Several faculty members of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication are writing a book about the escalating newspaper war between The Times-Picayune/Nola.com and The Advocate. "We decided that scholars from all over the country are going to be looking at the Baton Rouge-New Orleans newspaper situation," says Manship Dean Jerry Ceppos. "If anyone should carve out that territory, it is us." Ceppos says faculty members Andrea Miller and Amy Reynolds are taking the lead on the book, which will be published by Peter Lang Publishing Group, an internationally known academic publishing house. Ceppos and three other faculty members, as well as several graduate students, are also all contributing to it. Though no one can begin to guess how the saga of the battling newspapers will end, the book—tentatively titled "News Evolution or Revolution? New Orleans Times-Picayune and the Future of the Newspaper Industry"—will cover in detail the changes that prompted The...
Jim Amoss, editor of NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune, announced today that JR Ball will become managing editor of NOLA.com in Baton Rouge. Ball is currently executive vice president with Louisiana Business Inc., publisher of Business Report, 225, inRegister and Daily Report. He first joined Business Report in 1999. Amoss says, "JR Ball is a top-notch editor, as readers of Business Report can attest. We're delighted he will become the leader of our news team in Baton Rouge." Ball will join the bureau in July. Rolfe McCollister, CEO of LBI and publisher of Business Report, says, "I have personally watched JR grow with our company over the years and appreciate all that he has contributed to our success. I enjoyed working with JR and will miss him. Fortunately, each of our Baton Rouge publications has a talented team of editors and journalists in place who will continue our commitment to excellence for our readers and...
Baton Rouge was one of the first, if not the first, city to hold a blues festival in the nation, says Maxine Crump, one the founders of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, although the event was allowed to die in the mid-1990s. The Baton Rouge Blues Festival was revived in 2008, and this year was the biggest so far, organizers say, with about 4,000 to 5,000 people attending. But while Mississippi has been successful attracting tourists to its blues heritage sites with its Blues Trail, Baton Rouge has work to do if it wants to brand itself to the world as a blues town. Unfortunately, locals don't always appreciate what they have. "If your own people don't rock it—if they don't think of it as theirs—you're not going to be able to sell it elsewhere," Crump says. Part of that process is getting over the racial divide, she says; Crump beamed as she recalled the diverse crowd attracted by this year's Blues Festival...
Along with slightly lower ticket sales for Bayou Country Superfest this year came lower hotel occupancies in the Baton Rouge area during the festival weekend. Occupancy rates on Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend—the biggest night of the two-day event—were down about 4% compared to last year, according to new figures from Smith Travel Research provided by Visit Baton Rouge. Overall hotel revenue on Saturday was also down 2.5% from last year, but was still up 236% compared to 2009—the year before the festival began. "It's phenomenal in comparison," says Renee Areng, executive vice president of Visit Baton Rouge. "To even be this small of a decrease is incredible, when you go back to the baseline of 2009." Revenue per available room, or profit, was also down 4% compared to last year, Areng says, but up 200% compared to 2009. Nearly 70,000 people descended on Tiger Stadium for Bayou Country Superfest this year, but the crowds weren't robust enough to keep pace with...
As a film fanatic and culture writer, I have a definable love-hate relationship with trailers. Streaming the latest clips out of Hollywood and the world of indie cinema is always a thrill, and yet, it's so easy to mess them up—when the tone is misleading, when the music is borrowed from another more famous movie you start thinking about midway through, when they give away far too much.
Martin Flanagan leans for a moment on the open door of the home he helped to design and build, shielding his flickering flame from the unseasonably cool breeze as he touches it to a new cigarette. His Stetson straw hat obscures the gray ponytail that neatly falls below the collar of his button-down shirt. As he pauses, the visitor can tell that what comes next will be a long story, a hard-to-believe story, a story worth hearing.
With our cover story featuring 25 must-follow Twitter accounts in Baton Rouge, and examining the growing social media site's impact on the local community, we wondered what Twitter might look like in the flesh—living, breathing, fashionable flesh.
When she was 19 she bought a guitar. It wasn't until three years ago, however, that Pamela Tusa actually played it. And she did more than that—forming a band and performing her first concert in just three days' time at a songwriter's workshop in Atlanta. The instruction and encouragement Tusa received there gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her passion for music.
"Stare at the Sun" ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER A successful summer song must be perfect for one of two things: driving fast or lounging slow. If the sun is mentioned, the success rate, um, skyrockets. This propulsive, jingle-jangle burner from the Fiery Furnaces singer's latest solo outing, Personal Record, due June 4, is heliocentric enough for a decade of summers, and so catchy you'll be humming it well into fall.
As owner and director of programs for Baton Rouge Music Studios, Doug Gay has been a mentor, bandleader, teacher and creative sage to hundreds of local teens and budding musicians. He shares with 225 his thoughts on the importance of positive influence.
What started as a small festival on Grand Isle to support fishermen after the BP oil spill has turned into a much bigger festival in Baton Rouge with an even bigger message.
Before I made my way to the callback auditions, Theatre Baton Rouge's Keith Dixon warned me I would be walking into a zoo. I didn't realize just how right he was.
Take a look at any of the end-of-year lists for best albums of 2012, and you'll see Kendrick Lamar's name near the top. From Rolling Stone to SPIN and even NPR, Lamar's Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City made appearances, in big part due to his narrative rap style and tracks like "Backseat Freestyle" and "Swimming Pools (Drank)." He comes to Baton Rouge via the Governors Ball in New York City. At 25 and with only two full albums under his belt, he's already a headliner at multiple festivals this summer, so his show at the Baton Rouge River Center June 10 is sure to draw a crowd. brrivercenter.com
Originally titled Toy's House when it became a fan favorite at Sundance in January, the back-to-nature, coming-of-age dramedy The Kings of Summer is out now in limited release.
Among the many poignant observations Balzac makes about art within his often-cited short story "The Unknown Masterpiece" is a cautionary tale about closing one's self off from the outside world in order to create; that in fact, the myth of the lone genius is not only false but detrimental.
Edward Pramuk sees a special connection between art and jazz. He taught in the LSU School of Art for 35 years and, though he retired in 2000, still exhibits works, many of which celebrate jazz legends such as Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis. His exhibition, "Seeing Music," offers paintings, collages and mixed-media works at LSU's Museum of Art. The pieces run alongside "An Eye on Jazz," photographs by the famed jazz photographer Herman Leonard, who spent many years capturing images of musicians in New Orleans, New York City, Paris and elsewhere. Both collections are on view until July 14. lsumoa.org
Now You See Me (in theatres Friday) Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here. The East (in limited theatres Friday) Starring Ellen Page, Brit Marling and Alexander Skarsgård. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here. The Kings of Summer (in limited theatres Friday) Starring Alison Brie, Nick Offerman and Nick Robinson. Rated R. View the trailer here. Dark Skies (new on DVD/Blu-Ray) Starring Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here.
In the future, life is pretty bleak for Will Smith and his son, Jaden. This weekend's big debut is After Earth, the story of a father and son team who are stranded on Earth thanks to an asteroid hitting their spacecraft. The thing about Earth is mostly everyone left a thousand years ago. While the film will feature its share of intense action sequences, you can bet heartstrings will be tugged thanks to the nature of the father-son dynamic. It will be more interesting to see if audiences are willing to forgive director M. Night Shyamalan's seemingly never-ending cold streak. Shyamalan's last critical and box office success was 2002's Signs. Rated PG-13. Check out the full trailer below:
WHYR hosts it annual festival fundraiser this weekend, showing that local music is alive and well in Baton Rouge. The Saturday event kicks off at noon with music at North Boulevard Town Square, featuring performances from Righteous Buddha, Michael Foster Project, Denton Hatcher, Stagecoach Bandits, Rondo Hatton, Secret Annexe, Marcel P. Black and more. Though admission is free, merchandise will be available and the local radio station will be accepting donations to reach its fundraising goal. For more information on the event, visit whyr.org. For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre tackles William Shakespeare's classic comedy with performances around the area next week. The Youth Ballet performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream kick off at 10 a.m. next Monday at Carver Branch Library. Most performances are free and open to the public. A fundraising performance at The Dancers' Workshop (Map it!) will be next Saturday. Tickets for this performance are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, including an entire schedule, click here.
Calling all artists—the Baton Rouge Arts Market is back this Saturday. Located at Fifth and Main Streets in downtown Baton Rouge, this open-air market and cultural event displays tons of artwork as well as provides entrepreneurial opportunities to artists and encourages economic development within the community. If raining, the event will be in the Galvez parking garage at 500 Main St. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.
Creative Louisiana, a free monthly morning meet-up for creatives, will host its May discussion Friday at 8:30 a.m. Maxine Crump, one of the founding members of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, will discuss how the city birthed the blues and the artists and audiences who made the music genre a part of the city's rich fabric. The talk will be at Glassell Gallery, where the exhibit, "Raining in My Heart: Baton Rouge Blues Project," is currently on display. For more information, click here.
This week will be your final chance to see three impressive bodies of work from Baton Rouge Gallery members. Baton Rouge Gallery's (Map it!) display of pieces from James Burke, David Horton and Lisa Qualls will end Thursday. Minnesotan Sigurd F. Olson's expedition through the rivers and lakes of Canada in the 1950s inspired Burke's collection, titled "Omond's Blue Water." Horton's "Friends and Fable" exhibition draws on symbolism as each composition exposes an allegorical tale on life and relationships. Qualls' "The Familiar Wilderness" explores a range of subjects, including still life, portraiture and landscape drawings and paintings. For more information, visit batonrougegallery.org or call 383-1470.
