The Jambalaya News - 09/03/15, Vol. 7, No. 10

September 3, 2015 • Volume 7 • Issue 10

715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com Publisher/Executive Editor Lauren Abate de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Contributors Lisa Addison George Cline Dan Ellender Julie Ann Fay Braylin Jenkins Brian Johnson Mike McHugh Roger Miller Justin Morris Terri Schlichenmeyer David Yantis

Sales sales@thejambalayanews.com

On Cover: Dr. Carlos Choucino, MD, FACP, FIDSA and Terry L. Estes, Executive Director of the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (Photo: Madison Hartley)

COVER STORY 14 SWLA AIDS Council and the Comprehensive Care Clinic

8

The Dang Yankee

8

Adoption Corner

9

Tips From Tip

10 Fishin’ Tales 12 This Functional Family 13 Stir Dat Pot

13

THE SPICE OF SWLA 16 LCMH Benefit for Concussion Awareness 20 Event Guide

24 Family Fun Night at the Movies 25 Bookworm Sez…

Business Office Manager Jeanie Rourk

10

FEATURES 4 Among the Giants in Africa

22 Acting Up! Graphics Art/Production Director Burn Rourk

4

REGULARS 6 We Are SWLA!

22

26 Nightlife Guide

30

29 Lake City Beat!

30 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles 33 An Interview with Hank Williams Jr. 34 Society Spice

Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601.

Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

2 September 3, 2015

33 Vol. 7 • No. 10

A Note From Lauren

Officer Down Last week, our community saw the worst in humanity and the best in humanity.

An officer killed, a family torn apart by a sorry excuse for a human being with a long record and no conscience. A city, state and country coming together to honor this man, comfort his family, and show solidarity to the men in blue who, apparently, have

become targets nationwide.

I have always been so proud of the people of Southwest Louisiana with their kind hearts and open arms and wallets. I wrote about this recently, when a friend with a disability was harassed by some phony church panhandlers in front of a store. Friends immediately came to his aid—in a matter of minutes. That’s what

Trooper Steven Vincent, his son Ethan and his wife Katherine

Vol. 7 • No. 10

living down here is all about.

So it was really no surprise to witness the outpouring of love and concern for Trooper Steven Vincent’s family. What was truly amazing was how many groups got together in such a short time to organize and get the job done.

Overnight, they mobilized, resulting in a weekend of benefits and over $100,000 raised for Trooper Vincent’s funeral expenses and family.

Again, it was the existence of social media that was able to spread the news so quickly and so far. The Jambalaya News Facebook page had over 55,000 hits last week and our posts regarding the tragedy were shared hundreds of times. Complain about social media if you must, but it continues to do much good. We learned so much about a man we did not know in a very short time. A caring husband and father who loved serving his community and who loved giving back.

We also learned that some very brave men were able to subdue the killer while waiting for assistance; men who did not think of their own safety and did what they felt they had to do—quite possibly preventing more violence from this individual, and

risking their own lives in the process.

Law enforcement officers came from all over the country to pay their respects to one of their own—more brave men who put their lives on the line every day.

Colonel Mike Edmonson, head of the state police, said: “Steven always wanted to visit all 50 states.

We’ve brought them to you.”

Before he was laid to rest, Trooper Vincent did one more good deed, or in this case, seven.

He was an organ donor. Louisiana State Police officials say there have been seven organ transplant matches identified so far. He lives on.

Meanwhile, a cold-blooded killer, who is also charged with murdering the kind soul who took him in, sits in his prison cell.

He lives on.

The best. And the worst. And that, my friends, is life.

Lauren Abate de Albuquerque

September 3, 2015 3

Among the Giants in Africa

By Brian Johnson My wife and I grew up in Lake Charles and graduated from Barbe High School. After graduating from McNeese State University, I was commissioned an officer in the US Army and we embarked on a fantastic 21year military career that took us around the world.

After serving our nation, we elected to do our part in raising awareness about wildlife and the challenges they face. We live an international life, splitting our time between Lake Charles, where we own a home and Saudi Arabia, where I work. However, we spend every possible moment in Africa being around the wildlife we love so much and advocating for endangered wildlife.

Several months ago, we completed a volunteer assignment collecting data on big cats in Naboisho Conservancy to assist researchers to understand the health of lion, leopard and cheetah populations in the conservancy.

Several trips ago to Kenya, we by chance made the acquaintance of the Hamilton family, prominent elephant conservationists and founders of the non-profit organization Save the El-

4 September 3, 2015

ephants. When we first met at a lodge in Meru, Kenya, we promptly made plans to stay at their lodge in Samburu and guesthouse in Naivasha, Kenya.

In July 2014, we returned to Kenya and stayed at the Elephant Watch Camp and toured Save the Elephant’s research base in Samburu. The game watching was fantastic and elephants roamed freely throughout the lodge grounds. At night, we fell asleep to elephants grazing 10 feet away from our tent.

We love elephants and treasure the time we have spent with them.

We got to know a temperamental old bull named Abdallah, a massive beast with giant tusks nearly touching the ground. We first met him on a lonely bush road late one afternoon in Meru National Park in Kenya. He refused to cede the road to us and slowly began lumbering our way, flapping his great ears with obvious annoyance. He stared us down, lost interest and slowly walked away into the bush. Sadly, he is no longer with us. On our last trip to Kenya, we drove out to the spot where he died and walked among his bones, a sad reminder of what was once a magnificent elephant.

Elephants are one of nature’s most iconic animals, so familiar to young and old alike. I remember watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild

Abdallah

Kingdom as Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler opened my eyes to the wonders of these animals. Elephants were revered as sacred in many religions, carried Hannibal’s army over the Alps, figured prominently in the works of Rudyard Kipling came to life in such characters as Dumbo. Our two species have a long history together but unfortunately, humans have been less than kind to elephants. These intelligent creatures are once again facing another threat from humans…ivory poachers.

According to recent studies, approximately 100,000 elephants were killed by poachers in Africa from 2010-2012 to satisfy a global demand for ivory.

It is estimated that approximately 96 elephants a day are killed by poachers across Africa. Some conservationists argue that elephants have reached the tipping point of survival and are on a Vol. 7 • No. 10

glide path to extinction if the current rate of poaching continues.

The gestation period for an elephant is about 22 months and they give birth only once every two-four years. The math is not working in the elephant’s favor. Not only is elephant poaching an environmental crisis, security services assess that proceeds from the illegal ivory trade help fund terror organizations in Africa. From an environmental standpoint, elephants are a keystone species that help maintain a delicate balance in ecosystems, creating grasslands where other species survive, making waterholes that animals use as water sources and creating trails that act as firebreaks and water run-offs. Elephant dropping are rich in nutrients and replenish depleted soils and are critical in seed dispersal. They are truly nature’s gardeners.

Besides the security and environmental arguments, humans have a moral responsibility to ensure the survival of elephants. As nature’s most sentient species, we have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. From a purely personal perspective, it would be a depressing world if the magnificent elephant no longer graced the savannahs and jungles of Africa.

In his classic book The Tree Where Man Was Born about East Africa, Peter Matthiessen writes “ Of all African animals, the elephant is the most difficult for man to live with, yet its passing--if this must come--seems the most tragic of all. I can watch elephants (and elephants alone) for hours at a time, for sooner or later the elephant will do something strange such as mow grass with its toenails or draw the tusks from the rotted carcass of another elephant and carry them off into the bush.

There is mystery behind that masked gray visage, an ancient life force, delicate and mighty, awesome and enchanted, commanding the silence ordinarily reserved for mountain peaks, great fires, and the sea.”

In October of this year, I will be leading a team to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to raise funds to support the work of Save the Elephants. Our goal is to raise $19,341, which is the exact height of Kilimanjaro. No donation is too small.

If you would like to help make a difVol. 7 • No. 10

ference, I invite you to contribute to my cause “Climbing Africa’s Highest Peak for Elephants.” My team is paying its own expedition expenses and every dollar raised will go to Save the Elephant’s efforts in its fight for the elephant. The donation is tax deductible. If you are interested in learning about Save the Elephant’s work, visit their website at www.savetheelephants. org. If you would like to donate to my event, please visit my Facebook page “Climbing Africa’s Highest Peak for Elephants” or my event fundraising page at https://connect.clickandpledge.com/

Organization/wildnet/campaign/BrianKilimanjaro-STE. If you do contribute, I offer you my sincerest thanks.

LTC US Army (Ret) Brian Johnson and his wife Kitty are Lake Charles natives and currently reside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Brian is a member of the East African Wildlife Society, Born Free Foundation, the African Wildlife Foundation other animal welfare and conservation organizations. Brian and Kitty also volunteer their time for Open Paws, a feline rescue organization in Riyadh. They share their two homes with numerous rescue cats and dogs.

Kitty Johnson, Saba Douglas of Save the Elephants, and Brian

September 3, 2015 5

SOWELA Names Dean of Nursing and Allied Health

BooZoo Labor Day Festival Named as Top 20 Event The Southeast Tourism Society recently honored the BooZoo Labor Day Festival as a Top 20 Event for the third quarter of 2015.

The festival will be held Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Buccaneer Room. With great food, music and culture the 31st Annual BooZoo’s Labor Day Festival continues to be a Southwest Louisiana favorite. Named for Zydeco legend Wilson “Boozoo” Chavis, the festival celebrates his legacy and love of Zydeco music. Doors open at 10 a.m., with bands beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

SOWELA Technical Community College is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Wendi Palermo to its staff as the Dean of the School of Nursing & Allied Health effective August 24, 2015. Dr. Palermo has over 10 years of relevant combined experience Wendi Palermo in nursing and academia. She will facilitate and provide exemplary leadership to the School of Nursing & Allied Health. Dr. Palermo earned her Associate and Bachelor degrees in nursing at Northwestern State University. She continued her studies at McNeese State University where she earned a Master of Science degree in nursing education, and at Southern University where she was awarded a Ph.D. in nursing research. For information on the Nursing & Allied Health programs at SOWELA, call 337-421-6594 or visit www.sowela.edu.

IBERIABANK Donates to Family & Youth IBERIABANK donated $5,000 in sponsorship of the 2015 Family & Youth Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation held recently at L’Auberge Casino Resort. The event was held to highlight another successful year at Family & Youth and to share its vision for the upcoming year. During the event Hannah Pettefer was honored as 2014 Youth of the Year and Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy was honored as the 2014 Humanitarian of the Year.

L to R: Brian Abshire, VP IBERIABANK; Greg Wicke, IBERIABANK; Julio Galan, President & CEO of Family & Youth; and Phil Earhart, IBERIABANK.

Lake Area Medical Center Recognized as a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” Gary Cooper, CVB, presents the Top 20 Event Southeast Tourism Society award to Louanna Chavis Guidry, event planner, and Rellis Chavis Sr., co-event coordinator.

CSE Supports the Troops In July, CSE Federal Credit Union served as a cell phone dropoff site to collect items for Cell Phones for Soldiers. Participating in the phone drive, CSE collected 30-plus used cell phones and accessories from local residents. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans. To find out more about how you may donate devices to Cell Phone For Soldiers, contact CSE Marketing at csemarketing@csefcu.org. Membership and Eligibility required.

