September 12, 2013 • Volume 1 • Issue 7 COVER STORY 8 Lake Charles Memorial’s Foundation for Fairplay 715 Kirby St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262
www.louisianajam.com PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque phil@louisianajam.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@louisianajam.com
GENERAL MANAGER Monica Hebert monica@louisianajam.com
CONTRIBUTORS George Cline Julie Fay Monica Hebert Terry Holden Braylin Jenkins
Mike McHugh Roger Miller Jody Taylor Karla Tullos David Yantis
ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER Senaida Ortiz SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack • Gaye Courville sales@louisianajam.com
GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Burn Rourk ART ASSISTANT Sarah Bercier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Danley Romero BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Jeanie Taggart
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REGULARS 5 Huntin’ Tales 6 The Dang Yankee 7 Tips from Tip 7 Adoption Corner 10 Stir Dat Pot THE SPICE OF SWLA 4 Cowboy Heroes: Coach Matt Viator 12 Restaurant Guide 14 Events Guide 16 Lake City Beat 17 Classic Car Show 18 Arts & Culture Guide 18 HeART of SWLA 20 Music Guide 22 Dharma 23 Funbolaya 25 Acting Up 26 Society Spice
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On Cover: LCCMH’s Foundation for Fairplay’s Second Annual Moonlight Cruise
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Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by Louisiana Jamcolumnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Louisiana Jam, its editors or staff. Louisiana Jam 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. Louisiana Jam 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 2013 Louisiana Jam all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Volume 1 • Issue 7
A Note From Lauren Die Hard with a Lethal Weapon Part 4 We all have our favorite movies. Movies that are like old friends. We’ve seen them so many times and we never get tired of them. And with the beauty of On Demand and Cable and Netflix and what have you, we can basically see them whenever we want. What a luxury. What did we do in the old days? Well, we just went to the movie theater, savored what we saw, and maybe years later it would end up on Friday Night at the Movies. Going to the movies was so exciting, especially as a child. I was transported to another world for a couple of hours, with the smell of hot buttered popcorn wafting around me. I remember seeing How the West Was Won in Cinerama. A lot of you don’t even know what that is. Think of it as early 1960s 3-D. Because of that, it still remains one of my favorite films. My cousin Karen took me
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to see all the early Elvis movies: Girls Girls Girls, Blue Hawaii, Kissin’ Cousins, Fun in Acapulco. Karen is six years older than me and I felt really grownup to be sitting in a movie theater with her and her friends, with their teased hair and pedal pushers. Every time they showed a close-up of Elvis, all the girls would swoon. So I did, too. My dad and I saw all the James Bond films. Just the two of us. My mother wasn’t interested. Years later, she was shocked to find out about this, as if it were a secret. “You were only eight years old!” she said. “What was your father thinking?” He was thinking of all those sexy Bond girls—that’s what he was thinking. When I was in high school, all the neighborhood kids would pile into the DeMatteo’s station wagon (they had five kids) and we’d see movies like Jaws and The French Connection. Our entire family went en masse to see The Godfather and my mother was a nervous wreck because there was a brief scene
with a topless woman (Michael Corleone’s wife, who gets blown up). She “warned” me about it beforehand. She wasn’t concerned about the non-stop bloody carnage on the screen, just the topless scene. Sigh. I remember waiting in line for an hour to see The Exorcist and Love Story. I remember staying up late as a child to watch the Academy Awards and sighing over the gowns and jewelry. I remember the scandal over Barbra Streisand’s seethrough pantsuit. I remember Marlon Brando’s boycott of the Oscars the year he won for The Godfather, when he had a Native American activist come to the podium and denounce the Academy for the way Native Americans were portrayed in movies. Those were the days. I never go to the movies any more. It’s mostly because my husband falls asleep as soon as the lights dim, but also because there’s no big rush to see something that I’ll be able to view in the comfort of my own
home very soon. There are so many movies that I can see over and over again. Out of Africa. The Color Purple. Titanic. The Godfather, Part 1 and 2 (3 is a joke). The airplane scene in Bridesmaids. Conan The Barbarian. Don’t laugh. I can’t stand Arnold Schwarzenegger and I usually don’t like those types of films, but I love this movie. I don’t know why. There’s a whole list of them, but you get the idea. Phil has his favorite movies, too. All the Die Hard and all the Lethal Weapon movies. And those 48 Hours movies—there’s more than one, right? He loves them all and knows most of the scenes by heart. And he watches them with rapt attention, as if he’s seeing them for the first time. He’ll still get excited when a plane explodes or someone gets killed. “Watch this!” he’ll say happily. No, thanks. Almost every night in Cable Land, you can find one of these movies. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home late to find Phil sound asleep with Lethal
Weapon Part 10 on. He’s snoring happily while guns are blasting and people are getting killed. The other night I came home, and sure enough, he had fallen asleep to one of his favorites. I looked at the now-familiar scene on the screen: something to do with Bruce Willis and an airplane and police. I started getting ready for bed. But something wasn’t quite right. I went back to the TV— and realized what it was. I shook him awake. “You’re watching Die Hard again,” I stated. “Yup,” he replied. “It’s in Spanish,” I pointed out. He hesitated for a moment. “It really doesn’t matter,” he answered, and went back to sleep. I didn’t think so.
Lauren de Albuquerque
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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Coach Matt Viator In this series of Jam articles, we will introduce you, the fan, to some of the truly outstanding individuals who comprise the McNeese State Cowboys. And there is no better place to begin than at the top, with Head Coach Matt Viator. Born September 3, 1963, Viator graduated from McNeese State University and has chosen to ground his career in the Imperial Calcasieu area, first as an assistant at Sam Houston High (1986-88), then as head coach in Vinton (19891990). In Jennings (19911994), he won a state championship and was named Louisiana Coach of the Year in 1992. He went on to Sulphur (1995-1998, Louisiana Coach of the Year in 1998) and finally became first an assistant at MSU, then the head coach (2006 to present). He was elevated to head coach four games into the 2006 season after the firing of Tommy Tate. And if all those positions and accolades were not enough, consider this: Viator has earned numerous coaching honors including two SLC coach of the year awards. He has also been a finalist for the national Eddie Robinson Award twice. Viator claimed his first collegiate coaching victory in his very first game as head coach when the Cowboys posted a 30-27 win over Southern Utah in 2006. His 50th win came in exciting fashion as the Cowboys defeated conference foe Stephen F. Austin 35-24 on Homecoming night last Oct. 27. Through the first two games of the 2013 season, Viator has compiled an overall record of 54 wins and 24 losses. Now, his team is ranked in the CBS Poll for all college football teams in America, large and small at all levels. If his team wins Saturday night at home, he PAGE 4
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will be above the 70 percent mark, tall cotton for any football coach. The 14th head coach in McNeese history, his 6-2 rookie record includes a 5-1 mark in league play, with the team winning the final five league games of the year. As the winningest active coach in the league, Viator will carry a 52-24 overall record and a 35-13 league mark into the upcoming season. Programs in the Southland Conference must “play up” and face opponents such as South Florida and LSU to help their programs financially, as well as improve their teams for late season competition. The nearly 70 percent winning percentage Coach Viator has compiled is remarkable.
His 2007 team was the fourth in school history to go undefeated and untied in the regular season. Three of his teams (2006, 2007, and 2009) have won the Southland Championship. His teams have been ranked in the FCS top 25 polls five of the last seven years. During his tenure, Cowboy offenses have led the SLC in scoring five times and set school records in 2008 in total offense per game, passing offense and scoring average per game. In this day of head coach exits like Bobby Petrino and Chip Kelly (not to mention Nick Saban) and trade-ups to the ranks of the pros, what keeps a winner like Matt Viator in Lake Charles? One might assume the “force” (of Southwest Louisiana) is strong with this one. [Apolo-
gies to George Lucas and the Star Wars movies]. That assumption might not be so far from the truth. First of all, he is a legacy. His late father is in the McNeese Hall of Fame, a factor that would swell almost any man’s chest with pride. This is his program to complete, to continue toward greatness, and, if possible, to reach the pinnacle. Secondly, he has stayed near home during his entire career. This brings about two distinct differences from “trade-up” coaches. First, his career connections are
strong in the region. A call from Coach Viator showing interest in a young man means a lot to Louisiana coaches. The second difference is his deep knowledge of Louisiana talent. Both Nick Saban, when he was at LSU, and Les Miles, their current coach, marvel at the talent in this region. Finally, he is a family man. Privacy will be protected by this publication, but Coach Viator realizes as so many of do, that Southwest Louisiana is a pretty great place to live and raise a family.
