Times Picks 11-12-09

Westlake High Theatre’s Dracula
Open November 12
Westlake High Theatre; Kerry A. Onxley, Director of Theatre announces the cast for the department’s opening season of DRACULA. Good and evil battle for the possession of a young woman’s soul in this startling new adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic. Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula” remains the gold standard for vampire stories and features as it primary antagonist the vampire Count Dracula.
The production will open on Thursday, November 12 at 10:00AM for a performance open to all schools and 7:00 PM for the public. Performances are staged at the Westlake High Theatre located on 1000 Garden Drive in Westlake. Tickets are $7.00 per person. For ticket information or school bookings, contact Onxley at 337-433-6866; Ext. 10 or kerry.onxley@cpsb.org.
[PHOTO CAPTION: Left to Right: Lord Arthur Godalming, played by Alex Landry, with Mr. Jonathon Harker, played by William Billings and Dracula, played by Joshua Ledet rehearse one of the many intense scenes in the classic story DRACULA.]

Border War Two On Tap for Southwest Louisiana
November 13
The United States Association of Mixed Martial Arts (USA-MMA) is preparing to host Border War 2 in the Lake Area on Friday, Nov. 13.
The live, ultimate fighting event will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center at 7:30 PM with doors opening at 6 PM.
This annual fight pairs Louisiana’s best fighters with Texas’ best in an Ultimate Fighting Grudge match and this year’s match will include local fighters such as Aaron Davis, Kyle Miers and Paul Soileau.
Tickets start at only $20 and can be purchased by calling USA-MMA at (337) 501-1819, the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office, all local TicketMaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Lake Area BJJ at (337) 540-6900. For more information, log onto www.usa-mma.org or call (337) 501-1819.

“Worrier King”
The McNeese Department of Visual Arts is hosting a print exhibit titled “Worrier King” by artist Kurt Kemp Oct. 29-Nov. 14 in the Abercrombie Gallery in the Shearman Fine Arts Center. The “Worrier King” is a series of elaborate prints embellished with hand-coloring and the use of chine colle. Kemp will also be exhibiting “The Drunken Boat,” which is a unique livre d'artiste, a portfolio of five hand-colored prints created to accompany the text by Arthur Rimbaud.
Kemp, a professor of studio arts-printmaking at Sonoma State University, describes his work as a cross between contemporary pop culture and late 19th century poetry, full of dark absurdity, twisted irony and a delight in the ridiculous.
The Abercrombie Gallery, located in Room 125 of the Shearman Fine Arts Center, is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM-4 PM. For more information about the exhibit, call the visual arts department at (337) 475-5060.

25 Years of Love
On exhibition at 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street announces the opening of a new exhibition, “25 Years of Love”. The collection of oil paintings and prints will hang through December 26.
When asked about her techniques local artist Pat Love explained, “Early on in my art endeavors, I loved to show the power of the paint, and executed many works with mainly large brushes and thick, impasto style paint. Lately, I have grown to be fascinated with patterns. This occurred after my lessons at The Art Institute of Chicago.”
Love has shown her paintings in local as well as international juried exhibits. Some of her pieces can be seen in The McNeese Permanent Collection from the National Works on Paper Exhibit and at Bayou Treasures in Welsh. Other recent shows include The Southern Open and Gallery 359 in Lafayette, and The Zigler Museum in a Jeff Davis Parish. Her works have also been included in The Masur Museum’s juried competition along with The Louisiana Competition.
Said Love, “I am thrilled and honored to show my works in the wonderful space of 1911 Historic City Hall. I have chosen to exhibit works from before I started painting at McNeese University, where I got my undergraduate degree, to when I graduated with a master of art at Northwestern and beyond. Those ’25 Years of Love’ have been a wonderful trip.”
Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Israel Houghton and New Breed Concert
November 13
Israel Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing, youthful energy that has made him among the most influential tastemakers in his field. As a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and worship leader, he has created a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe. He has accomplished this largely as the leader of “Israel and New Breed,” a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning musical ensemble and ministry organization that has amassed gold-selling albums and critical platitudes reserved for the best of the best.
The concert begins at 7:30 PM at Christian World Church. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.christianworld.cc or by calling 475-0157.

Live Concert Featuring Jay Dupuis
November 14
Come out and hear Jay Dupuis an Elvis Tribute Artist performing live at the Strand Theater in Jennings. The concert begins at 8 PM.