6 September 3, 2015

Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) in Lake Charles announced it has been selected by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the 2015 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. It is one of the top 100 healthcare companies across the country to earn the award, and one of five healthcare companies in the entire state of Louisiana to be recognized. The Best Places to Work in Healthcare award recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in economic development, employee retention and satisfaction. Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring ranked lists of all the winners along with its October 19 issue.

Memorial Health System Tobacco Free September 1 At the request of the state and the medical staff and after much deliberation, administration has made the decision that as of Vol. 7 • No. 10

September 1, 2015, all Lake Charles Memorial Health System facilities will be smoke and tobacco free. Tobacco use of any kind will not be permitted on any property owned or managed by the Memorial Health System, inside or out, by hospital staff, patients or visitors. This includes Memorial Medical Group properties and other affiliates. Prohibited tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco and snuff. E-cigarettes are also prohibited. Go to www.lcmh.com/ smoking for more information.

Home Instead Names Van Dyke New Marketing Rep Troy Van Dyke has joined Home Instead, a home care service provider offering personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families, as their new marketing representative. Van Dyke earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University. After working for 30 years in the business development Troy Van Dyke and marketing fields, Van Dyke transitioned into the senior living industry four years ago. He has experience in both assisted and independent living. He is also certified as a Dementia Specialist by the University of South Carolina. Home Instead is owned and operated locally by George Cestia and has been in operation since 2003, serving all of Southwest Louisiana.

For more information, call (337) 214-4925.

Youth.

Wendy’s Sponsors Airshow at $5,000 The board of directors of the Chennault International Airshow is pleased to announce a recent $5,000 sponsorship from Wendy’s.

The Airshow is set to take place Oct. 24-25, at ChenL to R: Airshow President Randy Robb, Airshow Executive nault International Airport, Director Mary Jo Bayles and Wendy’s Franchisee Stan Johnson. and the family-friendly event will feature show-stopping performances by nationally acclaimed aerobatic acts, educational exhibits, kids activities and static aircraft displays. To purchase general admission or VIP tickets online or to learn about the 2015 event lineup, visit the Airshow’s website at www.chennaultairshow.com.

McDonald’s of SWLA Donates to Homes for Local Veterans McDonald’s of SWLA recently committed to a $1,000 donation to help fund the L to R: Habitat for Humanity board president Craig Ryans, Habitat for construction of Humanity executive director Leonard Knapp and McDonald’s of SWLA three new homes owner and operator Doug Gehrig. for local veterans through Habitat for Humanity, Calcasieu Area, Inc. The nonprofit organization is the latest recipient of McCafe® Coffee for a Cause, which collects coffee sales from McDonald’s locations in Calcasieu Parish and donates them to area nonprofit organizations.

The program was launched in May by McDonald’s of SWLA. For more information about McDonald’s of SWLA, call (337) 436-3368 or visit www.mcdswla.com.

Caldera-Dixon President of SWLA Lodging Association

Kimberly Caldera-Dixon Vol. 7 • No. 10

Kimberly Caldarera-Dixon has been named president of the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association for 2015-2016.

Dixon is the hotel sales manager for the Isle of Capri in Westlake. She graduated from McNeese with a Bachelor of Science degree in business. She is an active member of Westlake Rotary, is on the Christus St. Patrick Foundation’s board of directors and the board of directors of Louisiana Society Association of Executives, and is a member of the Shannon Cox Counseling Center Advisory Council for Family and September 3, 2015 7

A Falling Doubt My wife, Susan, had been talking for years about wanting to skydive. I never took her seriously, chalking it up as an expression of her mid-life crisis. The Prince Charming she married turned out to be someone whose idea of a romantic dinner is popcorn and Diet Coke at a showing of Hangover 2, and so she wants to jump out of an airplane to make up for it. If every wife in this country followed through on their mid-life impulses, the skies would look like an estrogen-infused version of D-Day. Thus, it surprised me when one day she skipped in the door saying, “Guess what? I found a great deal on Groupon for skydiving!”

“So you’re finally going to go through with it,” I said.

“Yes, I’m so excited!”

“Sounds like it,” I told her.

“But do you really think it’s wise to shop around for cheap deals

on skydiving? You might end up getting on a plane that was built by the Wright brothers.”

“Don’t be silly,” she said.

“The company is certified and has an excellent safety record.

You’re not scared of me going, are you?”

“Of course not. I never hear anything about people having to be squeegeed up from the ground because of skydiving accidents. It’s just that I don’t see the point to it.”

“Come on,” she said to me, “You’re not going to give me that stuff about why anybody would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, are you?”

“No,” I answered. “In fact, I’ve been on a few commercial flights that were so awful I had half a mind to do that very thing.”

I’m being honest in saying that I’m not scared of going skydiving. Really, I’m not.

Okay, so don’t believe me.

Susan at least believes me—I

think. And my daughter, Jessica, never expressed any doubts to that effect when she signed up to join her mother on the excursion.

No one else whom I talked to about it expressed any fears, either. Most were like me, saying they wouldn’t or couldn’t do it for various reasons such as indifference, back problems, having to spend the whole next day getting their hairdo fixed, whatever. My informal survey led me to conclude that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who go skydiving and those who are too afraid to admit they’re afraid to go.

And then there’s me, who (honestly!) isn’t afraid but just doesn’t care to go. I have better things to do with my time on a weekend, especially during baseball season. Or football season. Or hockey season.

As expected, the girls made it through the experi-

ence without ending up like a couple of love bugs on the grill of a pickup truck. Susan called right after she landed so I’d know, not that she was safe (because, of course, I wasn’t worried!), but rather that her phone hadn’t slipped out of her pocket at 10,000 feet. That was the real concern, being as how she has problems locating it from 20 feet away.

Upon arriving home, Jessica went on without pausing to breathe about what a thrill it was. Caught up in her excitement, I found myself promising to go along when she does it again next year. Finally coming to my senses, I added, “...as long as it’s a weekend when there’s no hockey, baseball, or football.”

Mike McHugh’s column has appeared in “The Jambalaya News” since 2009. You can read more from the Dang Yankee on his website, thedangyankee.com.

Ellie Mae is an Australian Cattle Dog mix. She weighs 32 pounds and is estimated to be around a year old. She is trained in her basic commands and crate trained and house trained. She likes to be close to her human and sleeps in the bed with her foster dad. She just wants to be loved and have her belly rubbed. She is child and cat friendly.

She gets along well with other dogs, but prefers the company of humans. The perfect travel companion, you will never be lonely or feel unloved with this little girl in your life. If you are interested in meeting or adopting Ellie Mae, then please call Patti at (337) 540-2811 or email pjephillips@hotmail.com. A home visit and vet check are required prior to adoption. Hurry, Ellie Mae is waiting!

8 September 3, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Good Dog Being a one-dog-ata-time kind of person, I understand the incredibly deep feelings that go along with the loss of a fourlegged family member. Ten years ago we lost Duchess, who was part of our family for 15 years. Being a singledog family, it was several years before Gracie Lu could come along to rescue us. It takes time to heal the heart to a stage where there is enough room within to accept another furry addition--not to replace the lost one--but to fill the void in the heart.

No comparison can be made between the past and present occupant, as each exists in their own time and place, their own part of God’s good universe.

Some are tricksters, some are calm, some are….well just a good dog. The title of “Good Dog” is one of the highest accolades in petdom. Ask anyone that has one. There is no ‘splaining it, you just know one when you see one.

Vol. 7 • No. 10

I sometimes think about the benefits of more than one dog in the house but something inside me always says “no,” in my world. I do admire those that have more than one, as they usually won’t have to go through that period of isolation from the canine world when they lose one, but it just doesn’t work for me. If you have the heart and means to care for more than one, please consider a rescue dog. They usually do more than just rescue their new family. It’s kind of a really wonderful two-way street.

tax in Lake Charles, even though the budget projection shows surplus funds. It gives one cause to wonder why the expansion of the area is not providing the necessary growth in revenue for the increasing needs of governmental functions.

If we are expanding in so many areas, logic would offer there is more revenue because of increases in property values, fees, licensing, sales and taxable services. Perhaps what is currently being funded needs revision, rather than adding to the existing tax array we now face. Salary increases for police, fire and other public employees need to keep up with inflation and be competitive with other municipalities, but eliminating some projects and programs that are excessive or unnecessary could possibly be an answer. It deserves a close look from all of us.

Supermarket Roundup Fall also means some changes in the foods we prepare . We tend to go for heavier dishes as the weather cools. Chili and gumbos and more hearty meals come back into our lives as we watch the summer wane. Labor Day is traditionally the swan song of summer and heralds the onset of fall sports and tailgate parties. Tailgating food is fun food, and many groups have their own traditional

menu at game site. Our food survey for this issue is for some of the ingredients used for making chili. The prices were obtained on August 27 and reflect the posted price on the shelf where the product was placed for sale. The stores we surveyed were: Albertsons-Country Club Road, Market Basket-Ryan Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road.

Ground beef, 80-20 mix, per pound: Albertsons $5.49, Market Basket $4.29, Kroger $4.59, Walmart $3.67.

Yellow onions, per pound: Albertsons $1.19, Market Basket $.99, Kroger $1.29, Walmart $.68.

Camellia brand red kidney beans, 1-pound package: Albertsons $1.99, Market Basket $1.99, Kroger $1.99, Walmart $1.78.

Jalapenos, fresh, per pound: Albertsons $1.69, Market Basket $1.19, Kroger $.99, Walmart $.78.

McCormick Brand ground cumin, 1.5-ounce container: Albertsons $6.19, Market Basket $2.89, Kroger $4.99, Walmart $3.24.

Geaux Tigers, Go Cowboys, Go Saints, Bon Appétit!

Another New Tax? With the advent of fall, cooler weather, school and football, the election season comes in as well, although it does seem that it has become a year-round occurrence rather than just the traditional November event.

The politicos know that special elections, for the most part, only bring out those with vested interests to vote for some tax or proposal.

Here’s the latest: we are being asked for another new September 3, 2015 9

The Art of the Fly Over coffee, my podna and fly casting aficionado, Frank Conrad said he thought it would be a “swell” idea if I did one of my tales about Contraband Fly Casters’ annual outing at PPG Park. I’d learn a lot and they’d get some good news coverage. Hell, works for me, so off we went.

I hadn’t been to PPG Park since the ‘80s and the days of PPG’s Jim Porter, the main mover in the semi-private park’s creation. So, there we were south of I-10 curving into a pocket marsh just be-

Photo: Frank Conrad

10 September 3, 2015

fore the cypress-lined banks of Bayou d’Inde. Frank had to stop his Land Cruiser to allow two kayakers to load their rod-festooned boat, and he commented that he was selling his kayak.

Like me, he was getting too old to balance and fish out of one. I’d gotten out of the “tippy boat” business 20 years ago when I finally parted with my trusty 30year old but tippy cypress pirogue. It and the 3hp single screw down Johnson outboard that propelled it were relics whose time had

with the gift of gab. Probably could have even sold me a kayak. But he wasn’t selling, he was telling. Actually he was a reporter’s dream, a knowledgeable source who seemed to know everything fly casting and fly casters. He might not be able to scramble about in a kayak but he was a friend of my publishers Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque. Ray was simply someone I’d like to fish with despite his choice of friends.

What little Ray didn’t know, the now physically challenged Dr. David Drez, Jr. did. Doc was perched on a countertop, his famed orthopedic surgeon’s arm in a cast wrapped in a navy colored sling, a rather nautical looking fly caster, nonetheless. Usually, he gets paid for putting people back together and unless he got a professional courtesy freebie, he paid this time.

