Art
Ongoing-August 7: River Oaks Annual Resident Artists Summer Show, Becky O’Neal & Matt Dawson, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd St., Alexandria). Visit River Oaks Square Art Center for the Annual Resident Artists Summer Show plus ‘When Winter Comes’ by Becky O’Neal in the Galerie des Amis and ‘Rain & Steel’ by Matt Dawson in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Sponsored by Dr. Betsy Long Memorial Fund and Noelle & Michael Crowell. We also encourage you to save the date for the popular Summer Art Studio Student Show on Saturday, August 14th. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com
Ongoing-October 23: 34th Annual September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). 48 works of art have been selected from around the globe to participate in AMoA’s annual competition experience the international competition in person and online. AMoA proudly welcomes Dr. Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D. as the Juror for AMoA’s 34th September Competition. For the last 18 years, Dr. Wulf has served as a passionate creative museum professional at international institutions, directing the strategic, civic and educative mission of museums and serving in key roles to represent, supervise, produce, and sponsor a wide array of compelling public programs and exhibitions on a variety of themes in the arts, sciences, and humanities, in order to promote cultural literacy through community engagement. Currently, Wulf serves as the Executive Director of the AAM-accredited Albany Museum of Art in Albany, Georgia. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 8: The Creativity Launch Pad: Pastels, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. The Creativity Launch Pad is an 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. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free AMoA Members; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 9: Adult Painting Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. Join Victoria in an outdoor acrylic painting class where we will paint fireflies in a Mason Jar. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org
August 2: Free Access Mondays, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. Each first Monday of the month, AMoA is opening the doors to the galleries for those with disabilities and special needs including those on the ASD spectrum, and their families and caregivers. A special interactive station is available for educational stimulation, experimentation with writing and drawing prompts, textures, communication cards to assist in your visit. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
August 3: The Creativity Launch Pad: Watercolors, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. The Creativity Launch Pad is an 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. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free AMoA Members; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
Music
July 17: Corey Ledet in Concert, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & NW Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches), 2:00pm. As part of the 2021 NSU Folklife Concert Series, Zydeco artist Corey Ledet will perform a 45-minute music set followed by interviews with the musicians and an audience Q&A. In addition to the music performances, two or three folk artists will demonstrate and sell traditional crafts. Sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Cost: Free.
July 23: Martina McBride in Concert, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center, (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Fourteen-time Grammy nominee Martina McBride comes to Paragon live in concert! McBride has sold over 20 million albums to date, which includes 20 Top 10 singles and six #1 hits and has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association and won three Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist. Martina has been awarded 14 Gold Records, Nine Platinum honors, three Double Platinum Records, and two Triple Platinum Awards. Cost: $59.00+. Call: 800-946-1946. Paragoncasinoresort.com
July 24: Smithfield Fair in Concert, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & NW Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches), 2:00pm. As part of the 2021 NSU Folklife Concert Series, Singer-songwriter ensemble Smithfield Fair will perform a 45-minute music set followed by interviews with the musicians and an audience Q&A. In addition to the music performances, two or three folk artists will demonstrate and sell traditional crafts. Sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Cost: Free.
July 31: The Yvette Landry Trio in Concert, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & NW Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches), 2:00pm. As part of the 2021 NSU Folklife Concert Series, The Yvette Landry Trio will perform a 45-minute music set of Cajun and classic country followed by interviews with the musicians and an audience Q&A. In addition to the music performances, two or three folk artists will demonstrate and sell traditional crafts. Sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Cost: Free.
August 4: ZZ TOP in Concert, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, ZZ TOP a/k/a “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” lay undisputed claim to being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact and, in 2004, the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ZZ TOP’s music is always instantly recognizable, eminently powerful, profoundly soulful and 100% Texas American in derivation. Cost: $39.00+. rpclive.org
August 7: Nina Diaz in Concert, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & NW Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches), 2:00pm. As part of the 2021 NSU Folklife Concert Series, San Antonio, Texas rock artist Nina Diaz will perform a 45-minute music set followed by interviews with the musicians and an audience Q&A. In addition to the music performances, two or three folk artists will demonstrate and sell traditional crafts. Sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. and the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Cost: Free.