“The Long Christmas Ride Home”
November 11-15
McNeese Theatre Bayou Players will present “The Long Christmas Ride Home” at 7:30 PM, November 11-14 with a 2 PM matinee Sunday, November 15. Performances are in Ralph Squires Hall, Shearman Fine Arts Center on the McNeese campus.
“ The Long Christmas Ride Home” combines various theatrical forms, a humorous and heart-wrenching play, beautifully written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Paula Vogel. This family drama, where past, present, and future collide on a snowy Christmas Eve, proves that magic can be found in the simplest events of life. Staged as a “puppet play with actors,” the action provides a moving and memorable study of an American family careening near the edge of oblivion. For mature audiences. “The Long Christmas Ride Home” is McNeese Theatre’s American College Theatre Festival production. Joy Pace is director.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, McNeese faculty/staff, and students (K-12). McNeese students are admitted free with a current ID. Box office is open 10 days prior to production opening date, weekdays from 6 PM-8 PM and Saturdays,
10 AM-noon. For reservations call 475-5043.

Concert Featuring Roddie Romero and Joel Guzman
November 18
City of Lake Charles and Louisiana Crossroads Pair up Roddie Romero and Joel Guzman
The City of Lake Charles and Louisiana Crossroads will present Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars with special guest Joel Guzman. The concert will take place at 7 PM Wednesday, November 18 at Central School Theatre, 809 Kirby Street. Accordions and cultures will collide as bandleaders from both sides of the Sabine River pair up for this performance. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Romero has been recording since his teens, and Guzman is a Tex-Mex virtuoso. The All-Star’s latest release, “The La Louisianne Sessions,” bridges Cajun, Zydeco and original Gulf Coast rock styles.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information, please call (337) 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

“Girls’ Shopping Weekend” In Jeff Davis Parish
November 20-21
Are you looking to get away with your girlfriends? Look no further! Our girls’ shopping weekend is the perfect way to get away, get relaxed and get shopping. The shopping weekend includes a one night stay at either an old farm home or our new Hampton Inn,
after checking in; board the “Party Bus” for a little shopping spree and cocktails. Now the PAMPERING begins… that includes pedicures, manicures, massages & of course, margaritas. The following day we board the “Party Bus” for a unique shopping experience throughout the parish. Check out a brochure and decide which pamper package best suits you and your friends. The cost for the weekend per person is $125 (farm home) or $180 (Hampton Inn), Pamper Package, Party Bus, food, drinks, and lots of FUN! Deadline to register is Nov 17. For more information call 337-821-5534.

“Murder Most Foul”
November 14, 21, 22
A Lakeside Theatre presents "Murder Most Foul" as part of it's Shakespeare in the Park Series. In Murder Most Foul, one of Shakespeare's most evil characters, Iago, tries to evade judgment by placing judgment on others. This tale explores Shakespeare's plays and their murders, plots, villains, and not so likely villains! Saturday November 7, 2009; Saturday November 14, 2009; Saturday November 21, 2009; Sunday November 22, 2009; 3:00 PM for each event at the Lake Charles Civic Center Ampitheatre.
Tickets are $10.00 for Adults $5.00 for Students/Seniors/Children (under 10 years). This show may not be suitable for young children. To order tickets visit www.lakecharlestheatre.com or call 337-540-6916.

“A Tuna Christmas”
November 12-15, 19-22
Start laughing early this holiday season as the Lake Charles Little Theatre presents "A Tuna Christmas," a deep-fried comedy about small-town Texas at yuletide.
The show comes with a twist: All 24 roles are played by just two actors. Local favorites Greg Stratton and Joseph Frazier do quick-changes throughout the show – from twangy announcers on the local radio station to waitresses at the Tastee Kreme. The comedy takes place in Tuna, the third-smallest town in Texas, where somebody is ruining the holiday yard displays in advance of the Christmas decorating contest.
The fast-paced comedy, a hit on Broadway, is a sequel to the popular "Greater Tuna."
The show will run Nov. 7-8, 12-15 and 19-22. Curtain time is 7:30 PM (2 PM on Sundays). Tickets will go on sale to the public Nov. 2. They will be $20, but discounted for seniors and students. For reservations, call 433-7988 or visit www.LCLT.com next week.
Also, as a new offering by The LCLT, the show will be available for private bookings for company Christmas parties — all-inclusive "Tuna Christmas Parties" which include a gala reception, hors d'oeuvres and a private performance of the show. Dates through Dec. 20 remain available. For bookings, call or e-mail the theatre.
CUTLINE: Greg Stratton, left, and Joey Frazier star in "A Tuna Christmas" at the Lake Charles Little Theatre.

Times Picks 10-29-09

Southwest Louisiana residents to take steps to improve health in Start! Heart Walk
Southwest Louisiana residents are taking steps to improve their heart health by participating in the Southwest Louisiana Heart Walk Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
The annual event, which raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, begins at 8:30 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. kickoff.

The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.

“Brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day has proven health benefits, such as providing increased energy and circulation, as well as reduced risk of heart disease,” said Cassondra Guilbeau, senior regional director of the American Heart Association of Southwest Louisiana. “The Start! Heart Walk is designed to help participants understand this critical message, join with others, and generate a renewed commitment to heart-healthy living through walking.”
Among the activities planned for this year’s event are live music and dancing, a kid’s area, games and prizes, a block party on Shell Beach Drive, a heart healthy jambalaya cook-off and a t shirt contest.

Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That’s an average of one death every 37 seconds. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Research has also found that individuals may gain two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise they do.

Start! Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Subway Restaurants®, Healthy Choice® and Astra Zeneca.

For more information or to register, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.swlaheartwalk.kintera.org" www.swlaheartwalk.kintera.org.


Inaugural Black Bayou Music Bash
October 30
The bash takes place at the poolside at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 30. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Performances by The Toadies, Fastball & local’s favorite Magnolia Sons. Tickets are priced at $15 through Ticketmaster; general admission. Show tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000
or online at www.ticketmaster.com . Tickets are also available at the L’Auberge Business Center. All major credit cards are accepted. Guests must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID. For more information log on to www.ldlcasino.com/entertainment or call 395-7777.

Freddie Pate’s Jamboree
October 31
Freddie Pate's Jamboree brings the Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry back to life.
If you love "real classic country music", then this is the show for you. The Jamboree features an all Louisiana cast with guest singers from all over the state, comedy with the pride and joy of Flatwoods, La. "Miss Purty Purl" and of course the Jamboree band and the Jamboree Singers. All in a no alcohol, smoke free setting so it is geared toward the entire family, grandma and grandpa, mom and dad, and the kids.
The event begins at 7 PM at the Strand Theatre in historic downtown Jennings. For tickets or information call 337-779-2343 or visit www.freddiepate.com.

Blood Bayou Haunted Trail
Open every Friday & Saturday night in October from 6 PM to 10 PM. Walking trails through woods & pastures. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Family oriented. No Alcohol. Great date idea. Part of proceeds benefit LeBleu Settlement Fire Department. Discount coupons available. Outdoor event subject to rain/mud-outs. See Twitter feed for closure info. Light concessions available. No flashlights allowed. Glo-sticks available for purchase at concession stand.$8 for adults $5 for 10 & under w/paying adult. HYPERLINK "javascript:openWindow('http://bloodbayouhauntedtrail.com');"http://bloodbayouhauntedtrail.com

Halloween Activities at Civic Center Coliseum
October 31
The City of Lake Charles Recreation and Parks Department will host Halloween Harvest Festival 2009 on Saturday, October 31, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum, from 5 PM to 8 PM. A variety of carnival style games and activities will be available for the entire family, including : bowling, space walk, balloon art, golf hole-in-one, arts and craft station, football throw, a basketball shootout and much more. The event is family oriented and free to the public. Prizes and trinkets will be handed out for players of the games. Costumes are not required. For more information, call: 491-1280.

ArtsFest Goes Global
October 31
Lake Charles, LA—2009 marks the Arts and Humanities Council’s 30th year serving the five parishes of Southwest Louisiana. One of the best-known and loved events associated with the Council is their annual ArtsFest. In celebration of this year’s milestone, the Council in partnership with the City of Lake Charles is making plans for a fascinating event to mark the day.
This year, they will stage “ArtsFest Goes Global!” on Saturday, October 31 from 10 until 2 at the Lake Charles Civic Center in an effort to foster interest in learning and provide a fun and festive day of exploration and creativity. Ten nations from around the globe have been selected: Australia, Canada, Columbia, Greece, Holland, Lebanon, Madagascar, Scotland, South Korea and the USA.
Fun facts about each, with the Country’s flag, language and traditions will be presented to area children and their families! In addition, two craft or art projects from each of the ten countries will be offered to children completely free of charge. Also in store for the day are costume contests (awarded based on authenticity, truth to theme, and age appropriateness) caricature drawings, pottery making, balloons, stage demonstrations, mouth-watering food, and a bag pipe and flag parade.