Doc and I go back to the ‘80s when he and his son David Drez III, now an attorney, hunted with me at Lacoste Lodge. I always liked the rather Group mischievous Doc with

passed.

But enough of my revelry and on to the Tom Mixon Chapter of Contraband Fly Casters’ confab and gathering. As we ambled up to the covered pavilion, Frank and I discussed the who, what, when, where and why of the Tale. He would know some of the people, I very few.

My first encounter with a fly caster was with Ray Wood. He was enshrined in his chair in the pavilion’s shade. A silver-haired stocky gentleman with an engaging smile, he was also endowed

Contraband Fly Casters

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Big Mike Thomson, Fly Artist the ready smile and chuckle.

I’m sure he can be MD-esque and clipped in surgery but I never saw that side and just enjoyed the guy. Still do.

No, I have no Drez, Jr. tales but I do have one about Drez III. I’m saving that for hunting season.

Meanwhile Ray was entertaining us with his saga about “Shooting the Loop” with local International Fly Fishing Federation Instructor Joe Ferguson. Seems one is expected to perform as if they are a fly casting master and toss a fly through a loop about the size of a fish net.

Possible for some, improbable for others, impossible for many, myself included.

There are over 200 International Master Fly Casters in the world and our Gulf area has three of them. Tom Mixon, Sr. gets the credit for initiating the popularity of fly casting here. Seems that back in the day when bass tournaments first started locally, Tom actually won a few of them just fly casting. He beat the open-face reels and spin-casters. To their chagrin, he added small spinner baits to his fly casting lures and caught even more. His son, Tom, Jr. carries on the Vol. 7 • No. 10

angling tradition.

We reluctantly left Ray and Doc at the pavilion and headed in to catch the exhibits inside Jim Porter Hall. Flies, fly casters, and fly tiers lined the walls and aisles. There were 20 fly tiers with displays of their art and I truly mean art. As someone who can barely, on a good day, tie a fly on my line properly, watching them twist and twirl and thrust and tie was simply awe inspiring.

Former biker “Big Mike” Jackson, now a fly tier, kept me enthralled with all things flies. His tale is a litany and an ode to the art of fly tying which actually soothes his soul. This impatient Cajun, moi, would have tossed the tie box through the window in the first 15 minutes. Make that five.

By now, this spin-casting angler felt like a stranger in a stranger land. Across from the fly tiers were just plain exhibits, but they were far from ordinary displays. The usual laconic Frank dragged a bewildered me toward a display he felt I just had to see. Not only were the colorful tropical fish made from tie line, but there were even

Photo: Frank Conrad

Photo: Frank Conrad

Aquarium Fish

Shrimp Flies shrimp. Yep, the bait de ordinaire, a shrimp. Not the ordinary ones they appeared to be at a glance, but intricate works of pure artistry.

Having made the tour outside and in, chatting with the Contraband Fly Casters and

thus enhancing my knowledge of all things fly fishing, it was time to flee ahead of an approaching summer thunderstorm. I may never be a master fly caster “shooting a loop” but this tale is for those that are, or try to be.

September 3, 2015 11

Mommy Wars Can’t we all just get along?

Not every parent chooses to engage, but it seems like there is always something simmering in the online “Mommy Wars” arena. If you do a Google search of “Mommy Wars,” you’ll get thousands of results. So, it’s definitely a phenomenon. According to a Parents magazine poll of more than 500 mothers nationwide, 63 percent of mothers believe that Mommy Wars do exist. Part of the problem is that everyone has an opinion; that’s both the upside and the downside.

Here are a few of the so-called “wars”: Breastfeeding moms versus non-breastfeeding moms. I think some of the controversy regarding breastfeeding in public comes about because there is the occasional mother who enjoys stirring the pot and posing in a provocative way just to get attention. To those women, we’re all tired of seeing you half-dressed. For the ones who are quietly feeding their babies in public because the babies are hungry, I think most of us would say, “Who cares? We’ve all seen breasts. Feed your baby!”

Speaking of breastfeeding, there was a story and photo that hit a lot of the mom blogs recently of a mother who had gone to get a spray tan and then breastfed her baby shortly afterward. As her baby finished feeding she noticed some of her spray tan had rubbed off on his little face and he had inadvertently gotten a tan in the form of what looked like an orange five o’clock shadow. She was able to softly rub it off with wipes but not before she took a photo and 12 September 3, 2015

posted it to Facebook. I thought the picture was adorable and hilarious but then again I have a sense of humor. She got positive comments online but hateful ones, too. These days, everyone has an opinion and thanks to social media, they can immediately voice it.

Stay-at-home moms versus full-time working moms. Why do people get so bothered about something if it doesn’t affect them? My opinion is that parents should do whatever suits them and their family. There are

a pacifier but my daughter loved pacifiers and had one in every color imaginable. I knew it was time for her to move on from her binky when we would pull up at her daycare in the mornings and she would take her pacifier out and say, “Goodbye, Paci! See you later!” She had begun associating pacifiers with babies and at the age of two, she said she was ready to be a big girl. But when I would pick her up from daycare she would immediately grab it, put it in her mouth, and didn’t want to

advantages and disadvantages to both options.

Homeschooling moms versus traditional school moms.

Again, I believe each family should do whatever works best for them and their children.

There are also advantages and disadvantages to both options as well.

Moms who endorse pacifiers for their babies and toddlers versus moms who rail against pacifiers. My son never wanted

let go. I started weaning her by letting her have it at bedtime but putting it away at other times. Then the day came when all of her pacifiers somehow got “lost.” She cried a little and one evening she even tried to get me to go buy her some new ones, saying, “All you have to do is go to Wal-Mart and you can get me some new pacis!” It’s one of those great family stories that we still laugh about today.

Moms who feed their chil-

dren only organic food versus those who don’t. If your children are healthy and happy, then you’re probably doing something right regardless of which path you’re following food-wise. I haven’t gone the organic route, but my kids are among the healthiest kids I know and very rarely get sick.

Vaccinating your kids versus not getting them vaccinated.

This is a controversial topic to be sure, and I haven’t talked to a parent yet who doesn’t have an opinion on this one. Make sure you do your homework regarding vaccinations, talk to your pediatrician, and then make your decisions based not only the health of your children, but of the other children they will come in contact with, as well.

My kids have always gotten their vaccinations, but when they were babies and toddlers and were going to be getting several doses at one time, I asked for the doses to be broken up and given over a couple of visits instead of all at once.

Most pediatricians are happy to accommodate your needs and to listen to your concerns.

Mommy Wars don’t have to affect you. Most parents are probably doing the best that they can and like most things in life, a little more encouragement and a lot less criticism is what every parent needs. If we try, free of judgment, to understand each other’s path and realize that we all share some common ground, then perhaps one day there will be no Mommy Wars at all.

Again, can’t we all just get along?! It’s a great big world out there and we all have to co-exist in it.

Lisa Addison wrote her first short story when she was 7 years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has two young children, enjoys trying new recipes, and loves going on adventures with her kids. She blogs at: http://swlamama.wordpress. com.

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Southwest Louisiana and the rest of our great nation are getting ready to enjoy some football on some level. And whether high school, college or professional, it doesn’t matter—there’s going to be someone tailgating. I love to sample all the creations that people have to offer and don’t like to go anywhere empty-handed.

This dish is a sure -ire hit and can be served several ways. We’ll get into that later. You’ll need a crockpot for this and some time, but it is worth it. I make it with a drizzle on the side that can be used as a topping.

What You’ll Need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs ¼ cup Sriracha sauce ¼ cup Steen’s Cane Syrup 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon lime juice Fresh cilantro Flour tortillas

What You’ll Do Cut the chicken into 1 x 1 pieces and place in the crockpot.

Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.

Cover and cook five hours on low. While it’s cooking, make the drizzle.

The Drizzle: What You’ll Need ½ cup mayo ¼ cup sweet chili sauce 2 tablespoons Steen’s Cane Syrup 2 tablespoons Louisiana Hot Sauce

What You’ll Do Mix together and transfer to a squeeze bottle. Once your chicken is done and you have arrived at your tailgate party, spoon out some chicken onto a flour tortilla and top with the drizzle and fresh cilantro, roll up and enjoy. It’s that simple. You can also add some shredded cheese. If you’re making at home, serve over rice or pasta.

Either way ,this is a crowd pleaser. So, eat up…and don’t forget to…. Stir Dat Pot! Vol. 7 • No. 10

September 3, 2015 13

By Cassondra Guilbeau The diagnosis of a chronic disease can be frightening. When that disease is HIV, it can also be an isolating experience with an unknown future. The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC), together with the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC), walks this journey with patients in Southwest Louisiana.

SLAC and the CCC, which is located on the campus of W.O. Moss Memorial Health Clinic, offer a comprehensive continuum of quality care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Louisiana.

This holistic approach to care focuses on maximizing resources and reducing

duplication of services, according to Terry Estes, Executive Director of SLAC. “We have to be the voice for HIV in the rural community,” Estes said. “We have a responsibility to get people tested and in treatment.”

This model of care, Health Systems Navigation (HSN), treats the patient at all levels. This approach removes the obstacles patients face in accessing or receiving treatment. “We treat the whole person and the whole family,” Estes said.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2011, the New Orleans and Lake Charles areas had the highest unmet need for primary medical care. People living with HIV/AIDS in rural Louisiana experi-

ence challenging socioeconomic conditions that create barriers to medical care.

In addition to the stigma and discrimination that still comes with a diagnosis, these barriers include lack of transportation, rural isolation, inconsistent or unstable housing, low education, mental health and substance abuse issues and noncompliance.

“That’s why this model (HSN) is so important,” Estes said. “You meet the clients where they are in life.” As a result, SLAC and CCC services include counseling, testing and referrals, linkage and navigation services, primary medical care and specialized HIV care, ophthalmology and eye care, psychiatry, mental health and sub-

Photo: Madison Hartley

14 September 3, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 10

stance abuse counseling, medical and non-medical case management (including benefits enrollment), pharmacy, dental, nutrition and food pantry services, and health literacy education.

SLAC and CCC have a combined staff of 38 close-knit professionals to provide such comprehensive and compassionate care. Currently, the clinic sees 603 patients and SLAC has 487 clients. According to CCC founder and medical director Dr. Carlos Choucino, it takes a special group of people to do this work.

“Anybody who works here (SLAC) or in the clinic, it’s not because they need a job, because there is no money in HIV,” Dr. Choucino said. “They believe there is a need.

It’s a calling.”

It certainly has been a calling for Dr. Choucino, who came to this country from his native Peru in 1990 to pursue a career in medicine. He took a fellowship at Vanderbilt University where he was part of Nashville’s first HIV clinic.

In 1995, he relocated to Cameron.

He quickly realized that this area was “way behind the curve” with HIV care. However, after being asked to help with rounds at Moss Regional—significantly increasing his workload—he saw an opportunity to change things.

“I told them not to worry about the money (for making rounds at Moss Regional),” Dr. Choucino said. “I wanted a clinic.”

And in 1996, the CCC, which treats all infectious diseases, opened with Dr. Choucino, an LPN and two rooms at Moss Regional. In the beginning, there were only 14 patients and Dr. Choucino admits it was a struggle initially. “One year, we lost 10 percent of our patients,” he said. Other challenges over the years have included the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the privatization of Louisiana hospitals.

