Arts
Ongoing-December: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Art Exhibits. Arts & Healthcare, Inc. will feature the art of Candy Christophe at the Christus Gallery for Reflection and Healing, Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology. The art of Amanda Wolford is being featured at the Rapides Gallery located in the South Tower between the ER and the lobby. These exhibits are open to the public with most of the art available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-February 20: Aaron Douglas & Arna Bontemps: Partners in Activism, Alexandria Museum of Art. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Arna Bontemps African American Museum have partnered to display this exhibition highlighting artist Aaron Douglas and author Arna Bontemps. Both men were professors at Fisk University in Nashville and were involved in the Harlem Renaissance. Paintings and Illustrations by Douglas will be paired with writings by Bontemps to create a unique exhibition of work by two influential African American artists and educators. Cost: $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors/Students/Military; Free for Children. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Ongoing-February 20: Harmonic Fascination: The Art of Max Papart, Alexandria Museum of Art. Max Papart, born in France in 1911, was a diverse artist with a clear vision. After learning classical artistic practices, he determined that they were not for him, adopting a more abstract, surrealist style. Papart moved to New Orleans in 1979 after multiple visits to the United States, and his new location continued to influence his work. His prints and paintings are filled with color and symbolism. This AMoA 4.0 Beta Exhibition will look into Papart’s artistic development, from his classical drawing through his paintings, prints, and his exploration of a few other mediums. Cost: $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors/Students/Military; Free for Children. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Ongoing-February 20: On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America, Alexandria Museum of Art. Using traditional film photography, On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America presents 38 color photographs from the award-winning book by internationally known conservation photographer Michael Forsberg. Whooping cranes, the species found in Louisiana, were added to the endangered species list in 1967. This led to the development of an experimental population at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in 2011. This exhibition serves to highlight the cranes as well as the work to preserve this species in Louisiana and other locations throughout the country. Nature is a prominent theme in Southern art and photography, as well as in AMoA’s collection. Cost: $5.00 Adults; $4.00 Seniors/Students/Military; Free for Children. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
December 4: Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Art Square, 1330 Second Street, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Exhibit featuring miniature pieces of artwork by various local artists. Exhibits by artist Barry Owen. Cost: Free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
December 5: Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Art Square, 1330 Second Street, 9:00am-3:00pm. Great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for Christmas gift giving. Cost: Free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
December 21-22: Holiday Art Camp: Sun Catchin’ Mandalas, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9:00am-Noon. In this two-day art camp, campers between the ages of 6 and 12 will create a beautiful sun-catching composition using recycled CDs. Enrollment is limited. Registration is accepted as first come, first served. Cost: $25.00 members; $50.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Dance
December 18: Cowboy Christmas Ball, Best Western Inn and Suites in Alexandria, 8:00pm. Sponsored by Lucky Stars Dance Studio. Variety Show and open dancing. Hor d’oeurves provided and a cash bar. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with plenty of open dancing in between show numbers and afterwards. Cost: $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Lucky Stars Dance Studio or www.luckystarsdance.com. Call Ray Michiels: 318-447-7459.
Music
December 4: A-Town Jazz, Loft of Jim & Frances Hurst, 6:30pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Join the Arts Council as they bring back one of their most popular events, A-Town Jazz. Enjoy a New Orleans Jazz club atmosphere at the beautiful home of Jim & Frances Hurst. Visit ticket-central.org for updates. Cost: General admission including dinner $25, cash bar. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.
December 6: Home for the Holidays, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30pm. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate the holidays with the Rapides Symphony, Louisiana College Chorale, and Alexandria native acclaimed oboist Stephen Caplan performing Francaix’s “Flower Clock Concerto.” Cost: Adults $25, Senior Adult $15, Student $10. Call James Owens: 318-484-4469.
December 10: Steven Cutis Chapman Christmas Tour with Calvary’s Music Ministry, Calvary Baptist Church Worship Center, 7:00pm. Celebrated multi-award winner Steven Curtis Chapman will help Central Louisiana usher in the 2015 Christmas season with a Christmas tour stop in Alexandria. Come be a part of this celebration as Calvary celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and opens its new state of the art worship center. For more information, contact the Music Suite at Calvary. The 5th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Call Jeremy Christ: 318-445-1426.
December 13: Promises: A Holiday Worship Experience, Pentecostals of Alexandria Sanctuary, 6:00pm. Entertainment provided by Mickey Mangun and the Pentecostals with Special Guest, Adam Crabb. The 8th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Laird Sillimon: 318-427-6651.
December 15: A Time for Hope and a Time for Joy, St Frances Xavier Cathedral, 7:30pm. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. A beautiful concert of sacred choral music presented by Red River Chorale. A blend of classic and contemporary Christmas songs to inspire and enhance your holiday celebration. Tickets are available from Red River Chorale members, and from www.redriverchorale.com, www.ticket-central.org, Red River Music, and at the door if space is available. Cost: $15.00 Adults, $5.00 Students. The 9th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Call Tina Smith: 318-484-4463.
