Call Meghan: 318-769-9386.
April 18: Meet the Greeks, Frank O. Hunter Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm-5:00pm. Miss Black Louisiana USA 2015 Little Princess, Malay Philson will host this year’s “Meet the Greeks” annual event. In conjunction with Volunteers of America Central Louisiana and H2O, along with the Divine 9 of Central, La, they will unite together to support the awareness of homelessness. area members of the Divine 9 (African American Fraternities & Sororities), Masons and OES will provide information on Greek organizations while raising awareness on the importance of helping the homeless. VOA will also have a booth set up providing information. Call: 225-317-9274.
April 23: H2O – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking lot, 10a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. A monthly homeless street outreach that provides instant, on-site services such as housing resources, medical screenings, haircuts and more. Community partners provide a hot meal, clothing, food, water and hygiene kits. Cost: Admission free. Call Tracey Antee: 442-8026.
April 23: Summer Splash, Alexandria Convention Hall, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Come dive into summer fun and check out what’s happening this summer. Local organizations will provide information on summer activities for children. Enjoy games and door prizes! Cost: Admission free. Call Courtney Paige: 449-5108.
April 23: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.
April 24: St. Michael’s BBQ Pork Lunch, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 10:00am-2:00pm. Each BBQ lunch includes BBQ pork, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll. Dine in or carry out! Complimentary delivery for orders of ten or more anywhere in the Alexandria/Pineville metro area. Cost: $8.00 per plate. Call: 318-640-0030.
April 25: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. 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 25: 2015 March of Dimes March for Babies, Alexandria Park Amphitheater, 10:00am. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center employees as they walk the two-mile course in support of healthy babies. Registration begins at 9:00am with the two-mile walk beginning at 10:00am.
April 25: Sacred Heart School’s Lion Skeet Shoot, Tri Parish Sporting Clay Range, Houma, LA, 10a.m. Sponsored by Hercules Offshore Drilling. Great Prizes! Food and beverages. All proceeds benefit SHS, Moreauville, LA. Cost: $1,200 – 4 man team. Call Karen Moreau: 985-2772.
April 25: Dinner and Variety Show, Best Western Inn and Suites, 6:30p.m. Taste of Louisiana, a buffet-style dinner featuring some of Louisiana’s best cuisine, together with a spectacular show featuring various dance styles performed by some of our fantastic dancers, Superstars and Royal Superstars. Cost: $50 per person. Call Ray Michiels: 447-7459. www.lacountrydancehayride.com.
April 26: A Tour of Gardens benefiting the Good Food Project of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, various gardens in Alexandria, 1-5p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Garden Club. A progressive tour of five beautiful home gardens and one neighborhood community garden with refreshments served along the route. All proceeds benefit the Good Food Project, operated through the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Gardens are created in neighborhoods, schools, youth and senior centers, shelters and other nonprofit organization sites that yield fresh fruits and vegetables for participating children, seniors and others in need. Cost: $25 per person. Call Marilyn Wellan: 445-6006.
April 27: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 27: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 27: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:00pm. This 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. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441.
April 28: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers this two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 8 and 12 – and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts, grandmothers, even fathers are welcome. The class, taught by a registered nurse, will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Call: (318) 769-3445.
April 30: Dinner on the Bricks, Third St. in front of City Hall, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Come enjoy dinner and drinks in the outdoors as numerous Central Louisiana restaurants and catererss host Dinner on the Bricks. Musical entertainment by Uptown Jazz. Cost: Admission free; menu prices vary. Cash suggested. Call: 449-5225.
April 30-May 2: AlexRiverFete, Downtown Alexandria. AlexRiverFete 2015 will celebrate the arts, culture, heritage and awesomesauce-ness of Central Louisiana. Things kick off with Dinner on the Bricks Thursday at 6:00pm. Friday will feature ArtFete and Live music. Spend Saturday on the River with the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races and live music all day. Musical entertainment includes St. Paul & the Broken Bones, North Mississippi All Stars, The Delta Saints, Kaminari Taiko & Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Drummers and much more! www.facebook.com/alexriverfete
May 1-2: MayFest, Downtown Leesville Historic District. Music, art, crafts, food and more will be featured during the 40th Annual MayFest Arts & Crafts Festival, set for Friday and Saturday, May 1st and 2nd in the Downtown Leesville Historic District. Sponsored by the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, the festival has been a favorite among Vernon Parish residents and visitors alike for decades, offering free musical entertainment and fun along with great food, vendors and more for grownups and children of all ages. The musical lineup is scheduled to include Josh Hyde, Amanda Shaw, Mia Borders, the Kentucky Headhunters and man more! Cost: Free. Call: (337) 238-0783.