With advances in medical treatments, HIV was transformed from a deadly disease to a chronic disease. Patients were living longer and were facing other challenges. It became clear that the style of treatment needed to advance. “We need to try to provide all services in one place, on site,” Dr. Choucino said.

In 2000, the CCC became a Ryan Vol. 7 • No. 10

White HIV/AIDS Program Part C provider with Minority AIDS Initiative funds to provide services to a growing minority population in an underserved, rural area. The clinic is the only, or last, source of medical care for underserved people living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Louisiana. In 2010, the CCC became a Ryan White Program Part D provider for women, youth, infants, and children.

SLAC, which was founded in 1987, and CCC began integrated services in 2009-2010. In addition, strong collaborations on the local and state level have reinforced and grown the depth of care in this area. SLAC-CCC partners with the Southwest Louisiana Area Education Center (SWLAHEC), the Office of Public Health Disease Intervention Specialist Program, physicians, clinics and hospitals.

Statewide collaborations include, but are not limited to, Louisiana State University Disease Management, Louisiana Office of Public Health’s STI/HIV/AIDS Program, Louisiana Public Health Institute, Louisiana AIDS Advocacy Network, LAMBA (HIV/AIDS legal services) and other entities.

This evidence-based model of care has been very successful. “We are trying to design something that will work in our rural community and something that can be replicated,” Estes said. And it is a success that caught the attention of Elton John, who mentioned the work of SLAC and CCC in his book, Love is the Cure.

“We have been able to make a difference,” Dr. Choucino said humbly. “ I have learned so much on this journey about the science and medical treatment of HIV, the challenges of treating patients with complex health issues, and even more so about the human condition. Our patients often have many obstacles to overcome in addition to the stigma and discrimination they face from society. Tears are shed, but there is happiness too – happiness when lives are bettered.

This work has been very rewarding not just for our patients but for us, as people who serve them.”

For additional information on SLAC and CCC services or to make donations, call (337) 439-5861.

Statistics* • As of March 31, 2015, a total of 20, 112 persons are living with HIV infection in Louisiana; of these individuals 10,666 persons (53 percent) have an AIDS diagnosis.

• In the first quarter of 2015, a total of 177 persons were diagnosed with early syphilis in Louisiana; 100 persons were diagnosed with primary and secondary syphilis, and 77 persons were diagnosed with early latent syphilis.

• The primary risk factor for new HIV diagnoses in Louisiana is men who have sex with men.

• In Louisiana, 25 percent of new HIV cases, 31 percent of new AIDS cases and 31 percent of the early syphilis diagnoses were among women.

• African Americans in Louisiana are experiencing a severe health disparity in regards to HIV and STDs. In the first quarter of 2015, 81 percent of early syphilis cases were among African Americans.

African Americans make up only 32 percent of Louisiana’s overall population.

• A large percentage of new HIV and syphilis diagnoses occurred among adolescents and young adults. In the first quarter of 2015, 48 percent of all early syphilis diagnoses occurred among persons 13-24 years old and an additional 34 percent occurred among persons 25-34 years old.

• As of March 31 of this year, 1,428 cases of HIV have been detected in Region 5 (five parish area), including 10 pediatric cases.

• In that same time, 587 cumulative deaths among persons in Region 5 with HIV infection have occurred, including two pediatric deaths.

• Also in that same time, 1,025 persons are currently living with HIV infection in Region 5. Of those, 470 are living with HIV and 555 are living with AIDS. *Louisiana HIV, AIDS and Early Syphilis Surveillance Quarterly Report; Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health

September 3, 2015 15

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Raises Concussion Awareness

Helmet Fundraiser/Jazz Cruise September 24 Concussions are serious injuries to the brain that, although not new, have gained increased attention in the last few years. Concussions are a potentially dangerous phenomenon, especially in younger athletes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 2001 and 2009, an estimated 173,285 people under age 19 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for concussions.

The sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital have established a baseline protocol, which is now being used for all high school sports programs in the area. Through these protocols and with the generous gifts of updated sports equipment such as helmets, the goal is to decrease the number and severity of concussions in our young athletes.

“Our main objective is to increase the awareness of concussions to the community, and especially to coaches,” said Dr. Brett Cascio, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “Most people don’t realize the damage a concussion can cause, especially in young people. It’s a very dangerous thing. The pediatric brain is more sensitive than the adult brain. A concussion is a brain injury. It can cause life-long problems, and even death.”

Dr. Cascio explained that something called “Second Impact Syndrome” can be potentially fatal. “This happens when a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling. This is why players who have suffered a concussion cannot play until they are completely well. And a lot of coaches and families don’t realize this, unfortunately.”

Memorial Hospital is making a difference. Since 2012, Memorial Sports Medicine has used a program called ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) to evaluate concussions in Calcasieu Parish athletes. The test is a 20-minute neurological and cognitive computer evaluation that is used by the NFL, NHL, MLB, U.S. Soccer, NASCAR, Formula 1 and the NCAA. The test will become even more commonplace with recent concussion litigation on the professional and college football levels.

More than 4,500 retired football players have sued the NFL alleging that the league downplayed and covered up the long-term neurological harm associated with football-induced concussions, placing players at increased and unnecessary risk.

Despite denying any misconduct, the NFL has

moved to settle the case, tentatively agreeing to fund an award program that would diagnose and compensate brain-damaged ex-players for the next 65 years, in exchange for immunity from future litigation—which clearly illustrates the severity of the problem.

Accordingly, a very special fundraiser will be held on September 24 to raise money and awareness. The Foundation for Fairplay [F3] has partnered with students at A.M. Barbe High School’s art department to create hand-painted Riddell football helmets for businesses to keep in a public space as a vehicle to promote concussion awareness.

These unique pieces will be available in the silent auction at the Foundation’s Moonlight Jazz Cruise on Thursday, September 24. In addition, there will be unique “Tiger” helmets available through the Foundation for area businesses for a $500 tax-deductible donation.

“This is going to be a really special event,” said Leif Pedersen, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at Memorial. “It will begin with an upscale buffet on the patio at Jack Daniel’s at L’Auberge. From there, we will board the yacht the Lady of the Lake for a jazz cruise and cocktails and the silent auction.”

“We’re very excited,” Dr. Cascio said. “The helmet project is several years in the making.”

All proceeds from helmet sales will go to F3, which provides Memorial Sports Medicine with the opportunity to administer state-of-the-art computer concussion testing as well as ACL studies for female athletes in volleyball and basketball programs throughout the Parish.

F3 also donates the best protective equipment to area high schools, and works with players, athletic trainers, physicians, parents, and coaches to educate, prevent, diagnose, and effectively treat concussions in order to avoid potentially devastating long term effects. Your help in supporting this initiative will assist in creating even more concussion awareness within our community.

“We want kids to play,” Dr. Cascio stated. “But they need to play safely. Our goal is for them to play with their own kids one day.”

For more information on the Moonlight Jazz Cruise, please visit lcmh.com/cruise. If you would like more information on purchasing a hand-painted helmet to display in your business and help in the concussion awareness initiative, please call The Foundation at LCMH at (337) 494-3226.

Foundation for Fairplay donates to DeQuincy High School The Foundation for Fairplay (F3) recently donated $3,500 to the DeQuincy High School athletic department. The money will go towards the construction of the new athletic workout facility.

F3 was established by The Foundation at Lake Charles 16 September 3, 2015

Memorial Hospital in order to provide a more level playing field in the areas of preventable injury needs.

The fund assists schools in acquiring equipment such as quality football helmets, training room equipment needed for the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and

creating safe physical fitness surroundings.

Funds are distributed through an application process, which is reviewed by a volunteer board of directors.

To learn more about F3 or to make a donation, call (337) 494-3226 or visit www.lcmh. com/f3.

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Little Theatre Presents Nunsense Amen!

Sept. 4-20 (weekends) Nunsense Amen is basically the original Nunsense with all of the characters portrayed by male musical comedy performers. Think of it as Mrs. Doubtfire enters the convent. Members of the cast include: Randy Partin as Sister Mary Regina, Kevin Driscol as Sister Mary Hubert, Robert Grider as Sister Robert Anne, Daniel Sadler as Sister Mary Amnesia, and Damien Thibodeaux as Sister Mary Leo. Greg Stratton is the director.

The show opens Friday Sept. 4, and runs three weekends closing on Sept/ 20. www.thelclt.com or (337) 433-7988.

Tailgate Party Sept. 5 The McNeese State University Alumni Association will host a tailgate party for Cowboy fans prior to the kickoff of the McNeese vs. LSU Tigers football game at 6:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 5. It will be held from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Carl Maddox Field House on the LSU campus. Meal includes pork chops, chicken quarters, sausage, boudin, potato salad, water, cold drinks and beer. Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under 5 years old. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance as no tickets will be sold at the door. (337) 4755232, mcneesealumni.com/lsu2015.

BooZoo’s Labor Day Festival Sept. 7 A day of great food and Zydeco, the family is invited to come out and celebrate the festival’s 31st year in grand style. Fill up on crawfish etouf-

18 September 3, 2015

fee, red beans and rice with sausage and BBQ sandwiches and enjoy the sounds of local Zydeco favorites. Doors open at 10 a.m., with the bands beginning at 11 a.m. Admission: $15 at the door, 12 and under $2. Lake Charles Civic Center, Buccaneer Room.

Ninja Turtles Live Action Show Sept. 11 Ninja Turtles Live Action Show is full of martial arts action and has a powerful anti-bullying message bringing talent and comedy to the stage. Take advantage of the limited VIP ticket package of $35 that gets you up close and personal with the Turtles. Parents must accompany any child under 14 and must hold a VIP ticket. General Admission is $15.

Show starts at 7 p.m. Lake Charles Civic Center, www. ninjaturtleslive. ticketleap.com.

Hope for Haiti Concert Fundraiser Sept. 12 The Dwelling Place Church is hosting a Hope for Haiti Concert featuring Grammy-nominated Mickey Smith, Jr. and SAX in the City on Sat., Sept.

12, at 1800 E. College Street. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for the silent auction; concert is from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased at Kids Kastle Daycare at 3934 Common St. or Lighting Couture at 1701 E. McNeese Street. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $15. Hope for Haiti is a benefit to raise money for a Mission of Hope trip to Haiti scheduled for November 2015. (337) 302-7970.

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Boudin Wars Sept. 12

‘La Ville Uni’ Picnic Sept. 19

Boudin Wars will be held on Sept. 12 at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur from 11 a.m.- 1 pm. Local restaurants and chefs will compete for the title of “Best Boudin in SWLA!” Visitors can sample their boudin recipes and will get to choose the area’s best boudin! Tickets are $10 each and are VERY limited, and must be purchased in advance at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur or online at www.brimstonemuseum.org.

Westlake’s “ La Ville Uni “ picnic (French for “The City United”) will be held Sept. 19. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from St. John Bosco church to Pinederosa Park. Opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. and then the fun begins! Ends at 4 p.m. (337) 540-5950.

Stars & Stripes Classic Car Show Sept. 12 Cars, cars and more cars! Come out and see hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles. Entry for show vehicles and spectators is FREE. Door prizes will be awarded, with food booths, music, and entertainment for the children. There will be an awards presentation following the show, featuring Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant winners. The classic cars and hot rods will be cruising on Ruth Street after the show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Heritage Square, Sulphur. www.sulphur.org.