One of the hottest comics in America will perform in New Orleans this weekend. Anthony Jeselnik will perform at Harrah's New Orleans Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Jeselnik is known for his brash, often offensive yet sly delivery. This year, he's been acclaimed for his wit thanks to the Comedy Central show The Jeselnik Offensive and appearances on various roasts. Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
The Manship Theatre will show a Coen brothers classic, the 1998 cult favorite The Big Lebowski tonight. For $26, patrons get to pick from a special "Lebowski" menu at Tsunami, plus a ticket to the show. A free Wii Bowling Tournament will also be on hand. White Russians and sarsaparilla will also be flowing throughout the night. Tickets to just the movie are $6. The film starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.com or call 344-0334.
Louisiana has completed implementation of the Alert FM and GSSNet systems across the state, improving the way the state delivers voice and text emergency notifications to the public. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says it will use the Alert FM system to send out its emergency alerts, as will emergency managers from all 64 parishes and at colleges and universities across the state. The GSSNet system will be used by GOHSEP and Louisiana State Police to broadcast voice-based emergency information including Amber Alerts, evacuation notices, and weather warnings and instructions to TV and radio stations. These systems provide a complete, satellite-based voice and text emergency notification system for the state. Officials say Alert FM is an FM radio-based emergency notification system that will help Louisiana better inform citizens, schools, businesses, and first responders during natural or man-made disasters. Approximately 90 FM radio stations will...
Louisiana film industry supporters have spent much of the current session trying to negotiate changes to the state's incentives that might save taxpayer dollars without losing potential productions to other states. This morning, backers have a new worry: New language added to House Bill 696 seems to say that so-called reality TV shows would not be eligible for the incentive program. The passage at issue states: "(20): For state-certified productions … costs that are indirectly related to filming shall not qualify for tax credits. Such indirect costs shall include, but not be limited to, artist compensation for festival or concert appearances or costs associated with the usual activities of a reality show or documentary" [italics added]. While some people worry about the image of the state portrayed in certain shows, largely unscripted programs starring more-or-less real people such as Duck Dynasty are some of the most popular Louisiana-based productions. The...
In 225's May issue you'll find our summer movie preview, a handy guide to summer blockbusters, the most anticipated and annoyingly advertised films of the year. But some of the more exciting new pictures are the smaller, independent features you won't see a zillion commercials and print ads for in the coming weeks. In fact, this summer is one of the best for indie films in recent memory. Here's a quick rundown of 7 indies—and zero robots or super heroes—worth seeking out this summer.
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile:Happy, Happy, Happy, the new autobiography by Phil Robertson, the star of reality TV show Duck Dynasty who's also known as The Duck Commander, has debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list of hardcover nonfiction works. Read about the contents of Robertson's briskly selling book here.
Louisiana is about to get its very own superhero, thanks to LSU alum and Los Angeles screenwriter Mark Landry, who is poised to release a new graphic novel series called Bloodthirsty. Set in a mythical, post-Katrina New Orleans, Bloodthirsty: One Nation Under Water follows a Cajun Creole named Virgil LaFleur, who finds himself swept up in a vile plot to destroy the Big Easy while he hunts for his brother's killers. Featuring corrupt cops, soulless politicians and a ruthless magnate with a mysterious gift of eternal youth, Bloodthirsty recasts the city as a dark fantasia, hauntingly familiar, exhilarating and surprising. Read the complete article by Editor Jeff Roedel and interview with Landry in the current issue of 225here.
On the heels of a historic year for sales, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is looking at opportunities to add more stores, says market president Scott Berg. "We're looking at a couple of different places at this time," Berg says. "I wouldn't say [where] because it's preliminary, nothing nailed down." But, he says, any expansion would be regional, and the company has been eyeing opportunities in Texas, in particular. Berg says fiscal year 2012, which closed March 31, was the best on record for the Baton Rouge-based, family-owned jewelry empire. "Our business was up double digits over our best year, so we've been extremely fortunate," he says, declining to reveal specific numbers. "That's all eight stores, not just Baton Rouge." Berg attributes much of the growth to a strategy of "reinvesting in our existing community" over the last seven years. That strategy has meant building a new freestanding store in Shreveport, adding a second location in San Antonio, opening a new store in Metairie's...
Four years after reviving a franchise on life support with a brand new cast and creative license to scribble all over a fleet of nerds' preciously worshipped "canon," director J.J. Abrams and crew have returned with Star Trek into Darkness. But does this sequel engage? Well, yes and no.
Occupancy rates at local hotels over Memorial Day weekend have been skyrocketing over the past few years due to Bayou Country Superfest, which is set for Saturday and Sunday of the upcoming holiday weekend. Last year's Memorial weekend occupancy rate for Saturday jumped to 94% from 61% in 2009—the year before the country music festival began—according to a study by Smith Travel Research, which calculated rates using the entire Capital Region. Those healthy numbers are expected to continue with this year's festival, but a local tourism official says the upward trajectory should start to level off. "There's not a lot of room for growth," says Renee Areng, executive vice president of Visit Baton Rouge. "If we were to venture to do just the parish of Baton Rouge, I would speculate (occupancy) will be close to 100 percent." With country acts such as Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert, the annual event at Tiger Stadium is changing the way area fans of country music...
We all know where Louisiana country music fans will be this weekend. Bayou Country Superfest kicks off two days of live music in LSU's Tiger Stadium on Saturday. This year's performers include Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker on Saturday; and Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry on Sunday. The event also provides a free Fan Fest stage outside the stadium, which will feature performances from Yvette Landry, Jaryd Lane and The Parish, among others. For more festival details, ticket information and sound clips from a few bands set to play here this weekend, read a 225 story here. Also, check out 225 Editor Jeff Roedel's interview with Miranda Lambert here. And if you're going to Bayou Country Superfest, feel free to submit your videos to 225
Under the director of instructors Micaela Coner and Stephanie Faucette, students from the local dance studio The Coda will perform dance routines from various genres in its second-ever spring concert this weekend. This Saturday's shows will hit on everything from ballet to jazz to hip-hop with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.50. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
We all know where Louisiana country fans will be this weekend—Bayou Country Superfest kicks off Saturday in LSU's Tiger Stadium with two days of live music. Among this year's performers are Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker on Saturday; and the Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry on Sunday. The event also includes the free Fan Fest stage outside the stadium, which includes performances from Yvette Landry, Jaryd Lane and The Parish and others. For more information on tickets, who you can't miss and to hear a few bands playing this year, read 225's article here. Also, check out Jeff Roedel's interview with Miranda Lambert here.
In the market for a show-stopping new accessory? Don't miss the Gypsy Jewelry trunk show, happening through tomorrow at NK Boutique. Complimentary wine will be served, and designer Jeannette Simon will be on hand to offer styling tips. Plus, each purchase puts you in the running for a free pair of earrings. More info can be found here.
Forget what you know about fashion and experience new threads courtesy of Hemline@LSU's seventh annual fashion show, CONTOUR, tonight at 8 p.m. the Lyceum Dean Ballroom (Map it!). Hemline@LSU is a student-run organization, and tonight's show will feature original designs constructed through the curriculum as well as outside competition pieces. Also on hand will be Project Runway All Stars winner Anthony Ryan's ROAR foundation, an exhibit focused on developing personal and professional growth through designing apparel for women facing adversity. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 general admission, and $5 for children under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased online.
Revolution Dance Company will present its sixth annual public performance at the Manship Theatre. The local dance company's show is dubbed "Vivere Saltere," which translates to "Live to Dance," and promises to be an illuminating spectacle. There will be two performances Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $13. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
One of the last year's cinematic surprises was Gimme the Loot. The film focuses on two determined graffiti writers who are trying to tag the ultimate location: the New York Mets' Home Run Apple. Directed and written by newcomer Adam Leon, Gimme the Loot has won critical praise as well as a few awards, including Best Narrative Feature at the South by Southwest competition. View the trailer here. The film will be shown at Manship Theatre Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.50.
In 1999, John Georges went into the tugboat business. It was unchartered territory for him. Though he had a successful wholesale distribution company and a thriving video poker business, offshore maritime was a totally new ballgame. The business was extremely tough and capital intensive. Though Georges, by his own account, did well with the company—growing market share and making money—he ultimately was unable to compete with the real heavyweights in the industry. Taking them on would have required either devoting all his resources to tugboats, or remaining a niche player, and being a niche player isn't Georges' style. He is not one to compete with anyone who puts him at a competitive disadvantage from which he cannot emerge victorious. He is hard-wired to win. Lives for it. Thrives on it. If he can't be first, he would sooner move on than settle. His life and career are a testament to that drive and determination. He is among the top 10 convenience store wholesalers in...
In the business world, “adapt or die” is a truism. The ubiquity of the Internet is altering—in some cases, radically upending—the models for all sorts of industries. Exhibit A: the current turmoil in print journalism.
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate.
The buildings of LSU not only reveal a legacy that goes back to the Renaissance but also serve as a primer of architectural principles that guided the creation of one of the most unique academic environments in the United States. In The Architecture of LSU, author, professor and architect J. Michael Desmond traces the university's development, including photographs, plans, drawings and maps that underscore the contributions of historical figures and the genealogies of the campus's architecture and planning. By detailing the origins and evolution of LSU's architectural core and exploring the fundamentals of American college campus design, Desmond shows the rewards of public environments that integrate natural and constructed elements to meet both practical and aesthetic goals. The Architecture of LSU is available from LSU Press.
The news was already half a day old when the press conference announcing John Georges' acquisition of The Advocate took place. But the May 1 media briefing officially passing the torch of ownership was noteworthy not so much for what was said—it was predictable enough—but for who was in attendance: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Dyke Nelson says his architectural firm will use the $10,000 it received in taking first place in the Grow Mid City business plan competition to purchase additional equipment that will allow it to manufacture more eco-friendly products itself rather than outsource that work. "For example, we recently built a couple bistro tables for Rock-n-Sake. We designed those but had to have them fabricated off-site and then assemble them here," Nelson says. "The idea is to create a real tight circle with our production, keep it all in-house, and ship off products that are truly sustainable—and eventually provide an option to purchase those products through our website." Nelson says his firm uses a "tremendous amount of recycled materials" for its products, which range from furniture and lighting fixtures to panels and installation pieces, many of which come from historic properties. Along with Dyke Nelson Architecture—or DNA Workshop, as it's also known—two other Mid City...
