| ART/EXHIBITS

APRIL 5: “THE CULTURE OF STAR WARS: ITS PHILOSOPHICAL, RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL INFLUENCE ON POST-MODERN SOCIETY,” Bossier Arts Council presents its second annual pop symposium and art show focusing on George Lucas’s iconic space opera. Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

APRIL 12-MAY 22: “ART EXPOSITION II,” Seventeen local and national artists come together with a variety of media in this annual show. Free. 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon to 4:30 p.m. Norsworthy Fine Art Gallery, 214 Texas St., Shreveport.

THROUGH APRIL 5: “LASTING IMPRESSIONS” BY CAITLIN LINDSEY. Free. 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 12-4:30 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment. Norsworthy Fine Art Gallery, 214 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 424-6764.

THROUGH APRIL 20: “THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM: JEAN DESPUJOLS’ PORTRAIT OF INDOCHINA,” an exhibition that examines National Geographic’s use of Despujols’ art to illustrate culture and conflict in French Indochina. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; noon-5 p.m. Thursday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Meadows Museum of Art, Centenary College, Shreveport. Call 869-5169.

THROUGH APRIL 20: KIM THOMPSON: “UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL,” a painterly exploration of how we really look at each other and how we see ourselves and our lives. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; noon-5 p.m. Thursday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Meadows Museum of Art, Centenary College, Shreveport. Call 869-5169.

THROUGH APRIL 20: “BRAINS,” Centenary students’ art created for neuroscience classes. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; noon-5 p.m. Thursday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Meadows Museum of Art, Centenary College, Shreveport. Call 869-5169.

THROUGH APRIL 30: THE ART OF JULIE CREWS, JOHN WAGONER AND STEVE ZIHLAVSKY, Free. 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Gallery Fine Art Center, 2151 Airline Drive, Bossier City. Call 741-9192.

THROUGH APRIL 30: ART BY BONNIE FERGUSON, Emerging Artist Gallery, Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

THROUGH MAY 25: “AMERICAN STILL LIFES,” This exhibition will feature masterpieces by a range of contemporary artists recognized especially for their sumptuous still-life compositions along with their dazzling artistic techniques, including Daniel Mark Cassity of Hop Springs, Ark. Free. R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport. Call 865-4201.

THROUGH MAY 30: THE ARTWORK OF SUSAN DUKE-POSEY, original Impressionist works in oil on canvas, applied with lavish palette knife strokes. Free. Community Trust Bank, 1350 E. 70th St., Shreveport.

THROUGH MAY 30: ART BY SARAH BRINSON KENNEDY, ROD TALBOT AND ASHLEY WACHAL, Each artist has a very distinct and visual style but all inspire a sense of Louisiana with their work. Opening reception 2 p.m. April 12. East Bank Gallery, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

THROUGH MAY 30: LISANDRA DI LIBERTO EXHIBIT, Di Liberto creates sub-realistic paintings which carry a message that people can identify with. Emerging Artist Gallery, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741- 8310.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: ARTFUL ACRYLIC CLASSES, by Rebecca Francis. $75 per month. 4-7 p.m. Barnwell Garden and Art Center, 602 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. Call 673-7703.

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH: SHREVEPORT WRITERS CLUB, Writers from all stages of life in all genres and styles of writing meet to share their thoughts in written form with other people who love words; guests welcome. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bossier Arts Council Annex, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City.

| BARS/NIGHTLIFE BABY HUEY’S ON THE BAYOU: 1709 Sligo Road, Bossier City. 752-9465. You Can Be a Star Karaoke, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays.

BISTRO BYRONZ: 6104 Line Ave., Shreveport. 219-4848. Hanna Unverzagt, 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 5; Hanna Unverzagt, 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 26.

CHICAGO/THE HOOKAH ROOM: 118 Texas St., Shreveport. 221-0490. Acts are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless otherwise stated. Loco Lounge featuring the best selection of electronic dance music artists in town, Fridays; Floyd Grigsby and the 5GK Band, Saturdays.