Volume 1 • Issue 7
By Roger Miller
Teal Season “Hunters! Hunters! Hunters! Do you know what season it is?” asked the camel-colored Golden Retriever who then barked out. “It’s teal season! Woof! Woof! Woof!” Many of you spent the weekend in the swamps, rivers, marshes, or rice fields prepping your blinds. Some of you spent your weekend sweltering in the Louisiana sauna, honing your aim at the frustratingly elusive doves. Since this article comes out on September 12, what we all need is a cool front for two reasons: one, to aid in dove and teal migrations; two, to turn the thermostat down a notch above terminal sauna for hunters and their dogs. So, water fowlers, here’s your prep list!
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• Shotgun cleaned and oiled • Shells purchased • License and stamps purchased • Boots checked for leaks and spiders • Outboard, mud boat, go-devil or threewheeler tuned, greased, gassed, and oiled • Decoys restrung, weighted and bagged • Bottled water for the dogs and hunters • Fresh batteries in your Robeaux-Duck, remotes, and flashlights. • Life preservers checked • Mosquito repellant • Dog treats and retrieving rocks for dogs (Hartz Mountain Jerky Treats are good for humans too and come Ray Thibodeau recommended). • Dog leash
• Swivel-seated shell buckets cleaned out and restocked • First-aid kit • Loan from bank • Check the number of days left of your sick leave • For those of you fortunate enough to have a camp or lodge-- another bank loan • Check pre-nup for abandonment clause in relation to hunting seasons My best teal season hunts have taken place at my family’s rice farm south of Lacassine, Jimmy Bel’s Hackberry Hilton, and blind #6 at Lacoste Lodge. When my Golden Retriever Prez “the wonder dog” was six months old, I took him on his first hunt. There were to be six of us located around the roseaux cane island behind blind # 6. All those people and Glen Bergeron’s huge yellow Lab Beaux made Prez nervous, so he leaned into me, his head on my knee, during the boat ride out. We walked the 300 yards of hard-bottomed marsh and set up around the island about 15 minutes before shooting time. It didn’t take my pup long to go from tentative to frolic during the moonlit trek there. It was retriever heaven with the water only about a foot or so deep and
a bottom just made for retrievers running wide open. We threw out a dozen decoys on the east and west side of the isle. The mostly fresh water pond is about 20 acres with the island smack dab in the middle. Having scouted the island while preparing the marsh and blinds prior to teal season, we knew there were hundreds of birds in that area. Thus, the dove shoot for teal. I no sooner sat my butt down on my swivel seat shell bucket than I got “the look” from Prez. My frolicking canine puppy, who had never been hunting and only occasionally shot around when training, was dead serious, his eyes scanning the marsh for teal in the dim dawn. And then there they were, cascading, sailing, and lighting around us. Hundreds of them everywhere. It was like being in the center of a teal tornado. Sounding more like an assault on the teal, shots bam-boomed in a veritable cacophony of shooting. Teal swirled and guns whirled to greet them and fowl tumbled from the sky. There was no lull. Thirty-three minutes and 24 teal later, it stopped. I had unhooked Prez from the leash and said, “fetch” on the first bird I
shot. He didn’t come back at first, just held the bird in his mouth. I hadn’t trained him to retrieve beyond doubles on birds. He watched the more experienced Beaux having so much fun picking up, bringing back, and dropping birds, only to take back off to fetch in the seeming continuous barrage of shots and fowl. Prez, having learned from Beaux, hurried back and dropped the bird at my feet. “Oh, Hell Yeah!” he barked out and leapt off to fetch. And he did. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and then the tenth. With puppy exuberance he leapt out again only to halt in mid-retrieve. The only birds left on the water were the decoys. He glanced back at me and then did a 360 turn and then a 180 and looked to me for assistance. I just laughed. Then Prez sought guidance from the exuberant pack of hunters who were making more racket than a kennel full of Labs with a female in heat leashed up outside the fence. No help there, so he ambled back, sat at my feet and gazed up with such pure joy I had to tear up. Such an epiphany should always be shared. Now I have.
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My Crab’s Bigger One thing that Louisiana has in common with my home state of Maryland is the love of seafood. It’s one of several things, actually, another being the number of politicians doing time. Crabs are by far the most popular seafood item in Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay produces blue crabs—the same ones that inhabit the waters here. The problem in Maryland is that the demand for crabs far outstrips the Bay’s ability to supply. This has led to a Crab Crisis up there, with lines at the seafood houses extending longer than that for returns at the menswear department after Father’s Day. Louisiana, by contrast, has extensive crab reserves, and so the state exports bushels upon bushels of the “blue gold” in order to satisfy Marylanders’ insatiable appetite for the crustacean. This has not gone unnoticed by the politicians up there, many of who have begun clamoring for Maryland to develop a plan for “crab independence.” I’m not sure that’s re-
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ally necessary, as I see little chance of Louisiana declaring a crab embargo. (The state could disrupt world affairs more effectively with a reality show embargo if that were its aim.) Further, I’m not even sure how Maryland would go about becoming crab independent. Its reserves are nearly exhausted as a result of so many crab-guzzling entrees on the menus. The only way I see to do it would be through rationing. For example, they might only allow you to order crab soup if your sign is Cancer. That would be a very bad deal for the Scorpios, but then, they’re only one-twelfth of the electorate. In the meantime, my old friends in Maryland continue to devour their crabs, despite soaring prices at the stands, with a bushel now running about the equivalent of an Ivy League education. I say all of this because it puzzles me why, when I return there for visits, my friends and family insist on ordering crabs strictly for my benefit. They do not realize that this is the
equivalent of my visiting Japan and being taken to eat at a McDonald’s, where I doubt there’s any “Big” in “Mac,” yet you’ll pay about what you would for a prime rib stateside. It was par for the course on my recent trip North, my sister having made plans to pick up crabs on our first day there. “Don’t do it on my account,” I said to her. “I just had crabs at home few weeks ago. The suckers were so big that one could have crushed a car with its claw.” “Come on,” my sister chided. “Well, a Ford Focus, at least,” I answered. “Yeah, well, down there, you boil them. It’s not the same.” That much is true. In Maryland, crabs are always steamed. I believe it’s a state law that they can’t touch liquid water at any point in the cooking process. The British, who seem to boil everything, should enact such a law with regard to bread. So, steamed crabs it was. I watched as my kinfolk happily took their mallets to the little buggers, some of which looked like they couldn’t hold their own in a fight with a crawfish. “Don’t say anything,” I thought to myself. Many a family has been split over lesser things than crab envy. Volume 1 • Issue 7
and it becomes a matter of who rather than how much. I make it a point to allow for the school kids’ requests. I hate that they have to ask, but refusing these youngsters is as hard on me as it is on them.
STUDENT FUNDRAISING With the school year well underway, we can expect to be solicited by students seeking funds for school projects. It is unfortunate that children have to come up with the money for so many endeavors that one would think would be covered. Like so many other solicitations, the number of requests gets burdensome. Corporations and businesses in general budget for a certain amount to be spent each year. As private individuals, we want to help to the best of our abilities, but we must also use some discipline in our budgeting. We have made it a practice to predetermine what amount we should give when requested for funds. With a guideline established, the amount of strain is greatly reduced
GALLERY PROMENADE Later this month, we will again be treated to the Arts Council of SWLA’s Gallery Promenade, open to the public, family friendly and gratis. This event, held primarily in the downtown area but also at McNeese State University, Sulphur and Moss Bluff galleries, will feature various forms of artwork. From 5 until 9 p.m., on Friday, September 27, there will be interesting exhibits, artists and displays that showcase our local art scene. Art awareness has been growing by leaps and bounds in Southwest Louisiana and this is a prime opportunity to visit some of our galleries. Many sites will serve complementary refreshments and have special promotions. Mark your calendar for an enjoyable and culturally rewarding Friday night.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Birthday parties were a large part of our lives growing up. Whether they were held at home, or at Mr. Gatti’s, Chuck E Cheese or wherever, it was something to look forward to and remember. Birthday get-togethers as we age tend to be a more structured event. A group of our friends has unofficially established a custom of letting the aged one choose a restaurant location where the gang assembles. Customarily, each of us brings a bottle of a wine (or something else, but no biggie required or desired) for the honoree. The point is to have a good time and an enjoyable meal with good friends without the hassle or clean-up of cooking. Our group looks forward to the next member’s birthday, just like we did in our youth. Works out really well for us—and it may work for your gang of friends as well. As I am out of town for the deadline on my column, I do not have a shopping survey for you for this issue. As requested by a faithful reader, we shall, on occasion, survey some of the other supermarkets in the greater Lake Charles area. As always, your feedback is appreciated and solicited.
