Art

Ongoing-February 19: Monumental—Colossal Works from the Collection, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Looking back through art history, there are many examples of large scale works. Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Monet among others created enormous works that commanded power and captured the imagination. The practice of creating monumental works continues today often focused on making an impact within a space. In this exhibition, AMoA shares a selection of large scale works from the collection including pieces by Bill Illes and Margaret Evangeline. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 7: FAM Day at AMoA, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Alexandria Museum of Art opens its doors to the galleries on the first Monday of each month for those with disabilities for private, stress-free viewing of the exhibits. While those with special needs are welcome any business day, this dedicated day offers specialized interactives for hands-on learning, creative inspiration, and engagement as well as communication tools. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 9-10: Palette & Shape of Place Workshops, River Oaks Square Art Center (1330 2nd St., Alexandria). Prepare to play! This 2 day workshop offers Robin’s creative practice for connecting to nature with water based media. The workshop will focus on exploring wild places with both watercolor and foraged pigments as a way to relate to a place and its inhabitants. Open to beginners to advanced. Most materials provided/Supply list upon registration. Workshop may be attended one or both days. Wednesday begins at 10:00am; Thursday begins at 4:00pm. Cost: $45.00 per day. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

February 12: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Museum is proud to welcome the community on the second Saturday of each month for open admission during regular business hours. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 14 & 28: Art is Life, Rapides Main Library (411 Washington St, Alexandria). Learn a variety of acrylic painting techniques during this painting session led by Alice McBride. February 14th: 10:00am-12:00pm; February 28: 5:30pm-7:00pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 ext 1036. rpl.org

March 2: Creativity Launch Pad, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Launch your creativity in this on-going adult (21+) art education series for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment in which to learn, receive instruction, experiment with mediums with other adults. Launch Pad classes offer a rotation of mediums to provide a well-rounded art experience, designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students. All supplies are included. Please pre-register; class sizes are limited. Cost: $10.00 AMoA Members; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

February 12: Wayne Toups in Concert, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room (711 Paragon Pl, Marksville), 8:00pm. Wayne Toups first picked up an accordion when he was 13 and quickly began winning local accordion contests. He has combined Cajun music, Zydeco, R&B, and rock into a genre he calls Zydecajun.  He sings in both English and French. Cost: $15.00. Call: 800-946-1946. paragoncasinoresort.com

February 13: Chris Breaux & the Six String Rodeo, Boootleggers (4180 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm. Come watch the big game and hear Nashville recording artist, Chris Breaux. Cost: $12.00 Advance; $15.00 Door. Call: 318-319-7946.

February 19: Club Musique des Avoyelles, Bailely’s on the Square (113 E Ogden Street, Marksville), 5:30pm-9:00pm. The open Cajun music jam welcomes participating musicians.  Food, snacks, and a cash bar will be available. Cost: $10.00 Donation. Call: 318-240-3495.

February 24: Legacy: A Musical Celebration of Black Culture, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 10:00am & 7:00pm.  Join Alexandria Senior High School as they present Legacy, a musical celebration of Black Culture. Cost: $15.00 Adult; $12.00 Senior/Military (w/ ID); $10.00 Student/Child. Call: 504-400-2283.

February 25: Casting Crowns, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Compassion International presents Grammy winning multi-platinum group Casting Crowns on their “Healer Tour”! The concert will feature special guests We Are Messengers and Jonathan Traylor! Cost: $19.00 – $65.00. castingcrowns.com

Theatre

February 10-12: tlc Presents “Fences”, Martin Performing Arts Center, Louisiana Christian University (Pineville), 7:00pm. Set in the 1950s, “Fences” is the sixth in August Wilson’s ten-part “Pittsburgh Cycle”. Like all of the “Pittsburgh” plays, Fences explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Senior Citizens & Students; $5.00 LCU Students, Faculty & Staff; $10.00 Groups of 10+. Call: 318-613-4064.

February 10-13: Tuck Everlasting, Fox Theatre (111 South Washington St, Marksville). What would you do if you had all eternity? Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey. Shows begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:00pm Cost: $15.00. marksvillefox.com

February 17-19: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Bolton High School (2101 Vance Ave, Alexandria). Don’t Miss Cinderella, presented by the Bolton Conservatory for the Performing & Visual Arts. The Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Performances begin nightly at 7:00pm; Saturday matinee begins at 2:00pm. Cost: $17.00 Adult; $15.00 Senior; $10.00 Students; $5.00 Children (7 & under).