COVE ON CROSS LAKE: 1612 Dilg League Drive (off Lakeshore), Shreveport. 635-0262. 11:30 a.m. to closing Monday through Saturday. www.TheCoveOnCrossLake.com. Karaoke, 7-11 p.m. Wednesdays; ladies night, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays; Golden Tee Live, Internet jukebox. (Check website for bands and dates).

EL PORTRILLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 6614 Youree Drive, Shreveport. Lane Rogers, Mondays and Wednesdays.

FROG’S BREATH SALOON: 1984 Airline Drive, Bossier City. You Can Be a Star Karaoke, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

H&H LOUNGE: 717 Hope St., Shreveport. 424-9297. Good Vibes Night every Wednesday. Drum Circle, 6-9 p.m.; VJ-DJ music, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

LEE’S: 639 E. Kings Highway, Shreveport. 861-2151. Acts are 8 p.m. to midnight weekdays and 9 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays. John Wright, April 3; The Syndciate, April 4; John Wright, April 5; Jerry Beach Blues Jam, April 7; Jon Wright, April 10; Kandu, April 11; John Wright, April 12; Jerry Beach Blues Jam, April 14.

MUDDY WATERS SPORTS BAR: 5000 Benton Road, Bossier City. 741-7635. Magnolia Brown Band, April 5; Nuns With Guns Band, April 12; Battle of the Bands for Maddie Jo fund, April 19; Beaux Adkins, April 26.

RISTORANTE GIUSEPPE: 4800 Line Ave., Shreveport. 869-4548. Jazziana, 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Kids’ Night Out/Parents’ Dine Out, 6 p.m. April 7; children 12 and under enjoy dinner and a movie in Giuseppe’s kids’ room while parents enjoy a quiet dinner in the main dining room. Celebrate Easter Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.; space is limited, call 869-4548 for reservations.

TREJOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 5815 Youree Drive, Shreveport. 869-2316. Wayne’s FM karaoke, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays.

TWINE: 1513 Line Ave., Shreveport. 754-4024. All acts are 6:30-8:30 p.m. unless noted. Garrett Brolund, April 3; Hanna Unverzagt, April 10; Jonathan Howard and Miabella Rosellina, April 11; Garrett Brolund, April 17; Hanna Unverzagt, April 24.

2JOHNS STEAK & SEAFOOD: Airline Plaza, 2151 Airline Drive, Bossier City. 841-5646. All acts are 6-10 p.m. unless noted. Winston Hall, April 2.

| MUSIC/COMEDY APRIL 3: RECITAL, TWYLA ROBINSON, SOPRANO, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRIL 5: CONCIERTO DE ARANJUEZ, featuring the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, with guitarist Jason Vieaux. $55, $45, $35 and $15; students $12. Riverview Theater, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. Call 227-TUNE.

APRIL 6: AN AFTERNOON WITH HAL LINDEN AND HIS BAND, Backed by a seven-piece band, American TV personality (“Barney Miller”), clarinetist and Tony Award winner Hal Linden performs some of the all-time great Big Band tunes, Broadway hits and jazz standards. $38.50, $30.50 and $20.50. 3 p.m. Strand Theatre, 6129 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.

APRIL 6: NOEL FOUNDATION CHAMBER CONCERT, “Guitar Favorites” featuring Jason Vieaux. Free. 3 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRIL 7: SIGMA ALPHA IOTA “LAGNIAPPE” CONCERT, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRL 12: BRANTLEY GILBERT, The country music singer won the ACM New Male Artist award in 2013 and is joined by guests Thomas Rhett and Eric Paslay. $24.75-$37. 7:30 p.m. CenturyLink Center, 2000 CenturyLink Drive, Bossier City. Call 1-800-745-3000.

APRIL 12: CENTENARY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CONCERT, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRIL 13: SINGERS’ WORKSHOP RECITAL, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/ music/events.

