Art

Ongoing-June 18: Smith & Wisznia Collection Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Originally curated in 2010 for display in the Maritime Building on Common Street in New Orleans, the Smith & Wisznia collection features 69 works from 30 Artists who lived, worked or exhibited in Louisiana during this challenging time. AMoA is excited to share this impactful collection from artists working in the midst of post-Katrina uncertainty, representing the art renaissance experienced during the rebuilding and rebirth of the city of New Orleans. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

March 7 & April 4: 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

March 12: Youth Art Month Opening Reception & Awards, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am. Youth Art Month Festival sponsored by Homelight presents fun activities and YAM prize announcement. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

March 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

April 5 & May 3: 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. The April 5th class will focus on watercolors; the May 3rd class will focus on acrylics. 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

March 10-11: Louisiana Music Educators Association Large Ensembles, Louisiana Christian University (Pineville). Louisiana Christian University will host 16 middle and high school bands competing in the Louisiana Music Educators’ Association District 2 Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. The bands, from Rapides and surrounding parishes, will perform for and receive feedback from expert music educators on their bands’ performance abilities based on their performances of three pieces of prepared repertoire, chosen from a prescribed list, as well as a separate performance of music previously unknown to them.

March 11: WindSync in Concert, St. James Episcopal Church (1620 Murray St., Alexandria), 7:00pm. The 2022-2023 St. James Concert Series presents WindSync, a collective of five outstanding North American wind musicians who present intimate, joyful, and thoughtfully programmed concerts, eliminating the “fourth wall” to better connect with audiences. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845. stjamesla.org

March 16: REO Speedwagon, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:30pm. REO Speedwagon’s unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. Today, teh band has sold more than 40 million albums around the globe, and Cronin and bandmates Bruce Hall, Neal Doughty, Dave Amato, and Bryan Hitt are still electrifying audiences worldwide in concert with hits and fan-favorites such as “In Your Letter,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Roll With The Changes,” the aforementioned “Keep On Loving You” and  “Take It On the Run,” and many, many more. Cost: $39.00+. rpclive.org

March 19: Fountain of Youth, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:30pm. In the words of Pablo Picasso, “Youth has no age.” Young and old alike will love the centerpiece of this concert, Benjamin Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” We also feature the always dazzling winners of our state-wide student concerto competition, 16-year-old violinist Samuel Garcia and 20-year-old flutist Jaylan Jones. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $15.00 Seniors; $10.00 Students; $50.00 Family (2 kids + 2 adults). Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

March 22: Danny O’Flaherty St. Patrick’s Concert, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. St. Patrick’s Day may be over but the celebration continues! Join Danny at The Alexandria Museum of Art for an evening of songs and stories about Ireland and St. Patrick! Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

March 27: Worship by the Lake, Buhlow Lake in Pineville, 3:00pm-7:30pm. A family friendly, multi-denominational event with the mission to connect our communities through praise and worship. Opening music by The Clay from Cenla and worship music provided by Revenant Worship from Dallas, Texas. Food trucks, volleyball and community talent showcase throughout the afternoon. worshipbythelake.com

Theatre

March 24-27: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pineville High School Auditorium, (1511 Line Street, Pineville). Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. pinevillehightheatre.com

March 24-26 & March 31-April 2: Cinderella by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Martin Performing Arts Center (1140 College Drive, Pineville), 7:00pm. This Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers and Hammerstein. The Broadway version added several new characters and expanded the world of the original. In addition to its contemporary feel, Rodgers and Hammerstein (Broadway Edition) includes two new songs, “Me, Who Am I?” and “He Was Tall,” along with “Loneliness of Evening” and “There’s Music in You” from earlier versions. At its core, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella remains the heartfelt tale of the girl from the cinders who connects with her prince. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Students/Seniors; $5.00 LCU Faculty/Staff/Students. Call: 318-613-4064.

April 7: The Great Barbeque Brawl (To the Death!), Wyndham Garden/Alexandria Convention Center (2301 N MacArthur Dr, Alexandria), 5:30pm. The Unusual Suspects are ready to keep you laughing and trying to figure out what will happen next with an interactive live performance. Come out to have some fun with a purpose. Those in attendance will be using their sleuthing skills and clues to solve the mystery for chances to win prizes. This exciting mystery dinner is designed to raise much-needed funds for the Central Louisiana division of Evergreen Life Services. Evergreen’s mission is to serve, provide for and champion individuals with disabilities. Cost: $75.00+. Call: 877-243-4021.

Events

Ongoing-March: 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.