La Cenelles Gala at Central Library Sept. 15 Award-winning Louisiana musician and Poet Laureate Zachary Richard will host an opening gala to celebrate the historical book La Cenelles on Tues., Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Central Library located at 301 W. Claude Street, Lake Charles. Considered one of the most important publications of both Franco-Louisiana and Afro-American history Les Cenelles is an anthology of Creole poetry published in New Orleans in 1845. Seventeen Louisiana poets, all French-speaking free men of colour, contributed to “Les Cenelles” and only 5 copies of it are known to exist. The program is free and open to all ages. www.calcasieulibrary.org.

Rice Cook-Off Sept. 22 September is National Rice Month, and in celebration, the CalcasieuCameron Rice Growers will sponsor the 18th Annual Rice Cook-Off on Sept. 22 at Brick House Catering in Lake Charles. The contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an awards luncheon to follow at 11:30 a.m. The Port of Lake Charles will host the event and sponsor the awards luncheon. Family and Consumer Science students from area middle schools and high schools are invited to participate. (337) 475-8812 or (337) 493-3501.

Full Throttle Wrestling Sept. 22 Don’t miss it! Full Throttle Wrestling is back on Sept. 22 in the Rose Hart Theatre at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This event will benefit Josh Quayhagen’s Peaceful Warriors program, which teaches kids how to handle bullying. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and ages five and under get in free. (337) 564-5261.

Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner Sept. 17 Tickets are available now for ACTS Theatre’s first annual Celebrity Murder Mystery Dinner at Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill® at L’Auberge Casino Resort on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. Here’s your opportunity to be part of an all star “Whodunnit” like no other, in an evening filled with thrills and chills.

Tickets are $50 each and include a full dinner and drinks and an evening like you’ve never experienced . Will you be one of the guests who “Dies Laughing”? To purchase tickets, call (337) 437-7531, contact mwilson@ kplctv.com or visit www.actstheatre.com.

St. Louis Bon Ton Festival Sept. 18-20 The St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival is a local tradition that is enjoyed by all ages! There will be lots of great food, music, rides, live and silent auctions, bingo, a sweet shop with famous pies, and a large garage sale. The newly renovated covered pavilion has plenty of room for dancing, relaxing, eating and visiting - rain or shine! St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4822 Carlyss Drive, Carlyss.

Vol. 7 • No. 10

September 3, 2015 19

Camacho Cigar Event Sept. 23 Bold is BACK! Cigar Club’s first ever Camacho Cigar event is on the way! Come for great deals, free goods, live music and giveaways and meet Garrett Calhoun from Davidoff here to help show you what BOLD is all about on Wed., Sept 23 starting at 4 p.m. until! 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles (337) 562-8889.

Gallery Promenade Sept. 25 Gallery Promenade, the Arts Council of SWLA’s annual art space showcase, returns Sept. 25, from 5-9 p.m., with over a dozen galleries, studios, and art spaces opening their doors for an evening celebrating the venues across the Lake Area that work year-round to provide cultural resources, exhibits, and opportunities for both artists and residents. For a participating venues and artists list, visit www. artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

The Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur is proud to present “Stitch: A Fiber Art Show” This show will be on display until Oct 10th, 2015. Admission is free to the public.

Stitch will feature quilts and fiber art by Barbara K. Skinner, Debbie Russell, Carolyn Slack, Louis O’Keeffe, Tonya LeBlanc Moak, Jennifer Manuel, Judy Mamenzadeh, Marcia Plauche, Anna Alamond, Guinevere Harrison, and more! For more information contact Creative Director Eric Manuel in The Henning Cultural Center @ 337-527-0357. We are open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hurricane Awareness Day Sept. 26 The National Hurricane Museum is hosting a public event showcasing community involvement in building a safer and smarter Gulf Coast at the future Hurricane Museum site. Hurricane Awareness Day, scheduled for Sat., Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 pm, will showcase exhibits and demonstrations by emergency responders, activities for families on lessons learned for better preparation, as well as celebrate the music, food and culture of the region. Exhibition booths will demonstrate the latest technologies. In addition, a 10k, 5k and 1-mile fun run will be held. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. www.visitlakecharles.org.

Calca-Chew Food Festival Sept. 27 Anyone who likes to eat, dance, and have fun will enjoy this alcohol-free festival centered around our French Heritage on Sept. 27 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy boudin, etouffee, jambalaya, and fried fish, an live and silent auctions add an extra dimension to the fun. St. Margaret Family Life Center, 2500 Enterprise Blvd. LC (337) 439-4585.

STEP UP for Down Syndrome Oct. 3 The 13th annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is set for Sat., Oct. 3 at Prien Lake Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk is scheduled for 10 with silent auction, face painting, food, dancing and games/activities to follow from 10 a.m. to 1pm. The walk is the primary fundraiser for UP4 DOWNS, which is committed to raise community awareness and understanding of the special abilities of children and adults with Down syndrome. Pre-registration closes at midnight on Sept. 6 including team registrations. Call (337) 842-6555 or go to www.up4downswla.org.

Pink Breakfast Oct. 9 Fox 29/Lake Charles CW presents the Pink Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Oct. 9 at the Golden Nugget Ballroom. All proceeds benefit the Fox 29/ CW Cancer Fund. For ticket and sponsorship information, call (337) 474-1316.

20 September 3, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 10

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet announces its 47th season featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer this December and Assemblé 2016 in March.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, an original work, has been performed since 1968. This beautiful story told through the wonder of classical dance and music is a Lake Charles tradition. Originally choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus and founder, Lady Leah Lafargue Hathaway, the current production is directed

by Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, Artistic Director of LCCB. Children of all ages will delight as they experience Santa and his elves working furiously to finish all the toys for the trip around the world and the triumph of Rudolph as he saves Christmas! From dancing toys and reindeer to Santa and his elves, this performance has it all!

This timeless Christmas tale of anti-bullying and the importance of self-worth includes over 200 local dancers!

Assemblé 2016 is a true testa-

ment to the innovation, creativity, and collaborative nature of the Southwest Louisiana arts community that sparks new possibilities each year. Under the artistic direction of Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, Assemblé 2016 showcases a wide range of talented composers, singers, dancers, and choreographers.

Assemblé 2016 features the one act comical ballet Gaite Parisienne.

It is an intriguing story of romance depicted through character dancing that takes place one evening in a fashionable Parisian restaurant in the mid-1800s. The Cancan Dancers close this ballet with their high energy and quick footwork.

Once again, LCCB is collaborating with local author Eloise Huber. Assemblé 2016 brings her second children’s book, The Goose with the Golden Legs, illustrated

by Robbie Austin, to the stage.

This charming tale will be performed to an original composition and live music.

Performing artist Tony James shares his talents with the dancers of LCCB in Amen, an original work incorporating ballet and tap dance with classic hymns in an oldfashioned tent-revival setting.

The talented William G. Rose returns for Assemblé 2016, conducting the PASTICHE quartet in a live orchestral accompaniment of his original composition, The Seasons. The work includes a series of dances choreographed to capture both seasonal elements and emotional reactions to the seasons.

Closing Assemblé 2016 is the upbeat music of Leif Pederson’s 1944 Big Band. Mr. Pederson favors the songs of Sinatra, with whom he shared a performance

history with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. With choreography

by Rody Broussard of Bayouland Ballroom, this piece celebrates different dancing styles from the big band era.

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet 2015-16 Season will entertain and provide a total theatre experience for the entire family. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer performances are December 10, 11, and 12, 2015 at Rosa Hart Theatre.

Assemblé 2016 performance dates are March 19 and 20, 2016 at Rosa Hart Theatre.

Please visit www.lakecharlescivicballet.com for tickets, show times and sponsorship information.

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is supported by grants from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau as administered by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.

LAKE CHARLES SYMPHONY – SEASON 58!

You know the Lake Charles Symphony—the Lake Area’s 60-piece orchestra that has performed the master-works of history’s most renowned composers.

Take another look—you might be surprised by what you find. Your Symphony is social, offering a kaleidoscope of contemporary events, an amalgam of what you love and expect, refined and redefined by the creative style and leadership of Maestro Bohuslav Rattay.

The Lake Charles Symphony’s 2015–2016 season includes events that are loved throughout the region—such as the Holiday Home Tour, Champagne Bingo, Wild Beast Feast and Summer Pops. Always striving to provide the symphony experience in a variety of settings, we are hopeful to add the Music of Queen and Video Games Live, as well as Symphony & Savory, a new signature special event that pairs locally-sourced cuisine and beverages with classical music selections - all organized to provide members with a palette of Vol. 7 • No. 10

familiar experiences, made more vibrant by strokes of the unknown. Tickets to these special events are sold separately.

The Classical Concert Series kicks off on Sunday, October 18, 3 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre featuring Ryo Kaneko of the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, on piano performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor Op. 16. Also in the lineup are Barber’s Essay No. 1 and Dvorak’s The Golden Spinning Wheel.

The second concert moves to the Tritico Theatre at McNeese’s Shearman Fine Arts Center on Valentine’s Day at 3 p.m. Jay Kacherski, local musician, will be performing Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto. Jay holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance.

“Virtuosismo” and “technical dominance” are the words used by the press to describe him. The remainder of the program will be Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.

The Classical Concert Series con-

cludes with Carmina Burana, a collaboration with the Louisiana Choral Foundation, Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre.

SYMPHONY AFTER PARTIES Join us after each concert for the After Party held at any one of the popular downtown venues.

Your Symphony ticket is good for drink specials and kitchens will stay open to satisfy those latenight munchies. Come and mingle with the conductor, orchestra, featured solo artist and other Symphony Patrons. The performance may be over, but the party is just getting started!

DISCOVERY By popular demand, the Discovery Series returns to its original format. The Discovery Series offers informative and lively pre-concert discussions and musical programs, which are typically hosted at the home of a Symphony Patron. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages, soda and water in an

intimate setting with the Conductor, guest artists and other symphony patrons. First-time purchasers of a season membership will receive free tickets to the Discovery Series.

SYMPHONY SOCIETY The Lake Charles Symphony Society is a special membership tier intended to help sustain the Lake Charles Symphony ensuring musical enjoyment to residents of Southwest Louisiana for generations to come. For more information, including benefits and how to join, contact the Symphony office at (337) 433-1611.

HOW TO JOIN Season memberships are available in a wide range of prices starting as low as $45 up to $1,000. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact the symphony office at (337) 433-1611 or on-line at www.lcsymphony.com. Join us today, and help us celebrate where we have been, who we are, and where we are going.

September 3, 2015 21

The Lake Charles Film Festival Buck Rogers, Moon Zombies and DYI Film Fun! If your life’s been a little boring lately, you’ll find all kinds of adventurous activities at this year’s Lake Charles Film Festival. It doesn’t matter if you’re a filmmaker or just want to watch movies you won’t see anywhere else!

For starters, you can meet the original space man, Mr. Gil Gerard. He’s known to many fans as Buck Rogers. What you may not know is that he first started out making his own DYI indie films. Festival organizer Patrick Bennett says, “I found out that he got his start as an indie filmmaker. He wrote a script, Hooch, and started a production company and put himself in the lead role. He used this film to launch his film acting career.”