APRIL 16: CENTENARY CHOIR EASTER MUSIC, Free. 7:30 p.m. Brown Chapel, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRIL 22: HURLEY INSTRUMENTALISTS CONCERT, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College,

APRIL 24: SPRING CONCERT SERIES 2014, Free live entertainment. Guest: Christina Langston Band. Windrush Park at Provenance, east of I-40 Southern Loop Exit 196 between Wallace Lake and Norris Ferry roads. Call 683-0399.

APRIL 25: CAMERATA CONCERT, Free. 7:30 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

APRIL 26: EXTENSIONS OF EXCELLENCE PERFORMING ARTS INC. PRESENTS DANCE HIS HIGH PRAISE VII: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, featuring the Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State university and performances by Christian Dance Center, Louisiana Dance Theatre and Sumthin Serious Hip Hop. $20. 7 p.m. Strand Theatre, 6129 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.

MAY 3: SEASON FINALE: FROM THE NEW WORLD, The Shreveport Symphony season ends with a concert featuring Simone Dinnerstein, piano. $55, $45, $35 and $15; students $12. Riverview Theater, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. Call 227-TUNE.

MAY 4: NOEL FOUNDATION CHAMBER CONCERT, “THE BEAUTY OF BACH,” featuring Simone Dinnerstein, piano. Free. 3 p.m. Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music, Centenary College, Shreveport. Visit www.centenary.edu/music/events.

| SPECIAL EVENTS

APRIL 3 & 5: CORK WINE FESTIVAL, Shreveport-Bossier’s premier wine-tasting event returns as a fund-raiser for the Red River Arts Festival. It begins with the Premier Wine Dinner at Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport, 6 p.m., $150. The Riedel Glassware Seminar, 12:30 p.m. April 5, will show attendees how the proper glass can profoundly affect a wine’s bouquet and flavor, $$50, RiverView Hall. The headline event will feature more than 80 wines of various varietals for sampling, along with dishes from several of Shreveport- Bossier’s finest restaurants, $85 individual tickets, $1,350 for a reserved table for 10, Festival Plaza, downtown Shreveport.

APRIL 4-6: PATTERSON CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL, a family festival featuring professional lumberjack shows, chainsaw carving, a cypress sawmill display, golf, fishing and softball tournaments, a passe’ partout (two-person saw) contest, arts and crafts, classic car and truck show, a street fair with rides and games, a fun walk, and food and drink booths. Admission: $5 per car on Friday, $10 per car on Saturday, $20 for weekend pass. Kemper Williams Park, Patterson, La. Call the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau at 985-395-4905, 800-256-2931 or visit www.cajuncoast.com/cypresssawmill.

APRIL 5: CROSS LAKE DANCE CLUB MONTHLY DANCE, featuring dancing to the music of Lisa Lee Phifer and Rod Allen Payne, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $17 per person, dressy casual. El Karubah Shrine Temple, 6230 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Call 773-7912 or visit www.crosslakedanceclub.com.

APRIL 5: MUSICAL CHAIRS COMPETITION, The Shreveport-Bossier Young Life organization will sponsor this area’s first fund-raiser event; hundreds of players age 11 and over are expected to participate for the title of Best Musical Chairs player in Shreveport. $20 registration fee before March 29, $30 after March 29. 10 a.m. Lee Hedges Stadium, Shreveport. Contact Douglas Piper at younglifemusicalchairs@gmail.com.

APRIL 5: THE SECOND ANNUAL JAZZ & BLUES BRUNCH FUNDRAISER, hosted by the Renzi Education and Art Center and featuring guitar legend Buddy Flett headlining a local, all-star lineup of musicians. Also includes a delicious brunch buffet prepared by Marilynn’s Place and Rhino Coffee. $35. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Shop, 2002 Southern Ave., Shreveport. Call 222-1414.

APRIL 7, 14, 21 & 28: WEST COAST SWING DANCE LESSONS, beginner West Coast swing at 6:30 p.m., intermediate West Coast swing at 7:30 p.m. $8 per person per class. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com.

