Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Happenings

Music at The Mag

Back by popular demand, Paul Cebar and The Tomorrow Sound, will be performing at the Magnolia Cafe on Friday, May 2nd.  Special guest will be "Late Evening" starting at 7:00 pm.  Paul Cebar will begin at 9:30 pm and there will be a $10 cover for the show. If you missed him last time, Kevin says to make sure you are there for this event. 
 

Tea and Sensibility

Visitors are invited to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Tea and Sensibility on Saturday, May 3.  The program recreates for the public the “Age of Romance” when writers such as Jane Austin, musicians such as Beethoven, and a young artist named John Audubon lived. Visitors can try to make their own fans or bath salts. What people wore and what was etiquette of the time will be covered throughout the day. Some might like to try a taste of the tea under the shade of the oaks. The program lasts from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  The $2 adult admission to Audubon SHS includes the site video history presentation, the plantation house tour and all special programs. Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and older) are admitted free.  For more information, call 635-3739.

 

Mimosas with Mom

Grandmother’s Buttons began 22 years ago when Susan Davis transformed boxes of her grandmother’s and mother’s sewing buttons into unique jewelry.  As a result, this gift store and wholesale jewelry business is always eager to celebrate the special bonds between mothers and daughters and granddaughters.   Hence, their current celebration in honor of Mother’s Day:  Mimosas with Mom on Saturday, May 3 from 10 to 2 pm at the company’s flagship store in the heart of St. Francisville’s historic district (9814 Royal St.).  All are invited to drop by for mimosas, a coffee bar, and brunch foods served by local high school students modeling the store’s fashions, all while shopping the store’s unparalleled selection of gifts for mom.  Call 225-635-4107 for more information.

 

Native American History

If you’ve ever wondered what this is, you can find out on Saturday, May 10 at 11 am at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.  You see, Native Americans inhabited this region before the European settlers arrived and made their own tools from stone.  Join Interpretive Ranger James Smith as he demonstrates the art, now known as Flint Knapping, which allowed Native Americans to make many of their own tools.  For more information call 635-3110.

 

Brunch with Mom

Varnedoe’s Carriage House Restaurant is offering a pre fixe menu especially for Mom on Sunday, May 11, and they’ve even made sure there is a children’s menu available so that the whole family can share in making Mom’s day special.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 635-2635 or click on www.varnedoes.com.

 

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

FW: Happenings

Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life will be held this Friday, April 25 at the West Feliciana Sports Park.  The night will kick-off with a dinner honoring our survivors and their spouses and/or caregiver at 6:00 p.m.  Events will start with the survivors taking their first lap at 7:00 p.m.  .  Chairman Robbie Trisler says, “Some of the highlights are David St. Romain, Solar Heat which is a little band from Baton Rouge, some of our local talent winners from the elementary and middle school and also from the high school.  There will be dunking booth, a rock wall, guitar hero, space walk, plenty of food ... cotton candy, funnel cakes, jambalaya, hamburgers ... and last but not least the infamous ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’ contest.”  Around 9:00 the Luminaria Ceremony will take place, which will include a slide show and candles surrounding the track honoring those who have lost the battle and those who have won the battle.  “Everyone can get involved by coming out and helping us to celebrate and to remember.”

 

Community Arts Day

This Saturday Parker Park will be quite the “arts” place to be!  The “Edible Art Show” kicks things off at 2 pm so bring your entries of food-made creations for judging.  There are three categories:  Professional for chefs or restaurants; Junior for middle school and below; and Senior for high school and adult.  This day of activities includes art, music and creative writing activities for all ages.  Artists will also have their art for sale, and the Fugitive Poets perform at 4 pm.  Somewhere during this day, there is also the “High Stakes Proposal” auction so if you haven’t picked up your four pieces of wood and returned your “art” to the BirdMan, you still have a few more days.  And then the day ends with Music Under the Stars . . . Vibes in the Ville, sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville, will feature “The Jazzy Jags” from Southern University at 6 pm.  What a great way to end this artful day!

 

Rosedown Wedding

Also on Saturday, April 26, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site presents A Day of Love: The Rosedown Wedding at 1 pm.  Imagine music, dancing, graceful ladies in beautiful gowns, and handsome gentlemen in formal evening dress.  Love is in the air and two historic plantation houses and families are united on this day; as costumed re-enactors present the April 9, 1857 wedding of Sarah Turnbull of Rosedown to James Pirrie Bowman of Oakley. The wedding re-enactment will be held at 1 pm with the reception to follow. For more information call 635-3110 .

