May 2022 Calendar-at-a-Glance

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Art

 

Ongoing-May 28: 8th Annual Dirty South Cup Call, Renee LoPresti & Friends, Morgan Lasyone Exhibition, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria). The award recipients of the 7th Annual Dirty South Cup Show and Competition: Best in Show: Chris Alveshere – “Yellow Cup”; Merit Awards: 1st: Chris Pickett – “Lite Bright Rocks Glass”; 2nd: Eric Hoefer – “Soda Fired Cup”; 3rd: Jill Bell – “Lola Cup”; 4th: Bill Jones – “Cup”; Dr. Longs Choice: Andryea Natkin – “Mug”. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

 

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

 

May 14: 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

 

June 6: 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

 

Music

 

May 13: Dallas String Quartet: Where Bach Meets Bon Jovi, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. Dallas String Quartet is known for interpretations of an eclectic range of styles, creating tasteful renditions of both modern and pop music classics in addition to updated takes on more traditional forms of music. They are known for their eclectic renditions of anything from Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” to Lady Gaga’s “Rain On Me.” Cost: $20.00 adults, $15.00 seniors (65+), $10.00 students/children (3 to 18), $50.00 family (2 adults and 2 children). Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

 

May 19: Tin Men Concert, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Tin Men have been performing at home in New Orleans, around the USA and abroad since 2002. Through it all, they put their own zany spin on the material and make it their own. Guests are invited to bring their own refreshments for their table. Pro tip: Pre-order your dinner from Diamond Grill or Hotel Bentley and bring it with you! Discount coupons are available at AMoA. Sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

 

May 22: Music Through the Centuries, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm. The concert will feature a mixture of music and testimony from across the decades and returning pastor, the Rev. Kent Kilborne. The concert will include everything from Beethoven to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. Families, including children, are encouraged to attend. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696.

 

May 26: Hope & Restoration, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (626 4th Street, Alexandria), 7:30pm. In “Hope and Restoration,” the musical selections acknowledge the losses many have recently endured and celebrate the hope in the hearts of all for the restoration of peace in our lives and in the world. The Artistic Director for this concert is Jacob Wittkopp, Fine Arts Chair and Director of Choirs at Louisiana Christian University. Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. redriverchorale.com

 

May 28: Kenny Wayne Shephard, Paragon Casino Resport Mari Showroom (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. Louisiana-born guitarist, singer and songwriter Kenny Wayne Shephard returns home for a night of hits like “Deja Voodoo” and “You Can’t Judge a Book By the Cover”. Cost: $10.00+. paragoncasinoresort.com

 

Theatre

 

Ongoing-May 8: Steel Magnolias, Pineville High School Auditorium (1511 Line Street, Pineville). Enjoy the beloved Cenla classic set in fictional Chinquapin, Louisiana at Truvy’s Beauty Salon. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.  Cost: $12.00. tix.com/ticket-sales/pinevillehigh/1845

 

Ongoing-May 15: “Psych” by Lisa Rowe, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1101 3rd St., Alexandria). City Park Players is thrilled to bring Lisa Rowe’s farcical comedy “Psych” to Hearn Stage. Directed by Maura Herboldsheimer and Jim Leggett, the show features local actors Steven Smith, Rick Taylor, Alecia Lewis, Sierra Smith, Travis Paul, and AnTennille Crocker and tells the story of Edward Baxter, a successful psychiatrist who is framed for murder. “Psych’s” humor is broad in scope, including slapstick, wordplay and a bit of dark humor. 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

 

May 6-8: Frozen Jr., Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd Street, Alexandria). Join OLPS School as they presents Frozen, Jr. Enjoy your favorite Frozen characters live on stage! Performances begin at 7:00pm on Friday, 1:00pm on Saturday, and 2:30pm on Sunday. Cost: $15.00 adults; $10.00 students. olps.rallyup.com/2be198/Campaign/Details

 

May 7-8: James and the Giant Peach, Richard Gwartney Theatre (LSUA Campus, Alexandria).  Based on the beloved book of the same name by Roald Dahl. Performances begin Saturday at 11:00am and 7:00pm; and Sunday at 2:00pm. Cost: $10.00. http://countryday.school

 

May 9: CPP Play Reading, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre (1101 3rd St., Alexandria), 7:00pm.  Join members of CPP as we casually read through 2 to 3 play excerpts and discuss the possibility of including those plays in future seasons. Open to the public and fun! Cost: Free. Contact: [email protected].

 

Events

 

Ongoing-May: 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.

 

May 6-7: MayFest Returns!, Leesville Courthouse (S. Third Street, Leesville). Mayfest, winner of the Louey Award 2012 Festival of the Year, is an annual event held in historic downtown Leesville on the first weekend in May. Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer home-made items and food made from scratch. Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the courthouse lawn for two days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Cost: Free. vernonparish.org/events/mayfest

 

May 6-7: 14th Annual Sale on the Trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas (Natchitoches to Nacogdoches, Texas). Travel the trail for hot sales and deals, food, vegetables, plants, flowers, art, antiques, homemade and handmade one-of-a-kind treasures. Along the trail, vendors will offer new and used items. Churches, civic groups, families and retail stores along Highway 6 and Texas Highway 21 are encouraged to have sidewalk and roadside sales. Garage and yard sales are welcome as well. Call: 800-358-7802. VisitElCaminoReal.com

 

May 7 & June 4: 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 and general cordial chatter with lakeside ambience is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $10.00 Donation.