APRIL 8-MAY 13: EAST COAST SWING LESSONS, presented by USA Dance Shreveport. $8 adults, $7 USA Dance members, $5 students with ID. Beginners, 6:30 p.m.; intermediate, 7:30 p.m. Dandy Tamplin, instructor. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 798-6783 or visit www.usadanceshreveport.org.

APRIL 11-20: HOLIDAY IN DIXIE, The annual celebration features such classic events as the Classic Parade on April 12 at 5:30 p.m., along with the treasure hunt, family fun run and 5K, and the carnival at Festival Plaza. For details, visit www.holidayindixie.com.

APRIL 12: CHIMPANZEE DISCOVERY DAYS, Nature, science, education, family and fun all describe Chimp Haven’s Chimpanzee Discovery Days; guests can bring a contribution for the chimps, including fresh or canned fruits and vegetables, unshelled nuts, peanut butter, sugar-free cereals, pretzels, sugar-free gelatin, pudding mixes, juice and syrup and more. Walk through the sanctuary’s naturally wooded trail, visit the enrichment station and the greenhouse exhibit. You can explore Chimp Haven on a 30-minute staffled hayride tour; adults $10, children, $5. Chimp Chat and Chew dates, featuring lunch, a behind-the-scenes tour of the sanctuary and a presentation by a staff member, are at noon on May 10, June 14, Sept. 13 and Nov. 8; adults $50, children $25, reservations required. Admission: $6 adults, $3 children age 5 and under. 9 a.m. to noon. Chimp Haven, located in the Eddie D. Jones Park, off Highway 789, Keithville, La. Call 925-9575.

APRIL 12: SANDYSDANCE ANNIVERSARY DANCE PARTY, with free heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet at 7 p.m. and dancing to the music of SandysDance Party, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $15 per person, casual attire. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com.

APRIL 26: TRAILS & TRELLISES, the annual garden tour sponsored by the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners features the gardens of Denton and Dr. Savanna Culpepper, Mike and Whitney Harper, and Master Gardener Evalyn Cabell and husband, Ben. Included also this year is the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardener Teaching Garden located at the Webster Parish Extension Office. $10 in advance; $12 the day of the tour. Call the Webster Parish Extension Office at 371-1371.

TUESDAYS THROUGH APRIL 29: A PLACE THAT WARMS THE HEART, grief support groups spring session, includes children’s group for ages 5-12; teen group for ages 13-18; significant other group, parents’ group and early infant loss group. Free. 6-30-8:30 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 5850 Buncombe Road, Shreveport. Call 317-9329.

MAY 3 & 4: MELROSE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL, The premier event for over 40 years, this fine arts and crafts festival is held on the grounds of the historic Melrose Plantation and includes food vendors and home tours. Admission. Located 18 miles south of downtown historic Natchitoches. For information, call 1-800-259-1714 or visit www.aphnatchitoches.net.

MAY 10: RABIES VACCINE/DIP CLINIC, Dogs and cats are welcome for treatment, but must be on a leash or in a carrier; sponsored by Hand in Paw -- Friends of Bossier City Animal Control. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 rabies vaccine, $5 dip, cash only. Bossier City Animal Control, 3217 Shed Road, Bossier City. Call 741-8499.

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: PROFESSIONAL CIVIL LAW NOTARIES ASSOCIATION, Learn about the association and various acts and documents a notary can prepare. Free. Sign-in at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m. Southern Hills Business Association Conference Center, 9701 Baird Road, Shreveport. Call 797-4396.