 

Tea And Sensibility

Visitors are invited to Audubon State Historic Site to experience Tea and Sensibility on Saturday, May 3.  The program recreates for the public the “Age of Romance” when writers such as Jane Austin , musicians such as Beethoven, and a young artist named John Audubon lived. Visitors can try to make their own fans or bath salts. What people wore and what was etiquette of the time will be covered throughout the day. Some might like to try a taste of the tea under the shade of the oaks. The program lasts from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  The $2 adult admission to Audubon SHS includes the site video history presentation, the plantation house tour and all special programs. Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and older) are admitted free.  For more information, call 635-3739.

 

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Happenings

Cosmos in the Country

You are invited to this ladies only event to enjoy a mini Spring Break of your own on Thursday, April 17 beginning at 6:30 pm. Cocktails, conversation, and delicious cuisine are on the agenda. This second annual event will feature cocktails, dinner buffet, door prizes, and female-only topics! Music will be provided for those needing to stand out in a crowd - show us your dance moves or singing voice!  Dressy Casual Attire and Reservations Required. $65 per person all inclusive.  225-635-2635 or www.varnedoes.com.

 

Angola Rodeo

Yes, even the high waters of the Mississippi River can’t stop the Wildest Show in the South.  Rain or shine, the show must go on!  Tickets are now on sale by calling 655-2607 or 655-2030 or click on www.angolarodeo.com.  There will be food, music, hobby crafts, kiddie land and photos with the Angola Bloodhounds.  Gates open at 9 am, and the rodeo begins at 2 pm on both April 19 and 20.

 

Avondale Antiques

This shop on Commerce Street is open on third weekends only so that means it will be open this weekend.  They have a new shipment in, too, according to the sign out front.

 

Music at the Mag

Friday, April 18 = Chris Cole; Friday, April 25 = Delta Drifters

Free Cajun – Zydeco dance lessons every Thursday night!

 

Spring Horticultural Seminar

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site Manager/Horticulturist Patricia Aleshire conducts this popular spring garden program on “Antique Roses.”  During a slide/lecture session, Aleshire will discuss the historical background of the numerous varieties of heirloom roses, as well as the care needed for these beautiful plants to thrive in a southern garden. The slide/lecture session will be followed by a walking tour of selected areas of Rosedown’s historic gardens and greenhouse.  Scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 am – 12 pm, please call toll free 888-376-1867 or locally at 635-3110 for more information.

 

Community Arts Day

Sponsored by the Arts for All group on Saturday, April 26 from 2 pm until 6 pm in Parker Park, this day of activities includes art, music and creative writing activities for all ages.  Artists will also have their art for sale, and the Fugitive Poets perform at 4 pm.  And there’s more . . .

 

Vibes in the Ville

This music event started as a one-time day of music but was so popular that it has become a quarterly event.  Music Under the Stars, sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville, will feature “The Jazzy Jags” from Southern University on Saturday, April 26 at 6 pm in Parker Park.  And there’s even more . . .

 

High Stakes Proposal

Now, here’s an interesting project from Arts for All for the Community Arts Day.  Go by the BirdMan Coffee Shop, pick up four pieces of wood – each three feet long – and add anything.  Carve, paint, cut, stack, glue, decorate, assemble, attach – ANYTHING – but use all of the wood.  Return your “art” to the BirdMan before April 26.  They will be exhibited during the Community Arts Day, and then auctioned off.  Okay, one more thing . . .

 

Edible Art

Not being satisfied with just challenging you to figure out what to do with four pieces of wood, the Arts for All gang has come up with an “Edible Art Show” to be held in conjunction with the other festivities on Community Arts Day, April 26.  Bring your food-made creations to Parker Park at 2 pm for judging.  Prizes will be donated by local restaurants and stores – THANK YOU!!!  There are three categories:  Professional for chefs or restaurants; Junior for middle school and below; and Senior for high school and adult.

 

Guitar Hero

Rural Broadcasting Service is sponsoring an evening of Guitar Hero competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for the overall winner in each category, and there is no entry fee.  All ages are welcome to participate, but an adult must accompany children.  This is scheduled for the front porch at Que Pasa Restaurant on Saturday, April 26th at 5 pm, hoping that the river will recede by then.  If not, the alternative location is the Parish Livestock Barn – same date and time.

