Book-signing: Reality star of the BRAVO show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Phaedra Parks spent some time Feb. 18 at the Shreveport Barnes and Noble signing her latest book, “Secrets of a Southern Belle.” Parks’s new book shares her insight on fashion, etiquette, dating and the workplace.
Washington Mardi Gras: For
more than 60 years the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians has brought the
pageantry, revelry and mystery of Mardi Gras to the nation’s capital.
The night of Feb. 22 in Washington, D.C., was a celebration of the
finest Louisiana has to offer. The 2014 theme was Louisiana’s Service to
America. The king was Dr. Larry Matthew Allen, of Shreveport and the
queen was Sarah Louise Bicknell, of Dallas, Texas. Photos by Bonné
Summer, Lauren Ross and Valerie Murphy.
ARTini: The Bossier Arts Council hosted their annual spring fundraiser, ARTini, on March 15 at Horseshoe’s Riverdome. From Don Juanz’s smoked chipotle mango martini to Abby Singer Bistro’s strawberry and whipping cream martini, there was something for everyone’s palate at the event. More than a dozen local restaurants participated including Sonic Drive-In, Twine and Fatty Arbuckle’s. This year, three top awards were given to the best martinis: Judges’ Choice was Bella Fresca’s cucumber martini, Don Juanz won most savory martini, and the People’s Choice went to Abby Singer’s Bistro. Proceeds benefit the Bossier Arts Council.
Shopping for a Cause: Girls Night Out helped begin the Junior League’s annual Shopping for a Cause on March 13 at the Shreveport Convention Center. This night included a style show and food from Cantina Laredo. Proceeds from the event make up a third of the league’s budget and help such projects as Between the Lines, a literacy program between incarcerated parents and their children, and Kids in the Kitchen, to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices. One vendor came from Indiana and featured 250 flavored marshmallows. Another from Missouri featured a scripture-based values read-aloud children’s picture books. Yet another, closer to home, in Lafayette, had South Louisiana apparel. Shopping for a Cause had more than 100 merchants, featuring a range of items from clothing to home décor and bath essentials.
Mad Scientist Ball: The theme was Superheroes vs. Supervillains, and guests dressed in character at the Mad Scientist Ball held March 14 at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Guests drank endless cocktails and fueled up on buffets from Good Eats. Food included crawfish grits, marinated crab claws, crab cakes, gazpacho bar, vegetable spring rolls, oyster shooters, BLT bites and a carving station. There was a silent auction and dancing to the Gotham Good News Band. The staff wore lab coats and conducted mad scientists’ experiments.
Christmas in the Sky: Everyone saw green at the Christmas in the Sky Theme Announcement Party, which was hosted at The Riverside Warehouse on St. Patrick’s Day March 17. The theme has always been a highly guarded secret until the announcement party when the Shreveport Regional Arts Council puts on an elaborate production to announce the theme. This year was no different. During this year’s pageantry, “appearances” were made by Sinead O’ Connor, Prince, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and others, including SRAC Executive Director Pam Atchison revealed that this year’s theme is “Sky Rocks.” The rock ‘n’ roll-themed party will be hosted Dec. 13 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs with proceeds benefiting SRAC.
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