December 17: Acoustic Concert Series Presents A Night of Christmas, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Live music, food, and fun! Join us on third Thursday’s for the Alexandria Museum of Art’s most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to holiday classics and contemporary pieces with your host for the evening, Ellene Owens, and her musical guests, all while snacking on tasty food and drink every third Thursday at AMoA. Cost: Free for AMoA members, $5 for non-members. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 8: Amahl and the Night Visitors, St. James Epsicopal Church,7:00pm. The St. James Episcopal Church Concert Series continues with a concert staged performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved one act opera. Michael Sterne, Music Director of St. James, will conduct a quintet of instrumentalists from the piano. Soloists include St. James’ own Garroway Nance as Amahl and Greenville, SC soprano Kathryn Knauer as the Mother. The Kings will be sung by Seth Taylor, Christopher Trepinski, Seph Stanek and John Petit Pou. Stage direction by Robert Harper. The Concert Series is funded by a grant from The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.
Theatre
December 12: Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Open call to any performing arts organization or group who would like to be in the Cenla Christmas Spectacular, please contact Lagniappe Theatre Company. Groups are asked to prepare no more than a 4 minute piece that is holiday or Christmas oriented. Performances can be dance, theatrical, musical, band, or vocal. Contact Lagniappe Theatre if interested in performing in show. Cost: Regular $18.00, Seniors 55 & up $16.00, Children 12 & under and groups of 10 or more $13.00. Call Lagniappe Theatre: 318-487-8243.
Events
Ongoing-December 20: Alexandria Mall Photo Spot, Alexandria Mall. Put an end to awkward holiday photos. Snap a pic and share at The Photo Spot inside the Alexandria Mal for a chance to win a $100 gift card each week! Call: 318-619-2754.
December 4: Boyce Library Holiday Open House, Boyce Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:30pm. Family story time, refreshments, fun activities for the entire family! There will be free books and craft projects to keep or give as a gift. Get your wish list together because, Santa makes a visit! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
December 4: T.R.E.E. House Peppermint Forest, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1403 Third Street, 6p.m.-8p.m. Sponsored by the T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Take a walk through the Peppermint Forest! Kids can create peppermint treats, ornaments, write a letter to Santa, and experience our traveling exhibit. The 2nd Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $4 per person, children under 2 are free. Call Kara Edwards: 318-619-9394.
December 4: Cenla Drawdown, Renegade Harley-Davidson, 6:00pm-9:00pm. The Cenla Drawdown, presented by Renegade Harley-Davidson, is a social event and raffle to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All tickets sold will be drawn at random throughout the evening, and the last ticket drawn wins a $5,000 VISA gift card! This Roaring Twenties-themed party will be a night of dinner, drinks, and dancing, all to benefit a great cause. Up the ante by wearing a 1920s-era costume! Call: 337-234-0088.
December 5: Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Come out and make ornaments for your tree at home and help decorate the Kent House tree. Sing carols and participate in a bell choir. Papa Noel will be greeting kids and is available for photos. The 3rd Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Kent House: 318-487-5998.
December 6: The Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 600pm-800pm. Drive thru the live nativity to experience a re-enactment of the Christmas story, complete with Christmas music, candlelight, and live animals. The 4th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Church Office: 318-443-5696.
December 7: Preventing Suicide: You Are Not Alone!, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join Harvey Norris, LCSW from the Alexandria Louisiana VA Health Care System as he presents a monthly discussion group for Veterans and their families on how to talk to Veterans in crisis. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
December 7, 9 & 14: Pet Pics with Santa, Alexandria Mall, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Bring your pet to have a photo taken with Santa and receive a special treat. Regular photo fees apply. Call: 318-619-2754.
December 7: 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 class meets on the first Monday of every month. Brown bag supper begins at 6:00pm. Check out our Facebook page: Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
December 7: 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: 318-769-3445.
December 7: Suicide Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex, 6:30pm-7:30pm. Registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
December 8: Holiday Wreaths and Bow Making Workshop, Gunter Branch Library, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Fads and Frames will demonstrate how to create knockout holiday wreaths and then show you how to assemble the ultimate bow! All supplies provided, but registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
December 9: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am – 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; reservations are required. Call: 318-769-3445. www.rapidesregional.com
December 9: LOPA Tree of Life Ceremony, Rapides Regional Medical Center South Tower Lobby, 10:00am. Rapides Regional Medical Center joins with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency as it recognizes donors and their families during the holiday season. Family members are invited to place an ornament on the tree in honor of their loved one. Cost: Free.
December 9: Cenla Women’s Connection Christmas Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Wear your Christmas attire and celebrate the season with us! Program features include vocalist Mickey Mangun and “Gifts I Never Wanted” with Rachel Jeyusi. Please RSVP. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.
December 9: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. In this event, 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.
December 10: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
December 11: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main Street Downtown Pineville, 7:00pm. Sponsored by the City of Pineville. The 6th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free and open to public. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 318-445-3439.