August 7: One Night with Broadway’s Phantom: Ben Crawford, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Lagniappe Theatre Company is proud and excited to present A One Night Concert with Broadway’s Phantom: Ben Crawford. Mr. Crawford is the current Phantom on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webbers’s Phantom of the Opera. He comes to Alexandria direct from New York City where he is currently in rehearsal for the long anticipated reopening of one of Broadway’s most beloved and treasured musicals. One man, one piano, one voice that will change your life. He will sing music from Broadway musicals, beloved operas, American standards from the American Songbook, and pop songs we have all come to love. Cost: $25.00 General Admission; $40.00 VIP Meet & Greet. Call: 318-48-STAGE. lagniappetheatre.com
Theatre
July 8-11: Sister Act, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St, Alexandria). This hilarious and joyful musical, based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg film, follows Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime, and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look-a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Shows begin nightly Thursday-Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. Church group ticket discounts are available! Groups of 10 or more can get tickets for the lowest ticket price. Cost: $13.00 Students and Children 12 & Under; $16.00 Senior; $18.00 Regular Admission; $20.00 VIP Reserved seating. Call: 318-48-STAGE. lagniappetheatre.com
July 12-August 1: LBM Productions Musical Theatre Intensives, Alexandria Mall (3437 Masonic Dr, Alexandria). The Godspell Musical Theatre Intensive Workshop is geared for students in High School & College, as well as for Adults who wish to hone their performance skills. Students receive voice training, dance workshops, acting coaching and a live performance opportunity. All students will be cast in Godspell! Students must provide parts of their costumes and sell $50 in Playbill ads. They should also bring their own snacks & drinks each day. Refrigerator provided. Financial assistance is available. Workshop and Cast sizes are limited. Cost: $355.00. LBMproductions.net
July 22-30: CPP Summer Theatre Workshop for Kids, Kress Theater (1101 4th St, Alexandria), 1:00pm-4:00pm. City Park Players’ annual summer workshop for kids is back for 2021! The camp will offer a week of fun theatre activities, costuming, rehearsals, and a short performance on July 30th! This workshop is open to children entering grades 1-7. Pre-registration is required by Monday, July 12th. Cost: $60.00. Contact: [email protected].
July 29-August 8: CPP Presents “Unnecessary Farce”, Kress Theater (1102 4th St, Alexandria). Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go. In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant, while in the room next-door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on videotape. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room, who’s being videotaped, who’s taken the money, who’s hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes! City Park Players presents Paul Slade Smith’s comedy, directed by Jim Weinzettle and Maura Herboldsheimer. Performances begin nightly Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30; Sunday matinees begin at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors 60+ & Military; $10.00 Groups of 10+; $7.00 Students; $5.00 Thursday shows. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com
July 30-August 1: Godspell, Pineville High School Theater (1511 Line St, Pineville). LBM Productions is thrilled to announce that we have joined forces with Pineville High School Theatre Department, under the direction of Kristopher Prestridge to bring Godspell, the 2012 Revival on the 50th Anniversary of its original Off-Broadway Production! Performances begin nightly Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. All staging and audience configuration will take into account social distancing guidelines. LBMproductions.net
August 7: Workshop Q&A with Broadway’s Phantom: Ben Crawford, Lagniappe Theatre Event Center (7521 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 12:00pm-2:00pm. Broadway Performer Ben Crawford, Broadway’s Current Phantom on Broadway, joins the Lagniappe Theatre preceding his evening concert to offer an acting workshop and Q&A session to local patrons. Watch Mr. Crawford as he works with local students with acting and vocal work and lends his expertise to improve their skills. Immediately following the workshop, have a chance to ask Ben questions about his life, career, and the Broadway world. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-48-STAGE. lagniappetheatre.com
Events
Ongoing-July: 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.
July 6, 13, 20, 27 & August 3: 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.
July 10: Let’s Art for Kids, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library (1115 Broadway Ave, Alexandria), 10:00am-11:00am. Hey kids let’s do art with Chad Kristian from Sankofa Cultural Collective! Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
July 10: 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!
