Arts
Ongoing-March: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. The Cabrini Gallery will feature the art of Cabrini Cancer Center patients and caregivers facilitated by JoAnne Thompson. The gallery is located in the Outpatient Center on the 1st floor across from Radiology. The Rapides Gallery will feature the art of the Natchitoches Art Guild. The gallery is located in the South Tower between the ER and the lobby. Most of the art is available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
March 6 – May 23: Ellsworth and William Woodward: Impressions of Southland Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Impressions of the Southland 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 the H. Sophie Newcomb College, instructing and inspiring young artists for years. Cost: $4 adults; $3 students/seniors/military; $2 youth 4-13; under 4 free. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
March 6 – May 23: Chen Yuhua: The Dao of Nature Exhibition, 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 natural elements. His work features landscapes, animals, plants, insects and all forms of nature in order to express his love of nature and beauty. Cost: $4 adults; $3 students/seniors/military; $2 youth 4-13; under 4 free. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
March 7: 40th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Kees Park, Pineville, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by the Red River Arts and Crafts Guild. Featuring many local artists and handmade creations such as paintings, pencil art, watercolor, jewelry, woodwork, wooden toys, ceramics, photography, jams, jellies and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call Donna Fontenot: 443-1785.
March 7: Spanish Language Tour of Exhibitions and Artist Talk, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tour: 1-2p.m., Talk: 2-3:30p.m. Have fun talking in Spanish and learning about the art of Spanish-speaking cultures. Conversation, cultural exchange and fun! Facilitated by Carlos Villaseñor Anaya (bilingual), International Consultant and expert in Cultural Development and Cultural Policy. Cost: Admission free. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
March 14: Youth Art Month Festival, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-2p.m. March is Youth Art Month. Come to the museum to celebrate and support the creativity of our youth. The festival will feature and art exhibition from local students and hands on art activities for the whole family to enjoy. Cost: Admission free. Call Cindy Blair or Nancy Noles: 443-3458.
March 14: The Muse’s Youth Art Month Open Mic, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8p.m. Part of the 4th Annual Youth Art Month Festival at AMoA. It is free and open to performing artists between the ages of 14-21. Guitarists, vocalists, musical groups and other performers are welcome. Keep the work clean! Feel free to express yourself, but remember this is an all age’s audience. Cost: Admission free for ages 14-21. Call Cindy Blair: 443-3458.
March 22: 36th Annual CAG of Cenla Bank Show Opening Reception, Capital One bank Lobby, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. The Contemporary Artists’ Guild will present its 36th Annual Bank Show from March 22nd through April 4th. Cost: Free. www.facebook.com/CAGofCenla.
Dance
March 22: Ballet Magnificat, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Cost: $25 general admission. Call Brandy Wills: 455-7702. www.ticket-central.org to purchase tickets.
Music
March 8: HynmSing, Calvary Baptist Church-Alexandria, 6:00pm. Choirs from Calvary Baptist and First Baptist Church Pineville join together with live orchestra. Join us for an evening of great music and worship! Cost: Free. www.calvarynet.net
March 10: The King of Instruments and the Abbey, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:00pm. The St. James Episcopal Church Concert Series presents James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers Westminster Abbey in concert. Mr. O’Donnell will present the music of J.S. Bach, Cesar Franck, Olivier Messiaen and Marcel Dupre. The concert is made possible by The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.
March 14: A Composer’s Testimony, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. A musical depiction of a Stalinist Russia, Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony is 48 minutes of tragedy, despair, terror, violence and two minutes of triumph. Cost: $25 adults; $15 seniors; $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
March 19: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Live music, food and fun! Every third Thursday, join AMoA for its most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to music hosted by John Wakefield and featuring a guest musician, and snack on tasty food and drink. Cost: Free for AMoA members; $4 for non-members. Call Amanda Guillot or Steve Farnsley: 443-3458.
March 27: Rhythm & Rhymes Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7-9p.m. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers, are presented by AMoA. Promoting the art of spoken word and self-expression, and creating opportunities for poets. Featuring Alexandria native and accomplished slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley. Cost: Free for AMoA members; $4 for non-members. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
March 28: An Evening of Music and Praise to Benefit Arts & Healthcare, Inc., Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Cenla Christian Worship Tour. This musical event will benefit Arts & Healthcare, Inc. and will feature Octavia, Josh Blakesley, SOR, DC Sills and Jackson, MS based gospel quartet, Bros.4 and an art guitar auction at intermission. For updated info visit www.artsandhealthcare.org. Cost: $15 general admission; patron tickets available. Call Judy: 769-7602.
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.
Theatre
March 19 – 23 and 26 – 28: God of Carnage, Richard Gwartney Theatre, Mulder Hall, LSUA, 2:30p.m. March 22-23, 7:30p.m. all other dates. Sponsored by LSUA and presented by LSUA Empty Space Players. Cost: $10 adults; $5 seniors; $5 for students with ID. Call Bob Harper: 473-6473.