"Clearly, commanding a market to change on a dime because it suits your business plan does not mean readers will obey," says The New York Times' David Carr in a column Sunday. "Just ask Advance Publications, owned by the Newhouse family, which is back to where it started in New Orleans with The Times-Picayune." The attempted transformation of The Times-Picayune to a digitally focused news organization—initially scaling back publication to just three days a week, but more recently reversing course and launching a new publication called TPStreet to once again have a printed product every day—has been "a jaw-dropping blunder to watch," Carr says. "Advance misjudged the marketplace … and failed to execute a modern digital strategy. Now it is in full retreat with new competition," he writes. The Advocate has been raiding The Times-Picayune's editorial staff since new owner John Georges purchased the newspaper, Carr notes, and is...
BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight says she's talking to various groups about building a new elephant exhibit for the Baton Rouge Zoo. "We want elephants at our zoo, and the way that we have to do that is to build a new exhibit," McKnight says. She's hoping the parish will reauthorize a property tax dedicated to BREC next year that will allow for an elephant exhibit. If the tax is renewed, McKnight says BREC could leverage public dollars with private donations to carry out the project. Judy the elephant died in March and the zoo plans to host a going-away party for Bozie, a 37-year-old Asian elephant, on Saturday, May 18. She will be leaving the zoo shortly after that for the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Because elephants are a herd species, zoo officials say they couldn't leave Bozie alone after her 46-year-old companion died. —April Castro
"You guys having an exciting time at this folk rock show?" Josh Tillman, a.k.a. Father John Misty, snickered last night in between songs at his One Eyed Jacks' performance.
Edging closer to 1,000 signatures, an online petition is bringing the debate about City Park's golf course back into the limelight. Should the 9-hole course be maintained and City Park grow around it, or should it be eliminated and the grounds added to the park's existing green space?
A stormy weekend forecast has prompted organizers of the Baton Rouge Greek Festival to move Saturday's event indoors. Instead of being held at North Boulevard Town Square downtown, the second annual festival will now take place in the atrium of the Belle of Baton Rouge, 103 France St. The hours are staying the same: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight and early-morning thunderstorms knocked out power for about 6,000 Entergy customers in Baton Rouge, and there are continued warnings of possible severe weather and flash flooding in the area. Heavy rain is expected to last into the weekend, with an 80% chance of rain Saturday. Though the forecast is also calling for a 70% chance of rain through this evening, DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer says Live After Five has not been canceled as of this morning. "We don't know at this point in time if it's going to be affected [by the weather], but for now it's still on for 5 to 8 p.m. at Repentance Park," Rhorer says. —Steve...
Sunday evening at Mud and Water (Map it!) promises to be a rocking time, thanks to a stacked bill of local bands including Circa Amore, Cattle Drive, Baby Boy and The Melters. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper and Gulf Restoration Network. Raffles and prize drawings will also be held. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cover is $5. For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
After a week of semifinals, the top local teens will show off their clever wordplay and performance skills for audiences in Saturday's ALL CITY grand slam finals at the Manship Theatre. The event features some of the city's best young voices, competing for an opportunity to represent Baton Rouge at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam this summer in Chicago. The show kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. Student and senior pricing is also available. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
John Stites draws humor from his diverse life experiences. Stites has worked as a college language professor, spent time in the Army, been a bar bouncer and a corporate executive. So, one would think he has a lot to sift through for his comedic tales. See for yourself Friday and Saturday night at the Funny Bone. Stites will perform twice on both days. The 7:30 p.m. shows are no smoking. The 10:30 p.m. shows allow smoking. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online. You must be 21 to enter.
Manship Theatre will screen the Oscar-nominated foreign film, No, Wednesday. The film features a brilliant performance from Gael García Bernal, who plays René Saavedra, a Chilean PR man who tries to mount a press campaign against General Augusto Pinochet in 1988. The film's screening starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.50. Student and senior pricing is also available. No is rated R. View the trailer here.
Kathy Griffin has quite the résumé. She's a two-time Emmy winner, a Grammy nominee and a New York Times bestselling author. Wait, we forgot to mention she's also a hilarious veteran comedienne. Griffin will perform at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel's event center Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster.
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate.
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate. Besides the paper route, I've never worked for either paper (this is a syndicated column), but as with most of their dual readers, their newly engaged business rivalry holds my attention as much as any stories they publish these days. On May 1, both papers ran front-page banner headlines announcing their big changes: "Georges buys Advocate" and "T-P adding newsstand tab 3 days a week." The great south Louisiana newspaper war is on. This one is unlike those from the early 20th century in big cities, when the struggle was between two established papers rooted in the same market. New publisher John Georges plans to expand on The Advocate's recent incursion into New Orleans,...
Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrman's fifth feature film, and first in five years, arrives Friday. Here are five things you need to know about it, the latest adaptation (and first in 3D) of The Great Gatsby.
Art meets fashion tomorrow at the Annieglass trunk show, taking place at Carriages Ladies Store. Designer and Smithsonian glass artist Annie Morhauser will visit the Bocage Village boutique from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shoppers will have the opportunity to see items up close from her popular collections, including Salt, Sea Life, and Sail. The artist's 30th anniversary line, Dew Drops, will also be on display. Refreshments, complimentary engraving and a raffle will add to the fun of the event. Find more information here.
No less than Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mayor Kip Holden and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined the new owner and publisher of The Advocate, John Georges, at a news conference this morning to officially announce the New Orleans businessman's acquisition of the state's largest daily paper. In a crowded conference room at The Advocate headquarters, Georges spoke glowingly about his predecessors, the Manship family, the Baton Rouge market and the opportunities presented by this latest of his many business ventures. He also introduced his two top managers: veteran journalists Dan Shea, general manager, and Peter Kovacs, editor. But the event was more a passing of the torch than a briefing on what changes may be in store for the newspaper or on the terms of the sale, which were not disclosed. Outgoing publisher David Manship, whose family operated the daily for more than a century, delivered an emotional farewell to his longtime employees and co-workers. Later, his brother,...
Indie rock fans should check out Of Montreal's performance Sunday at The Varsity. The prolific Athens, Ga., band has been around for more than 15 years, releasing its heady mix of dance-rock tunes. This year, the band will release its 11th studio full-length, Lousy with Sylvanbriar. Lead singer Kevin Barnes says the album is influenced by the poetry of Sylvia Plath and the music of The Grateful Dead—so that should be interesting. Doors open Sunday at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8 p.m. Wild Moccasins will open. Tickets are $17 and available online. For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
Frameworks Gallery will present its new exhibit "Sur le Papier" on Saturday. The display features a range of contemporary art where paper is the primary medium. Among the artists in the exhibit are June Gonce, Jovann Armstrong, Van Wade Day and many more. Restaurant IPO's On the Go food truck will also be there offering brunch items and mimosas. The event starts at 11 a.m. For more information, click here.
The classic ballet, Swan Lake, will be performed Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the LSU Union Theater. The Russian National Ballet Theatre will present the classic show, and this will be the first time the full-length ballet will be performed in Baton Rouge. Tickets range from $36 to $44. For more information, visit the LSU Union Theatre website.
British funnyman Steve Hirst will perform at the Funny Bone Comedy Club Friday and Saturday night. Hirst’s act has been described as a mix between Benny Hill’s absurd humor and the in-your-face style of Guy Ritchie’s feature film Snatch. Hirst will perform twice Friday and Saturday, a no-smoking show at 7:30 p.m. and a 10 p.m. show where smoking is allowed. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and can be purchased through the Funny Bone website. You must be 21 or older to enter the club.
Since 2003, the Slim Harpo Music Awards have recognized those Louisiana greats who have taken blues to an entirely different level across the country and globe. This year's awards ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Manship Theatre, with honorees including Warren Storm, Harvey Knox, "Guitar Gable" Perrodin, Jockey Etienne and blues ambassador and producer David Kearns. Tickets are $35, and proceeds benefit the Music in the Schools outreach program.
Perhaps one of the biggest Broadway surprises of the past decade, Rock of Ages, is coming to Baton Rouge. Featuring of-the-era hit songs, Rock of Ages tells the story of a young rock 'n' roller in the '80s who wants to make something more of his life. Some of the choice music cuts include "Nothin' But a Good Time," "We Built This City," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Any Way You Want It." The touring production starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the River Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Dan Shea, the former managing editor of The Times-Picayune who has been tapped as new general manager of The Advocate, tells Poynter that the Baton Rouge daily is looking to compete with the New Orleans paper head on under its new owner, John Georges. "Our plan is simple," Shea says. "Give the people of metro New Orleans what they want: a seven-day, home-delivered truly local newspaper. We'll provide the resources to get that done quickly." As reported by Daily Report on Tuesday afternoon, Shea and Peter Kovacs—also a former managing editor at The Times-Picayune—have been hired to lead The Advocate under its new ownership. The Advocate officially announced...
As New Orleans businessman John Georges prepares to close on his pending acquisition of The Advocate—a deal which could be finalized in the next few days, according to sources—NOLA media group, parent company of The Times-Picayune, has announced that it's adding another print product to the marketplace this summer. TPStreet will appear in a tabloid-size format in the New Orleans area on newsstands and in newspaper boxes only, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays—days when The Times-Picayune is not published. Georges declines to comment on the latest development in the increasingly competitive battle for subscribers between the New Orleans and Baton Rouge newspapers. "My sole focus is on The Advocate," Georges tells Daily Report. "I don't focus on potential competitors." Meanwhile, sources say Georges' editorial...
If success in fiction depends on creating characters who seem not just believable but actual, then Cary Holladay succeeds wildly in Horse People, the latest issue in the Yellow Shoe Fiction series out of LSU Press.