Featured by LaPAW Rescue
OMG! What a cutie! Benny was left outside tied to my fence with his bowls and toys left in the mailbox. His rabies tag is from Lafayette. What despicable people to abandon Volume 1 • Issue 7
a pet. This sweet boy will make some family very happy. Luckily, this little guy has never missed his human family. Super confident and always happy, he is great with other dogs and loves to annoy cats. This is one boy that won’t last long—he will be a wonderful family dog. He would prefer a fenced yard and at least one child. Having another
doggie friend to keep him company while his children are in school would be nice. This boy is sure to make you smile. Call or email us at (337) 478-7294 or lapaw@bellsouth.net for more information. Hurry, Benny is waiting! Love dogs and cats but can’t adopt? Consider fostering. There is no joy like saving a life and there are so many to be saved. Email us for more info! SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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By Lauren de Albuquerque Now that autumn is almost here, everyone is talking about football, football, football! Area high schools have plunged into a great season. It’s a glorious time of year! But with sports come injuries. And that’s where Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Foundation for Fairplay Fund comes in. The Foundation for Fairplay Fund, or F3 Foundation, was initiated as a means to establish a level playing field for high schools in Calcasieu and surrounding Parishes. The majority of the funds are used to assist underfunded athletic programs in the procurement of equipment that will assist in injury prevention. “Dr. Brett Cascio approached me about starting a foundation that would raise funds on a grant basis to enable the underfunded and/or undeserved schools to purchase
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equipment that would prevent injuries, such as head concussions and knee injuries, the most common injuries he sees,” said board member Leif Pedersen, VP of Philanthropy at Memorial Hospital. “Through the process of designing the guidelines/standards for school athletic programs on concussion awareness, Dr. Cascio came to the realization that many of our area high schools are severely lacking in financial support due to school, Parish and State cutbacks and, in many cases, almost non-existent booster organization support,” Pedersen continued. “The booster clubs can make a strong impact on additional funding, but they must be aggressively active and in an area where business and corporate support is feasible. That is not necessarily the case for several of our area schools.” Along with Dr. Cascio and community leader John Condos, they decided the best approach would be to establish a fund
Dr. Brett Cascio, John Condos and Leif Pedersen under the umbrella of The Committee has committed to fund the remaining four Foundation at LCMH years of the five-year grant. rather than a separate “All schools must comfoundation. “That way, all of the recording and reporting infrastructure would already be in place,” Pedersen continued. “We then set out to create an Advisory Board that would be made of up community leaders from all professional fields--a committee we now have in place and the same group who helped raise over $100,000 in Darryl and Karen Drewitt the first six plete a grant request that months of the Fund.” complies with the grant Pedersen said that The guidelines and is signed by Foundation at LCMH, along with the Foundation the coach, athletic director, and principal,” said Karen for Fairplay Advisory
Drewitt, Vice President of Iberia Bank and Chairman of the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. The Advisory Board has raised over $115,000 to support all Calcasieu Parish Schools who qualify for grantstructured aide. Over $70,000 has already been awarded through this written grant process benefitting more than ten schools. “Payments of cash are not awarded to the grant recipients; the equipment requested via the grant process is given to the Foundation which then donates the equipment to the athletic departments who have completed the grant requests,” she said. “The Volume 1 • Issue 7
Dr. Brett Cascio and Memorial Hospital Larry Graham Foundation deals with the finest athletic vendors, such as Ridell Sports, to obtain the best equipment and best pricing by ‘group purchasing.’ Starting this summer, grants will now be awarded with a $2,500 cap per request and matched up to an additional $2,500 from booster organizations.” Dr. Brett Cascio’s enthusiasm for what the Foundation has achieved is infectious. “We are more successful than what we had hoped,” he said. “It was just an idea, and Leif had the mechanism to make it happen. Everyone has been very generous.”
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Dr. Cascio points out the ever-increasing need for good safety equipment for student athletes. “There are so many more contact hours now than in the past. Nowadays, kids can be on two or three traveling teams. This increases the likelihood of injuries. So does shoddy equipment.”
More than Safety Equipment
The Foundation does more than fund safety equipment. It has financed the ACL Prevention Program in local high schools for female athletes. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a band
of tissue, which acts as the primary stabilizer of the knee. ACL tears can be a season-ending injury to athletes and commonly occurs in sports involving cutting and jumping, such as soccer and basketball. The rate of injury is much higher among female athletes. “It’s a computer system that CEO we bring to the schools,” Dr. Cascio said. “Among other things, it teaches the girls how to jump and to land correctly. We start with the athletes in their freshman year and come back every year to reinforce it.” Also, a new endowed fund is being incorporated to assist student athletes with scholarship opportunities as well, where applicable. “With the scholarship fund, we want to make a difference in the lives of kids who otherwise may not have been able to further their education,” Dr. Cascio said. “If we can help them, we hope that some day, they will be able to
give it back.” “I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results thus far,” said Pedersen. “Our second Moonlight Jazz Cruise should raise at least $30,000 in a two ½ hour event, and that’s the kind of support we are seeing. And, we will hold a truly unique event in the spring
that may raise $50,000 to $75,000 in one evening-but more on that later!” For further information regarding the Foundation for Fairplay Fund, please contact the Foundation at LCMH, (337) 4943226.
Second Annual Moonlight Jazz Cruise Funds for the Foundation for Fairplay are raised through events such as the annual Moonlight Jazz Cruise on The Lady of the Lake yacht. The 2013 event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19. The yacht will be docked at L’Auberge Casino Resort and will be ready for boarding at 6:30 p.m. with departure at 7 p.m. It will return to the L’Auberge dock at 9:30 p.m. There will be premium mixed drinks, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and outstanding live auction items. For ticket information, contact Leif Pedersen, Senior V.P. of Philanthropy at (337) 494-3226. All donations made to the Foundation for Fairplay Fund or The Foundation at LCMH are tax-deductible as prescribed by law. Foundation for Fairplay Board Members Bill Belcher Brett Cascio, M.D. John Condos George Jordan Stephen Liles Lee Mallette
Mickey Moss Leif Pedersen Patricia Prebula Ran Prince Charles Whitson Richard Wilson
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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By David Yantis
Gator Time
Well it's September and we all know what that means: school is back in session, college and pro football kick off their seasons, and of course, there was that last big barbecue on Labor Day. Here in the Great State of Louisiana, it also means two other things: gator and teal season. Let's talk about gator season for now. It opens up this week and the local hunters couldn't be more excited. I was talking with my friend Monty "Gator" Pearce and he told me they expect some real big ones this season. Earlier this year, a group went out to scout and collect eggs and bring them to a co-op so they can somewhat control the gator population. As we all learned back in school, the grown gators will eat the young. PAGE 10
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It's just the way it is. I guess there aren't a lot of Mother's Day cards handed out in the marsh. I asked Monty how he was preparing and he more or less told me he knows where the gators are right now, so he and the other hunters will go out the night before and stake out the bait. The bait hangs above the water on bamboo poles. The higher out of the water, the bigger the gator, if they're out there. “Your average gator can jump about half its body length out of the water,” Monty said. Think about that next time you're dangling fish scraps off a wharf at a gator. If its tail is resting on the bottom-look out. They can launch out at you. This is my way of telling you to leave the gator hunting to the pros,
like Monty. After the gator has been hooked, the hunters will slowly pull the line and the gator, with the hook inside him, or her, has really no choice but to follow. Once close enough, the gator will be shot, once, in the "soft spot." If you shoot it more than once you're just going to make it mad. That's when they start rolling and thrashing about, dangerous stuff. So you want a good steady hand on the gun. After all that, the gator is hauled in the boat and tagged; then, it's off to look for the next bait line.
Alligator Meatballs I'm usually lucky enough to get some alligator meat. One of my favorite things to make are my soon-to-be-famous Alligator Meatballs. My
guests love them.
What You’ll Need 1 1/2 pounds alligator meat (cleaned) 1 cup vegetable oil 4 stalks celery 2 good-sized onions 1 bunch green onion 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 cup parsley 2 pounds mashed potatoes 6-8 eggs 1 ounce black pepper 2 ounces salt 3 ounces of your favorite Cajun seasoning 2 pounds of seasoned bread crumbs Plenty of oil for frying
meat, onions, celery, parsley, green onion and garlic together. Cook in the vegetable oil for about 5-6 minutes and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the mashed potatoes and eggs, as well as all the seasonings. Mix well, let chill, shape into balls, and roll in the bread crumbs and fry. Let cool for a bit and enjoy with my Jalapeno Tartar Sauce. We'll save that recipe for another day! Enjoy!! And don't forget to Stir Dat Pot!!