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: SHREVEPORT SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON, This group promotes boating fun, safety and education and meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Shreveport Yacht Club, 2905 Municipal Pier Road, Shreveport. Call 426-9484.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH MARCH 14: THEATER PERSPECTIVES AND STAGE COMBAT, Two series of workshops are being offered. First, The Company Repertory Theatre will produce a series of workshops offering various approaches to acting, called “Theatre Perspectives,” with area performers offering experiences in approaches to Shakespeare, character development, auditioning, and stage movement. The second workshop, in Stage Combat, will be offered by experienced and qualified instructors from Louisiana Tech University. Acting workshops: $30 per weekend, or $100 for all four (not including Combat Workshop weekend), 10-a.m. Combat workshop: $50, March 1-2 noon to 4 p.m. East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

EVERY SATURDAY: YOGIE AND FRIENDS EXOTIC CAT SANCTUARY, Louisiana’s only rescue for abused, neglected and unwanted big, exotic cats is open every Saturday from noon-5 p.m. weather permitting until November. Yogie and Friends, 128 Fob Lane, Frierson, La. Call 795-0455.

FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: HIGHLAND OPEN STUDIO TOUR, Artist workshops and galleries are open for your perusal with art to make and buy. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours start at 436 Topeka St. Visit http://www.restorehighland.com/.

ONGOING: BOSSIER ANIMAL CONTROL ADOPTION DAYS, Animals in good health are in need of loving homes. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Petsmart, 2630 Beene Blvd., Bossier City. Hand in Paw, Friends of Bossier City Animal Control, needs volunteers to help with the adoption days. Contact Phyllis Whatley at 742-8673 or visit www.bossiercity.org (under animal control adoption).

ONGOING: DETOUR DOWNTOWN RUN/WALK/ BIKE/CRAWL CLUB, Each week, Detour members will meet at Overtime Sports Bar and then run/walk/bike as fast/ far as one would like down Clyde Fant Parkway then head back to Overtime Sports Bar for free non-alcoholic beverages and great drink and food specials. Detour Downtown provides an opportunity to stay active, connect with friends, network and meet new people. 6 p.m. Wednesdays. 200 Travis St., Shreveport. Call 673-0048 or visit http://www.shreveporthappyhour.com/detour/.

ONGOING: SHREVEPORT GAME NIGHT, Every Wednesday, a small group gathers to play card and board games. Free. 7 p.m. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St., Shreveport. Visit www.ShreveportGameNight.org.

| THEATER/PERFORMANCE

APRIL 3-5: “PETER PAN JR.” Presented by Southfield School. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up. $10. 7:30 p.m. Saturday Matinee at 3:00 p.m. Margaret Shaffer Dickson Theater on the Campus of Southfield School, 1100 Southfield Road, Shreveport.

APRIL 6-10: NORTH LOUISIANA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, Five great films for five days. Join moviegoers and the North Louisiana Jewish Federation for a reception at 5 p.m. April 6, followed by “Putzel” at 6 p.m., a screening hosted by New York director Jason Chaet. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 424-9090.

APRIL 10: “WEST SIDE STORY,” The hit Broadway musical is a contemporary retelling of the story of Romeo and Juliet. $68.50, $55.50 and $35.50. 8 p.m. Strand Theatre, 6129 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.

APRIL 11 & 12: AUDITIONS FOR “SHREK: THE MUSICAL,” Tryouts for the summer musical at Shreveport Little Theatre, based on the hit animated movie. Enter through the back alley stage door. Bring a resume and head shot and a Broadway song to sing. The musical will be presented July 17-27. Tryouts: 6:30 p.m. April 11, 3 p.m. April 12. Shreveport Little Theatre, 812 Margaret Place, Shreveport. Call 424-4439.

APRIL 12 & 13: “THE WIZARD OF OZ,” presented by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet and featuring the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. $15-$40. 3 p.m. both shows. RiverView Theater, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. Call 221-8500 or www.shreveportmetroballet.org.

MAY 3: “VINCE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF VINCE LOMBARDI,” John Pinero’s one-man play portrayal brings to life the greatest professional coach in football history. $52.50, $42.50 and $30.50. 8 p.m. Strand Theatre, 6129 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.

JUNE 6: ADAM TRENT, described as “Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield.” He is a self-taught performer who is touted by some of today’s greatest magicians as a genius headed straight for stardom. 8 p.m. Ticket prices: $51.50; $45.50; $30.50 Strand Theatre, 6129 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.