Westlake High School Band “Halloween Fright Night ‘09
October 31 and November 1
The Westlake High School Band Boosters and Students will present “Halloween Fright Night ‘09”, a Haunted House open to the public on Saturday October 31st and Sunday November 1st. The Haunted House will be staffed by members of the Westlake Ram Band and will feature ghostly apparitions, ghoulish live scenes from your favorite horror flicks and general Halloween mayhem.
The Haunted House will be held at the Westlake American Legion Post 407 at 912 John Stine Road in Westlake. Showtimes are 6-11 PM on October 31 and 6-9 PM on November 1. Admission is $8 per person and concessions will be available.
For more information, please contact JoAnn Holmes at 337-884-9882

Lake Charles Community Band
November 1
Have you ever listened to the soundtracks of some of today’s most popular video games and sci-fi flicks? Chances are, they’re familiar to you: Star Trek, Star Wars and Halo, to name a few, will be played by the Lake Charles Community Band on Sunday, November 1 at Prien Lake Park. Teaming up with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, The City of Lake Charles and ConocoPhillips, the band will be on stage playing some of today’s “untraditional” pieces at a new time and place for the band.
On Sunday, November 1 at 3:30 PM we will have the band at the Indian Bay Pavilion at Prien Lake Park for a free fall concert – open to the public. The band would like to invite everyone out for a great fall afternoon in the park with some great music to begin their 2009-2010 musical season. Take the familiar sounds of Indiana Jones, Dr. Who and more to a new level!
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning Auditorium.
For more information on the concert, or more information on the band, please visit www.lakecharlescommunitband.com. The band is always looking for new people to join the band and all talent levels and ages are welcome.

Affaire d’ Art
November 5
The event will be held from 6-9 PM at Prien Lake Park-Harbor’s Edge Pavilion.
Tickets are $125 and admit two people. The ticket allows the holder one piece of art (one piece of art per ticket). Tickets will not be sold at the door.
There will be food, entertainment and a bar.
This community event showcases the talents of our local artists here in SWLA. Students, as well as, seasoned professionals have equal opportunity to show what they can do. Proceeds from Affaire d’ Art will be used to help provide scholarships for art students attending McNeese State University, as well as, subsidizing art workshops from visiting artists and to help promote art awareness in Louisiana. Those interested in purchasing a ticket can contact Tabitha Bateman 337-263-1555.

“The Long Christmas Ride Home”
November 11-15
McNeese Theatre Bayou Players will present “The Long Christmas Ride Home” at 7:30 PM, November 11-14 with a 2 PM matinee Sunday, November 15. Performances are in Ralph Squires Hall, Shearman Fine Arts Center on the McNeese campus.
“ The Long Christmas Ride Home” combines various theatrical forms, a humorous and heart-wrenching play, beautifully written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Paula Vogel. This family drama, where past, present, and future collide on a snowy Christmas Eve, proves that magic can be found in the simplest events of life. Staged as a “puppet play with actors,” the action provides a moving and memorable study of an American family careening near the edge of oblivion. For mature audiences. “The Long Christmas Ride Home” is McNeese Theatre’s American College Theatre Festival production. Joy Pace is director.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, McNeese faculty/staff, and students (K-12). McNeese students are admitted free with a current ID. Box office is open 10 days prior to production opening date, weekdays from 6 PM-8 PM and Saturdays,
10 AM-noon. For reservations call 475-5043.

“Murder Most Foul”
November 7, 14, 21, 22
A Lakeside Theatre presents "Murder Most Foul" as part of it's Shakespeare in the Park Series. In Murder Most Foul, one of Shakespeare's most evil characters, Iago, tries to evade judgment by placing judgment on others. This tale explores Shakespeare's plays and their murders, plots, villains, and not so likely villains! Saturday November 7, 2009; Saturday November 14, 2009; Saturday November 21, 2009; Sunday November 22, 2009; 3:00 PM for each event at the Lake Charles Civic Center Ampitheatre.
Tickets are $10.00 for Adults $5.00 for Students/Seniors/Children (under 10 years). This show may not be suitable for young children. To order tickets visit www.lakecharlestheatre.com or call 337-540-6916.

Delta Downs Thoroughbred Meeting
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is in the final stages of preparation for its 2009-2010 Thoroughbred Meeting. The 90-day stand will run from October 14 through March 20 with live programs scheduled to take place each Wednesday through Saturday night.
Race fans will notice a few changes during the upcoming season, which will include an earlier post time each day of 5:55 PM (CST), a new minimum price in the Trifecta wager of just .50 cents per bet, and some new faces in the horsemen’s ranks.
staggering total of 88 scores.
The major stakes this season will take place on Delta Jackpot Preview Night, Friday, November 6, Delta Jackpot Night, Friday, December 4, and Louisiana Showcase Night, Saturday, February 6.
Delta Jackpot Preview Night will feature six stakes races headed by the $175,000 Jean Lafitte and the $125,000 My Trusty Cat. The Jean Lafitte is the major prep race for Boyd Gaming’s $750,000 Delta Jackpot Stakes (Grade III), and the My Trusty Cat is a stepping stone to Boyd Gaming’s $500,000 Delta Princess Stakes Powered by Youbet.com (Grade III).