What You’ll Do Grind the alligator
Volume 1 • Issue 7
American/ Family Cracker Barrel 249 S. Cities Service Hwy., Sulphur 337-626-9500 O’Charley’s 1780 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-478-9927 Ryan’s Family Restaurant 4501 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-477-2707
Asian Asia at L’Auberge 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles 337-395-7777 Osaka Japanese Steakhouse 3035 Gertsner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles 337-990-5478 Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse 2610 Dillard Loop Lake Charles 337-478-2888 Fuji Japanese Steakhouse 3241 E. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-480-3788 Miyako Japanese Restaurant 915 E. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-1600 Peking Garden 2433 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-3597 Pho Tien 4415 Nelson Road Lake Charles 337-477-8557 China Taste 1415 Beglis Pkwy. Sulphur 337-527-5985 Yank Sing 4626 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles 337-477-9004 PAGE 12
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Bakery & Desserts
Cajun & Southern
Cypi’s Cake Box 520 McNeese St. Lake Charles 337-478-0269
Richard's Boudin and Seafood Mart 2250 E. Napoleon Sulphur 337-625-2030
Pronia’s 3101 Kirkman St. Lake Charles 337-478-0785 Sweets and Treats 411 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-437-3913
Barbecue Dan’s BBQ Express 2635 Country Club Rd. Lake Charles 337-478-5858 Famous Foods 1475 Gerstner Memorial Dr., Lake Charles 337-439-7000 Bar-B-Que Pit Stop 2400 A. Westwood Rd. Westlake 337-433-7818
Breakfast
The Sausage Link 2400 E. Napoleon St. Sulphur 337-625-2030 LeBleu's Landing and Sausage Link Specialty Meats 202 Henning Dr. Sulphur 337-528-6900 B&O Kitchen & Grocery 3011 E. Burton St. Sulphur 337-625-4637 Boiling Point 1730 S. Beglis Pkwy. Sulphur 337-625-9282 Boudin King 906 West Division St. Jennings 337-824-6593
Le Peep Café 337-240-8497
Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen 1709 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-527-0062
Pitt Grill 606 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-564-6724
Rabideaux’s Sausage Kitchen 105 US 165, Iowa 337-582-3184
Pitt Grill 2600 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-527-0648
Southern Spice 3901 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-474-6065
3800 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Waffle House 2488 S. Cities Service Hwy., Sulphur 337-626-8111
Burgers
Walker’s Cajun Dining 603 Holiday Dr., Jennings 337-616-0766
Cotton’s Famous Hamburgers 2001 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles 337-477-9759
Italian
Five Guys Burgers & Fries 2950 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-721-1903 Novrozsky’s Hamburgers 2706 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-527-0041
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta 1601 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-528-2560
121 Artisan Bistro 121 DeBakey Dr. Lake Charles 337-310-7499
Romano’s 731 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-491-1847 Volume 1 • Issue 7
Mediterranean Zeus Greek & Lebanese Café 409 W. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles 337-439-7099 Mazen’s 217 W. College St. Lake Charles 337-477-8207
Mexican Agave Tamale 521 Alamo St. Lake Charles 337-433-4192 Agave Tamale 1614 Sampson St. Westlake 337-429-2987
3624 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-502-5131
Pizza Cici’s Pizza 3533 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-562-2223
Roly Poly 3100 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-433-3130
Gatti’s Pizza 1811 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-527-0318
Roly Poly 4423 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles 337-474-3332
Gatti’s Pizza 3522 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-474-6225 Papa John’s Pizza 1415 Beglis Pkwy. Sulphur 337-528-7272
El Tapatio 2624 Gerstner Memorial Dr. Lake Charles 337-475-9022
Papa John’s Pizza 650 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles 337-474-7272
El Tapatio Dos 808 Sampson St. Westlake 337-721-7685
Rotolo’s Pizzeria 4201 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles 337-478-1996
Rosita’s 2401 Napoleon St. Sulphur 337-533-9077
Sandwiches, Soups & Salads
Casa Manana 2510 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-433-4112 Cancun Mexican Restaurant 4001 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-477-6802
Roly Poly 2241 Maplewood Dr. Sulphur 337-625-5555
Nina P’s Café 600 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles 337-479-2201 Pappy’s Deli 2627 Ryan St. Lake Charles 337-436-2813
Steamboat Bill’s 732 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. Lake Charles 337-494-1700 Boiling Point 1730 Beglis Pkwy. Sulphur 337-625-9282
Steaks Big Sky Steakhouse Coushatta Casino 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder 800-584-7263 The Harlequin 501 W. College St. Lake Charles 337-439-2780
Seafood Granger’s Seafood Restaurant 2636 Hwy. 3059 Lake Charles 337-433-9130 Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse 508 Hawkeye Ave. Lake Arthur 337-774-1504 Seafood Palace 2218 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles 337-433-9293 Kenny’s Katfish Kabin 1577 W. Fourth St. Dequincy 337-786-5562 Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake 1004 N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Charles 337-494-1070
La Rumba Mexican Grill & Cantina 1804 Ruth St., Sulphur 337-287-4846 Coyote Blues Fresh Mexican Grill
Volume 1 • Issue 7
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
PAGE 13
LC Little Theater’s On With the Show Through Sept. 22
Sept 14 – Lake Charles Black Rodeo Sept 21 – Midnight Fantasy Car Show Sept 26 – Home Health Harvest Fest Sept 27 - 29 – LC Symphony Oct 1 – New Life Counsel Banquet Oct 5-6 - Shrine Circus Oct 17 - Women’s Commission Conference Oct 18-19 - LC Symphony Oct 25 - Unitech Graduation Oct 26 – Cultural Festival Oct 26 – Arts Festival Oct 31 – Harvest Festival (Recreation & Parks Dept) Oct 29-31 – Chamber Theatre (tentative) Nov 1 – Chamber Theatre (tentative) Nov 9 – Patriot’s Ball Nov 10 - Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre Prod.) Nov 11-12 – Sesame Street Nov 13 – Melody House Nov 14-17 – Film Festival Nov 16-17 – Don Rich Gun Show Nov 19 - 21 - Super Science Circus (only 1 of the 3 days, not confirmed which day) Nov 21-23 – Mistletoe & Moss Market Dec 7 – Lighting Festival & Boat Parade Dec 7- LHSA Cheerleading Competition Dec 13-14 – LCCB Dec 27 – Moscow Ballet PAGE 14
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Over 65 musicals have played upon the many stages that the Lake Charles Little Theater has called home. The season opens this year with a musical revue of some of their favorite songs and dances from the past. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sundays). Lake Charles Little Theatre, 813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles. Call (337) 4337988 for tickets.
Gulf Coast Bird Club Sept. 12 The Gulf Coast Bird Club’s monthly meeting will be held at McNeese State University’s Frasch Hall Auditorium, Room 106 on Sept. 12 at 7 pm. Guest speaker is Suzie Heck with Heckhaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, who will have live owls and other raptors to demonstrate to the group. The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated to promoting the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, other wildlife, natural habitats and natural resources; and to fostering an appreciation of our natural environment and of the significance of its influence upon human life. For more information, call 474-7325 or go to http://sites.google.com/ site/gulfcoastbirdclub/.
Girls’ Night Out Sept. 12 Time for a night out with the girls! Go to Sears Court in the Prien Lake Mall and enjoy this free event from 5-9 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 12. There will be a fashion show, spa services, health & wellness and fitness &
nutrition vendors, massages, door prizes, swag bags (while supplies last), and more!
Tasting on the Terrace Sept. 12 Sample wine and beer from all over the world at L’Auberge Casino Resort from 6-8 p.m.! In addition, L’Auberge has donated a Chef’s Tasting Luncheon for 8 from Ember Grille & Wine Bar that will be raffled off that evening. The event benefits the Children’s Advocacy Center. For more information, call (337) 436-9533.
Geaux Golfing Fore Volunteers of America Sept. 13 Geaux Golfing Fore Volunteers of America is a 4person scramble golf tournament on Friday, September 13, at The National Golf Course in Westlake, Louisiana. Tee Time is 8 a.m. Registration is open for teams of 4 for only $300. On the day of the event, participants can sign up for individual contests and purchase tickets for prize raffles. Sponsorships are also available. For information, please contact KayVanchiere at (337) 497-0034 or kvanchiere@voaswla.org.