July 12-16: Art-O-Rama Summer Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). AMoA presents a fun-filled round robin week of making! Campers will enjoy five days of creativity with unique projects including Calder inspired sculpture, print making, solar graphics and more! Young artists are guided through thematic week-long classes teaching problem solving skills and promoting creative exploration. Students tour exhibitions, learn to appreciate various art forms, and become inspired through challenging but age-appropriate hands-on sessions taught by AMoA educators and art teachers. Morning sessions are open to campers ages six to nine; afternoon sessions are open to campers ages 10 to 12. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $100 AMoA members; $130 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 13-16: Art Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Students will learn about different artists from Picasso to Van Gogh and create masterpieces of their very own! Summer camps are for ages 4-12 and campers should bring their own water bottle daily. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Cost: $85.00 Members; $95.00 Non-members. Call: 318-619-9394.
July 14: 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.
July 19-23: The Science of Art and Mind Summer Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Young artists will explore famous artists and discover how they play and experiment with the elements to create their own unique works of art, inspired by nature and beyond. This will be an active week of stretching bodies, minds and hands. Campers are guided through thematic week-long classes teaching problem solving skills and promoting creative exploration. Students tour exhibitions, learn to appreciate various art forms, and become inspired through challenging but age-appropriate hands-on sessions taught by AMoA educators and art teachers. Morning sessions are open to campers ages six to nine; afternoon sessions are open to campers ages 10 to 12. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $100 AMoA members; $130 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 19-23: The Muse Costume Design Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-5:00pm. Taught by Raquel Dove-Lund and Cindy Blair Muse teens will learn some of the basics of cosplay costume creation, from accessories to sewing to simple up-cycling of wardrobe pieces we’ll cover it all and finish with a fashion show on Friday! Open to ages 13-19. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center on the Greens (90 Harold Miles Park, Boyce), 12:00pm. Speaker Amanda McDowell presents, “Setting the Pace to Win the Race”. We are celebrating teachers this month. Teachers will receive a door prize this month! We are abiding by CDC guidelines for restaurants to prevent the spread of Covid-19. So wear a mask, social distance of at least six feet and hand washing encouraged. We will have hand sanitizer as well. So come and join us. Please RSVP by Friday, July 16th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-790-0415 or Email: [email protected].
July 26-30: The Art of Today: Discovering Contemporary Art Summer Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Contemporary Art movement is generally defined as artwork produced during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In this camp we will study a different contemporary artist each day, learn about their life and work, and make an art project inspired by them. The projects are Tim Burton self-portraits, Takashi Murakami color wheel flowers, Yayoi Kusama pumpkins, Louise Bourgeois spider sculptures, and Jean Michel Basquiat paintings. Students tour exhibitions, learn to appreciate various art forms, and become inspired through challenging but age-appropriate hands-on sessions taught by AMoA educators and art teachers. Morning sessions are open to campers ages six to nine; afternoon sessions are open to campers ages 10 to 12. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $100 AMoA members; $130 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 27 & 29: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 8:15am-4:00pm. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 14, 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. Registration includes lunch and supplies. Class size is limited. Please pre-register. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.
July 27-30: Bug Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. This camp is all about bugs, insects, arthropods and more! Students will learn about many native species and the roles they play in our ecosystem. We will also learn from guest presenters who work with bees and other insects! Summer camps are for ages 4-12 and campers should bring their own water bottle daily. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Cost: $85.00 Members; $95.00 Non-members. Call: 318-619-9394.
July 28: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore, no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease. The course is taught by a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.
August 2: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. This group helps parents who have lost babies. Please enter through the Scott Street entrance to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7569.
August 6-7: Save Cenla ASIST Training, LSUAg Center (8592 LA-1, Mansura), 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. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com
August 7: 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.
Sports
July 10: 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 a Lotus Vibes present a Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
July 10, 17, 24, 31 & August 7: 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.
July 13, 20, 27 & August 3: 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.
August 7: Bulls, Bands and Barrels Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. The Bulls, Bands and Barrels Tour is kicking it off in style! Featuring one of Louisiana’s most popular sons, Frank Foster, the Bulls, Bands and Barrels Tour will roll right into Louisiana featuring the rankest bulls in the southeast and the fastest equines. Bull, Bands and Barrels never fails to deliver in its promise to be three of the most exciting hours in westerns sports and entertainment. Intermission will feature the nail-biting competition freestyle bull fighting. Adding to the excitement, will be a special guest appearance by world renowned championship cowboy, Chris Shivers. Cost: $25.00 adults; $15.00 children (ticket prices increase by $5.00 at the door). Call: 800-745-3000.
*All events subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