February 17-27: Perfect Wedding by Robin Hawdon, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1101 3rd St., Alexandria). Under the direction of Jill Dupont and Jim Weinzettle, City Park Players presents an appalling situation. A bridegroom wakes on his wedding morning in his own bridal suite, with his bride-to-be about to arrive any moment, and finds a strange girl in bed beside him. The only way out of the dilemma is to persuade the best man to pretend that the hidden girl is his girl friend. By the time the bride’s parents and half the hotel staff get in on the act, the chaos reaches nuclear proportions! You’ll be rolling in the aisles with laughter at this ‘Perfect Wedding’! Shows begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adult; $12.00 Senior; $10.00 Groups of 10+; $7.00 Student/Child; $5.00 Thursday shows. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com

February 18: Aquila Theatre Presents “The Great Gatsby”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:30pm.  Written in 1924, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald paints an honest and moving portrayal of American society that still resonates today, an exploration of the quest for the American dream in the absence of true equality. Aquila Theatre, one of the foremost producers of classical theater in the nation has created a new theatrical adaptation of this famous novel by using clever and impactful design, world-class actors, and insightful direction to emphasize the connections between our current culture and that of a century past. Cost: $20.00 General Admission; $15.00 Senior; $10.00 Student/Child (Ages 3+); $50.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children). Call: 318-484-4471.

March 5: Urban Bush Women: Legacy + Lineage + Liberation, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:30pm. Join the Arts Council of Central Louisiana for Urban Bush Women: Legacy + Lineage + Liberation. In honor of Urban Bush Women’s 37th Anniversary, Legacy + Lineage + Liberation celebrates the power of Women(+) in an evening of classic dance works that transcend genres and amplify the voices of Women(+) of color. These iconic works choreographed by UBW Founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar give multiple dimensions of life that resonate in this time of reflection around equity and justice, and that lift up Black lives in inspiring ways. Cost: $20.00 General Admission; $15.00 Senior; $10.00 Student/Child (Ages 3+); $50.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children). Call: 318-484-4471.

Events

Ongoing-February: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church (1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria), 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

February 8, 15, 22 &  March 2: Alexandria Farmer’s Market, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:00pm. The Alexandria Farmers Market is a weekly gathering that connects the community of Alexandria with the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural artisans of Central Louisiana. This connection strives to improve the physical, social, and economic well-being of the region by providing access to fresh, healthy, local food for residents, fostering community relationships, and serving as a business incubator for growers and producers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-441-3407.

February 9: Cenla Women’s Connection Prayer Coffee, Red River Bank 3rd Floor Conference Room (1412 Centre Court, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:30am. Betty Whittiker will lead a short devotion and prayer time will follow. Bring your prayer requests and come join us. Coffee, water, and other refreshments will be provided. Follow us on Facebook (Cenla Women’s Connection) and Instagram @cenlawomensconnection. We are affiliated with Stonecroft a non-denominational , nonprofit organization.

February 9: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center Main Entrance (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 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 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.

February 11, 18, 25 & March 4: Live Auction, Auction Barn at the Trotter Center (1634 Military Highway, Pineville), 6:30pm. Join in the excitement of live auctions every Friday night! Proxy bids are welcome. Call Earl Hayes: 318-730-8676.

February 12: Second Saturday Market, Huckleberry Brewing Company (4724 Sterkx Road, Alexandria), 1:00pm.  On the second Saturday of each month, Huckleberry Brewing Company will be hosting a vendors market on the Huckleberry grounds! Come check out some awesome local vendors at the Second Saturday Market! If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or through Facebook messenger!

February 12: Magnolia Plantation Memorial Illuminations, Magnolia Plantation (5549 Highway 119, Derry), 6:30pm-8:00pm. Cane River Creole National Historical Park remembers and honors the people who were enslaved at Magnolia Plantation. The institution of enslavement and the act of emancipation have left indelible imprints on many aspects of Cane River life, and the park has been working for years to uncover the stories of all the people that lived on the two plantations. Each luminaria represents an enslaved man, woman, or child. Groupings of luminarias reflect a moment in time in the plantation’s history. Luminaries will be marked with the names, ages, places of origin, and skills of the enslaved individuals when possible. This information has been retrieved from original archives. Tours will be outdoors, will cover about a half mile over uneven and unpaved ground, and will occur rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for weather and walking conditions. Magnolia Plantation can only be accessed via LA Highway 1. Cost: Free.