You can not only meet Gerard at the festival but you’ll also get the chance to go to a special seminar to ask him all about what he does in film and television. Make sure your hair looks good. There will be opportunities for pictures, too! Are you worried you won’t have anything to talk about with this year’s Celebrity Guest of Honor? Check out the free screening of the Buck Rogers film on October 8!

22 September 3, 2015

Whether you’re a film buff who wants to see films that could be made by the next up and coming Stephen Spielberg, or if you’re a filmmaker who hopes to be the next up and coming Martin Scorsese, the film festival has activities tailored just for you.

To kick off this film-lover’s smorgasbord, Tempura Cool will fire up the Kick-Off party at My Place American Pub on October 9. Mingle with filmmakers while enjoying classic rock, folk and indie-style tunes. Be sure to get signed up for door prizes being given throughout the night and stick around for the ‘80s metal cover band LOOKS: that: KILL. The party starts at 7 p.m. and lasts through midnight. Did I mention Buck Rogers will be there? Partying with the original space man to classic rock and an ‘80s cover band? Yes please!

The meat of this film feast happens Saturday, October 10 at Central School. Not sure what people wear to film festivals?

You could come casual or you could dress up as a film or TV character and get half off admission! If you choose to dress up there will also be a special costume party for you at 2 p.m. with lots of great photo-taking opportunities. To top it off, there will be a cosplay contest at 3 p.m., and the winners will be announced during the Festival Awards Ceremony at 6.

You’ll want to keep your camera handy all day as the festival’s official Cosplay Guest of Honor, Shane Dison, will be appearing in incredible costumes throughout the day. A costume maker from Monroe, he’ll be dressed up as Star Wars, Star Trek and Alien characters and will be happy to do a photo opp with you.

If you don’t have a costume to wear but wish you did, then you’ll want to drop in on the Bast Alpha Garrison workshop.

The 501st Legion’s Bast Alpha Garrison will be showing workshop-goers how to design props and costumes for your films. These guys are serious.

They look like they walked straight out of Star Wars and into Southwest Louisiana.

If you’ve been making films

Gil Gerard as Buck Rogers

for a while or are just getting started with your iPhone, this year’s featured film seminar has an unusual twist. Remember films from the ‘50s like Cave Women on Mars and Attack of the Moon Zombies? Guess what?

Those were not films from the ‘50s. They were made in 2008 and 2011!

Patrick Bennett explains. “An indie filmmaker from Minnesota, Christopher R. Mihm, has found success in making lowbudget, retro-style sci-fi and horror films. He has made 10 feature films in nine years and has made a good deal of money off them by self distributing them through his website. He will be giving a seminar teaching his model of success.”

For film buffs hungry for new movies, the festival organizers have been busy piecing together the perfect films to please your palette. Bennett took some time out of his day to guide me through the enormous process of picking movies for the Fest.

“We send out a call for entries and we get submissions through the mail and online through filmfreeway.com,” he says.

“Once the entry deadline passes, a group of judges watches them all and grade them on criteria such as picture quality, lighting, audio, and overall production value. It’s a point system. Those with the highest points get “’accepted’ into the festival and will screen at the event. This year, we have 75 films we accepted.

These films vary in length from three-minute music videos to two- our features.”

When asked about what film buffs can expect to see this year, Bennett says we’re in for some impressive stuff. “The overall quality of the submissions this year is impressive,” he says. “I think the affordability of DSLR cameras has upped the indie filmmakers’ game, giving vivid clear picture quality to a lot of these films. Few stand out ahead of the pack. This year we’re heavy on music videos. We’ve received submissions from all over the world... Australia, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, England and Ireland, to name a few.”

Vol. 7 • No. 10

The opening and closing films are still a secret at this point, but Bennett says they usually try to feature a film made in Louisiana as one of them. And one lucky Louisiana film will get an extra special “Homegrown” grand prize from John Schneider Studios! They’ll be getting free use of the 66acre studio for a full weekend to shoot a short film or a few scenes of a feature. With such big stakes it will be exciting to see who wins this one!

If all this film talk has gotten you excited to make your own short masterpiece and see it shown before a filmloving crowd you can do that, too. Before the festival begins, you can sign up for a free 48 Hour Film Sprint! If your film is one of the top 10 films received within the 48 hour deadline it will be screened at the festival. From those, one film will be chosen as the winner. You’ll get a Scallywag Trophy, a certificate and bragging rights! The winning film will even be posted on the official

website for more Because it’s folks to see. all online, To play along, anyone can 48-Hour Film Sprint Sept. 25 -27, 6 p.m.-6 p.m. here’s what you participate Online and throughout the world! do. The 48 Hour from anyFilm Sprint will where in the Free Screening of Buck Rogers Film world! If this begin on Friday, October 8 @ 7 p.m.

September 25 at sounds fun to Central School, 809 Kirby St. 6 p.m. Central you, get more where you will details at Kick-Off Party get instructions at www.lakeOctober 9 @ 7 p.m. www.lakecharlescharlesfilmMy Place American Pub filmfestival.com. festival.com.

630 West Prien Lake Rd. This means your It’s not as easy Film Festival team will be given as it sounds.

October 10 @ 10 a.m. a set of instrucLast year Central School, 809 Kirby St. tions on what there were must be in your seven teams Wrap Party film. Once you but only three October 10 @ 9 p.m. get the instrucmade it out My Place American Pub tions, your team alive. Um… I 630 West Prien Lake Rd. has 48 hours to mean, finwrite, shoot, edit ished in 48 Best of the Fest and turn in a hours!

Oct. 11 @ 10 a.m. completed 3 to At the end Tipitina’s, 2121 Hodges St. 10 minute film. of the day To qualify your film must be after all the tears and cheers uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo during the awards ceremony, and the link sent to info@lakethere will be a Wrap Party at charlesfilmfestival.com. The My Place American Pub. This filmmaking frenzy ends Sunday, year’s musical guest Wendy September 27 at 6 p.m. Central. Colonna will fill the room with

Festival Schedule

her swampy Southern songs sung in her signature vocals.

With a buffet of 75 films plus seminars and photo ops to choose from, it would be impossible to see and do everything without a clone. And although there will plenty of sci-fi attractions at the fest, DYI cloning isn’t one of them.

That’s why, if you discover you missed something amazing, you will get a chance to see a few of them again. On October 11, Tipitina’s will host the “Best of Fest” at 10 a.m., which is free to all VIP ticket holders.

VIP tickets include all the parties and festival events and will save you some money if you want to see everything.

They can be purchased at www. lakecharlesfilmfestival.com right now. Other a la carte options are also available if you can’t make it to all the events.

I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, new filmmakers and shaking up a hum drum October weekend into a movie adventure. Hope to see you there!

Lake Charles Little Theatre: 89th Season!

Nunsense A-Men

Sept. 4-6, 11-13, 18-19 Directed by Greg Stratton Adult: $20, Senior: $15, Student: $10 Dan Goggin’s hysterical musical, Nunsense A-Men! is basically the original Nunsense with all of the characters being portrayed by male musical comedy performers. Think of it as Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent!

Christmas Belles November 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 Directed by Ellie Marquez Adult: $15, Senior: $10, Student: $10 Set in the small town of Fayro, TX, the Futrelle sisters — Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye — bring you a hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve that is guaranteed to bring joy to your world!

SantaLand Diaries December 11-13, 18-20 (six shows) Directed by Joseph Frazier Adult: $15, Senior: $10, Student: $10 The outrageous holiday comedy, written

by NPR comic genius David Sedaris, stars Crumpet, a rebel without a Clause, who Vol. 7 • No. 10

recounts the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer’s stint as a Macys’ Department Store elf. This adult theme show will add laughter and jolliness to your Christmas Season!

that he and his wife, Bertha Bumiller, are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows...but everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride!

Tobacco Road

Season Memberships

February 19-21, 26-28, March 4-6, 2016 Directed by James Johnson Adult: $15, Senior: $10, Student: $10 In a ramshackle farm in Georgia during the Great Depression, the Lester family has become squatters on their own land. With no money, fuel or seed, their future on the farm seems hopeless. Unmoved by his wife’s pleas for a new life in the city, his daughter’s misery with her lecherous new husband, or his son’s questionable love affair with a traveling female preacher, stubborn patriarch Jeeter isn’t going anywhere.

88th Season Adult: $70 Senior: $50 Student: $40

Tuna Does Vegas April 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 2016 Directed by Randy Partin Adult: $20, Senior: $15, Student: $10 Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams re-unite the lovable and eccentric characters from the “third smallest town in Texas” as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces on air

89th Season Adult: $80 Senior: $55 Student: $45

Full price $85 $60 $50

Show that you believe in LCLT with a special level of support: Platinum Patron $1,000: 10 tickets per show & program credit Gold Patron $500: 6 tickets per show & program credit Silver Patron $300: 4 tickets per show & program credit Bronze Patron $200: 2 ticket per show & program credit Copper Patron $125: 1 ticket per show & program credit Tickets and info: (337) 433-7988 or www. thelclt.com.

September 3, 2015 23

The Man From U.N.CL.E. (Warner Bros., 2015) There are actor’s movies, and there are director’s movies. Mission Impossible 5 was an actor’s movie, starring Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Is a director’s movie, starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. Who? Exactly.

Never mind them or why you would want to see a baking soda in a movie. The name you want to remember is Guy Ritchie, who directed Sherlock Holmes.

Do you remember The Man From U.N.C.L.E from televi-

24 September 3, 2015

sion? No, you probably don’t, unless you were a young girl who had a poster of David McCallum (who played Ilya Kuryaken in the TV series) on the wall. No matter. Ilya is a Russian spy, who teams up with American agent Napoleon Solo. Their challenge is to bring down a plot to create a rogue atomic bomb. (The ‘60s were great; you didn’t have to make up new ways to destroy the world.)

Guy Ritchie has put together treat for you. Get ready for fun,

because first of all, Napoleon Solo and Ilya hate each other. I mean, one is American, the other Russian and this is the Cold War. Add to this is the fact that Ilya has psychopathic anger issues and Solo is, well, a smirking smartass.

By the way, both are flawlessly played by Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) as Solo and Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as Ilya.

Of course, they’re not Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law from Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes movies, which is why the movie is getting a ho-hum from other critics. Big mistake. U.N.C.L.E is cool and sharp, with a real script that stays light but builds up tension. It moves so fast with camera cuts, ‘60s split screens and tight dialogue that viewers have

to struggle to keep up. But don’t worry; the story goes back once in a while and explains what you just saw.

Ritchie is such a good director that he can entertain you just with his style. At one point, I turned to my wife and said, “Do you realize that nothing is going on here? They’re just hanging out.” Of course, there was plenty going on. The scene was a car race for rich people, with jewelry, fashion, drinks, and conversation going on in a huge venue in the middle of the racetrack.

Our spies were undercover, but it was ridiculous, as they managed to call attention to themselves constantly. Ilya was having one of his anger meltdowns over some of the snobby guests. Meanwhile Solo was charming the ladies and being his annoying self, especially to the villainess in charge of creating the rogue atomic bomb.

Later, Ilya is fighting for his life in a speedboat chase while Solo, thrown from the boat, finds wine and a picnic dinner onshore to feast on. Some partner! As the plot piles on, Solo and Ilya somehow have to find a way to work together or the villains will win out. There are islands and submarines, British agents from MI-6, and even former Nazis sprinkled in, but director Ritchie guides you through the movie with a deft sleight of hand that is almost magical.

