The Geek’d Con Annual Kick-off Party was held at Sci-Port in Shreveport. Guests had access to GamePort and the Adventures of Intrigue exhibits while in costume or cocktail attire. The cosplay contest was a big hit. – Photos by Bill D’Luhy

Geek’d Con Kick-Off

1) Christian Bronson, Stacia Saunders

2) Erica Branch

3) Kyle Baird, K.C. Kilpatrick-Baird

4) David and Niki Mata

5) Chloe Burns

6) Katy Larsen, Kary White (Brutus Barlow), A.J. Beckius

7) Daisy Machado, Ashley Lewis

8) Missy Griffin, Jason Edwards, Christian Bronson, Stacia Saunders

The 18th Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is Sept. 17, and event organizers hosted an announcement party to showcase the music lineup and unveil the poster design. This year’s lineup includes Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Maggie Belle Music, Buddy Flett, Dirty Redd Band, Shreveport Second Line Brass Band, Everett Street Jazz, The Blues Trippers, Big D’s Blues Band and Heavy is the Head. The festival is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m at Columbia Park in the city’s historic Highland neighborhood. – By Mark Crawford

Highland Jazz and Blues

1) Jana Freeman Forrest, Mary Helen Marrs, Emerie Eck Gentry, Walt Gaskins

2) Kevin Preston, Patty Manuel, Andrea Butler

3) Kira Yeates, Clint Oliver, Jonathan Wall

The Krewe of Gemini hosted their coronation party at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in downtown Shreveport. All new members of the royalty were announced, including King and Queen Gemini XXXIV Bob and Bess Elder. The Wonderfuls provided live entertainment. – Mark Crawford

Krewe of Gemini

1) Duchess and Duke of Arkansas XXXIV Tammy and John Fussell

2) Duchess and Duke of Texas XXXIV Shaun Gipson and Mike Sheffield

3) Duke and Duchess of Louisiana XXXIV John and Stacy Smith

4) King and Queen Gemini XXXIV Bob and Bess Elder

5) Tony and Laura Nations

6) Mona Vienne, Terry Phillips

To be included in OTS, e-mail your high-res photos to editor@318forum.com. Must include a daytime phone number. Or, contact Mary Ann Van Osdell at mavo@softdisk. com or Mark Crawford at markcrawford1@aol.com for coverage.