Team Roping USA Sept. 13-14 Action starts at 10 a.m. daily at the Pavilion at Choushatta Casino Resort. Free admission for spectators; children age 16 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend.
Lafitte’s Ladies Roller Derby Sept. 14 Lafitte's Ladies meet Florida’s Beach Brawl Skater Dolls in a hard-hit-
ting, action-packed game on Sept. 14 at The Grindhouse, 932 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles. Doors open at 6 p.m. and first whistle blows at 7. Tickets are $12 at the door or order them online. If you get your presale tickets from a rollergirl or online, you will be entered for a chance to sit in the VIP sitting area. This event is BYOB, and remember to bring a chair. The Spotlight Charity for this event is the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. Visit them on Facebook or online at www.gulfcoastrollergirls.c om.
Black Rodeo Sept. 14 The 4th Annual Lake Charles Black Rodeo will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tailgate Party starts at 5 p.m.; rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Watch 300 black cowboys in “The Baddest Show on Dirt!” Live entertainment by Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Tucka, the King of Swing! For ticket information, call (903) 753-3165.
Free Range Reading Series Sept. 19 Come out to Stellar Beans and hear the words of students from McNeese’s top-ranked MFA program. Open mic opportunity towards the end. Begins at 8 p.m. Stellar Beans, 319 Broad St., Lake Charles.
LYFAO Comedy Show Sept. 19 Hosted by Kristi "Pretty Face" Wooldridge, Lake Charles’ very own "HOT DOG LADY” from 9 to 11 p.m. at Myplace American Pub, next to Anytime Fitness on Prien Lake Rd. 18 and up only. Hilarious comics from New Orleans Volume 1 • Issue 7
and New York will be there to make you laugh your pants off!
Calcasieu Cinema International Sept. 20
English Vinglish, a 2012 award-winning Indian film by Gauri Shinde, will be presented free at 6 p.m. Fri., Sept. 20, in the auditorium of the Central School Arts and Humanities Center by Calcasieu Cinema International. After the film, discussion will be led by Dr. Ram Nileshwar and Ankita Choudhary. This month’s sponsor is Rita and Bal Sareen. A taste of Indian food -- along with free popcorn and drinks -will also be provided. For more information, email cbadeaux@mcneese.edu or jkprjs@gmail.com.
St. Theresa’s Bon Ton Festival Sept. 20-22 St. Theresa's Bon Ton Festival is a local, family-friendly festival known for music, rides and especially food! Enjoy bingo, live and silent auctions, a country store, sweet shop and garage sale. There will be a covered pavilion with plenty of room for dancing, eating and visiting, and a 5K run for kids. The event is held at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Carlyss. Hours: Fri. 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.10:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, call 5834800.
The Secret Garden Sept. 20-29
ACTS Theatre presents The Secret GarVolume 1 • Issue 7
den Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. ACTS Theatre, 1 Reid St., Lake Charles. For more information, call (337) 433-2287 or email mail@actstheatre.com.
Midnight Fantasies Car, Truck, & Bike Show Sept. 21-22 This show has grown each year with as many as 400-plus show vehicles, along with vendors, food, crank-it contest, dyno pulls, rock climb, trading card shows, games, music and much more! No ice chests or pets allowed. Sept. 21-22, from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Adults $10/day, kids 10 and under free. Call (337) 263-0655 for more information.
Gallery Promenade Sept. 27 At SWLA Arts’ Council’s Gallery Promenade, galleries, art venues and museums across the Lake Area work in a coordinated effort to open their doors and take part in an extensive promenade of current exhibits and local art. Each year, over 15 venues from downtown Lake Charles to McNeese campus and Sulphur to Moss Bluff open their doors from 6-9 p.m. and feature dozens of local artists and exhibits. This is a celebratory event that encourages the public to travel gallery to gallery for a comprehensive and engaging experience of the diversity of Southwest
Louisiana's art and the many artists and art spaces that are further developing the region's cultural economy. For more information, call (337) 439-2787.
Chennault Airshow Sept. 28-29 The Chennault International Airshow will fill the sky over Lake Charles Sept. 28-29 at beginning at 10 a.m. with thrill-aminute aerobatic stunts, precision maneuvers and dozens of rarely-seen aircraft. Airshow crowds will gather for Saturday and Sunday shows at Chennault International Airport on the east side of Lake Charles’ former Air Force base with a two-mile-long runway capable of handling any aircraft flying today. As the only major airshow scheduled in Louisiana this year, the Chennault show promises to provide thrills for aviation fans from all over the state. The show is located at 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave. Lake Charles. For more information go to info@chennaultairshow.com.
Children’s Museum Activities Friday, September 13 Finger Paint Paint with your fingers from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace.
Saturday, September 14 Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show Sasol’s Theresa Bell will demonstrate the cool things that can be done with pressure at 11 a.m. Experiments include: Inflate a balloon with lemon juice and baking soda, the balloon blow-up challenge and hanging water.
Saturday, September 14 Wheel of Phonics Grand Opening Be here 1 p.m. for the grand opening of the museum’s newest exhibit, “The Wheel of Phonics!”
Thursday, September 19 Adventures of the Senses This is a program for families with autism spectrum disorders. It is an afterhours opportunity to come and enjoy the museum with families dealing with similar impairments. It also allows parents to help their children develop language and social skills. This program is from 5-6:30 p.m. Admission fees paid by SWLA Autism Chapter. Donations are welcome.
The Children's Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for more information.
MSU Hosts All-Star Marching Band Sept. 14 McNeese State University will host musicians from 30 high schools across Louisiana and Texas. The All-Star High School Marching Band will take the field this Saturday, Sept. 14, at Cowboy Stadium with the Pride of McNeese Cowboy Marching Band to perform an exciting halftime show at the McNeese vs. West Alabama football game at 7 p.m. The high school band students will arrive on
campus Saturday afternoon for registration and for rehearsal of a halftime performance with the McNeese band. Following rehearsal and a dinner at the Band Hall, the combined Pride of McNeese Band and the All-Star Band will march through the Grove and tailgating area on their way to the stadium, performing for thousands of spirited Cowboy fans along the way. Louisiana high schools
represented include Barbe, Basile, Central Lafourche, Denham Springs, DeQuincy, DeRidder, East Beauregard, Erath, Iowa, Jennings, Kinder, LaGrange, Merryville, Rosepine, Sam Houston, South Beauregard, St. Louis, Sulphur, Welsh and Westlake. Texas high schools include Buna, Corrigan-Camden, Deweyville, Hull-Daisetta, Liberty, Little Cypress Mauriceville, Orangefield and Warren. SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
PAGE 15
Slowly but surely, we’re seeing more options pop up in Southwest Louisiana when it comes to fun and entertainment. I’m anticipating a surge to occur at some point where there will be so many new
PAGE 16
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
businesses I won’t be able to keep up. Until then, I’ll continue bringing you the new information that I’m aware of. Thanks to pages being created on Facebook like Develop Lake Charles, Support Local and so on, my job