“Let Me Move You” JIMI HENDRIX New collection People, Hell & Angels provides a different take on Hendrix's brilliance through experimental recordings and previously unreleased studio material. The energetic “Let Me Move You,” with sax and vocals by the legendary Lonnie Youngblood, is a lively gem full of the R&B funk and wah-wah sounds that blues fans are sure to enjoy.
He's a Coast Guard veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His city is a cold shadow of its former self. And he is out for blood—perhaps literally.
Imagine strolling at dusk in and out of Mid City shops filled with live music and hors d'oeuvres, browsing past paintings, sculptures and ceramics all created by local artists. This will be the scene May 10 when Mid City Merchants presents Hot Art, Cool Nights.
The erratic, psychedelic and weirdly funky music of indie pop ensemble Of Montreal will fill the Varsity early this month. The band, building on more than a decade of wild performances and music, has been on tour supporting 2012's Paralytic Stalks, an album of new music, and Daughter of Cloud, a compilation of unreleased and rare tracks. They stop in Baton Rouge May 5 with Wild Moccasins as the opening act. varsitytheatre.com
Local singer-songwriter Peter Simón is perhaps best known for his talents on the guitar. Yet, for all his proficiency on that instrument, he actually grew up playing something else.
The daughter of East Texas private detectives, Miranda Lambert was taught from an early age how to handle a gun. At 29, she still hunts deer in season.
A typical Sunday morning at church may include fellowship, a sermon and prayer, and that's pretty much what you'll find at Haven Church on the Sabbath Day. But on Fridays and Saturdays, you'll more likely find secular-leaning local art and musicians, and quite possibly a bottle of whiskey—because Haven is far from your typical church.
The heat isn't the only brutal thing about summer. This season's movies are all about the destruction of the planet, the killing of our heroes, even the cutthroat nature of corporate America and the 1%. As Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby and Star Trek Into Darkness rule the box office this month, here is a look ahead to eight of summer's biggest new arrivals.
A film score can often make or break the movie-watching experience—the swells or abrupt booms of an orchestra direct you when to feel emotion or when to jump in fear. When it comes to classic silent films, the addition of a score later can create a new experience entirely.
It's a month of all things jazz at downtown museums right now. As a professor at Xavier in New Orleans and a native son of the Lower Ninth Ward, John T. Scott mentored many artists and incorporated the improvisational style and rhythm of jazz music into his work. He called his process “jazz thinking,” and his vibrant paintings, prints and kinetic sculptures bring to mind instruments in West African culture, the legacy of local jazz legends and even the traditions of jazz funerals and second lines. The exhibit, “Rhythm & Improvisation: John T. Scott & His Enduring Legacy,” organized by Louisiana Art & Science Museum (lasm.org), is on view all this month at the museum and ends July 14.
A new venue, a new setting and a 10th anniversary celebration for Art Melt—that's what's in store for fans of the popular annual juried art event downtown this year.
jodijamesmusic.com "I just bought Josh Ritter's new record, The Beast In Its Tracks. He's brilliant, as always. Word on the Nashville street—I'll be move there soon—is that Johnny Depp is living there and working on a project with Jack White, and I'm definitely interested in whatever comes of that collaboration."
The Grace Georgesample sale happens next week. Don't miss your chance to snag one-of-a-kind items from this popular local line! The stunning wares of designers Shelly Dick and Amy Howe range from bracelets for every mood to statement necklaces and elegant earrings. The sale is slated for May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the design headquarters, 2051 Silverside Drive. New goods will be available each day, so stop by more than once to see what catches your eye.
Sail smoothly into swimsuit season with the perfect beach ensemble. Shoppers will find dozens of chic swimwear styles during the Ophelia Beach Wear trunk show, happening Monday and Tuesday at Edit by LBP. Luxurious collections such as L*Space, La Perla, Tori Praver and Heidi Klein will be on display. If you're behind on this season's trends, get styling tips by Ophelia owner, Tori Pickren Von Hoene, who will be on-site to share expert advice. For more details, click here.
Upstairs at a warehouse on Main Street near downtown, artist Raina Wirta is standing atop a very tall ladder, adjusting the lighting above a giant, furry (yes, furry) dome-like structure that hangs from the ceiling. The LSU MFA candidate unveiled her exhibition “(un)familiar” to a crowd last Friday. Earlier that week, she was busy putting together the finishing touches.
An evening of live music, fine art and good food is on tap Thursday at Southdowns Village shopping center in the sixth annual Art Wine Design event. Among the participating merchants are Ann Connelly Fine Art, Monochrome Furniture, Front Door, Blon Salon, Jeannie Frey Rhodes, Stafford Tile and Stone, Glo Beauty Bar, Spectrum Southdowns, Bella Bridesmaid, LD Linens and Décor, Rollie Noelie and many more. Artwork purchased Thursday will be sold without sales tax. Musicians including Michael Foster and Hubbard, Decker & Rhodes will be performing in the shopping center as well. Art Wine Design kicks off at 6 p.m.
Of Moving Colors, a local professional dance company, closes out its 26th season with a performance Thursday night at the Manship Theatre. The show, "P.S.425" is a collaboration with LSU College of Art and Design's Nadine Carter Russell Chair Peter Shire, whose recent exhibits were shown at galleries across the city. Dancers will perform using interactive set pieces designed by Shire, including a catwalk, whimsical chairs, thrones and more. A free pre-performance reception will be held at Glassell Gallery at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by a free post-performance reception at Glassell at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information, click here.
Three stylish local stores are coming together to help out a downtown venue. Noelie Harmon, Time Warp Boutique and Hazel & Florange will show off choice outfits Friday in the Uncommon Fashion show benefiting Hartley/Vey Theatres. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased via Hartley/Vey’s website.
Local celebs will dance the night away for a good cause Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the 2013 edition of Dancing for Big Buddy. Modeled after the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars, the event features local stars performing Saturday night, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Some of the dancers include LSU Women's Basketball coach Nikki Caldwell, Mestizo owner Jim Urdiales, WBRZ anchor Rosa Flores and many more. Tickets are $10. For more information and a full list of celebrity dancers, click here.
The Louisiana International Film Festival debuted across Baton Rouge and New Orleans over the weekend, screening world and state premieres at multiple venues as well as hosting industry discussions. Chesley Heymsfield, the festival's executive director, says she was delighted with the positive response for the inaugural event. "I'm always impressed by how the festival is able to influence people," Heymsfield says. "A lot of that hard work from our team and our supporters, it comes to fruition when people show up." Among the films at this year's movie showcase were The Iceman, an action drama starring Michael Shannon, and The East, a sleeper hit from the Sundance Film Festival. Both films were shot in Shreveport. Other films shown included Michel Gondry's The We and I, the critically acclaimed Gimme the Loot, and the documentary Room 237. Director Robert Zemeckis was also on hand Saturday in support of his wife Leslie's documentary, Bound by...
Since his fanciful failure The Science of Sleep, a post-brilliance pass he was given after the artistic triumph that was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, French director Michel Gondry has spent the past seven years in a creative wilderness, trying his hand at big budget action (The Green Hornet), an esoteric familial documentary (The Thorn in the Heart), and a dated misstep disguised as a buddy comedy (Be Kind Rewind), and with it all not making a single stride out from the shadow of Sunshine, his Oscar-winning collaboration with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.
LSU faculty writing book on local newspaper war
Several faculty members of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication are writing a book about the escalating newspaper war between The Times-Picayune/Nola.com and The Advocate. "We decided that scholars from all over the country are going to be looking at the Baton Rouge-New Orleans newspaper situation," says Manship Dean Jerry Ceppos. "If anyone should carve out that territory, it is us." Ceppos says faculty members Andrea Miller and Amy Reynolds are taking the lead on the book, which will be published by Peter Lang Publishing Group, an internationally known academic publishing house. Ceppos and three other faculty members, as well as several graduate students, are also all contributing to it. Though no one can begin to guess how the saga of the battling newspapers will end, the book—tentatively titled "News Evolution or Revolution? New Orleans Times-Picayune and the Future of the Newspaper Industry"—will cover in detail the changes that prompted The...
Ball to join NOLA.com as managing editor
Jim Amoss, editor of NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune, announced today that JR Ball will become managing editor of NOLA.com in Baton Rouge. Ball is currently executive vice president with Louisiana Business Inc., publisher of Business Report, 225, inRegister and Daily Report. He first joined Business Report in 1999. Amoss says, "JR Ball is a top-notch editor, as readers of Business Report can attest. We're delighted he will become the leader of our news team in Baton Rouge." Ball will join the bureau in July. Rolfe McCollister, CEO of LBI and publisher of Business Report, says, "I have personally watched JR grow with our company over the years and appreciate all that he has contributed to our success. I enjoyed working with JR and will miss him. Fortunately, each of our Baton Rouge publications has a talented team of editors and journalists in place who will continue our commitment to excellence for our readers and...
Promoting the blues culture begins at home
Baton Rouge was one of the first, if not the first, city to hold a blues festival in the nation, says Maxine Crump, one the founders of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, although the event was allowed to die in the mid-1990s. The Baton Rouge Blues Festival was revived in 2008, and this year was the biggest so far, organizers say, with about 4,000 to 5,000 people attending. But while Mississippi has been successful attracting tourists to its blues heritage sites with its Blues Trail, Baton Rouge has work to do if it wants to brand itself to the world as a blues town. Unfortunately, locals don't always appreciate what they have. "If your own people don't rock it—if they don't think of it as theirs—you're not going to be able to sell it elsewhere," Crump says. Part of that process is getting over the racial divide, she says; Crump beamed as she recalled the diverse crowd attracted by this year's Blues Festival...