February 18: 7th Annual Night of Lights Mardi Gras Parade, Pineville, 7:00pm. Kick off the Mardi Gras season in Pineville with their annual night time parade.  The route begins at Louisiana Christian University, traveling up Main Street, across the Red River, ending at Alexandria City Hall. Cost: Free.

February 19: Echo Mardi Gras and Chicken Run Parade, Echo, 1:00pm. For the young and young at heart, the Echo Mardi Gras Parade will roll from the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church area. After the parade returns to the church area, gumbo and King cake will be served beginning at 4:00pm.  Alternate rain date: February 26th. Cost: $1.00 Parade; $6.00 Gumbo meal. Call: 318-729-0683 or 318-709-0443.

February 19: Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade, Marksville, 2:00pm. The members of the Rotary Club of Avoyelles are pleased for announce the Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade. There is no entry fee; however, all applicants must pre-register no later than Thursday, February 10th. Cost: Free. Call Chrystal Adams: 318-359-3534.

February 20: Town of Ball Mardi Gras Parade, Monroe Highway in Ball, 2:00pm. Have you ever wanted to participate in a Mardi Gras Parade? Do you have a cool car, regular car, truck, horse, or any type of cool vehicle? And for those that just want to go to the parade, the route is North Along Hwy 165 in Ball from Certified Transmission and Powell Lane to Town Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-9605. townofball.com

February 21-22 & 23-24: Save Cenla ASIST Training, North Side Civic Center (704 N Soileau St, Ville Platte), 8:00am-4:30pm. Suicide and mental health issues are a growing concern, especially in these trying times. Suicide is preventable. Anyone can make a difference. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an evidence-based, two-day workshop in suicide prevention skills helps participants learn and practice a life-saving intervention model that is widely used by professionals and the general public. Open to ages 16+. Mental health professionals can receive 12 CEUs after taking this workshop for $60.00 through livingworks.net (a $300 value). Sponsored by Central Louisiana Human Services District and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com/asist

February 24: 10th Annual Societal and Health Disparities Forum, LSUA’s F Hugh Coughlin Hall (30 Grady Britt Drive, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. The Forum will feature presentations on “COVID Pandemic and Race”, “STD/HIV Update”, “Opioid Data, Surveillance and Disparities during the COVID Years”, and “Disparities of Power in Our Communities”. In-person and Zoom options are available.

February 24: The Folding Chair: Diversity Dinner & Dialogue Experience, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. In honor of Black History Month, join us for good food, entertainment and conversation hosted by Attorney Ingrid F. Johnson in partnership with the Alexandria Museum of Art.  Attendees will engage in discussions surrounding a variety of topics relating to issues surrounding diversity led by local community leaders. Special performance by Music Ministry – T. Michael Sands & Co. Catering by Dat New Orleans Taste. Ages 18+. Limited seating is available. Please pre-register. Cost: $25.00 AMoA Members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 25: Fort Jesup Bicentennial Celebration, Fort Jesup State Historic Site (32 Geoghagan Road, Many), 10:30am. The kick-off celebration begins with an official opening ceremony featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Louisiana State Fiddle Champion, Clancey Stewart, will perform and an authentic frontier lunch will be served after the ceremony. Living historians and reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate life on the Louisiana frontier. event will include living history demonstrations, cast-iron cooking, music, and children’s activities that celebrate the culture of Louisiana’s Final Frontier. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-256-4117.

February 25: Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30pm. AMGA’s Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade will kick off Alexandria’s family-oriented Mardi Gras weekend. It features classic cars paired with college cheerleaders from colleges, universities, and high schools in Louisiana. 2022 CC&CC Grand Marshal is Meteorologist Nick Mikulas. The parade begins at 10th and Murray Streets, heading up Murray to 5th, over to Jackson Street, turning right on 3rd Street and ending at Winn Street. Cost: Free. Call: 318-419-7216. alexmardigras.net

February 25: Taste of Mardi Gras, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 Second Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm-11:30pm. Cenla’s signature Mardi Gras event is back! Join in the festivities and enjoy samplings of Central Louisiana’s restaurants, cash bar, and great music! VIP early entrance begins at 6:00pm. Headlining entertainment starts at 8:00pm featuring Soul’d Out and the Cenla Brass Band. Cost: $30.00 Pre-Sale; $40.00 Door; $75.00 VIP; $500 VIP Table of 8. Contact: [email protected].