gets a bit easier. Let me start with an establishment I am sure you are now aware of thanks to The Jam. The new 3Topia will soon open next to Zeus on Prien Lake Road. This place alone should excite everyone. They will offer video games on your favorite consoles, fantasy football, which will appeal to many in the Lake Area, along with board games for my friends like Joshua Pullig. For movie lovers, they will serve up movie nights along with food and beverages. With a tag line such as “Drink. Eat. Play,” I’m ready for 3topia to open. Like their Facebook page so you can stay updated. There’s a new place that is still under wraps, but from what I hear, it will be very impressive. New owners and management will take a former hot spot and make it even hotter. Let’s just say this place will change the game when it comes to a great and unique atmosphere. I am sworn to secrecy, so as soon as I’m given the go ahead, The Jam will make sure you know all the details. I have tried time and again to get details on Heist, a modern wine bar located on Ryan and Di-
vision Streets, but have been unsuccessful on getting the scoop on this place. It’s been in the works for a few years but for some reason, it’s been slow going. They recently added an outdoor sign, so hopefully that means progress. A few holiday celebrations and special events have taken place there and most attendees report being impressed. I’m somewhat saddened to say that since the summer break has come and gone, my level of laughter might decrease, but I’m hoping that’s not the case. I really enjoyed knowing that we had Jen Kober’s Homegrown Comedy Show each week at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Jen’s Luna Live performances were also a hit. Comedy became a summer trend, helping amateur comedians hone in on their skills. Who knew there was so much comedic talent here? Comedy has become such a high point for our area that Dharma has started featuring Comedy Time-Out with local comedians such as Samuel Owens and Chase Bonin, who were a part of Jen Kober’s summer shows. The trend even brought comedians
from all over to town like Jason Schommer and Jen Bascom, thanks to Jen. Some of Louisiana’s wellestablished comedians like Mattie Catania and Corey Mack will be on stage with Kristi “Pretty Face” Wooldrige. I'm looking forward to this event, which takes place on September 19 at My Place American Pub. On the serious side, I have to mention the great agriculturalists in our area that are using their skills to improve our way of life--from the farmer's markets to community gardens benefiting the homeless, and school children and families as a whole. Thanks to the Partnership for a Healthier SWLA along with individuals like Derek Hasha, Tiffany Davis and John O'Donnell. They represent the young blood in our community, using the skills they already possess to see how they can be beneficial to others. Look around and identify the positives of our area. What I've found is that even when we have things in town, like laser tag and fun centers, we usually take them for granted. How about we make a commitment to support the local enterprises and endeavors that are taking a risk to better our lives? There will come a time when my columns will be but a thing of the past, because everyone will share the same belief that our area is a great one to live in. For now, let me remind you to be proud to live in SWLA because every visitor and newcomer is not afraid to spread word of their wonderful experience in the place we call home: Southwest Louisiana. Volume 1 • Issue 7
Appreciating the
Classics
At the Stars and Stripes Classic Car Show At Sulphur’s Heritage Square
Boudin Wars 2013 Winners People's Choice Award: Hollier's Cajun Kitchen First Place - Traditional Boudin: Hollier's Cajun Kitchen Second Place - Traditional Boudin: Sonnier's Sausage and Boudin Third Place - Traditional Boudin: Market Basket First Place - Specialty / Exotic: Market Basket (Smoked Boudin) Second Place - Specialty / Exotic: Hollier's Cajun Kitchen (shrimp, crab boudin) Third Place - Specialty / Exotic: LeBleu's Landing (Bacon wrapped smoked boudin) Volume 1 • Issue 7
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
PAGE 17
Abraham Lincoln: The Image Historic City Hall 1001 Ryan St. Lake Charles Mon- Fri 10 am- 5 pm Sat 10 am- 2 pm 8/2/2013-10/12/2013 337-491-9147 Art duLac @ Pujo St. Café 901 Ryan St. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 11 am-9:30 pm Sat noon-9:30 pm 337-439-2054 Black Heritage Gallery Central School 809 Kirby St. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm 337-488-8567 DeQuincy Railroad Museum 400 Lake Charles Ave. DeQuincy Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm Year Around 337-786-2823 DeQuincy Town Hall Museum 218 E. Fourth St. DeQuincy Mon-Thurs 9 am-noon and 1 pm-4pm 337-786-8241 Imperial Calcasieu Museum Presents “Flying Free” Works by Vickie Singletary 204 W. Sallier St. Lake Charles Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm 337-439-3797 Jack&John: Jack Amuny & Mark John Henning Cultural Center PAGE 18
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
923 Ruth St., Sulphur Mon-Fri 10 am-noon and 1 pm-5 pm Sat 10 am-2 pm 8/15/2013-9/19/2013 337-527-0357 Linda Gleason Ritchie Exhibit Gallery by the Lake 106 W. Pryce Lake Charles (337) 436-1008 Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu 809 Kirby St. Lake Charles Tues-Fri, 1 pm- 5 pm 337-430-0043 USS Orleck Naval Museum 604 N. Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles Mon-Fri 10 am-3 pm Sat 10 am -4 pm 337-214-7447 Vintage Arts By Jeanne Owens Central School 809 Kirby St. Suite 212 Lake Charles Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm 337-304-1165 W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum 311 N. Main St. Jennings Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm 337-821-5532
by Monica Hebert
Ronnie Collins: Can’t Take the Country out of this Artist Ronnie Collins is a successful artist who lives down the road a piece in Jennings. For the past 22 years, Collins has been creating beautiful oil paintings simply because he loves to paint. “I can’t imagine doing anything else and feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to make a living with my art,” he said. He is among a handful of artists in this area who are able to make a full-time living from their creations. It’s not an easy life sometimes, but well worth it. Thanks to Facebook, it has become easier. Recently, Collins posted an image of his latest work on his Facebook page,
and before the paint could dry, a buyer called wanting to purchase the entire series of four. I have been following his work for some time now. What I notice is a kind, gentle man who absolutely loves the beauty of our Southwest Louisiana landscape, giving it his special touch in his work. We had a short visit recently and discussed his body of work and his forthcoming show during Gallery Promenade. JAM: Judging by your Facebook posts, you seem to relish the views, the vistas, everything in your home state. Is Louisiana your favorite subject? RC: Yes, Louisiana is
my favorite subject to paint. It is what I know. I grew up fishing on the bayous around Welsh and to this day I have a love for the bayous here, and the trees, the wildlife, the birds and the people. There really is no place like home. People here are so welcoming. JAM: Did you go to art school, or are you more of an intuitive artist? RC: I’m a graduate of the Art Institute of Dallas. I’ve studied with several accomplished artists and still continue to do so. I really never get to where I feel my paintings are the best they can be. I can always learn more. I teach art
“Tales and Travels” Through Jan. 12 Painting the Pages Through Oct. 12 Stark Museum of Art Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm Orange, TX (409) 886-2787
Sunset Oaks Volume 1 • Issue 7
Oak Graves both here in Jennings and in Lake Charles and I learn from my own students. Sometimes, they come in with articles or things they come across and we all teach each other. JAM: What else do you do to make a living, or is art your single income stream? RC: I have been doing art for a living for about 22 years now. I love it. I paint when I want (most of the time). Who wouldn't love a job where they are their own boss? I am heading to Colorado next week to do some plein-air painting. There have been many trips and adventures that my love for painting has taken me on. JAM: What is your favorite aspect of making art? RC: I guess my favorite aspect of painting is always having some new project. The commissions I work on are for short periods of time. Volume 1 • Issue 7
Then, on to the next adventure. I have been fortunate to work all over the United States. New York, Chicago, Florida, Seattle, all over Texas and Louisiana, and people have been so nice to me. How can you hate that? JAM: Why do you paint?