Bayou Country Superfest hotel occupancy down this year
Along with slightly lower ticket sales for Bayou Country Superfest this year came lower hotel occupancies in the Baton Rouge area during the festival weekend. Occupancy rates on Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend—the biggest night of the two-day event—were down about 4% compared to last year, according to new figures from Smith Travel Research provided by Visit Baton Rouge. Overall hotel revenue on Saturday was also down 2.5% from last year, but was still up 236% compared to 2009—the year before the festival began. "It's phenomenal in comparison," says Renee Areng, executive vice president of Visit Baton Rouge. "To even be this small of a decrease is incredible, when you go back to the baseline of 2009." Revenue per available room, or profit, was also down 4% compared to last year, Areng says, but up 200% compared to 2009. Nearly 70,000 people descended on Tiger Stadium for Bayou Country Superfest this year, but the crowds weren't robust enough to keep pace with...
Are movie trailers too long?
As a film fanatic and culture writer, I have a definable love-hate relationship with trailers. Streaming the latest clips out of Hollywood and the world of indie cinema is always a thrill, and yet, it's so easy to mess them up—when the tone is misleading, when the music is borrowed from another more famous movie you start thinking about midway through, when they give away far too much.
A fashionable escape
From beachside relaxation to European adventures, the vacation season has arrived. This summer, ensure that you journey in style with effortlessly chic ensembles in classic colors. Click here for a few of our favorite looks for destinations near and far.
Second Act
Martin Flanagan leans for a moment on the open door of the home he helped to design and build, shielding his flickering flame from the unseasonably cool breeze as he touches it to a new cigarette. His Stetson straw hat obscures the gray ponytail that neatly falls below the collar of his button-down shirt. As he pauses, the visitor can tell that what comes next will be a long story, a hard-to-believe story, a story worth hearing.
Social Media Style
With our cover story featuring 25 must-follow Twitter accounts in Baton Rouge, and examining the growing social media site's impact on the local community, we wondered what Twitter might look like in the flesh—living, breathing, fashionable flesh.
Rock on
When she was 19 she bought a guitar. It wasn't until three years ago, however, that Pamela Tusa actually played it. And she did more than that—forming a band and performing her first concert in just three days' time at a songwriter's workshop in Atlanta. The instruction and encouragement Tusa received there gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her passion for music.
Staff playlist
"Stare at the Sun"
ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER
A successful summer song must be perfect for one of two things: driving fast or lounging slow. If the sun is mentioned, the success rate, um, skyrockets. This propulsive, jingle-jangle burner from the Fiery Furnaces singer's latest solo outing, Personal Record, due June 4, is heliocentric enough for a decade of summers, and so catchy you'll be humming it well into fall.
Doug Gay, Baton Rouge Music Studios
As owner and director of programs for Baton Rouge Music Studios, Doug Gay has been a mentor, bandleader, teacher and creative sage to hundreds of local teens and budding musicians. He shares with 225 his thoughts on the importance of positive influence.
Still uplifting
What started as a small festival on Grand Isle to support fishermen after the BP oil spill has turned into a much bigger festival in Baton Rouge with an even bigger message.
Not a dream after all
Before I made my way to the callback auditions, Theatre Baton Rouge's Keith Dixon warned me I would be walking into a zoo. I didn't realize just how right he was.
Music: Best Bets
Take a look at any of the end-of-year lists for best albums of 2012, and you'll see Kendrick Lamar's name near the top. From Rolling Stone to SPIN and even NPR, Lamar's Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City made appearances, in big part due to his narrative rap style and tracks like "Backseat Freestyle" and "Swimming Pools (Drank)." He comes to Baton Rouge via the Governors Ball in New York City. At 25 and with only two full albums under his belt, he's already a headliner at multiple festivals this summer, so his show at the Baton Rouge River Center June 10 is sure to draw a crowd. brrivercenter.com
It's good to be the Kings
Originally titled Toy's House when it became a fan favorite at Sundance in January, the back-to-nature, coming-of-age dramedy The Kings of Summer is out now in limited release.
Creative influences
Among the many poignant observations Balzac makes about art within his often-cited short story "The Unknown Masterpiece" is a cautionary tale about closing one's self off from the outside world in order to create; that in fact, the myth of the lone genius is not only false but detrimental.
Arts: Best Bets
Edward Pramuk sees a special connection between art and jazz. He taught in the LSU School of Art for 35 years and, though he retired in 2000, still exhibits works, many of which celebrate jazz legends such as Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis. His exhibition, "Seeing Music," offers paintings, collages and mixed-media works at LSU's Museum of Art. The pieces run alongside "An Eye on Jazz," photographs by the famed jazz photographer Herman Leonard, who spent many years capturing images of musicians in New Orleans, New York City, Paris and elsewhere. Both collections are on view until July 14. lsumoa.org
This Week's Movies
Now You See Me (in theatres Friday)
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here.
The East (in limited theatres Friday)
Starring Ellen Page, Brit Marling and Alexander Skarsgård. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here.
The Kings of Summer (in limited theatres Friday)
Starring Alison Brie, Nick Offerman and Nick Robinson. Rated R. View the trailer here.
Dark Skies (new on DVD/Blu-Ray)
Starring Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton. Rated PG-13. View the trailer here.
Will Smith and his son explore life After Earth
In the future, life is pretty bleak for Will Smith and his son, Jaden. This weekend's big debut is After Earth, the story of a father and son team who are stranded on Earth thanks to an asteroid hitting their spacecraft. The thing about Earth is mostly everyone left a thousand years ago. While the film will feature its share of intense action sequences, you can bet heartstrings will be tugged thanks to the nature of the father-son dynamic. It will be more interesting to see if audiences are willing to forgive director M. Night Shyamalan's seemingly never-ending cold streak. Shyamalan's last critical and box office success was 2002's Signs. Rated PG-13.
Check out the full trailer below:
Free music and good times at Radiopalooza
WHYR hosts it annual festival fundraiser this weekend, showing that local music is alive and well in Baton Rouge. The Saturday event kicks off at noon with music at North Boulevard Town Square, featuring performances from Righteous Buddha, Michael Foster Project, Denton Hatcher, Stagecoach Bandits, Rondo Hatton, Secret Annexe, Marcel P. Black and more. Though admission is free, merchandise will be available and the local radio station will be accepting donations to reach its fundraising goal. For more information on the event, visit whyr.org.
For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
Youth Ballet: A Midsummer Night's Dream starts next week
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre tackles William Shakespeare's classic comedy with performances around the area next week. The Youth Ballet performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream kick off at 10 a.m. next Monday at Carver Branch Library. Most performances are free and open to the public. A fundraising performance at The Dancers' Workshop (Map it!) will be next Saturday. Tickets for this performance are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, including an entire schedule, click here.
Baton Rouge Arts Market Saturday
Calling all artists—the Baton Rouge Arts Market is back this Saturday. Located at Fifth and Main Streets in downtown Baton Rouge, this open-air market and cultural event displays tons of artwork as well as provides entrepreneurial opportunities to artists and encourages economic development within the community. If raining, the event will be in the Galvez parking garage at 500 Main St. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.
Maxine Crump discusses the blues Friday morning
Creative Louisiana, a free monthly morning meet-up for creatives, will host its May discussion Friday at 8:30 a.m. Maxine Crump, one of the founding members of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, will discuss how the city birthed the blues and the artists and audiences who made the music genre a part of the city's rich fabric. The talk will be at Glassell Gallery, where the exhibit, "Raining in My Heart: Baton Rouge Blues Project," is currently on display. For more information, click here.
Last chance to see Baton Rouge Gallery exhibit
This week will be your final chance to see three impressive bodies of work from Baton Rouge Gallery members. Baton Rouge Gallery's (Map it!) display of pieces from James Burke, David Horton and Lisa Qualls will end Thursday. Minnesotan Sigurd F. Olson's expedition through the rivers and lakes of Canada in the 1950s inspired Burke's collection, titled "Omond's Blue Water." Horton's "Friends and Fable" exhibition draws on symbolism as each composition exposes an allegorical tale on life and relationships. Qualls' "The Familiar Wilderness" explores a range of subjects, including still life, portraiture and landscape drawings and paintings. For more information, visit batonrougegallery.org or call 383-1470.
ROAD TRIP: Anthony Jeselnik in New Orleans
One of the hottest comics in America will perform in New Orleans this weekend. Anthony Jeselnik will perform at Harrah's New Orleans Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Jeselnik is known for his brash, often offensive yet sly delivery. This year, he's been acclaimed for his wit thanks to the Comedy Central show The Jeselnik Offensive and appearances on various roasts. Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Dinner and a Movie tonight? The dude abides
The Manship Theatre will show a Coen brothers classic, the 1998 cult favorite The Big Lebowski tonight. For $26, patrons get to pick from a special "Lebowski" menu at Tsunami, plus a ticket to the show. A free Wii Bowling Tournament will also be on hand. White Russians and sarsaparilla will also be flowing throughout the night. Tickets to just the movie are $6. The film starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.com or call 344-0334.
Louisiana gets new FM radio emergency notification system
Louisiana has completed implementation of the Alert FM and GSSNet systems across the state, improving the way the state delivers voice and text emergency notifications to the public. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says it will use the Alert FM system to send out its emergency alerts, as will emergency managers from all 64 parishes and at colleges and universities across the state. The GSSNet system will be used by GOHSEP and Louisiana State Police to broadcast voice-based emergency information including Amber Alerts, evacuation notices, and weather warnings and instructions to TV and radio stations. These systems provide a complete, satellite-based voice and text emergency notification system for the state. Officials say Alert FM is an FM radio-based emergency notification system that will help Louisiana better inform citizens, schools, businesses, and first responders during natural or man-made disasters. Approximately 90 FM radio stations will...