Best of all, you don’t have to know anything about the ‘60s or the TV series to appreciate the plot. So just sit back and enjoy this sharp, humorous, breathtaking ride through Europe as we bust through the Berlin Wall and motorcycle through the countryside around Rome.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is rated PG-13 for a scene of humorous torture. Small children will be bored and should stay home. Enjoy!

Vol. 7 • No. 10

X

The months spent with your ex are better forgotten.

You don’t even like to think about them, in fact, and you rarely discuss them. That’s all in the past now, and best that it stay that way. Or is it?

What if lessons learned from your ex back then can save the life of someone today? In the new book “X” by Sue Grafton, recovered memorabilia leads to an eXtra disturbing discovery.

Ruthie Wolinsky was at a total loss. Recently widowed when her husband was murdered under shady circumstances, Ruthie was trying hard to clean up his paperwork and get rid of junk. She’d hired someone for the latter, but the former was trickier – made more so by the strange call from the IRS, asking for receipts from15 years ago.

Private investigator Kinsey Millhone had once worked with Ruthie’s late husband and though she was no fan of Pete Wolinsky, she adored Ruthie and agreed to help. As she waded through moldering boxes in search of old Vol. 7 • No. 10

receipts, Kinsey remembered that Pete had been secretive, so she wasn’t surprised to find a hidden envelope and an odd code. Pete had obviously been working on a case that he wanted kept quiet; that intrigued Kinsey, who hated unfinished messes.

What else could she do but complete his case – especially since she’d been stiffed by a client who’d lied to her from the start? The woman said her name was Hallie Bettancourt and that she was looking for someone she’d put up for adoption years before. Bettancourt had paid in cash, but the $100 bills were counterfeit and so was her name. It hadn’t been a big job, but Kinsey wanted her money.

The code Pete had fashioned was easily broken – Kinsey’s landlord, Henry, loved doing cryptograms – but the names it yielded didn’t make sense. How could a woman long-dead be of any interest to anyone today? And how did Pete end up with a few old pictures and a Bible from a lifetime ago? Better

question: why did someone else want them enough to threaten Kinsey on her own turf?

My very first thought while reading X came to me long before I’d even reached the middle of the first chapter: there’s a lot of filler in this novel. Readers – even those starting this series from here (and that’s okay, by the way) - don’t generally need a paragraph on the ingredients in bread or on making coffee.

I point this out because the whodunits you’ll find in this latest installment from author Sue Grafton are classic Millhone, but the padding becomes a distraction after awhile. I’m sure I’m not alone

in thinking that those pages could have been more mystery and less mud to slog through.

And then again, you’ve read Grafton’s other 24 books (A through W and short stories). Can you stand to miss this one, the third-from-thepresumably-last? No… really, you know you can’t. This is the book mystery fans have been waiting for, and they may otherwise find X to be X-cellent.

“X”

by Sue Grafton ©2015, Putnam $28.95 / $34.95 Canada 403 pages September 3, 2015 25

Thursday, Sept. 3 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC David Joel 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Swagger 8 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC 3-H-G 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Swagger 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC The Flamethrowers 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

LA Express 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Dance Night 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Isis 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Ron Fruge 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Friday, Sept. 4 Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Darren Adams 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC

Logan Soileau 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC 26 September 3, 2015

Vol. 7 • No. 10

DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

LA Express 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Great Pets

Saturday, Sept. 5 Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Encore 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Sunday, Sept. 6

Swagger 5-9 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Charles Mann, Jerry Dee & Rockin’ Randy

Swagger 9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

Casey Courville 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Vol. 7 • No. 10

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Isis 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Chester & Jarius Daigle 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@Jack Daniels’ Whiskey Brunch L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC

Ellis Vanicor & The Lacassine Playboys 3-7 p.m. @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli 3906 Hwy 27, Sulphur

4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy, 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Hank Williams, Jr. 8 p.m. @ Grand Event Center

Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC (Tickets available @ Ticketmaster or GN Box Office on Show Day) Encore 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

September 3, 2015 27

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, Sept. 7 Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

Monday, Sept. 8 Guys Night @ Bourbonz

3436 Ryan St., LC

112 Broad St., LC

Jazz Night with Mickey Smith 6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC

Wednesday, Sept. 9 Chris Miller & Bayou Roots

Matt and Katie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Two for Tuesday on Everything!

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s

6:30 @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.), LC

William Christian 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Mike & Amber 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Talent Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Blue Dog Café is Coming!

By Braylin Jenkins

Step Up Our Game!

Southwest Louisiana, it is time to step up our game as individuals, families, organizations and businesses. Take charge and map out at least two new events to attend and make it a point to lend your support. We have an awesome community and the more involved we are, the more likely we will reap the benefits that come from it.

After our lovely summer full of heat and the accompanying humidity, I often remind myself to be thankful that I have access to a vehicle with air conditioning.

The heat is no joke and while I often walk, I could not imagine doing so out of necessity. The weather further expresses how imperative a sound and reliable transportation system is for Southwest Louisiana.

While it may take years to make that happen, there are small improvements that should be considered. Coverings at all bus stops to limit the amount of direct heat passengers have to endure while waiting would be a great step in the right direction. While the bus system may seem unimportant to non-riders, the expected growth our area will soon experience requires such accommodations.

28 September 3, 2015

AM PUSH 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

You have probably noticed the many new eateries opening in the area. I am excited to know that we have even more options now. This is awesome, but only if the long-established eateries continue to receive your business, so make sure you support them all!

One of the new restaurants that we will soon be swooning over is Blue Dog Café, which will be located in downtown Lake Charles just north of Ryan and Division in the former Sha Sha’s location. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is gearing up for their Wine Dinner/ Fall Benefit, which will be held there on October 15 as part of the Rouge et Blanc dining series. The benefit will feature a five-course dinner, with wines and commentary by Master of Wine D.C. Flynt.

Tickets are currently available on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact the museum at (337) 439-3797 or impmuseum@bellsouth.net.

Be sure to visit www.banners.org to view the upcoming events planned for this season.

Music Scene I have to give a shout out to music artists Jessie Taylor, Aep, Social Circle and the many talents who will participate on September 10 in our Music Artist Showcase, better known as MÁS. We are honored to have The Artist making a special performance as well. More information on upcoming MÁS events may be found at www.heybrayj.com as we get closer to those dates.

The following night, Hunter Romero, owner and founder of HR Media will present his Night of Freedom on September 11. Romero has a great lineup

planned for the evening and you can get more info by going to the HR Media page on Facebook or by searching for Night of Freedom. Saturday September 12 our friends Rootbeer & Mermentau perform in the Lake City and many are anticipating their return, making for a triple treat of music at Luna Live.

Save the Date Here are a few more dates to mark down. September 25 is Gallery Promenade 2015 hosted by the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.

Gallery Promenade is held each year in museums and galleries in our area representing the variety of art in our community. The event is growing: this year, the recently established Nellie Lutcher Cultural District will be added to the list of locations, and specialty exhibits will be featured on the U.S.S. Orleck and at ACTS Theatre.

On September 26, the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center will hold their Hurricane Awareness Day marking the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Rita and the 2005 Hurricane Season as a whole. The event will be held on the Lake Charles Civic Center grounds and will include a variety of music and events throughout the day.

I also want to give a shout out to each and every athlete in our region. No matter what you play or compete in, kudos to you. Along with football, I hope we support all of our athletics. There are many components that make our region as great as it is and our support makes it all worth it. If your sport is art, then rock it and get your family and friends on board. Make it a great one, Southwest Louisiana!

Vol. 7 • No. 10

Thursday, Sept. 10 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Backyard Boyz 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

The Tricky Dickies 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Friday, Sept. 11

AM PUSH 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Electric Circus 9 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Electric Circus 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Josephine 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Triggerproof 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC Dance Night 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Kade Fontenot 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Slim Harper 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Saturday, Sept. 12 Katie Whitney & Chip Radford 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC LA Bayou Band 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Road) LC Vol. 7 • No. 10

September 3, 2015 29

The Village People 7 p.m. @ Event Center

@ Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

(Free admission with your B Connected card!)

Special Event Night 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC Corey Lebert 9 p.m.-midnight @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC

Triggerproof 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

The Tricky Dickies

Sunday, Sept. 13

9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Chester & Jarius Daigle

9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Josephine 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ CaGe 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Electric Circus

Down Home on Dog Hill...

It seems that some of the greatest legacies in southern music all have ties to some very humble beginnings. Elvis’ Tupelo childhood is but one of the most obvious examples, but there have been such tales that stem from right here in our own community, creating music and musicians whose legacies have lasted for decades. One of these tales began long ago, right here in Lake Charles on October 23, 1930.

Born into a family of horses and honkytonks, Wilson Anthony Chavis spent his childhood riding and raising horses that found themselves running the local “bush tracks” of the area. With the musical influence of his accordion-playing father, young “Boozoo” as he would come to be called, saved up and got his own squeeze box and soon became a member of the band, sitting in with his father playing Creole music with artists such as Morris “Big” Chenier and his soon-to-be-famous nephew Clifton. He eventually started garnering some attention 30 September 3, 2015

of his own.

Some of that attention came from local accordion player Sidney Brown who was impressed enough by Boozoo’s playing that he brought word of the young man to the producer and owner of Goldband Records, Eddie Schuler. Schuler met with Chavis and, after going through a number of tunes, decided that one track, “Paper In My Shoe” was the one to end up scratched into a piece of Goldband vinyl. However, it was Schuler that decided the song needed a bit of “punch” and hired local R&B artist Classie Ballou and his band to back Chavis on the record.

This meshing of Creole and Cajun with rhythm and blues turned the old genre of “La La” music into the legacy that we now know as Zydeco.

Admittedly, “Paper In My Shoe” was not the first Zydeco record. It was beaten,

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@Jack Daniels’ Whiskey Brunch Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill 710 Ryan St., LC Ellis Vanicor & The Lacassine Playboys 3-7 p.m. @ Wayne & Layne’s Deli

ever so slightly by former collaborator Clifton Chenier by a matter of months. It was, however, the first Zydeco hit, selling an astonishing 130,000 copies upon its release in 1955, a number that would not be trumped in Zydeco music for 30 years.

With its upbeat danceability, the song resonated with dancehall patrons near and far, but also reached the ears of poor rural fans, who felt a connection to an artist singing about a man being too poor to resole his own shoes. It was lightning for both Schuler and Chenier, who became a household name in Southwest Louisiana practically overnight.

The success of his debut track would soon be waning, though, as his second release, “FortyOne Days” saw very little success compared to his first effort. This, coupled with Chavis’ apprehensions about the music industry and management left him swapping his accordion for bridles Vol. 7 • No. 10

3906 Hwy 27 S, Sulphur Kenny Spears 4 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC

Kris Harper 5-9 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

and reigns as he returned to the life of horses and racing that he’d grown up loving. Chavis became well know for his skills in the horse business and spent decades focusing on it instead of making records. Fortunately, that was ultimately destined to change.

Boozoo, That’s Who! The early ‘80s saw a resurgence of that Zydeco sound and Boozoo was ready to take up his musical reigns once again.

After a near 20-year absence from the record business Boozoo was back and bigger than ever.