 

May 7 & June 4: 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.

 

May 7: World Labyrinth Day, Rapides Cancer Center (605 Medical Center Dr, Alexandria), 12:45pm. The Labyrinth at Rapides Regional Medical Center will host an event to mark World Labyrinth Day, which is an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society held on the first Saturday of May. The event will feature an opening, introduction to the labyrinth and a peace walk. At 1:00pm, a silent, facilitated walk for peace will take place. The closing will take place at 2:00pm. Cost: Free.

 

May 10, 17, 24, 31 & June 7: 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.

 

May 11: 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.

 

May 12: Weight Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room (501 Medical Center Dr, Alexandria), 4:30pm. When it comes to weight loss, we’re in it together! Join us for a support group that is open to anyone who has had or is considering having weight loss surgery. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3822.

 

May 13, 20, 27 & June 3: 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.

 

May 14: Magical Market, Embers (3rd and DeSoto, Alexandria), 10:00am-4:00pm. Come join in  a day of community, art, magic, small business shopping, music, and good food! Magical Market is Cenla’s fastest growing community vendor event! Our events are inclusive, diverse, and we welcome folx from all walks of life. Magical Market is BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled or differently abled friendly, and a safe space for everyone.

 

May 14: Crawfish for a Cause, Huckleberry Brewing Company (4724 Sterkx Road, Alexandria), 12:00pm-4:00pm. A Crawfish fundraiser to benefit Fostering Community! My Community Cares is an initiative that works to strengthen the community and prevent child abuse and neglect. Admission includes 5lbs of boiled crawfish, corn, and potatoes. Cost: $25.00.

 

May 14: 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!

 

May 18: 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 and women fellowship! This month’s Inspirational Speaker, Barbara Holland, will present “Stories from the Heart”. Please pre-register by Friday, May 13th. Cost: $18.00. Call: 337-349-4776.

 

May 19: Diabetes Group Class, HP Long Classroom (213 Hospital Blvd, Pineville), 2:00pm-4:00pm. 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.

 

May 21: Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 Second Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm-9:30pm. Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix (#MWCAM) is one of RiverOaks’ largest annual fundraisers. This event invites local food enthusiasts, chefs, and guys who simply love to cook to prepare their favorite food or drink recipes for taste testing. The event draws a crowd of well over 500 people each year. Dubbed as a ‘community favorite,’ MWCAM is a ton of fun for all involved! Cost: $70.00. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

 

May 24: Central Louisiana Interfaith Assembly, Emmanuel Baptist Church (430 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm-8:00pm. Imagine if Cenla faith organizations worked together to build a way for ordinary people and to take action to solve our common problems. We’re doing it! We call it Central Louisiana Interfaith. Organizations with 5+ participants will have reserved seating. Please pre-register. cenlainterfaith.org

 

May 27: Herb Growing Workshop, Rapides Parish Extension Office (300 Grady Britt Dr, Alexandria) 8:30am-noon. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at growing herbs but felt intimidated to do so, this workshop is for you! Attendance is limited to 20 people since starter herb plants are included. Please RSVP. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-767-3968.

 

May 28: Cenla Voices Military Creative Writing Workshop, Alexandria International Airport 3rd Floor Conference Room (1100 Frank Andrews Blvd, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. Cenla Voices Spring/Summer workshop is designed to engage all Veterans and Active-duty members of the Armed Services as well as their Families and Caregivers in a supportive, collaborative setting. This event is open to members of the military community, including family and caregivers. Subsequent sessions will be held June 25th and July 23rd. Cost: Free. cenlavoices.org

 

May 30-31 & June 6-7: 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. May 30-31: LSUAg Center in Mansura; June 6-7: St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville. 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

 

June 4: 13th Annual Bug Day, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria), 9:00am-1:00pm. The bugs are back! The ever-popular annual Bug Day is back and going into its 13th year! Kent House is honored to partner with the U.S. Forest Service–Kisatchie National Forest for this great event. Cost: $1.00 Ages 3+. Call: 318-487-5998. kenthouse.org

 

Sports

 

May 7: 10th Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Buhlow Lake in Pineville, 8:00am. After a two-year break, it’s time to Paddle Up for the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races! Sponsors will awaken the Dragons once again on the morning of race day to compete for trophies, medals, spirit awards, and bragging rights! To form a team takes 20 paddlers and one drummer. At least eight paddlers must be women. Cost: $2,100 per 21-person team. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

 

May 10, 17, 24, 31 & June 7: 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

 

May 13: Pineville Rotary Golf Tournament, Oak Wing Golf Club (, Alexandria), 1:00pm. The 2022 4 Person Scramble Golf Tournament will again feature lots of free drinks and food all day, including last year’s wildly popular pulled pork on the 17th green! Yum! Gather your 4-person team today! Proceeds fund Rotary’s commitment to local youth enrichment. Cost: $500 per team. Call: 318-730-1043.

 

May 28: Superheroes for Kids 5K, Fort Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site (135 Riverfront Street, Pineville), 9:00am. Fostering Community will host a Superheroes 5k & 1 Mile Walk to mobilize community involvement in the foster care system. Fostering Community’s goal is to support children in foster care and raise awareness for the needs of the foster care system. Cost: $25.00. fosteringcommunity.org

 

June 1: 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 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

 

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