Bill may threaten Louisiana reality shows
Louisiana film industry supporters have spent much of the current session trying to negotiate changes to the state's incentives that might save taxpayer dollars without losing potential productions to other states. This morning, backers have a new worry: New language added to House Bill 696 seems to say that so-called reality TV shows would not be eligible for the incentive program. The passage at issue states: "(20): For state-certified productions … costs that are indirectly related to filming shall not qualify for tax credits. Such indirect costs shall include, but not be limited to, artist compensation for festival or concert appearances or costs associated with the usual activities of a reality show or documentary" [italics added]. While some people worry about the image of the state portrayed in certain shows, largely unscripted programs starring more-or-less real people such as Duck Dynasty are some of the most popular Louisiana-based productions. The...
An indie summer
In 225's May issue you'll find our summer movie preview, a handy guide to summer blockbusters, the most anticipated and annoyingly advertised films of the year. But some of the more exciting new pictures are the smaller, independent features you won't see a zillion commercials and print ads for in the coming weeks. In fact, this summer is one of the best for indie films in recent memory. Here's a quick rundown of 7 indies—and zero robots or super heroes—worth seeking out this summer.
News roundup: 'Duck Dynasty' star's book debuts No. 1 on 'Times' bestseller list … Weekly claims for La. unemployment insurance rise … Louisiana gains one rig on the week
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile: Happy, Happy, Happy, the new autobiography by Phil Robertson, the star of reality TV show Duck Dynasty who's also known as The Duck Commander, has debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list of hardcover nonfiction works. Read about the contents of Robertson's briskly selling book here.
'225': Baton Rouge native creates Cajun superhero
Louisiana is about to get its very own superhero, thanks to LSU alum and Los Angeles screenwriter Mark Landry, who is poised to release a new graphic novel series called Bloodthirsty. Set in a mythical, post-Katrina New Orleans, Bloodthirsty: One Nation Under Water follows a Cajun Creole named Virgil LaFleur, who finds himself swept up in a vile plot to destroy the Big Easy while he hunts for his brother's killers. Featuring corrupt cops, soulless politicians and a ruthless magnate with a mysterious gift of eternal youth, Bloodthirsty recasts the city as a dark fantasia, hauntingly familiar, exhilarating and surprising. Read the complete article by Editor Jeff Roedel and interview with Landry in the current issue of 225 here.
Coming off record year, Lee Michaels eyes further expansion
On the heels of a historic year for sales, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is looking at opportunities to add more stores, says market president Scott Berg. "We're looking at a couple of different places at this time," Berg says. "I wouldn't say [where] because it's preliminary, nothing nailed down." But, he says, any expansion would be regional, and the company has been eyeing opportunities in Texas, in particular. Berg says fiscal year 2012, which closed March 31, was the best on record for the Baton Rouge-based, family-owned jewelry empire. "Our business was up double digits over our best year, so we've been extremely fortunate," he says, declining to reveal specific numbers. "That's all eight stores, not just Baton Rouge." Berg attributes much of the growth to a strategy of "reinvesting in our existing community" over the last seven years. That strategy has meant building a new freestanding store in Shreveport, adding a second location in San Antonio, opening a new store in Metairie's...
Review: Star Trek into Darkness
Four years after reviving a franchise on life support with a brand new cast and creative license to scribble all over a fleet of nerds' preciously worshipped "canon," director J.J. Abrams and crew have returned with Star Trek into Darkness. But does this sequel engage? Well, yes and no.
B.R. hotels report strong bookings due to Bayou Country Superfest
Occupancy rates at local hotels over Memorial Day weekend have been skyrocketing over the past few years due to Bayou Country Superfest, which is set for Saturday and Sunday of the upcoming holiday weekend. Last year's Memorial weekend occupancy rate for Saturday jumped to 94% from 61% in 2009—the year before the country music festival began—according to a study by Smith Travel Research, which calculated rates using the entire Capital Region. Those healthy numbers are expected to continue with this year's festival, but a local tourism official says the upward trajectory should start to level off. "There's not a lot of room for growth," says Renee Areng, executive vice president of Visit Baton Rouge. "If we were to venture to do just the parish of Baton Rouge, I would speculate (occupancy) will be close to 100 percent." With country acts such as Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert, the annual event at Tiger Stadium is changing the way area fans of country music...
'225 Weekender': Bayou Country Superfest is here
We all know where Louisiana country music fans will be this weekend. Bayou Country Superfest kicks off two days of live music in LSU's Tiger Stadium on Saturday. This year's performers include Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker on Saturday; and Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry on Sunday. The event also provides a free Fan Fest stage outside the stadium, which will feature performances from Yvette Landry, Jaryd Lane and The Parish, among others. For more festival details, ticket information and sound clips from a few bands set to play here this weekend, read a 225 story here. Also, check out 225 Editor Jeff Roedel's interview with Miranda Lambert here. And if you're going to Bayou Country Superfest, feel free to submit your videos to 225
The Coda presents its spring dance concert
Under the director of instructors Micaela Coner and Stephanie Faucette, students from the local dance studio The Coda will perform dance routines from various genres in its second-ever spring concert this weekend. This Saturday's shows will hit on everything from ballet to jazz to hip-hop with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.50. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
Bayou Country Superfest is here
We all know where Louisiana country fans will be this weekend—Bayou Country Superfest kicks off Saturday in LSU's Tiger Stadium with two days of live music. Among this year's performers are Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker on Saturday; and the Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry on Sunday. The event also includes the free Fan Fest stage outside the stadium, which includes performances from Yvette Landry, Jaryd Lane and The Parish and others. For more information on tickets, who you can't miss and to hear a few bands playing this year, read 225's article here. Also, check out Jeff Roedel's interview with Miranda Lambert here.
Stunning jewelry display
In the market for a show-stopping new accessory? Don't miss the Gypsy Jewelry trunk show, happening through tomorrow at NK Boutique. Complimentary wine will be served, and designer Jeannette Simon will be on hand to offer styling tips. Plus, each purchase puts you in the running for a free pair of earrings. More info can be found here.
CONTOUR: Hemline@LSU's annual fashion show tonight
Forget what you know about fashion and experience new threads courtesy of Hemline@LSU's seventh annual fashion show, CONTOUR, tonight at 8 p.m. the Lyceum Dean Ballroom (Map it!). Hemline@LSU is a student-run organization, and tonight's show will feature original designs constructed through the curriculum as well as outside competition pieces. Also on hand will be Project Runway All Stars winner Anthony Ryan's ROAR foundation, an exhibit focused on developing personal and professional growth through designing apparel for women facing adversity. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 general admission, and $5 for children under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased online.
Live to Dance
Revolution Dance Company will present its sixth annual public performance at the Manship Theatre. The local dance company's show is dubbed "Vivere Saltere," which translates to "Live to Dance," and promises to be an illuminating spectacle. There will be two performances Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $13. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
Festival darling Gimme the Loot shown at Manship this week
One of the last year's cinematic surprises was Gimme the Loot. The film focuses on two determined graffiti writers who are trying to tag the ultimate location: the New York Mets' Home Run Apple. Directed and written by newcomer Adam Leon, Gimme the Loot has won critical praise as well as a few awards, including Best Narrative Feature at the South by Southwest competition. View the trailer here. The film will be shown at Manship Theatre Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.50.
'Business Report': An in-depth look at B.R.'s newest power broker, John Georges
In 1999, John Georges went into the tugboat business. It was unchartered territory for him. Though he had a successful wholesale distribution company and a thriving video poker business, offshore maritime was a totally new ballgame. The business was extremely tough and capital intensive. Though Georges, by his own account, did well with the company—growing market share and making money—he ultimately was unable to compete with the real heavyweights in the industry. Taking them on would have required either devoting all his resources to tugboats, or remaining a niche player, and being a niche player isn't Georges' style. He is not one to compete with anyone who puts him at a competitive disadvantage from which he cannot emerge victorious. He is hard-wired to win. Lives for it. Thrives on it. If he can't be first, he would sooner move on than settle. His life and career are a testament to that drive and determination. He is among the top 10 convenience store wholesalers in...
Brave new world
In the business world, “adapt or die” is a truism. The ubiquity of the Internet is altering—in some cases, radically upending—the models for all sorts of industries. Exhibit A: the current turmoil in print journalism.
Start your presses
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate.
By design
The buildings of LSU not only reveal a legacy that goes back to the Renaissance but also serve as a primer of architectural principles that guided the creation of one of the most unique academic environments in the United States. In The Architecture of LSU, author, professor and architect J. Michael Desmond traces the university's development, including photographs, plans, drawings and maps that underscore the contributions of historical figures and the genealogies of the campus's architecture and planning. By detailing the origins and evolution of LSU's architectural core and exploring the fundamentals of American college campus design, Desmond shows the rewards of public environments that integrate natural and constructed elements to meet both practical and aesthetic goals. The Architecture of LSU is available from LSU Press.
What does new ownership mean?
The news was already half a day old when the press conference announcing John Georges' acquisition of The Advocate took place. But the May 1 media briefing officially passing the torch of ownership was noteworthy not so much for what was said—it was predictable enough—but for who was in attendance: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Dyke Nelson Architecture wins Grow Mid City competition
Dyke Nelson says his architectural firm will use the $10,000 it received in taking first place in the Grow Mid City business plan competition to purchase additional equipment that will allow it to manufacture more eco-friendly products itself rather than outsource that work. "For example, we recently built a couple bistro tables for Rock-n-Sake. We designed those but had to have them fabricated off-site and then assemble them here," Nelson says. "The idea is to create a real tight circle with our production, keep it all in-house, and ship off products that are truly sustainable—and eventually provide an option to purchase those products through our website." Nelson says his firm uses a "tremendous amount of recycled materials" for its products, which range from furniture and lighting fixtures to panels and installation pieces, many of which come from historic properties. Along with Dyke Nelson Architecture—or DNA Workshop, as it's also known—two other Mid City...