 

Theatre Summer Season

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre, which has entertained audiences since 2003, plans to step it up a notch.  An original script will be created from the works of Lewis Carroll – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.  More on auditions, rehearsals and performance dates later.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Happenings

Music at the Mag

Friday, April 11 – A Band Named Sue; Friday, April 18 – Chris Cole

Remember – free Cajun Zydeco dance lessons every Thursday night!

 

Another Award for The Myrtles

Congratulations to The Myrtles which has been selected by the editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine to be featured in its first-ever, annual “Stay List.” The list debuts in the April 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler and includes 150 properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  All the properties on the list offer a really unique experience, and the editors at NGT are excited to highlight them in our April upcoming issue.  Keep up the good work!

 

Spring Rodeo

The Spring edition of the Wildest Show in the South, the Angola Prison Rodeo, is next weekend, April 19 and 20.  There will be food, music, hobby crafts, kiddie land and photos with the Angola Bloodhounds.  Gates open at 9 am, and the rodeo begins at 2 pm.  Get your advance tickets by calling 655-2607 or 655-2030 or click on www.angolarodeo.com.

 

Spring Horticultural Seminar

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site Manager/Horticulturist Patricia Aleshire conducts this popular spring garden program on “Antique Roses.”  During a slide/lecture session, Aleshire will discuss the historical background of the numerous varieties of heirloom roses, as well as the care needed for these beautiful plants to thrive in a southern garden. The slide/lecture session will be followed by a walking tour of selected areas of Rosedown’s historic gardens and greenhouse.  Scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 am – 12 pm, please call toll free 888-376-1867 or locally at 635-3110 for more information.

 

Community Arts Day

Sponsored by the Arts for All group on Saturday, April 26 from 2 pm until 6 pm in Parker Park, this day of activities includes art, music and creative writing activities for all ages.  Artists will also have their art for sale, and the Fugitive Poets perform at 4 pm.  Oh, yes, and there will be “edible art” so don’t miss out!

 

Vibes in the Ville

This music event started as a one-time day of music but was so popular that it has become a quarterly event.  Music Under the Stars, sponsored by the Bank of St. Francisville, will feature “The Jazzy Jags” from Southern University on Saturday, April 26 at 6 pm in Parker Park.  I heard these young people perform at a Chamber After Hours at The Myrtles and they were outstanding!

 

Guitar Hero

Rural Broadcasting Service is sponsoring an evening of Guitar Hero competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for the overall winner in each category, and there is no entry fee.  All ages are welcome to participate, but an adult must accompany children.  It all happens at Que Pasa Restaurant on the front porch on Saturday, April 26th at 5 pm.

 

High Stakes Proposal

Now, here’s an interesting project from Arts for All for the Community Arts Day.  Go by the BirdMan Coffee Shop, pick up four pieces of wood – each three feet long – and add anything.  Carve, paint, cut, stack, glue, decorate, assemble, attach – ANYTHING – but use all of the wood.  Return your “art” to the BirdMan before April 26.  They will be exhibited during the Community Arts Day, and then auctioned off.  Leave it to Lynn to think of something like this!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Happenings

Music and Dancing at The Mag

Friday, April 4 – Gary Bello.  On Sunday, April 6, Ned and Ms. Z will be giving Cajun/Zydeco dance lessons starting at 4 pm followed with music by the Creole Zydeco Farmers at 5 pm to show off your new moves!

 

Audubon BirdFest

This birding event has continued to grow in popularity and will take place on this weekend, April 4 – 6.  Field trips will feature our most popular outdoor sites - Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge and wildlife artist Murrell Butler’s Oakhill Plantation in addition to four outstanding private properties – Beechwood Plantation, Hollywood Plantation, Woodhill Farm, and Wyoming Plantation.  Birding tours will also be held at Audubon State Historic Site at Oakley Plantation, the Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve, and along the shores of the Mississippi River, if it’s not too flooded. A welcome reception on Friday night, April 4, will feature Danny Heitman, author and columnist for the Baton Rouge Advocate, and he will discuss his latest book, A Summer of Birds:  John James Audubon at Oakley House, and will be hosted, appropriately, at Audubon State Historic Site.  New in 2008:  Phyllis Pitre Lastrapes will conduct a photo workshop, all tours have been designed with the beginner to intermediate birder in mind and are led by knowledgeable and experienced local field guides.  For more information visit www.audubonbirdfest.com, e-mail fns@audubonbirdfest.com or call 800-488-6502.

