Art
Ongoing-September: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit. The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the photography of Jade Stubbs. Denice. All photographs are for sale. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-October 20: AMoA’s 31st September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-4:00pm. The annual juried exhibition is selected by a guest juror from national and international submissions. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. Additionally, the September Competition connects the museum with artists that are excelling in their field and media. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
September 8 & October 6: Luminary Costumes Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art. Join us at AMoA to create your own illuminated costume. Choose from three construction styles ranging from easy to difficult. Participants may bring interesting clothing to transform with paint and lights (easy), create a plastic couture article of clothing (moderate) or Bauhaus inspired costume (more difficult). Two sessions are offered for this workshop to help you complete your wearable masterpiece. Then, join us to illuminate the night with us at the fall procession on October 19th. Cost: $30.00 Members; $40.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
September 9: Plein Air Art Exhibit Reception, Southern Forest Heritage Museum, 2:00pm-4:00pm. The public is invited to a reception in the Education Building to view the art and meet the artists included in the exhibit, featuring Tony Forrest, Laura Gates, Cyndi Menton, Roderick Murchison, Marjorie Shanks and Margie Tate. The exhibit will continue through October 12th. Call: 318-748-8404. www.longleaf.la
Music
September 15: RSO Pops on the River, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony is joined by jazz pianist Willis Delony and his trio for a great night of cool jazz at the Alexandria Riverfront Center. The concert will be held inside the air conditioned comfort of the Alexandria Riverfront Center this year. Cost: Free; $350 (reserved table for 10). Call: 318-442-9709.
September 21: Martina McBride, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room, 8:00pm. Fourteen-time Grammy nominated country superstar Martina McBride has sold over 14 million albums. In addition, McBride has won the Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award four times. She brings her signature soprano sound to Central Louisiana in this must-see concert event. Cost: $45.00-$75.00. Call: 800-745-3000.
September 22: Frank Foster, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:00pm. This rural Louisiana native and former oilfield man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched. This concert will mark the Louisiana release of Foster’s new album, ‘Til I’m Gone. Cost: $15.00+. Call: 318-442-9581.
September 28: Grand Funk Railroad, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room, 8:00pm. David Fricke of Rolling Stone magazine once said, “You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad!” The band brings its crowd-pleasing arena rock to Paragon’s Mari Center. Cost: $25.00-$45.00. Call: 800-745-3000.
September 29: Cenla Band-Aid, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 12:00pm. Cenla Band-Aid is a benefit for the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. The goal is to provide the opportunity for local artists including The Hoochie Digs, Papa’s Axe, Delta, The Parker Jame Trip, Peas and Cornbread, Leo Cole & The Blues Rockets, SOR LIVE, The Kelli Roberts Band, Avery Michaels & Exit 209, Mojo Killoy and more to showcase their talents on the stage at the RPC, while also collecting non-perishable food items for Cenla residents. Cost: $10.00 or $5.00 +5 non-perishable food items. Call: 318-442-9581.
October 5: Country Unplugged, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Room, 8:00pm. A trio of great country music offering arrives at Paragon as Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Lonestar take to the stage. Cost: $35.00-$75.00. Call: 800-745-3000.
October 6: RSO Presents Hero/Anti-Hero, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony presents its fall concert with pieces by Daughtery, Strauss and Copland. The Symphony will be joined by Percussion Soloist Gregory Lyons. Call: 318-442-9709.
Theatre
September 6-9: The Little Mermaid, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Lagniappe Theatre Company presents the famed tale based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The musical is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm with Sunday matinee set for 2:30pm. Cost: $13.00-$15.00. Call: 318-487-8243.
September 20-30: Steel Magnolias, Martin Performing Arts Center. theatre louisiana college presents the much-beloved tale set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are anybody come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy, Ouiser, Miss Clairee, and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby is about to marry a “good ole boy.” The play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, Shelby forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love. Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm with Sunday matinee set for 2:30pm. Cost: $5.00-$15.00.