Events
Ongoing – March 31: Teen Tech: Get Connected @ RPL!, select Rapides Parish Libraries, during regular business hours. Sponsored by Rapides Parish Library. Encourage teens to use technology and online resources responsibly for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. A variety of programs highlight careers in technology and science related fields. Cost: Admission free. Call Suzanne DeKeyzer James: 445-2411 ext. 1060.
Ongoing-May 30: Seed Exchange Library Display, Rapides Main Library. Customers with a library card will be able to come in and browse the non-hybrid seeds available and take packets to grow in their own backyard, container, or flower gardens. Then at the end of the growing season, the seeds they’ve saved from their plantings can be returned to swap seeds with other fellow gardeners in the area. This activity is family-friendly. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036 or x 1030. www.rpl.org
March 5: A Taste of the South Symposium, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site and the Civil War Round Table of Central Louisiana. Social hour with food and music from the Civil War era and a historical presentation at the Forts. Cost: Admission free. Call Don Fontenot: 484-2390.
March 6: The Red River Campaign Symposium, Kent Plantation House, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House and the Civil War Round Table of Central Louisiana. Wine and cheese reception followed by a guest speaker on the topic of the Red River Campaign. Cost: Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
March 6 – 7: Life on the Battlefield, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, 9a.m.-2p.m. Fri., 9a.m.-Noon Sat. Living history demonstrations and campfire tours. Cost: Admission free. Call Don Fontenot: 484-2390.
March 7: RRMC Breastfeeding Class, Rapides Regional 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.
March 7: Cabrini Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:00am-1:00pm. This class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on the benefits, techniques and concerns of breastfeeding. The father/support partner is welcome. Cost: $20. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 7 – 8: Baseball Game & Battle Re-enactment, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, 1-2p.m. On Saturday watch as Union soldiers playing a baseball game on the future site of Fort Randolph are surprised by Confederate soldiers, based on actual events, and on Sunday Union and Confederate re-enactors battle near the Forts. Cost: Admission free. Call Don Fontenot: 484-2390.
March 9: 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.
March 9: Look Good, Feel Better, Rapides Cancer Center, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. Look Good, Feel Better is led by a trained volunteer cosmetologist who teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active therapy. In order to provide complimentary cosmetics, advance registration is required. Please identify what color makeup kit you will need: light, medium, dark or extra dark. Cost: Free. Call: 337-433-5131.
March 10: Showtime! Let’s Enjoy the Movie, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Come out and enjoy an evening at the movies. We’ll be watching Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Cost: Free. Call: Call 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
March 10: Cajun Culture Music & Story Entertainment, Gunter Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:00pm. Pass a good time and learn about Cajun culture and heritage through dance, music, and stories. Special guest is Gerard Dupuy as seen on A&E’s Cajun Pawn Stars. Cost: Free. Call: Call 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
March 10: Sibling Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10 per family. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 11: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-noon. 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 Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.
March 11: Candy Paint!, King Branch Library, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Painting with candy! Tasty and delicious creativity with Laffy Taffy, Nerds, and Twizzlers! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
March 12: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 14: LEGO Mindstorm Robotic Exhibition, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-11:00am. For Teen Tech Week – Menard High School Robotics Club demonstrates LEGO Mindstorm EV 3.0 robots! Pre-registration required. Regular LEGO Club Meeting follows exhibition. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
March 14: Second Saturdays at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-2p.m. Free admission to AMoA every Second Saturday with arts activities for kids, live music, art exhibitions and original local art in our gift shop. There’s always something to explore! Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
March 15: Tour of Homes, 2-4:30p.m. Sponsored by Hope House of Central Louisiana. Please call to reserve tickets. Cost: $25. Call Kim: 487-2061.
March 16-20: Spring Bake & Book Sale, J.W. McDonald Branch Library. Friends of the Library is hosting a week-long bake and book sale. Special Wednesday sale, buy 2 and get 1 free! Call JoAnn Perry: 318-419-2841 or 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
March 17: LSUA Civic Club Luncheon, Brumfield Caffey Ballroom, LSUA, 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Civic organizations are invited to LSUA for fellowship and to hear a speaker. Cost: Clubs pay for members to attend. Call Mary McCampbell: 619-2917.
March 18: La Leche League Meeting, Rapides Westside Regional Library Branch, 10:00am & 6:00pm. La Leche League meetings emphasize the joys of breastfeeding while they inform and encourage mothers who wish to nurse their babies. Mother-to-mother support is at the heart of La Leche League: getting to know other women who have breastfed their babies can be helpful and reassuring. All mothers and mothers-to-be are welcome. Babies and children are welcome too! Cost: Free. Call Meghan: (318) 769-9386.
March 19: As Young As You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. Participants age 50 and up will have a grand time playing games of the past and present. Don’t miss out on the fun! Light lunch is provided. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call Faith Johnson: 318-445-2411 x1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
March 19: 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.