 

Audubon Nature Day At Audubon State Historic Site

As part of the Feliciana Nature Society’s Audubon Bird Fest, this site will focus on nature and how the naturalist artist, John James Audubon interacted with his surrounds at Oakley in 1821. Guest speakers, demonstrations, presenters, walks and talks are included with this program.  Friday, April 4, will feature a school program open to all schools from 9 am – 1 pm.  For more information, please call 888-677-2838 or locally 635-3739.

 

Life On A Plantation At Rosedown

During the 1800s at Rosedown, the family had different kinds of help during daily chores. On Friday, April 11, the Rosedown staff and volunteers will show school groups all of the little things that make up a big plantation.  Costumed Living History Presenters at different stations throughout the site will portray various activities of that time, such as cooking, spinning, shaving horse, 19th century medical arts and more. At each station, the Living History Presenter will explain the significance of the activity, relating tales of specific people who would have been responsible for each task. For more information call 635-3110.

 

Spring Stroll Garden Tour

This self-guided garden tour is set for Saturday, April 12, from 9 am until 1 pm in St. Francisville and in Tunica.   Gardens on tour and their hosts include: Julie and Mitch Brashier, owners of the historic Hillcroft House on Royal Street in St. Francisville; Elaine and Leonard Sullivan, who will host garden tour visitors at their historic Wyoming Plantation on Commerce Street in St. Francisville; Tracey and David Banowetz, who will host visitors at their home at Ouida Plantation on the Ouida-Irondale Road in Tunica; and Kevin Ford, who will host visitors at the gardens surrounding the Myrtles Plantation on U.S. Highway 61 in St. Francisville.  All proceeds of the garden tour will go to the West Feliciana Parish 4-H Clubs and the St. Francisville Farmers’ Market.  Louisiana Master Gardeners and LSU AgCenter personnel will help co-host the tour stops and provide educational information to visitors.  For more information on advanced tickets for the tour call the West Feliciana Parish Extension Service Office at 635-3614.  On the day of the tour, tickets may be purchased at the St. Francisville Town Hall on Ferdinand Street (the headquarters for the tour) and at the three private gardens on tour. The price of the tickets is $10.00 per person. Garden tour ticket holders will be eligible for door prizes donated by local merchants.  This event is co-sponsored by the Feliciana Horticultural Association, the Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce, Ins-N-Outs Nursery and the Myrtles Plantation.  For more information on the Spring Stroll Garden Tour in St. Francisville call AndrĂ© Brock of the West Feliciana Parish Extension Office at 635-3614 or Scuddy LeBlanc at (985) 687-7258.

 

Flint Knapping At Rosedown Plantation

On Saturday, April 12, at 11 am, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site Interpretive Ranger James Smith demonstrates the art, now known as Flint Knapping, which allowed Native Americans to make many of their own tools. Program occurs every second Saturday, January through June. For more information call 635-3110.

 

Cosmos in the Country

This mini-Spring Break is for ladies only!  Hosted by Varnedoe’s on Thursday, April 17 from 6:30 pm until, this second annual event will feature cocktails, dinner buffet, door prizes, and female-only topics!  Dressy casual attire and reservations are required.  $65 per person, all inclusive, so call 635-2635 or click www.varnedoes.com.

 

Community Arts Day

Come join in this celebration of the arts on Saturday, April 26 from 2 – 6 pm at Parker Park.  People of all ages will be making art and music, culminating in the children’s parade at 5:30.  The Fugitive Poets will perform from 4 until 6 pm but before that, there will be an exhibit of “Physics in Art” by the Physical Science Classes from West Feliciana High, an “Edible Art Contest,” and lots of foks showing and selling their art, including the 3rd graders from Bains Elementary.  But that’s not all – at 6 pm The Jazzy Jags of Southern University will perform the first of 3 “Vibes in the ‘ville” music in the park events sponsored by The Bank of St. Francisville.  More on this event in the coming weeks.

 

Remember that these and other events are listed on the calendar of our website.  Visit www.stfrancisville.us for more information on what’s happening in West Feliciana.  Have a great weekend!