Events
Ongoing-September: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church in 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.
Ongoing-September: balance Meetings, 5:30pm. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday and Thursday. Meetings take place each Monday at the CLASS Office, located at 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria. Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue. Call: 318-442-1010.
September 8: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC 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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
September 8: DIY Grandparents Day Card, Boyce Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Children ages 5-10 are invited to stop in to create their own unique handprint card to give to their grandma or grandpa. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
September 8: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We will be screening Sherlock Gnomes (Rated PG). Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
September 10: Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:00pm. This is an ongoing 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 those who are newly grieving. The Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Check our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Widowed and Widowers. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 10: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents and grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month—this month we meet on the 2nd Monday because of Labor Day. Pre-registration is required. Check out our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 12: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm. 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 Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.
September 12: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace driveway, 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 correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.
September 12: Come Shake With Us, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. King Branch celebrates National Milkshake Day. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
September 13: Roald Dahl Day Mischief and Mayhem Movie Marathon, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am. Celebrate the birthday anniversary of Roald Dahl by watching a movie marathon including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox and more. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
September 13: Children’s Craft, Robertson Branch Library, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Craft your own beaded key chains. Please register by September 10th as supplies are limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
September 13: Splatter Painting, Westside Regional Library, 4:30pm-5:30pm. In honor of National Arts in Education Week 2018, we are creating our own masterpieces using splatter painting. For school age children and up. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
September 15: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm. 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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
September 15: Agatha Christie Movie Marathon, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am-1:00pm. September 15th is Agatha Christie’s birthday! If you’re a classic mystery fan, you will love this movie marathon. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
September 15: Vintage Cinema, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:30pm. We’ll be screening the classic film “Forbidden Planet”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
September 17: Breathing & Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. 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.
September 18: Alexandria Mayoral Debate, Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6:30pm. YPG of Cenla will host an Alexandria Mayoral Debate featuring media panelists Babs Zimmerman, Sherman Desselle and Jeff Matthews, moderated by Matthew Dunn. Cost: Free.
September 19: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Carrie Griffin will present “Broken-Repaired-Whole Again”. Invite friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSPV by Friday, September 14th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].
September 19: Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, Hearn Stage, 7:00pm. This film is part of the 2018–2019 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. The Unafraid follows the personal lives of three DACA students in Georgia, a state that has banned them from attending their top state universities and disqualifies them from receiving in-state tuition at any other public college. The film takes an intimate look at the lives of Alejandro, Silvia and Aldo as they navigate activism, pursuing their right to education, and fighting for the rights of their families and communities. Q&A with the Co-Director/Producer Anayansi Prado will follow the screening. Cost: $10.00 adults; $5.00 students. Call: 318-443-4718.
September 20: A Perfect Fit Foundation Pancake Breakfast, St. James Episcopal Church in Alexandria, 6:30am-11:00am. Come enjoy a short stack of pancakes, sausage, beverage and fruit for a great cause! 100% of all funds raised will go directly towards the purchase of uniform-approved, well fitted shoes for underprivileged elementary school children in Rapides Parish. Dine in or carry out. Orders of 10 or more plates include free delivery in the Alexandria/Pineville area. Cost: $7.00. Call: 318-442-8277.