December 11: Santa’s Elves Parents Night Out, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Join us for a holiday themed Parent’s Night Out! Get your last minute shopping done while your kids do crafts and have a blast at the museum! Children 4 and
older are eligible to participate. Cost: $20.00 per person. Call Marissa Sonnier: 318-619-9394.
December 12: Christmas at Inglewood, 6233 Old Baton Rouge Highway, 9:00am-1:00pm. Celebrate Christmas at Inglewood Farm with pictures with Santa, Christmas carols, kid’s holiday activities, farm tours, and farmer’s market. Cost: Free. Call Stephen Reed: 318-442-6398.
December 12: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-2:00pm. Arts activities for kids, live music, art exhibitions, and original local art in our gift shop. There’s always something new to explore! All one-of-a-kind works of art sold in the downtown Cultural Arts District are tax-free. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
December 12: The First Tee of Cenla 10th Anniversary Open House, Golf Club at Timber Trails, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Come and see how The First Tee Golf impacts the future of Central Louisiana, teaching core values in schools, after school programs, summer camps and more at this event honoring Paula Sue and Lou Dechert, Director of Coaching and Executive Director for a decade of service. www.thefirstteecenla.org
December 12: Pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 430 Jackson Street, 3:00pm-9:00pm. A guided tour of a dramatic recreation of First Century Bethlehem complete with live music and drama before the tour in the Emmanuel sanctuary. Guests can expect to spend an hour enjoying the live music and drama in the sanctuary before the tour is taken through the city. The 7th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Heather Matlock: 318-229-7613.
December 12: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Alexandria Mall, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Holiday Movie Showing ‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. Refreshment and crafts for kids 12 and under. Call: 318-619-2754.
December 13: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Alexandria, 2:00pm. Sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: Free. Call Chris Chelette: 318-623-7359.
December 14: The Good Mourning Widowed 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: 318-448-6938.
December 17: H2O-Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking Lot, 10:00am–Noon. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. H2O is 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, eater, and hygiene kits. Cost: Free. Call Donna Capps: 318-442-8026.
December 17: 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. Special Holiday Meal Covered Dish! Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
December 17 & 18: Live Reindeer Visits, Alexandria Mall Center Court. Alexandria Mall welcomes a returning favorite for the holiday season—live reindeer! Families can enjoy a memorable visit with Santa and a live reindeer from 2:00pm–6:00pm on December 17th and from 1:00pm-5:00pm on December 18th. Call: 318-619-2754.
December 17: Christmas with TaSheena, McDonald Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Make your Holidays sparkle! Make your own glitter Christmas ornaments! Supplies will be provided and you’re encouraged to pre-register to reserve your spot! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
December 17: 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.
December 17: Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 5:30pm. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweaters for the chance to win a $100 gift card to JCPenney! Second and third place winners will receive $25 gift cards to Chick-fil-A. All ages are invited to enter. Anyone wearing an ugly Christmas sweater on December 17th from 5:00pm–7:00pm will receive a free Frosted Lemonade from Chick-fil-A. Sponsored by Q93. Call: 318-619-2754.
December 17: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
December 17: Third Thursday’s on 3rd, Third Street, Downtown Alexandria, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by the Downtown Merchants and DARE. Food, fun, and entertainment along Third Street in Downtown Alexandria. Cost: Varies. The 10th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. For more information, visit www.downtownalexandria.org.
December 18: Charles Dickens’ Ghosts of Christmas Past, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site in Pineville, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Red River Dulcimer and Buckeye High School Chorale play and sing while the 19th Louisiana Volunteers read stories by soldiers and their families of Christmas time in the Civil War during a candlelight tour of historic Fort Randolph. The 11th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Richard Holloway: 318-484-2390.
December 19: Cane River Creole Christmas Downriver 2015, Magnolia Plantation, 10:00am-2:00pm. Featuring Christmas crafts, light refreshments and acoustic blues by Jim Pharis. Cost: Free. Call: 318-356-8441.
December 20: The Longest Night: A Service of Healing and Hope, First United Methodist Church, 6:00pm. Join us for a special service of healing and hope. Experience the light and love of Christ in the midst of the longest night of the year and find strength, comfort, healing, and hope. Cost: Free. Call Church Office: 318-443-5696.
December 21: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. 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: 318-448-6938.
December 21: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Brookdale 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: 318-448-6938.
December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
December 29: First Ever Gingerbread House Contest, Gunter Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm. Teens and Tweens get together for the first yummiest, most scrumptious contest in the universe! All supplies provided. Space is limited so reserve your spot! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259 or 318-443-1293. www.rpl.org
January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!
Sports
Ongoing-December: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm-5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
December 8, 15, 22, and 29: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. Yoga is offered every Tuesday at the AMoA thanks to a generous grant from the Rapides Foundation. 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 AMoA: 318-443-3458.
December 9, 16, 23 & 30: 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: 318-448-6938.