Voodoo Chicken RC: Why do I paint? It is a part of who I am. I love it! I wake up most mornings wanting to paint. Sometimes, I have a commission that I am not really excited to do, but I always find myself in a zone and loving it at some point. I am also working on these huge backdrops for the 50th Anniversary of the Nutcracker Ballet for Mc-
Neese. They are the hardest thing I have ever done, because they are loose canvas. Very hard to paint on moving canvas. They are 25 feet by 45 feet. Three of them… Lord help me! Collins has a delightful sense of humor and never seems to have those “dark” passages that often plague artists. Often, at the spur of the moment, he will take a road trip just because he wants to. This is actually a good thing, for I have noticed how his work increases upon his return--especially when he visits New Orleans. Collins will be showing his work publicly during The Arts Council’s “Gallery Promenade” the last Friday of September at Patsy Manuel’s Frame House Gallery in Lake Charles. Make sure you stop by. I imagine he will do well, for usually, when a person views his work up close and personal, there is a “breathtaking” moment that unites the buyer with Ronnie’s work. And it’s worth it. SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
PAGE 19
Thursday, Sept. 12 Joe Harmon & the Harmonicas 7 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Karaoke w/ En-Tune 7 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur Karaoke w/ DJ Rooster 8 p.m. @ Jacky's Western Bar 2090 Pujo Rd., Lake Charles Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake Hazy Ray 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Satellite Sky 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Movement" 5 p.m. @ Central School Ben Mount Theatre 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles
Saturday, Sept. 14 Rendex-Vous des Cajuns 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Liberty Center Park Avenue, Eunice
Karaoke w/ Rooster 7 - 11 p.m. @ No Name Lounge 6120 Common St., Lake Charles
DJ Big Red 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jackpot Junction 2708 S. Ruth St., Sulphur
Monday, Sept. 16
Karaoke w/ En-Tune 8 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur DJ Bear 8 p.m. @ Bob & Pete's 2345 Industrial Dr., Sulphur
Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles "Free Live Music" w/Tim Norris 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Damon Troy & Final Five 8 p.m. @ Yesterday’s 5313 Common St. Lake Charles
Songwriters' Nite 7 p.m. @ Lamplighter Lounge 1906 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. Lake Charles
The Fab Four The Beatles Tribute Band 8 p.m. @ Paragon Casino Resort 711 Paragon Pl., Marksville
"Two-Wheel Tuesdays" With Will Christian 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles
Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles
Jimmy Partin Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles
Larry's DJ & Karaoke 7 - 10 p.m. @ Dar's Place 203 Post Oak Rd., Sulphur
MoJeaux @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort, 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder
"Vinyl Night" With Daniel Castro 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Friday, Sept. 13 Teen Dance 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jo Beck's, 504 N. Beglis Parkway, Lake Charles DJ Big Red 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jackpot Junction 2708 S. Ruth St., Sulphur Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ No Name Lounge 6120 Common St., Lake Charles Bag of Donuts 8 p.m. @ Yesterday’s 5313 Common St., Lake Charles Tom Bandow Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles MoJeaux @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort, 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Gino Speight 9 p.m. @ Delta Downs 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton Lingus with Selfawarwolf Plus Root Beer & Mermentau 10 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles PAGE 20
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Foxy & The Highhats w/Street Side Jazz, 10 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles Shake N Bake Karaoke 10 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake
DJ Wilson 5 - 9 p.m. @ Cuz's Lounge 2116 E. Napoleon St., Sulphur
Karaoke w/ Doug 8 p.m. @ Jacky's Western Bar 2090 Pujo Rd., Lake Charles DJ Bear 8 p.m. @ Bob & Pete's 2345 Industrial Dr., Sulphur
Sunday, Sept. 15 Street Side Jazz Band 11 a.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Fraternal Order of Eagles 3 - 7 p.m. @ Music Jam 803 N. 28th St., Orange "JAZZ: The Soundtrack of a
Joe Ecker Live 8 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles Volume 1 • Issue 7
Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake Karaoke 2013 @ Mikko Live 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Kory Fontenot Acoustic "One Man Band" 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Girls Night Out: The Other Blues Brothers 11 p.m. @ Cajun's Wharf 3500 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Thursday, Sept. 19 Blake Rayne Performs "The Identical" Music 7 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Karaoke w/ En-Tune 7 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur "The Book Club Meeting" Hosted by Felicite ToneyCarrol Plus Service Industry Night 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ DJ Rooster 8 p.m. @ Jacky's Western Bar, 2090 Pujo Rd., Lake Charles Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake Mark Reeves & Twisted X 9 p.m. @ Mikko Live Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder
Friday, Sept. 20 Blake Rayne Performs "The Identical" Music 7 & 9p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder Teen Dance 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jo Beck's 504 N. Beglis Parkway, Lake Charles Volume 1 • Issue 7
DJ Big Red 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jackpot Junction 2708 S. Ruth St., Sulphur Street Side Jazz Band 7 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ No Name Lounge 6120 Common St., Lake Charles Yesterday’s 12 Year Anniversary Party Featuring CheeWeez 5313 Common St. Lake Charles Hold Fast Fables Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Cheap Trick 9 p.m. @ L'Auberge Event Center 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles The Lochness Mobsters with Thee Andy’s Plus We Are Wombat 10 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Rendex-Vous des Cajuns 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Liberty Center, Park Avenue, Eunice Blake Rayne Performs "The Identical" Music 7 & 9 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder DJ Big Red 7 - 10 p.m. @ Jackpot Junction, 2708 Ruth St., Sulphur Karaoke w/ En-Tune 8 p.m. @ Tropical Spirits E. Napoleon St., Sulphur Todd O’Neill Band 8 p.m. @ Yesterday’s 5313 Common St. Lake Charles DJ Bear 8 p.m. @ Bob & Pete's 2345 Industrial Dr., Sulphur Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles
The Kid Carsons Plus Banditos 10 p.m. @ Dharma, 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Larry's DJ & Karaoke 7 - 10 p.m. @ Dar's Place 203 Post Oak Rd., Sulphur
Tuesday, Sept. 24
"Vinyl Night" With Kat Griffith 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles
Songwriters' Nite 7 p.m. @ Lamplighter Lounge, 1906 N. Martin Luther King Hwy, Lake Charles
Brian Moore Live 8 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles
"Free Live Music" With Mickey Huber Smith Plus "Two-Wheel Tuesdays", 8 p.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles
Wednesday, Sept. 25 DJ Wilson 5 - 9 p.m. @ Cuz's Lounge
Karaoke w/ Doug 8 p.m. @ Jacky's Western Bar, 2090 Pujo Rd. Lake Charles Karaoke w/ Russ 8:30 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St. Lake Charles Shake N Bake Karaoke 9 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake
Karaoke with David Verrett 9 p.m. @ Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles Lochness Mobsters 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles
ISIS @ Mikko Live 10:30 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder
Shake N Bake Karaoke 10 p.m. @ Sam's Cove 3609 Davis Rd., Westlake
The Lochness Mobsters with Thee Andy’s Plus We Are Wombat 12 a.m. @ Dharma 329 Broad St., Lake Charles Cotton Candy Swag Celebrity Birthday Bash 5 p.m. @ Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles
Karaoke w/ Shakey 8 p.m. @ Linda's Karaoke & Sports Lounge 438 Lake St., Lake Charles
2116 E. Napoleon St. Sulphur
Wayne Dylan Live 9 p.m. @ Cigar Club 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 5, Lake Charles
The Flamethrowers 10 p.m. @ Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Saturday, Sept. 21
Monday, Sept. 23
ISIS @ Mikko Live 10:30 p.m. @ Coushatta Casino Resort 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder
Sunday, Sept. 22 Fraternal Order of Eagles 3 - 7 p.m. @ Music Jam 803 N. 28th St., Orange Karaoke w/ Rooster 7 - 11 p.m. @ No Name Lounge, 6120 Common St., Lake Charles SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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Wednesday night is a ghost town. Weekend Warriors and Modern Families, cozy on their couches, settle in to see what’s happening with their Idols. But fortunately, the “analog revolution” will not be televised. A creative community of music freaks, art fiends, and culture junkies gather at a place called Dharma. The night is alive at 329 Broad Street in downtown Lake Charles, when the needle hits the groove. It’s Vinyl Night, the drafts are half-priced, and Long Play lovers all over the city have scoured their collections to contribute to tonight’s playlist. A Tribe Called Quest plays over the speakers, while a big guy with glasses and long black hair passes around a bright red, heart-shaped Mayer Hawthorne record, clearly proud of this gem pulled from the large crate he carried in a few minutes ago. Sitting at the bar is a couple who smile at each other as Mick Jagger sings of a girl with “Far Away Eyes,” and two former strangers sharing a pint talk of the backstory behind Hendrix’s “Band of Gypsys.” Johnny Paycheck’s “Ragged Old Truck” kicks in, and a giddy gearhead walks through the door, showing off his autographed Black Flag album. Meanwhile, two young bar owners listen carefully to what their clientele wants to hear and make plans for the next band showcase. Weekends at Dharma belong to live music, whether it’s jazz, funk, rock, Zydeco, hip hop, or
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By Jody Taylor whatever, as long as it’s original. Co-owners Alyssa DiNatale and Derek Sarvaunt designed the venue to be clean and minimalist so the audience’s focus is mainly on the music. They speak of the venue as a “cultural hub,” a support system for regional musicians that offers a stage for performances, as well as a networking center for meeting other like-minded musicians to develop new projects, trade shows, and buy and sell equipment. Open Mic Night on Thursdays gives amateur performers the opportunity to step up and hone their talents with feedback from a live audience. Two-Wheel Tuesdays, another well-established theme night at Dharma, encourages downtown cyclists to stop in for drink specials as a safer alternative than driving to the bar, and a brand new bike rack offers a place to park and lock up. “These are just little things we’re doing to make this place a home, a family, where everybody feels comfortable,” DiNatale said. “Peo-