May 1 – June 30: Rapides Parish Library 2015 Summer Reading Program, all Rapides Parish Libraries, time: normal hours of operation. The theme for children is “Every Hero has a Story.” Preparing children for success by developing early language skills. Fun programs and entertaining activities for all ages promoting the love of reading. Cost: Admission free. Call Tammy DiBartolo or Karla Kirby: 442-2483 x 1906.
May 2: Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Downtown Amphitheatre, 8a.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Three competition flights, spirit awards, interactive art and family fun! Chinese cultural events support by GEADA. Cost: $2100 for boat team; $1500 for tailgating team; spectators free. Call: 443-3458.
May 2: Getting Buggy at Kent House, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House, USDA Forestry Service Southern Research Station. Come learn about the world of bugs. Good bugs, bad bugs, local bugs and exotic bugs. The bugs that like daytime and those that only come out at night. Learn from local pest control experts how to keep your home and business bug free, or learn how to encourage certain bugs to remain in your yard. Cost: $1 per person. Call Kent House: 487-5998.
May 2: Parents Walk Teens Talk to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Volunteers of America Office, 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Volunteers of America Teen Outreach Program. 2nd annual walk encourages parents to walk and talk with their teens about preventing teen pregnancy. This program is in awareness of Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. Cost: $10 adults; $5 teens. Call LaTessa Mathews: 442-8026.
May 2: Miracle Milk Stroll, Inglewood Harvest Barn Market, 11am. Whether it’s delivered at the breast, by pumping or by donor, human milk is Miracle Milk. It is a complex “living” elixir of hundreds of ingredients that have the power to save lives, prevent disease, and promote and protect our health from birth-and for a lifetime. The Mother’s Miracle Milk Stroll is casual walk around the farm to show our excitement and solidarity for this historic first-a national fundraising and awareness campaign for the human milk cause! Hosted by La Leche League of Cenla. Cost: Free. Call Meghan: 318-769-9386.
May 7 – 10: Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura, time: varies. Sponsored by Mansura Chamber of Commerce. Cost: Admission free; fees vary for activities. Call Nicky Bordelon: 964-2696.
May 9: Free Mother’s Day FITBOX Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 11:45a.m.-12:45p.m. For adults. Benefits are cardio, stress relief and self-defense workout. Class consists of boxing combos, hand and foot techniques on pads with a core component. A fun and exciting way to burn between 350-450 calories. Cost: Admission free. Call Master Rousseau: 443-8066.
May 9: Free Mother’s Day Self Defense, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 10-11:30a.m. For teens and adults that teaches safety tips along with defensive techniques to use against a predator. Register on Master Rousseau’s Facebook page. Cost: Admission free. Call Master Rousseau: 443-8066.
Sports
April 2-30: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm – 5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes are on-going and meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. 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. 18 and under require parental release form. Presented through a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Cost: Free. Call: (318)443-3458. www.themuseum.org
April 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 5, 7: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
April 11: 10th Annual Spring Metric Century Ride, Lake Kincaide Recreational Area, 8:00am. The Kisatchie Bicycle Club will hold its 10th Annual Spring Metric Century Ride, touring from the Kincaid Lake recreational area to Woodworth, Lecompte, and Hineston for its 66-mile adventure. Registration begins at 7:00am. SAG (Support & Gear) stops along the way will be provided. Lunch will be provided afterwards, and the 1st 50 registrants are guaranteed an event T-shirt. Cost: $30.
April 18: Walk it Off – Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, Wardville, times: all day. Sponsored by Louisiana College Athletic Training Students’ Association. Home Run Derby at 2p.m. All proceeds benefit LC Athletic Training Students’ Association so students can attend professional meetings and symposia. Teams must have six males and four females. Cost: $200 per team with unlimited home runs; $150 per team with five home run limit; $10 per person for Home Run Derby. Call Cara Miley: 308-0028.
May 9: Bass Tournament presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim’s South Tire & Propane, Grand Ecore Landing, Red River, Natchitoches, Safe-light-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 $8,000 with additional 14 cash prizes based on 90 boat entries. Cost: $175 per two person boat/team. Call Randy Despino: 445-4561 or 447-0102.
