Subscribe to Feed
Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Southwest Louisiana has a thriving arts scene, when it comes
to culinary arts, traditional art, live theatre, and music. I love sipping coffee from Rex Alexander’s
pottery at Stellar
Beans. Crave Gourmet Baskets and
Gifts has a charming collection of Louisiana folk artist’s Clementine
Hunter plates and serving dishes portraying life on Melrose Plantation. The Art
Shop is a great downtown location to view art, as well as rent bikes to
explore the Charpentier
Historic District. There are a host
of traditional art
galleries and museums
with rotating exhibits in Southwest Louisiana.
If you enjoy art and want an original date night or ladies
night idea, consider attending Gallery
Promenade. 
The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana organizes the annual Gallery Promenade, held Friday, Sept. 26 from 5-9 p.m. It is always a fun way to explore the area’s art venues and a chance to meet local artists. My suggestion is to review the list of participating galleries ahead of time and make your game plan!
October is National Arts & Humanities Month and what
better way to kick off the month than with a festival! The first annual Chuck
Fest will occur Saturday, Oct. 4 on the 700th block of Ryan
Street in downtown Lake Charles. Chuck
Fest will be multi-faceted bringing together culinary arts, visual arts and
live music. There will be two stages for
concerts, food trucks and outdoor art displays at this free festival.The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana organizes the annual Gallery Promenade, held Friday, Sept. 26 from 5-9 p.m. It is always a fun way to explore the area’s art venues and a chance to meet local artists. My suggestion is to review the list of participating galleries ahead of time and make your game plan!
ArtsFest and Culture Fest are both free events that occur Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. A children’s festival, ArtsFest allows kids to create their own art projects from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall. Culture Fest Louisiana is held the same day from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. It is an international celebration of cultures showcasing the arts, music, dance, fashion, food and storytelling of 30+ countries represented in Southwest Louisiana.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
 |
| Last year, Chester Daigle with City Heat performed to a packed crowd! They will be back on May 23 so be sure and mark your calendar. |
When
you think of Southwest Louisiana chances are you immediately think of food,
music and culture. Beginning Friday, May 16, one of Lake Charles’ premiere
concert series, Downtown at Sundown, will kick off by Ryan and Broad Streets
featuring everything you love about a downtown street fair and party. The main
component of Downtown at Sundown is the music, so expect some of the best of
the best performing.
For
the first concert on Friday, May 16, Louisiana Express will get the crowd pumped
up with their dance music, classics from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Chris Flowers is golden with her saxophone and amazing vocals.
On Friday, May
23, City Heat, a local favorite, will perform a variety of feel good covers sure
to get you out your chair and dancing in the street. They are known for their
rhythm and blues and jazz and funk dance tunes.
Grammy nominated Roddie Romero
& the Hub City All Stars makes their return to Lake Charles on Friday, May
30 with their “Louisiana Roots” music encompassing Zydeco, Cajun and Americana.
Topping off the concert series Friday, June 6 is Boomerang, a band that brings
sizzling hot funk, classic rock and Top 40 hits.
Look forward to music talent in the 700 block of Ryan Street by Luna, and also the vendors, food and more. All beverage sales of Downtown at Sundown
will benefit the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana. They
ask that no pets or outside drinks be brought on site. Be sure to bring your
lawn chair. The event lasts from 6-9 p.m. If for any reason it rains, the event
will move inside the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Monday, March 24, 2014
*Adapted from www.movoto.com
and Mitchel Broussard
Lake Charles mixes
small town charm, exciting nightlife and outdoor adventure into a combination
that will have you packing before you finish reading this list.
1. This Town Doesn't Stay Down
.JPG) |
| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Lake Charles has been around for
centuries, but it's the town that almost wasn't after a devastating fire back in 1910. But these people are made of strong stuff. They rebuilt and bounced
right back. Now the city is a booming industrial educational center.
2. Who Needs Vegas When You Have Lake Charles?
3. Lake Charles Has ALL The Golf
 |
| Gray Plantation on Louisiana's Audubon Golf Trail |
Southwest Louisiana has a total of five
public courses for fulfilling all of your ESPN-fantasy needs. There are also a
handful of family putt-putt courses for everyone else.
4. You Can Take A Deep Breath
 |
| Brenda LaFleur |
The Creole Nature Trail, colloquially
known as "Louisiana's Outback," is one of the first official scenic byways in
the country. The 180-mile driving tour offers fishing, boating, bird watching,
and even crabbing. Tours are open year round so the views and wildlife are
constantly changing.
5. The Best Snacks You've Never Had
 |
| Jeff Benoit, B&O's Kitchen and Grocery |
This may sound a little off-putting at
first, but hear me out: Boudin is made of pork meat, liver, rice, onions,
parsley, and seasonings like salt, peppers and garlic powder. It's delicious,
and a staple in Lake Charles along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Soon
to be one of your favorites.
6. Two Words: Mardi Gras
.jpg) |
| www.lindseyjanies.com |
7. But Don't Worry, Lake Charles Still Has Class...
 |
| Spring Art Walk |
The galleries in Lake Charles are
constantly shifting around their art to make sure you're never bored. The
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center showcases exhibits from around
the world, and of course local artists' work too.