March 9, 16, 23, 30 & April 6: 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.

March 9-10, 11-12, 16-17, 28-29: Save Cenla ASIST Training, 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. March 9-10: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Leesville; March 11-12: St. Alphonse Catholic Church, Hessmer; March 16-17: Allen Parish (Location TBA); March 28-29: Red River Parish Title 1 Parent Center, Coushatta; March 30-31: Red River Parish Title 1 Parent Center, Coushatta 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

March 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.

March 11, 18, 25 & April 1: 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.

March 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!

March 16: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Wyndham Garden/Alexandria Convention Center (2301 N MacArthur Dr, Alexandria), 12:00noon. Bring a friend and join us for a delicious meal, fun fellowship, and special music. This month’s Inspirational Speaker, Elaine Sanger, will be presenting “My Anchor for Life”. Melinda Adams will be our guest vocalist. Please pre-register by Friday, March 11th. Cost: $18.00. Call: 337-349-4776.

March 18-20: Louisiana Nursery Festival, Highway 112 in Forest Hill. The Nursery Festival returns, featuring a full Carnival experience, craft booths, food, entertainment, and many plants on display for purchase! Across the highway from the Festival, Blue Agave Market will host a parking lot party will kick off with  live DJ, boiled crawfish, fresh cracklings, pizza, full deli, drinks and more!

March 18-19: 5th Annual Cane River Film Festival, Natchitoches. The CRFF is an International film festival with Independent and Student filmmakers submitting their films from all over the World for a chance to Win the $1,500 Cash Grand Prize donated by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. The festival is produced by the Resurrection Fern Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization for Historic Preservation. Day 1 events include a Welcome Reception at Fort St. Jean Baptiste at 11:00am and Opening VIP Fundraiser Celebration at H.A. Cook Guest House at 6:00pm. Day 2 includes Film Screenings and Award Ceremony at Parkway Cinema 6 from 11:00am to 4:00pm and a Meet & Greet at Mariner’s Restaurant from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. caneriverfilmfestival.com

April 2: 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.

April 2: 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.

April 2: Grant Dogwood Festival, Ward 8 Ballparck in Pollock, 9:00am. The festival will include runs, pageants, live music, car show, tons of food, and games. Brand new T-shirt designs and much, much more to announce.

April 2: Cabrini Ball, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm. This event welcomes approximately 650 esteemed guests from throughout Central Louisiana and features an elegant evening complete with signature drinks, a 3-course, gourmet, seated dinner, a luxury silent auction and a special musical performance from the band, Elevation, a 10-piece Dallas party band. Proceeds from the Cabrini Ball will benefit the construction of the Trinity Healing Garden on the grounds of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. christuscabrinifoundation.org/cabrini-ball

April 6-8: Louisiana Women in Ag Conference and Expo, Randolph Riverfront Center (707 2nd Street, Alexandria). LWAG is an opportunity for woman, passionate about agriculture, to network and learn from experienced speakers and ag-related vendors from across the state and nation. This inspirational and educational event is open to all women (and men!) in agriculture in Louisiana. louisianawomeninag.com

Sports

March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5: 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

March 9 & April 6: The Fighting Flights Dart Tournament, Fighting Hands Brewery (1600 Military Highway, Pineville), 6:00pm. Attention dart players! The Fighting Flights (that’s you!) will be gathering tonight at Fighting Hand Brewing Co for another round of play. Who will take home the pot tonight? If you couldn’t make it last time, come on by! All skill levels welcome and get to compete for the pot. Cost: $5.00. fightinghandbrewing.com

March 12, 19, 26 & April 2: 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

March 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

March 31: Harlem Globetrotters Spread Game Tour, Rapides Parish Coliseum (5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria), 7:00pm. The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly re-imagined Spread Game tour to Alexandria. The Spread Game Tour is a basketball event like no other. Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks are only some of the thrill you can expect from this fully modernized show. Part streetball from the players who defined it, part interactive family entertainment, the new tour will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game. Cost: $23.00+. harlemglobetrotters.com

April 8: Girls on the Run Golf for Girls Tournament, Oak Wing Golf Course (2345 Vandenburg Dr, Alexandria), 12:30pm. Participants in the tournament receive a round of golf with cart, entry to all contents, on-course refreshments, lunch, a swag bag, and an afternoon of great golf for a great cause! Shotgun start will begin at 1:00pm. Beverages and mulligans available for purchase. Proceeds benefit YWCA’s Girls on the Run program. Cost: $100. Call: 318-442-3397.

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