'Times-Pic' transformation a 'jaw-dropping blunder,' says 'NY Times' columnist
"Clearly, commanding a market to change on a dime because it suits your business plan does not mean readers will obey," says The New York Times' David Carr in a column Sunday. "Just ask Advance Publications, owned by the Newhouse family, which is back to where it started in New Orleans with The Times-Picayune." The attempted transformation of The Times-Picayune to a digitally focused news organization—initially scaling back publication to just three days a week, but more recently reversing course and launching a new publication called TPStreet to once again have a printed product every day—has been "a jaw-dropping blunder to watch," Carr says. "Advance misjudged the marketplace … and failed to execute a modern digital strategy. Now it is in full retreat with new competition," he writes. The Advocate has been raiding The Times-Picayune's editorial staff since new owner John Georges purchased the newspaper, Carr notes, and is...
McKnight: We want elephants at Baton Rouge Zoo
BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight says she's talking to various groups about building a new elephant exhibit for the Baton Rouge Zoo. "We want elephants at our zoo, and the way that we have to do that is to build a new exhibit," McKnight says. She's hoping the parish will reauthorize a property tax dedicated to BREC next year that will allow for an elephant exhibit. If the tax is renewed, McKnight says BREC could leverage public dollars with private donations to carry out the project. Judy the elephant died in March and the zoo plans to host a going-away party for Bozie, a 37-year-old Asian elephant, on Saturday, May 18. She will be leaving the zoo shortly after that for the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Because elephants are a herd species, zoo officials say they couldn't leave Bozie alone after her 46-year-old companion died. —April Castro
Preach, Father John Misty
"You guys having an exciting time at this folk rock show?" Josh Tillman, a.k.a. Father John Misty, snickered last night in between songs at his One Eyed Jacks' performance.
City Park, sans golf course?
Edging closer to 1,000 signatures, an online petition is bringing the debate about City Park's golf course back into the limelight. Should the 9-hole course be maintained and City Park grow around it, or should it be eliminated and the grounds added to the park's existing green space?
Greek Fest moved indoors due to weather concerns
A stormy weekend forecast has prompted organizers of the Baton Rouge Greek Festival to move Saturday's event indoors. Instead of being held at North Boulevard Town Square downtown, the second annual festival will now take place in the atrium of the Belle of Baton Rouge, 103 France St. The hours are staying the same: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight and early-morning thunderstorms knocked out power for about 6,000 Entergy customers in Baton Rouge, and there are continued warnings of possible severe weather and flash flooding in the area. Heavy rain is expected to last into the weekend, with an 80% chance of rain Saturday. Though the forecast is also calling for a 70% chance of rain through this evening, DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer says Live After Five has not been canceled as of this morning. "We don't know at this point in time if it's going to be affected [by the weather], but for now it's still on for 5 to 8 p.m. at Repentance Park," Rhorer says. —Steve...
Four local rock bands team up for clean water efforts Sunday
Sunday evening at Mud and Water (Map it!) promises to be a rocking time, thanks to a stacked bill of local bands including Circa Amore, Cattle Drive, Baby Boy and The Melters. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper and Gulf Restoration Network. Raffles and prize drawings will also be held. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cover is $5.
For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
Teen poetry grand slam finals at Manship Saturday
After a week of semifinals, the top local teens will show off their clever wordplay and performance skills for audiences in Saturday's ALL CITY grand slam finals at the Manship Theatre. The event features some of the city's best young voices, competing for an opportunity to represent Baton Rouge at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam this summer in Chicago. The show kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. Student and senior pricing is also available. For more information, visit manshiptheatre.org.
High-energy humor this weekend at Funny Bone
John Stites draws humor from his diverse life experiences. Stites has worked as a college language professor, spent time in the Army, been a bar bouncer and a corporate executive. So, one would think he has a lot to sift through for his comedic tales. See for yourself Friday and Saturday night at the Funny Bone. Stites will perform twice on both days. The 7:30 p.m. shows are no smoking. The 10:30 p.m. shows allow smoking. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online. You must be 21 to enter.
Manship screens political drama No Wednesday night
Manship Theatre will screen the Oscar-nominated foreign film, No, Wednesday. The film features a brilliant performance from Gael García Bernal, who plays René Saavedra, a Chilean PR man who tries to mount a press campaign against General Augusto Pinochet in 1988. The film's screening starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.50. Student and senior pricing is also available. No is rated R. View the trailer here.
Funny lady: Kathy Griffin Saturday at L'Auberge
Kathy Griffin has quite the résumé. She's a two-time Emmy winner, a Grammy nominee and a New York Times bestselling author. Wait, we forgot to mention she's also a hilarious veteran comedienne. Griffin will perform at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel's event center Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster.
Newspaper rivalry good for readers
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate.
Maginnis: Newspaper rivalry good for readers
When I was growing up in Baton Rouge, after my family moved here from New Orleans just before I was born, The Times-Picayune was thrown in our yard each morning. After school, I would get on my bike to deliver The State-Times, the afternoon counterpart of the then-called Morning Advocate. Besides the paper route, I've never worked for either paper (this is a syndicated column), but as with most of their dual readers, their newly engaged business rivalry holds my attention as much as any stories they publish these days. On May 1, both papers ran front-page banner headlines announcing their big changes: "Georges buys Advocate" and "T-P adding newsstand tab 3 days a week." The great south Louisiana newspaper war is on. This one is unlike those from the early 20th century in big cities, when the struggle was between two established papers rooted in the same market. New publisher John Georges plans to expand on The Advocate's recent incursion into New Orleans,...
Five things you need to know about Gatsby
Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrman's fifth feature film, and first in five years, arrives Friday. Here are five things you need to know about it, the latest adaptation (and first in 3D) of The Great Gatsby.
The problem with Iron expectations
Tomorrow, Iron Man 3 will be released, will be a hit across the globe, and be solidified as the second-best Iron Man film ever made.
Meet the designer
Art meets fashion tomorrow at the Annieglass trunk show, taking place at Carriages Ladies Store. Designer and Smithsonian glass artist Annie Morhauser will visit the Bocage Village boutique from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shoppers will have the opportunity to see items up close from her popular collections, including Salt, Sea Life, and Sail. The artist's 30th anniversary line, Dew Drops, will also be on display. Refreshments, complimentary engraving and a raffle will add to the fun of the event. Find more information here.
Governor, mayors join Georges in announcing 'Advocate' buy
No less than Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mayor Kip Holden and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined the new owner and publisher of The Advocate, John Georges, at a news conference this morning to officially announce the New Orleans businessman's acquisition of the state's largest daily paper. In a crowded conference room at The Advocate headquarters, Georges spoke glowingly about his predecessors, the Manship family, the Baton Rouge market and the opportunities presented by this latest of his many business ventures. He also introduced his two top managers: veteran journalists Dan Shea, general manager, and Peter Kovacs, editor. But the event was more a passing of the torch than a briefing on what changes may be in store for the newspaper or on the terms of the sale, which were not disclosed. Outgoing publisher David Manship, whose family operated the daily for more than a century, delivered an emotional farewell to his longtime employees and co-workers. Later, his brother,...
Of Montreal performs Sunday at The Varsity
Indie rock fans should check out Of Montreal's performance Sunday at The Varsity. The prolific Athens, Ga., band has been around for more than 15 years, releasing its heady mix of dance-rock tunes. This year, the band will release its 11th studio full-length, Lousy with Sylvanbriar. Lead singer Kevin Barnes says the album is influenced by the poetry of Sylvia Plath and the music of The Grateful Dead—so that should be interesting. Doors open Sunday at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8 p.m. Wild Moccasins will open. Tickets are $17 and available online.
For a complete list of this week's shows, click here.
'Sur le Papier' at Frameworks Saturday
Frameworks Gallery will present its new exhibit "Sur le Papier" on Saturday. The display features a range of contemporary art where paper is the primary medium. Among the artists in the exhibit are June Gonce, Jovann Armstrong, Van Wade Day and many more. Restaurant IPO's On the Go food truck will also be there offering brunch items and mimosas. The event starts at 11 a.m. For more information, click here.
Swan Lake Saturday at LSU Union Theater
The classic ballet, Swan Lake, will be performed Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the LSU Union Theater. The Russian National Ballet Theatre will present the classic show, and this will be the first time the full-length ballet will be performed in Baton Rouge. Tickets range from $36 to $44. For more information, visit the LSU Union Theatre website.
Comedian Steve Hirst at Funny Bone this weekend
British funnyman Steve Hirst will perform at the Funny Bone Comedy Club Friday and Saturday night. Hirst’s act has been described as a mix between Benny Hill’s absurd humor and the in-your-face style of Guy Ritchie’s feature film Snatch. Hirst will perform twice Friday and Saturday, a no-smoking show at 7:30 p.m. and a 10 p.m. show where smoking is allowed. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and can be purchased through the Funny Bone website. You must be 21 or older to enter the club.
Slim Harpo Music Awards Wednesday at Manship
Since 2003, the Slim Harpo Music Awards have recognized those Louisiana greats who have taken blues to an entirely different level across the country and globe. This year's awards ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Manship Theatre, with honorees including Warren Storm, Harvey Knox, "Guitar Gable" Perrodin, Jockey Etienne and blues ambassador and producer David Kearns. Tickets are $35, and proceeds benefit the Music in the Schools outreach program.
'Rock' out at the River Center Thursday
Perhaps one of the biggest Broadway surprises of the past decade, Rock of Ages, is coming to Baton Rouge. Featuring of-the-era hit songs, Rock of Ages tells the story of a young rock 'n' roller in the '80s who wants to make something more of his life. Some of the choice music cuts include "Nothin' But a Good Time," "We Built This City," "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Any Way You Want It." The touring production starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the River Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
'Advocate' to ramp up run at 'Times-Pic' under new ownership
Dan Shea, the former managing editor of The Times-Picayune who has been tapped as new general manager of The Advocate, tells Poynter that the Baton Rouge daily is looking to compete with the New Orleans paper head on under its new owner, John Georges. "Our plan is simple," Shea says. "Give the people of metro New Orleans what they want: a seven-day, home-delivered truly local newspaper. We'll provide the resources to get that done quickly." As reported by Daily Report on Tuesday afternoon, Shea and Peter Kovacs—also a former managing editor at The Times-Picayune—have been hired to lead The Advocate under its new ownership. The Advocate officially announced...