8. Learn About History
 |
| DeQuincy Railroad Museum |
9. A Pirate's Life For Lake Charles
 |
| www.contrabanddays.com |
10. You Can Still See Men In Tights Here
 |
| Cameron Durham |
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is just
what the doctor ordered for those looking for a night of high culture in southern
Louisiana: The classical music (by the Lake Charles Symphony), the ridiculous
costumes-they even put on a ballet version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer" last December.
11. You'll See A Larger-Than-Life Relic Of US History
The USS Orleck had her glory days back
in the 1800s and served in Vietnam and Korea, but nowadays she's a constant
reminder in the Calcasieu River of the dedication of the armed forces. The ship
also turns into a haunted ghost ship every Halloween, which is pretty much
about as terrifying as it sounds.
12. This City Will Have You Dancing All Night
.jpg) |
| www.lindseyjanies.com |
13. It's Even Produced A Few Famous Musicians
 |
| Joshua Ledet at the Burton Complex |
14. The Grocery Stores Aren't Like Yours
.JPG) |
| Sausage Link |
See a wide range of Louisiana-grown rice available
to the public, an assortment of hot sauces, the roux section, and a variety of
different meat and seafood sold. Local
grocers stuff chicken and pork chops with boudin, sausage and other tasty delicacies.
Lake Charles also has a glowing
admiration for farmers and all of the fruit, veggies, jams, spices, soaps, and
other goodies they make. The city hosts two farmers markets that run weekly for
most of the year, where you can find what you need and discover stuff you
didn't even know you wanted.
15. Lake Charles Throws The Rule Book Out The Window
.jpg) |
| www.monsoursphotography.net |
Monday, March 10, 2014
By Braylin Jenkins (a.k.a.- BrayJ), www.heybrayj.com, #heybrayj
Use #RockTheLake to share your good times at the event!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
"Before I Die" is a global public art project that invites the community to share their personal aspirations in a public space through non-destructive graffiti. The project, which started in New Orleans, will now be featured in SWLA in the heart of downtown Lake Charles. The public is encouraged to write what they hope to accomplish in their lifetime on the wall. The installation will officially open on Friday, September 27th. It is downtown’s first interactive art installation and will be displayed in Lake Charles on the west side of 505 Bazaar at 314 Broad Street.Longtime friends Charles Talen and Euric Fuselier, owner of 505 Bazaar, teamed up to bring this world recognized art installation to SWLA. Talen says "it's a fun way for people to reflect on what they want from their lives and draw inspiration from the dreams of others." They hope to keep the wall up as long as the community wants to enjoy it.
The Before I Die project started in New Orleans in 2011 by artist Candy Chang, after the death of a friend. It has been featured in cities all over the world, including, Madrid, Spain, Beijing, China and Lisbon Portugal. The Before I Die project has been in over 50 countries and in 20 different languages.
For questions, contact Charles Talen at 337-370-0353.
Learn about more events in SWLA at www.visitlakecharles.org/events
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana plays host to over 75 festivals a year! Needless to say, there is virtually always something happening. We would like to highlight a couple great events for you to consider.
Arts & Crabs Fest
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Arts & Crabs Fest began in 2010 as a response to the BP oil spill, and it aims to celebrate the ties between Louisiana seafood and culture by offering a comprehensive experience of the best of Southwest Louisiana's culture, food, music, and art.
"Arts & Crabs Fest stresses the importance of investing in local products - local art, local music, local restaurants, and, of course, local seafood," stated Erica McCreedy, Arts Council Executive Director. "We want to bring tourists to our area and let them experience our greatest natural resources: our seafood and our culture."
For a $25 wristband, festival goers can access an extensive crab and beer tasting which will feature local restaurants each offering a crab dish that is representative of their cuisine's styles and personalities. Typical dishes will include crab cakes and crab au gratin to crab ceviche and crab gazpacho. Each crab dish will be paired with a complementary Abita beer sample which will include brews that are not often seen in restaurants, such as the Abbey Ale, S.O.S., and Strawberry Lager. Similar to a wine pairing, each Louisiana beer will complement each dish's unique flavors and textures. Learn more at http://www.visitlakecharles.org/crabs/
Boudin Wars / Stars & Stripes in the Park Classic Car Show
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Boudin Wars will be held on September 7th, 2013, during the annual "Stars and Stripes in the Park" event at Heritage Square. For more information, please call us at 337-527-0357. The car show is free to the public, but tickets are EXTREMELY limited for Boudin Wars, and will be available at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur starting on August 5th.
Each ticket allows the bearer to get a small sample from each boudin vendor. The ticket holder will then be able to cast their vote for their favorite boudin in a "People's Choice" category.
Tickets may also be purchased online at http://boudinwars.eventbrite.com/
Please note: Tickets purchased online will be charged a small service fee. If you wish to avoid the fee, please visit us in person at the Henning Cultural Center to purchase your tickets.