September 20: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets monthly 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 20: Planting A Fall Garden, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. We will be creating planters from recycled materials and planting seeds to watch them grow over time. Later, as the seedlings grow, we will transplant them to our little garden outside. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
September 20: Fifteeny Crafts, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-4:15pm. Calling all teens! Come do a craft in 15 minutes! This month we will be making origami footballs! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
September 21: Children’s Storyhour Craft, Westside Regional Library, 10:30am. Children come out and create a bookworm pencil holder. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
September 22: Elephant Appreciation Day, King Branch Library, 9:30am-10:30am. Kids will learn about elephants and conservation efforts on National Elephant Appreciation Day. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
September 22: TinkerCAD, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Learn how to create your own 3D designs! Participants will learn how to use TinkerCAD, a free easy-to-learn online application, to create, modify, and print 3D models. Access to email is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
September 22: Sugar Blues Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 2:00pm. Led by certified health coach, Maria Olagues, this class is designed to permanently change your relationship with sugar, give you an understanding of the causes of sugar cravings, provide practical tools for dealing with them, and the freedom to eat foods you love and have sweetness in your life without the side effects or the guilt. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
September 24: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-1:00pm. 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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 24: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease. 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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 25: This is Modern Art, Part 1, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. In connection with Connected Visions: Louisiana’s Artistic Lineage, AMoA is hosting a screening of the first installment in This is Modern Art, entitled “I Am a Genius”. This documentary, which aired in 1999, explored the current state of contemporary art and the affect that artists such as Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol had on art of the time. Many of the artists in this installment were influences on or contemporaries of artists in the permanent exhibition. Join us for the screening and a discussion afterwards. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
September 27: Books and Coffee Beans, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm. There is nothing better than a good book, a nice cup of coffee and some friendly conversation about the books we love. This month, we will be discussing “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
September 28: An Evening at Auburn, Auburn Plantation in Natchez, MS, 5:00pm-7:00pm. The evening will feature a calliope concert, mint juleps and finger food. Auburn Plantation is located at 400 Duncan Avenue in Natchez, Mississippi. Cost: $20.00.
October 1: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents and grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-registration is required. Check out our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
October 2: Healing Hearts Peri-natal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm. This support group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.
October 7: First Saturday Breakfast, Pineville Airport at Lake Buhlow, 7:00am-10:00am. Breakfast is cooked up every month as a nonprofit event by the Experimental Aircraft Association for pilots flying-in, and everyone interested in aviation. A spread of hearty vittles—all you want to eat and drink—will give you energy to kick off the day’s events. Consider a trip to enjoy the venue of aircraft clubhouse, deck and lake along with airplane chatter and visiting. Cost: $6.00 donation.
Sports
Ongoing-September: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga! Classes are on-going and meet every Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 4, 11, 18, 25 & October 2: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Part of Healthy Living at AMoA. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
September 8: Yoga For Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Healthy Living @AMoA program has expanded to include Yoga for Kids, every Second Saturday in the month. Mom & Dad are welcome to join! Taught by Shannon Brewer, of LUX Studios – Lotus Vibes. All Healthy Living @AMoA programming is sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
September 8, 15, 22, 29 & October 6: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Originating in ancient China roughly four thousand years ago, Qi Gong or Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong, literally “Life Energy Cultivation”) is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is a powerful tool used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
September 15: Le Tour de Bayou at Kent House. The Le Tour de Bayou cycling event benefits the Kent Plantation House, and Rapides Regional Medical Center is a sponsor. Bike 101, 69, 40, 25, 10 or 2 miles. All events begin and end at the Kent House. Registration is open on www.bikereg.com, or you may come by the Kent House office, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Cost: $50.00 for the longer bike rides; $30.00 for the 10-mile ride; $20.00 for the 2-mile family fun ride/walk. www.letourdebayou.com
September 19-20: 2018 Tee Off for a Cause, Oakwing Golf Club. Cleco is proud to support the Louisiana Lions Club through its 2018 Cleco Charitable Golf Tournament. The Four Person Scramble will feature a 10:00am shotgun start. Limited to the first 35 paid, pre-registered teams. Registered participants are invited to a welcome reception on September 19th. Practice rounds may be arranged with Oakwing on September 19th.
September 29: Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, Holy Savior Menard High School, 10:00am. Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest fundraising event, and Rapides Regional Medical Center is a sponsor. Each year, more than 125,000 people nationwide participate in hundreds of walks to support the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Call: 225-769-9994.