'Advocate' buyer mum on new 'Times-Pic' publications
As New Orleans businessman John Georges prepares to close on his pending acquisition of The Advocate—a deal which could be finalized in the next few days, according to sources—NOLA media group, parent company of The Times-Picayune, has announced that it's adding another print product to the marketplace this summer. TPStreet will appear in a tabloid-size format in the New Orleans area on newsstands and in newspaper boxes only, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays—days when The Times-Picayune is not published. Georges declines to comment on the latest development in the increasingly competitive battle for subscribers between the New Orleans and Baton Rouge newspapers. "My sole focus is on The Advocate," Georges tells Daily Report. "I don't focus on potential competitors." Meanwhile, sources say Georges' editorial...
Horse People
If success in fiction depends on creating characters who seem not just believable but actual, then Cary Holladay succeeds wildly in Horse People, the latest issue in the Yellow Shoe Fiction series out of LSU Press.
Staff Playlist
“Let Me Move You”
JIMI HENDRIX
New collection People, Hell & Angels provides a different take on Hendrix's brilliance through experimental recordings and previously unreleased studio material. The energetic “Let Me Move You,” with sax and vocals by the legendary Lonnie Youngblood, is a lively gem full of the R&B funk and wah-wah sounds that blues fans are sure to enjoy.
Das a real hero, cher
He's a Coast Guard veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His city is a cold shadow of its former self. And he is out for blood—perhaps literally.
So hot, so cool
Imagine strolling at dusk in and out of Mid City shops filled with live music and hors d'oeuvres, browsing past paintings, sculptures and ceramics all created by local artists. This will be the scene May 10 when Mid City Merchants presents Hot Art, Cool Nights.
Music: Best Bets
The erratic, psychedelic and weirdly funky music of indie pop ensemble Of Montreal will fill the Varsity early this month. The band, building on more than a decade of wild performances and music, has been on tour supporting 2012's Paralytic Stalks, an album of new music, and Daughter of Cloud, a compilation of unreleased and rare tracks. They stop in Baton Rouge May 5 with Wild Moccasins as the opening act. varsitytheatre.com
Climbing the musical mountain
Local singer-songwriter Peter Simón is perhaps best known for his talents on the guitar. Yet, for all his proficiency on that instrument, he actually grew up playing something else.
Pistol packin'
The daughter of East Texas private detectives, Miranda Lambert was taught from an early age how to handle a gun. At 29, she still hunts deer in season.
A Haven for the creative
A typical Sunday morning at church may include fellowship, a sermon and prayer, and that's pretty much what you'll find at Haven Church on the Sabbath Day. But on Fridays and Saturdays, you'll more likely find secular-leaning local art and musicians, and quite possibly a bottle of whiskey—because Haven is far from your typical church.
It all ends now!
The heat isn't the only brutal thing about summer. This season's movies are all about the destruction of the planet, the killing of our heroes, even the cutthroat nature of corporate America and the 1%. As Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby and Star Trek Into Darkness rule the box office this month, here is a look ahead to eight of summer's biggest new arrivals.
Audio and visuals
A film score can often make or break the movie-watching experience—the swells or abrupt booms of an orchestra direct you when to feel emotion or when to jump in fear. When it comes to classic silent films, the addition of a score later can create a new experience entirely.
Arts: Best Bets
It's a month of all things jazz at downtown museums right now. As a professor at Xavier in New Orleans and a native son of the Lower Ninth Ward, John T. Scott mentored many artists and incorporated the improvisational style and rhythm of jazz music into his work. He called his process “jazz thinking,” and his vibrant paintings, prints and kinetic sculptures bring to mind instruments in West African culture, the legacy of local jazz legends and even the traditions of jazz funerals and second lines. The exhibit, “Rhythm & Improvisation: John T. Scott & His Enduring Legacy,” organized by Louisiana Art & Science Museum (lasm.org), is on view all this month at the museum and ends July 14.
New wall in bloom
Maggie Kleinpeter has a long history with downtown Baton Rouge.
Pretty in pink
There is no textbook on how to paint a swimsuit. If there ever is, its author just might be 22-year-old Baton Rouge native Adrienne Connelly.
My favorite summer movies
Top 5 from Aaron Bayham, operations manager, Raleigh Studios at the Celtic Media Centre
The flip side
Imagine smelling the sweet scent of coconut. You hear laid-back music. You see palm trees. And sandals everywhere.
My favorite summer road trip songs
Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin gives 225 his advice on the best car songs for this summer.
Art Melt keeps it cool
A new venue, a new setting and a 10th anniversary celebration for Art Melt—that's what's in store for fans of the popular annual juried art event downtown this year.
All summer lawn
Oscar winner The Artist introduced a whole new generation to silent cinema in 2011.
Lend me your ears
jodijamesmusic.com
"I just bought Josh Ritter's new record, The Beast In Its Tracks. He's brilliant, as always. Word on the Nashville street—I'll be move there soon—is that Johnny Depp is living there and working on a project with Jack White, and I'm definitely interested in whatever comes of that collaboration."
Frankly, Scarlett
From the opening scene of Lost in Translation I thought, “Yeah, in 10 years this girl's going to be kicking a lot of people in the throat.”
Bijoux shopping spree
The Grace George sample sale happens next week. Don't miss your chance to snag one-of-a-kind items from this popular local line! The stunning wares of designers Shelly Dick and Amy Howe range from bracelets for every mood to statement necklaces and elegant earrings. The sale is slated for May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the design headquarters, 2051 Silverside Drive. New goods will be available each day, so stop by more than once to see what catches your eye.
Swimwear answers
Sail smoothly into swimsuit season with the perfect beach ensemble. Shoppers will find dozens of chic swimwear styles during the Ophelia Beach Wear trunk show, happening Monday and Tuesday at Edit by LBP. Luxurious collections such as L*Space, La Perla, Tori Praver and Heidi Klein will be on display. If you're behind on this season's trends, get styling tips by Ophelia owner, Tori Pickren Von Hoene, who will be on-site to share expert advice. For more details, click here.
Events outside the box
Upstairs at a warehouse on Main Street near downtown, artist Raina Wirta is standing atop a very tall ladder, adjusting the lighting above a giant, furry (yes, furry) dome-like structure that hangs from the ceiling. The LSU MFA candidate unveiled her exhibition “(un)familiar” to a crowd last Friday. Earlier that week, she was busy putting together the finishing touches.
Art Wine Design at Southdowns Village Thursday
An evening of live music, fine art and good food is on tap Thursday at Southdowns Village shopping center in the sixth annual Art Wine Design event. Among the participating merchants are Ann Connelly Fine Art, Monochrome Furniture, Front Door, Blon Salon, Jeannie Frey Rhodes, Stafford Tile and Stone, Glo Beauty Bar, Spectrum Southdowns, Bella Bridesmaid, LD Linens and Décor, Rollie Noelie and many more. Artwork purchased Thursday will be sold without sales tax. Musicians including Michael Foster and Hubbard, Decker & Rhodes will be performing in the shopping center as well. Art Wine Design kicks off at 6 p.m.
Of Moving Colors at Manship Theatre Thursday
Of Moving Colors, a local professional dance company, closes out its 26th season with a performance Thursday night at the Manship Theatre. The show, "P.S.425" is a collaboration with LSU College of Art and Design's Nadine Carter Russell Chair Peter Shire, whose recent exhibits were shown at galleries across the city. Dancers will perform using interactive set pieces designed by Shire, including a catwalk, whimsical chairs, thrones and more. A free pre-performance reception will be held at Glassell Gallery at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by a free post-performance reception at Glassell at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information, click here.
Uncommon Fashion show at Hartley/Vey Friday
Three stylish local stores are coming together to help out a downtown venue. Noelie Harmon, Time Warp Boutique and Hazel & Florange will show off choice outfits Friday in the Uncommon Fashion show benefiting Hartley/Vey Theatres. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased via Hartley/Vey’s website.
Dancing for Big Buddy at PMAC Saturday
Local celebs will dance the night away for a good cause Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the 2013 edition of Dancing for Big Buddy. Modeled after the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars, the event features local stars performing Saturday night, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Some of the dancers include LSU Women's Basketball coach Nikki Caldwell, Mestizo owner Jim Urdiales, WBRZ anchor Rosa Flores and many more. Tickets are $10. For more information and a full list of celebrity dancers, click here.
Louisiana film festival exceeds organizer's expectations
The Louisiana International Film Festival debuted across Baton Rouge and New Orleans over the weekend, screening world and state premieres at multiple venues as well as hosting industry discussions. Chesley Heymsfield, the festival's executive director, says she was delighted with the positive response for the inaugural event. "I'm always impressed by how the festival is able to influence people," Heymsfield says. "A lot of that hard work from our team and our supporters, it comes to fruition when people show up." Among the films at this year's movie showcase were The Iceman, an action drama starring Michael Shannon, and The East, a sleeper hit from the Sundance Film Festival. Both films were shot in Shreveport. Other films shown included Michel Gondry's The We and I, the critically acclaimed Gimme the Loot, and the documentary Room 237. Director Robert Zemeckis was also on hand Saturday in support of his wife Leslie's documentary, Bound by...
The royal We
Since his fanciful failure The Science of Sleep, a post-brilliance pass he was given after the artistic triumph that was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, French director Michel Gondry has spent the past seven years in a creative wilderness, trying his hand at big budget action (The Green Hornet), an esoteric familial documentary (The Thorn in the Heart), and a dated misstep disguised as a buddy comedy (Be Kind Rewind), and with it all not making a single stride out from the shadow of Sunshine, his Oscar-winning collaboration with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.