February 26: AMGA Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:00am. AMGA’s Children’s Parade will roll on Saturday morning. 2022 Children’s Grand Marshal is Miss Louisianas’s Outstanding Teen 2021 Sophia Nawaz. The parade begins at 10th and Murray Streets, heading up Murray to 5th, over to Jackson Street, turning right on 3rd Street and ending at Winn Street. Cost: Free. Call: 318-419-7216. alexmardigras.net

February 26: AMGA King Cake Party, Alexandria Zoo, 2:00pm-4:00pm. The animals are askin’ for you at Alexandria Zoo! Don your purple, green, and gold and parade over to the Zoo for king cake, live music, and more after the AMAG Children’s Parade! Sponsored by Atwood’s Bakery. Cost: Regular Zoo admission. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

February 26: Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade, Natchitoches, 6:00pm. The Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade begins at South Drive to Keyser Avenue, across Cane River Lake and down Jefferson Street to Front Street, then left on Texas and 2nd Streets, ending at Church Street. Cost: Free. kreweofdionysos.com

February 26: Oakland Plantation Memorial Illuminations, Oakland Plantation (4386 Highway 494, Natchez), 6:30pm-8:00pm. Cane River Creole National Historical Park remembers and honors the people who were enslaved at Magnolia Plantation. The institution of enslavement and the act of emancipation have left indelible imprints on many aspects of Cane River life, and the park has been working for years to uncover the stories of all the people that lived on the two plantations. Each luminaria represents an enslaved man, woman, or child. Groupings of luminarias reflect a moment in time in the plantation’s history. Luminaries will be marked with the names, ages, places of origin, and skills of the enslaved individuals when possible. This information has been retrieved from original archives. Tours will be outdoors, will cover about a half mile over uneven and unpaved ground, and will occur rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for weather and walking conditions. Magnolia Plantation can only be accessed via LA Highway 1. Cost: Free.

February 27: Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Krewe Parade, Midcity Alexandria, 2:00pm. AMGA’s Krewe Parade will round out festivities on Sunday afternoon. 2022 Krewe Parade Grand Marshal is NFL star Ed Oliver of the Buffalo Bills. The parade begins on Monroe Street, rolling down Texas Avenue all the way to Masonic Drive, turning right on Masonic, left on Memorial Drive and Right on North Boulevard, ending at South Mall Drive. Cost: Free. Call: 318-419-7216. alexmardigras.net

March 5: Experimental Aircraft Association 1st Saturday Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport (200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville), 7:30am-10:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, milk, orange juice, and more! Anyone interested in aviation is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $7.00.

March 5: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers First Saturday Gathering, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 9:00am-12:30pm. A delicious day with Dutch oven cooking enthusiasts. There is no charge for food, however, donations are accepted. Regular park admission applies. Call: 318-625-1762.

March 5: Alexandria Masonic Lodge #398 100th Anniversary Celebration, Masonic Temple (1415 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria), 3:00pm-5:00pm. Celebrate the Alexandria Masonic Lodge’s Centennial with a celebration and open house. Numerous state and local dignitaries are expected, as well as the Louisiana Grand Lodge Officers. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: Free.

Sports

February 8, 15, 22 & March 1, 8: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Register online by selecting the class you would like to attend. Out of courtesy for our class waiting list, please cancel at least two hours prior to class start time. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 12, 19, 26 & March 5: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Paul Nettles of The Levee Tai Chi School leads a class in Qi Gong, which is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 12: Yoga for Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am.The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month, Lotus Vibes present a Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 18-19: Monster Truck Winter Nationals, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Monster Truck Winter Nationals is headed your way! Don’t miss the biggest, baddest show of the year! This show features the number one in the world—Bounty Hunter! You’ll also get the chance to see the BMX Superstars do high flying tricks as they drop in from the new 32 ft high ramp! Records will be broken! VIP tickets include best seating along with pre-show pit party where you can take pictures with the trucks and meet Spiderman! Cost: $30.00 VIP; $26.00 Adults; $15.00 Kids. rpclive.org

*All events subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.