With 14 full-length releases, Boozoo steamed into the ‘90s like a thoroughbred breaking out in the final stretch. Despite his fear of flying, Chavis managed to tour extensively, spanning the continental U.S. and even breaking through into Canada. The 60-plus-year-old used racy lyrics and the driving Zydeco beat to create new fans close to 50 years after his first record blazed its way across the South. To this day, you will still hear “Who Stole My Monkey” covered by all types of South Louisiana acts and people are just as likely to get up and dance to it today as they were 25 years ago.

But that light, as all such lights do, sadly burned out in May of 2001. At the age of 70, Vol. 7 • No. 10

Monday, Sept. 14 Open Mic Night 9-midnight @ Luna Live 710 Ryan St., LC

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Guys Night @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

Matt & Katie 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Dancing 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Jazz Night with Mickey Smith

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Chris Miller & Bayou Roots

6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 305, LC

6:30 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Road) LC

Boozoo was still on the road doing what he loved when the time came to hang up that Stetson cowboy hat and take his final bow. His music, however, and the impact it has had on this area and Louisiana music as a whole, is unquestionable. Even the young bucks of the new breed of Zydeco still considered it an honor to be shown up by Boozoo in the years before he passed and his own grandchildren carry on the family legacy playing their own style of Zydeco as the Dog Hill

Stompers.

The fact remains, however, that few were better at what Boozoo did than Boozoo himself. He was daring enough to do something a little different and the effects of those differences still ripple through South Louisiana today. Even a young horseman from lil’ ol Dog Hill in our tiny little town can do great big things and create not just good music, but a musical legacy that will be remembered and inspire musicians for generations to come.

Something’s Happening Here…

Monday, September 7: Boozoo’s Labor Day Festival - Lake Charles Civic Center Though he may be gone, his music lives on and there is no better example of the legacy he bears than the annual Boozoo’s Labor Day Festival. Now in its 31st year, the fest will feature great Cajun cuisine, family fun and a slew of Zydeco acts including the Chavis family legacy band, Dog Hill Stompers. The fest opens at 10am and the bands will kick things of starting at 11. For a day of food and music worthy of the great Boozoo himself, GO SEE THEM!!!!!

Oh oh bye tite fille, oh oh bye catin...

And an oh bye-bye to all you fine folk out there in Jam land! Come see me out at Boozoo’s Labor Day fest and don’t be afraid to shake your tail feathers while you are at it. I know good ol’ Boozoo would appreciate it!

Until next time.... See YOU at the show!

September 3, 2015 31

Karaoke with DJ Cornbread 7 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Mike & Amber 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., LC Brian Racca 8-11 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd., LC Lindsey Cardinale 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Karaoke with Avid Sounds 9 p.m. @ Coolers 3622 1/2 Ryan St. LC Talent Night 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 Broad St., LC

Thursday, Sept. 17 Happy Hour 4 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 6 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Willie Tee, Warren Storm & Cypress 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder AfterParty 8 p.m. – midnight @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Friday, Sept. 18 Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Mike Fulmer 7 p.m. @ Loggerheads 3748 Hwy 3059 (Old Town Road) LC Killawatts 9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC AfterParty 9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC Lindsey Cardinale 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC No Idea 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder BB & Company 9 p.m. @ Gator Lounge Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Mr. DJ 9 p.m. @ Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., LC

Lindsey Cardinale 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Rush Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Dance Night 9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC

DJ Jose Mata 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue Martini Golden Nugget Casino Resort 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St., LC 32 September 3, 2015

DJ Crush 11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Saturday, Sept. 19 Kay Miller & Aaron Horne 7 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine Bar 777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC Vol. 7 • No. 10

By Justin Morris Growing up in the shadow of a famous parent can be quite a challenge, but when that parent is the one and only Hank Williams, those shoes are even harder to fill. Hank Williams, Jr. has been a fixture in the music scene for over 40 years. At the age of 66, he’s still making music and finding his way to the stage, bringing his hits to fans across the country and beyond. We were lucky enough to get in touch with ol’ Bocephus and ask a few questions about the music industry, finding one’s musical identity and what’s new with one of the best-known “Outlaws” the country music world has ever seen.

JAM: “Your career has spanned over 50 years.

You’ve topped charts, won GRAMMYs and created music that will last and be loved by generations of country music fans to come. What has been the most gratifying part of it all and what makes you keep writing and playing today?”

HWJ: “I only do about 25 shows a year, so I am a lucky guy. I get to play when I want to and where I want to because I have some of the most loyal hardcore fans in the music business. It’s those fans that give you the drive to get out there and do what we do. When I make an album, the creative process really gets me going and sometimes, I just wake up and there is a song, or I could be driving and I have to pull over to write down a melody or lyric. So, making music and doing shows is part of fulfilling that creative process. I am actually in the studio making a new album that might come out later this year.

Just remember this one phrase, ‘You’ve Got To Dress Like An Icon!’ When you hear what I am recording, you will totally understand. Its some pretty good stuff, I must say!”

JAM: “Amongst your countless hits are songs that embody the rebel or outlaw country spirit, songs that accompanied some of our favorite sports memories, songs that we danced to in the honky-tonks or songs that we’ve hummed or sang along to driving down a country road or busy highway. How do you feel as a songwriter to have had the impact on music that you’ve had and continue to have today?”

HWJ: “As a songwriter, you write songs that come to you and move you. Sometimes those songs become hits and sometimes they don’t.

Every time you write and record a hit, you grow as an artist and writer. I have been pretty lucky to record and write some great songs.”

JAM: “And there’s no question as to whether or not you came by it honest. Music is in your blood. From your father down to your children it’s very much an established ‘family tradition,’ to say the least. How were you able to find your own sound and how did that process help you in encouraging your children to do the same?”

HWJ: “Well, like you said, it’s a family tradition! Daddy was the original rock star in the family where artists of all genres looked up to him for his writing and singing. It was very hard after he died, because everyone looked at me like was supposed to fill his shoes and be just like him. Mother put me on stage at 8 years old singing Daddy’s songs and as I grew older, I realized I needed to do something different. Now as my son and daughter are making their own way in the business, they have create their own sound and identity like I did. Holly performs amazingly acoustic while Shelton goes a bit edgier, but remember, he did all Daddy’s stuff early on, too. Music tells a story and in every song I write, I hope there is something in it that connects with the fans. If that happens, then the music did what it was supposed to do.”

JAM: “So, our humble little corner of the state makes for a really unique musical culture influenced by both the deep Acadiana Cajun and Creole sound and the unquestionable presence of good ol’ Texas country. Having been born in Shreveport, did that native soil have a chance to give you a real connection to that Louisiana music and culture and what lasting effects do you think those two types of music have had on each other?”

Vol. 7 • No. 10

HWJ: “Well, you know I was born in Shreveport, but have lived in a few places since that time. I have lots of friends in Louisiana and come back whenever I can, whether to go to a Saints game or to go alligator hunting with my friends. Louisiana is a place where all walks of life come together and I think that really shows in the music. It’s truly a unique blend of sounds.

The great thing about Louisiana is when in need we use our music to come together and that is what happened 10 years ago.”

JAM: “Now, having been a part of this crazy industry that is the music biz for as long as you have, I’m sure you’ve seen the greatest and the worst of what it can be. How do you think it has changed, for the better or the worse, and what affect do think those changes had on the product over the years?”

HWJ: “All music cycles; some love traditional country music while some like the new sound of country music. You know, country music has always had its variety of ‘country music’. In the ‘80s, you had Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker Band, and myself that was considered ‘rocking country’ and now they refer it as ‘outlaw country’ and at the same time artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were having great success on the country and pop charts. It’s all relative to the times.”

JAM: “So what’s new for you these days? I know hunting and fishing both take a high priority, but what else is on the burner that we can look forward to?”

HWJ: “Well, the next album is done! It’s one of the best albums I have ever recorded. As an artist, we always typically think our last project is the best, but I can truly tell you that this album ranks right up there on that list of best albums that Bocephus has ever made. It has some typical Hank Jr. songs on it, some that I have written and others that were pitched to the label for me to record. I think it’s coming out in January and there are a few surprise guests on this album.”

Even though his touring schedule isn’t as aggressive as it used to be, Hank is making his way to the Lake City with a show at Golden Nugget on Sunday, September 6 and he tells us that he wants “all his rowdy friends” to come on out and party with him. With music history running through his veins, it’s hard to imagine that it would be anything less than a night to remember for any of you Bocephus fans. This country boy can and has survived and I’m sure you be anything but disappointed when you get your chance to see the man himself in action.

September 3, 2015 33

IOWA LIBRARY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR It was an artsy day to be sure in good ol’ Iowa! The Iowa Library Arts and Crafts Fair not only hosted plenty of locally made arts and crafts but also bagpipe players, pony rides and all kinds of entertainment. The locals found all sorts of ways to enjoy themselves on a lovely Saturday afternoon while raising money for the local library. See you guys next year!

Frank McDonald

Gavin Kittrell and Toni Alexander

Ralph Richard and John Chaumont

Big Dave Fare and Correze Ford

Rex Alexander

LC CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IMAGINATION CELEBRATION Mobsters, bootleggers, flappers and more took over the Lake Charles Civic Center in style for this year’s edition of the “Imagination Celebration.” The annual event featured food from scores of local vendors, a live auction hosted by famed auctioneer Hal McMillian, a karaoke contest featuring local celebs and endless wit from emcee Phil de Albuquerque. All of the proceeds benefit Lake Charles’ beloved Children’s Museum and was way too fun to only happen once a year!

David and Kelly Sickey with Mayor Randy Roach

Larry Smith and Dori Bell 34 September 3, 2015

Braylin Jenkins and Alyssa Laughlin

Steve and Wendy Tortorello, Rita Laborde and Hope Snider

Janekia Brooks, Latoya Duplechin, Mary Adams, Kirstie Smith, Hope Holland, Lela Belton and Bruce Broussard Vol. 7 • No. 10

SEVEN SLOT SOCIETY HONORS TROOPER VINCENT A somber tale turned into a day of fun, hope and goodwill as the community rallied together to honor fallen Louisiana State Trooper Steven Vincent. Local Jeep enthusiasts the Seven Slot Society arranged an event at Arcade Pavilion that brought in droves of supporters with food, family fun and an all-star musical lineup. Both financial and emotional support poured out from the community that mourns his loss. It was touching and triumphant and my hat is off to all of the kind-hearted folk who worked so hard to make it happen!

Tina and Jaimie Boudreaux with Myron and Ronda Maynard

Brigette Rose and David Kaye

Empriss, Byron and Byron Lewis Jr.

Stephen Winkles and Paul Theriot

Heidi and Jolie Leblanc with Hannah and Aliva McGee

SAX IN THE CITY An evening of dinner and fine music awaited everyone at the monthly “Sax In The City” at Chateau De Calcasieu this past weekend. The concert features local musician and educator, GRAMMY nominee Mickey Smith and a band of extremely talented musicians playing jazz and other sundry types of great music. The event also has its own cause, gathering donated instruments to be refurbished and distributed to local students wanting to make some music of their own through a great organization known as Music Makers2U. The music series continues every last Sunday through the end of November. Don’t miss the next one!

Cynthia Weeks, Melanie Alexander and Nichelle Smith

Mickey and Eugenia Smith Vol. 7 • No. 10

Nomica and Eligha Guillory

Holt and Brenda Comeaux

David Billodeau, Nicole Lanthier and Christian Anderson September 3, 2015 35