March 19: 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.
March 19: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 21: 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.
March 21: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 21: Central Louisiana American Red Cross B*A*S*H, airplane hangar #2, England Air Park, 5:30p.m. Sponsor Party, 6:30p.m. Patron Party. Major fundraiser for the Central LA American Red Cross. Ticket includes dinner and spirits, live and silent auction, Big Band music with Swing dancers (sponsor’s party), NOLA band and dancing. Sponsorships available. Don’t miss this fun and lively celebration. Cost: $50 per ticket. Call Marian Templeton: 419-1585.
March 22: Sunday Movie Matinee: The Tempest, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. A shipwreck casts members of a royal court ashore on a mysterious island. Their fateful arrival is no accident, for it was engineered by Prospera, a sorceress whom these men banished. Then love casts a spell on her daughter and the king’s son, and Prospera is powerless to intervene. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1020. www.rpl.org
March 23: 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.
March 23: 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.
March 23: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor, this class will be an in-depth opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and other comfort measures for labor and delivery. The support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Bring pillows to class. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
March 24: Diabetes Screening Day, Alexandria Mall, 8:00am-Noon. Held in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association’s annual Alert Day, participants will fill out a short survey, have their blood pressure and glucose measured, as well as height and weight assessments to calculate their BMI. Educational and nutritional information also will be available. No appointment needed. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445.
March 25 – 29: Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trails, Winn Parish Fair Grounds, Winnfield, 8a.m.-until. Sponsored by Full Boar Production. Cost: $5-10 per person. Call Carolyn or Angela: 628-5928. www.fullboarproductions.org
March 26: Showtime! Let’s Enjoy the Movie, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Come out and enjoy an evening at the movies. We’ll be watching The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. Cost: Free. Call: Call 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
March 26: 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.
March 28: 2015 Spring Herb Day Arts and Crafts Festival and Orchid Show, Kent Plantation House, 8a.m.-1p.m. Come browse our quality selection of flowers and herbs for your space. Stop by after and visit our wide selection of locally made arts and crafts. The Cenla Orchid Society showcases their rare and beautiful flowers and gives tips on growing them. Cost: Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
March 28: The Good Food Project: Saving Seeds & Making Compost, Rapides Main Library,10:00am-11:00am. First time gardener or soldier of the soil – Learn to save seeds from your favorite veggies or flowers and get the basics on making your own compost. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
April 1: Annual Easter Hat Parade and Easter Egg Hunt, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am. Beginning at the Main Library with the Easter Hat Parade then the Easter Egg Hunt in the Huie-Dellmon Gardens. Limited to 120 Children. Please pre-register. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904.
Sports
March 2-25: 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.
March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1: 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.
March 7: American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, Big Island at City Park, 9:00am. Follow the signs and join the Rapides Regional Medical Center team as it participates in this annual event. Survivors can stop by the Rapides Regional Heart Hospital “Survivor Tent” for a heart-healthy breakfast. Call: 318-769-3135.
March 7: Krav Maga Adult Self Defense Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 11:00am – 12:00pm. Please RSVP at Master Rousseau’s Facebook Page. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-8066.
March 10, 17, 24 and 31: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday at AMoA. 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: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
March 14: Fox Trot 5K, Fresh Catch Bistreaux in Marksville, 8:00am. Check-in beings at 7:00am, with the run/walk beginning at 8:00am. Cost: $30. Call: 318-240-3116.
March 14: Red River Run 10K, Downtown Alexandria, 3p.m. Flat and fast USATF certified 10K course starting and finishing downtown. Cost: Free to watch. Call Billy McRae: 446-4814. www.redriverrun.com
March 17: Hixson Ford ProAm Golf Tournament, OakWing Golf Club, assigned tee times. Sponsored by Hixson Ford and Children’s Miracle Network. A fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. Each team will play with a professional golfer from the Adams Golf Pro Tour. Golfers will receive invitations to the ProAm Golf Party on Monday, March 16 and the ProAm Awards Party on Thursday, March 19. Cost: $1,000 for a team of three amateurs and one professional golfer. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
March 18 – 21: 2015 Coca-Cola/Wal-Mart Open, OakWing Golf Club, time: TBA. Sponsored by Adams Golf Pro Tour and Children’s Miracle Network. Alexandria will host the Adams Golf Coca-Cola/Wal-Mart Professional Golf Tournament. Approximately 50 professional golfers will participate in the tournament. Cost: Free for spectators. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
March 20: Free Kids Golf Clinic –Adams Golf Pro Tour, OakWing Golf Club, 5p.m. Sponsored by Adams Golf Pro Tour and Children’s Miracle Network. The Junior Golf Clinic, for ages 7-17, is an opportunity for area youth to swing with the pros. Participants must bring their own clubs. Cost: Admission free. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