Chennault International Airshow
Sat.-Sun., September 28-29, 2013
Join the Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles, Louisiana for a day of entertainment and dynamic aerial displays by some of North America’s top performers, military and civilian. Plus, check out the static display aircraft and interactive exhibits that salute Southwest Louisiana’s and Chennault’s rich military and aviation heritage.
Some of the entertainment includes:
To learn more about the airshow or to purchase tickets, visit http://chennaultairshow.com/
Interested in volunteering at the airshow? Sign up at http://chennaultairshow.com/opportunities/become-a-volunteer/
To learn more about local events in Southwest Louisiana, visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/visitors/calendar-of-events/
Arts & Crabs Fest
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Arts & Crabs Fest began in 2010 as a response to the BP oil spill, and it aims to celebrate the ties between Louisiana seafood and culture by offering a comprehensive experience of the best of Southwest Louisiana's culture, food, music, and art.
"Arts & Crabs Fest stresses the importance of investing in local products - local art, local music, local restaurants, and, of course, local seafood," stated Erica McCreedy, Arts Council Executive Director. "We want to bring tourists to our area and let them experience our greatest natural resources: our seafood and our culture."For a $25 wristband, festival goers can access an extensive crab and beer tasting which will feature local restaurants each offering a crab dish that is representative of their cuisine's styles and personalities. Typical dishes will include crab cakes and crab au gratin to crab ceviche and crab gazpacho. Each crab dish will be paired with a complementary Abita beer sample which will include brews that are not often seen in restaurants, such as the Abbey Ale, S.O.S., and Strawberry Lager. Similar to a wine pairing, each Louisiana beer will complement each dish's unique flavors and textures. Learn more at http://www.visitlakecharles.org/crabs/
Boudin Wars / Stars & Stripes in the Park Classic Car Show
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Each ticket allows the bearer to get a small sample from each boudin vendor. The ticket holder will then be able to cast their vote for their favorite boudin in a "People's Choice" category.
Tickets may also be purchased online at http://boudinwars.eventbrite.com/
Please note: Tickets purchased online will be charged a small service fee. If you wish to avoid the fee, please visit us in person at the Henning Cultural Center to purchase your tickets.
Chennault International Airshow
Sat.-Sun., September 28-29, 2013
Some of the entertainment includes:
- Aeroshell Aerobatic Team- performing a series of precision formation aerobatic maneuvers, including their bomb burst, vertical rejoin, avalanche, the breath-taking “Switch Blade,” along with graceful loops and rolls.
- Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demo Team- the CF-18 Demo Team personifies the excellence required to keep the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) among the best aviation organizations on the planet.
- Dodge Jet Truck- the Flash Fire Jet Trucks are the worlds World’s Fastest Jet Powered Trucks achieving a record 375 miles per hour.
To learn more about the airshow or to purchase tickets, visit http://chennaultairshow.com/
Interested in volunteering at the airshow? Sign up at http://chennaultairshow.com/opportunities/become-a-volunteer/
To learn more about local events in Southwest Louisiana, visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/visitors/calendar-of-events/
Friday, November 2, 2012
Down in Southwest Louisiana we like to spice the holidays up
a bit and put on a Cajun Christmas! We pack so many events in the season that
if they were toys, even Santa might find it difficult to fit all of them in his
magical bag!
We kick the season off early with the Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show (Nov. 2-4)! Hundreds of expert artisans and crafters display and sell their products to many eager shoppers at the largest art and handicraft fair in Southwest Louisiana. This years’ featured artist is Dianne Christopher with the Picasseaux Art Studio from New Roads, LA. In addition to the usual goodies that you can purchase, this year they have added some rides and activities for the young and young at heart! http://www.visitlakecharles.org/includes/events/index.cfm?action=display&eventID=5615
.jpg) |
| Santa and one of his elves! |
We then await arrival of the Big Man himself! Yes, SANTA! He
will be arriving early at the Prien Lake
Mall (Nov. 9) to greet all the good little girls and boys and personally
take their wish list! In addition to having Ole Saint Nick in person, Children
also get to share in the merriment with a story reading and music complemented with
cookies and milk! http://www.visitlakecharles.org/includes/events/index.cfm?action=display&eventID=6747
 |
| Christmas goodies. |
Another
one of the shopping highlights of the holiday season is Mistletoe and Moss (Nov. 14-17). A yearly tradition that offers the
sights and sounds of festive holiday decorations and entertainment while
shopping for Christmas! This year’s market will feature 90 merchants from
around the country, showcasing apparel, gifts, and accessories for women, men,
and children, specialty foods and
seasonal, as well as year-round, decorative items and home furnishings. http://www.visitlakecharles.org/includes/events/index.cfm?action=display&eventID=5617
If all that wasn’t enough to put you in the holiday spirits then how about making your way over to the Wonderland on Ice (Nov. 17-Jan. 1) at L’Auberge Casino Resort? All throughout the season you can figure-eight your way to happiness and sip on hot coco! Let’s face it, when else can you play on ice in Southwest Louisiana? http://www.visitlakecharles.org/includes/events/index.cfm?action=display&eventID=7178
There are just so many great activities going on this season that one article will simply not do! Be looking for the next one soon! Until then, visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas/ for a complete listing of Holiday events happening in Southwest Louisiana!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)