ple that come in here, they’re loyal. They believe in what we’re doing.” Before opening Dharma, DiNatale, who had recently moved back to Lake Charles, hosted legendary parties at her house under the name “Occupy Common Street.” Bands played for free and friends donated money to help her with house payments, all for the joy of sharing their music and enjoying each other’s company. “It was here that I finally felt that community spirit in Lake Charles,” she said. It inspired her to do more. At one of these parties, she met her future business partner, where they bonded over whiskey, good conversation, and a mutual passion for opening a real venue. Sarvaunt was initially inspired during a show in the mid-aughts at Shakey Ground, a coffeehouse/allages venue formerly sited near McNeese. “The room was totally packed and there was no alcohol being sold at all,” he said. “It was just kids enjoying music and that’s why they were
Photos: Daniel Castro Photography there.” Dharma’s prime location downtown on Broad Street became available when the owners of The Happy Hippie contacted DiNatale with the news of their closing and offered the space to her firsthand. She and Sarvaunt mobilized immediately to see their dream realized, sell-
ing “everything [they] owned” and leasing out their house, then using that money for a deposit. To get Dharma open quickly, a gang of 40 friends showed up when they got the keys, and the bar was open in less than two weeks. The partners, along with Dharma’s small staff are downtown folks who are passionate about Lake Area development and excited to play their part. “There’s no competition downtown. We’re all on the same team down here,” Sarvaunt said. “Right now, if we get people here, it’s
good for everybody.” During our conversation, the young business owners constantly credited other local entrepreneurs and performers all over the city for their unique ideas and hard work: Botsky’s, Stellar Beans, Center Stage, Cigar Club, and Luna, to name a few. “Jen Kober’s done a lot of amazing things with the Homegrown Comedy Show at L’Auberge and showcases with up-and-coming comics like Sam Owens,” DiNatale said. “We’ve got comedy now at Dharma!” Sarvaunt urges talented and creative people in Lake Charles to stick around. “You can live any place in the entire world, but you only have one hometown,” he said, and referenced a slogan used by the rapidly growing arts community of Beaumont: “Don’t Relocate, Recreate.” DiNatale offers some advice to Lake Area doomsayers: “Get out there. Get out from behind your computer, away from the TV. Be social and be active. It’ll change your mind [about Lake Charles], because we’re having a whole lot of fun over here.” The great news is that Dharma offers a fine place to start your new journey. Volume 1 • Issue 7
word search What’s Cookin’? Appetizer Bake Brunch Chef Cook
Cuisine Culinary Arts Delicious Dinner Party Gastronomy
Menu Recipe Roast Saute Simmer
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Players take turns connecting two dots. When you make a square, put your initials in the box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
Volume 1 • Issue 7
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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Artists Civic Theatre 2013-14 Season Memberships On Sale The Artists Civic Theatre and Studio (ACTS) is proud to announce memberships for the 48th season are now on sale. This season, ACTS will include the musicals Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Hairspray as well as the period drama The Secret Garden and the rowdy British comedy Noises Off. In October, The Secret Garden will take the stage at 1 Reid Street Theatre. The literary classic you’ve loved for years comes to life in this Edwardian era drama and the story is as familiar as you remember: a wonderful tale of transformation and a delightful adaptation of this classic story. Next up for ACTS will be the holiday musical, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs including the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.” It’s a favorite that will be a shining star in your holiday plans. The New Year will bring the British comedy Noises Off. This raucous play tells
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SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
the story of a hapless acting troupe who is touring with a production of a farce called “Nothing On.” This irreverent comedy gives the audience a glimpse of backstage life with the troupe as the actors become roadweary and tempers wear thin. Big laughs abound in this wild, unpredictable comedy. The 1950s are over and change is in the air. It’s 1962 Baltimore and Tracy Turnblad has only one desire, to dance on the Corny Collins show! Hairspray is ACTS’ final show of the season, a family-friendly musical and winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Tracy and her friends are on a mission to integrate a TV network and along the way, she has to win the affection of heartthrob Link Larkin and dethrone the reigning teen queen and keep her all important hairdo intact! Hairspray is a toe-tapping musical filled with laughter and romance galore! You won’t risk missing a single show by purchasing a season membership, now on sale at www.actstheatre.com
September McNeese Leisure Learning Programs The McNeese Leisure Learning Program will offer several non-credit courses in September, which are designed for self-improvement and enjoyment. COMPUTER •Beginning Computer: Learning the Basics, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 19, 24, 26 •Quickbooks I: Setting Up Company, Sales & Receipts, Purchases & Payments, 5-8 p.m., Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7 •Beginning Adobe Photoshop: Focus on Selection Tools, 8 a.m.- noon, Sept. 28 ARTS & CRAFTS •Get Started Sewing– Learn the Basics, 6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17 COOKING •Chef Richard Lipton: or by calling (337) 4332287. Request a brochure with all the details! There are several options for membership available, perfect for seniors, families and even businesses! Tickets to individual events will be available during the season several weeks prior to opening night of each produc-
Roll Your Own Sushi, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 24 •Chef Jeanette Richardson: Breakfast Pastries & Brunch, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sept. 28 DANCE •Traditional Cajun Dance, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7 •Adult Ballet/Exercise with Sarah Q. Jones, 6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 PHOTOGRAPHY •Digital Cameras: Understanding the Fundamentals, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 25 SPORTS & RECREATION •Concealed Handgun, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 17, 19 •Beginning Guitar, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 tion. Founded in 1965 by a group of people dedicated to theatre, over the last 45 years “ACTS” has grown in to a thriving company of talented people who volunteer their time and energy to enrich the community’s arts scene. Although ACTS’ main interests lie in
•Golf Basics, 6-7 p.m., Sept. 24, 26, Oct. 1, 3, 8 EDUCATION •ACT Math Review, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 14, 21, 28 •ACT Science Review, 1-3:45 p.m., Sept. 14, 21, 28 SAGE SERIES •“The Strange History of the American Quadroon,” Dr. Emily Clark, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 16 •“The U.S.’s First AfricanAmerican Governor: P.B.S. Pinchback,” Dr. Michael Smith, 3:30- 4:30 p.m., Sept. 30 For more information or to register for classes, contact McNeese Leisure Learning at (337) 4755616 or visit the website at www.mcneese.edu/leisure scripted musical productions, dramatic as well as comedic plays and musical revues are also brought before the footlights of the ACTS main stage location at 1 Reid Street. ACTS also recognizes their star performers and backstage workers with an annual “ACTA” awards show.
Volume 1 • Issue 7
Local Sneak Peeks from Now ‘Til 2014 Want a teaser trailer of what independent films are coming to Lake Charles not only in 2013 but also 2014? What’s a teaser trailer, you ask? Aren’t they ALL teasers? What a wonderful question, my dear reader. A teaser trailer tells you almost nothing about the plot, but if done well, leaves you salivating to see more. Oh, and they’re usually out in theaters a good six months before the movie airs. While I can’t promise any stimulation to your salivary glands, I can give you a super early sneak peek as what’s coming to the Lake Area soon. As part of the McNeese Banners Series, several independent films will be stopping through town for one-day showings. The series is part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers and the entire tour consists of 135 films. The Lake Area is lucky to be showing a few of them, including Pride and Joy by Joe York, September 14; Bending Sticks: The Sculpture of Patrick Dougherty by Kenny Dalsheimer and Penelope Volume 1 • Issue 7
Maunsell, Oct. 12; Harvest by John Beck, November 16; Bidder 70 by Beth Gage and George Gage, February 22; Perfect Strangers by filmmaker Jan Krawitz, March 22 and The Retrieval by filmmaker Chris Eska on April 12. Are you salivating yet? Southern Circuit filmmakers participate in question and answer sessions after the screenings, so if you’ve always wanted to know more about the filmmaking process, it’s a great way to get your questions answered straight from the source! For more information on these special showings locally, visit www.banners.org. To read the Southern Circuit blog and learn more about the filmmakers, visit www.southarts.org While not an independent movie by any stretch, the American Film Institute’s second most inspiring movie of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird starring Gregory Peck is coming to Lake Charles. You can see it through the Cine Classics series at Cinemark. Some fun little things to watch out for include the film
debut of Robert Duvall, Gregory Peck’s nineminute speech in court that was done perfectly in one take, and the pennies in the cigar box that are all from 1962 even though the film is set in 1932. Music score fans will be delighted to note the pianist on this one, John Williams, would later go on to compose dozens of award-winning film scores of his own, including Jaws, Star Wars and Harry Potter (Editor’s note: and conduct the Boston Pops!). On the complete opposite end of the scale the controversial and mindbending Fight Club is also gracing the Cine Classics later this month. Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter duke it out for the most intense performances in this modern 1999 classic. If you really want to impress folks with a bit of obscure trivia that even the film’s fans might not know, the font used for the film’s titles and logo is named “Fight This.” Meanwhile, the film’s most famous line, “The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club,” was ranked number 27 of “The 100 Greatest Movie Lines” by Premiere magazine. And perhaps the weirdest bit of trivia I found while researching this film was that the breath in the cave scene is Leonardo DiCaprio’s. Supposedly, his breath from the film Titanic was composited into the shot. Odd, but then the film itself is an oddity so I shouldn’t be surprised. Web urban legend? Watch the film and you decide! Until next time, I’m gonna go watch some independent films! And yes, please pass the popcorn. SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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GALLAGHER AT THE ISLE The comedian Gallagher brought his Last Smash tour to the Isle of Capri Casino as America’s favorite touring comedian bid farewell to his fans after 35 years. After his performance, local band Cold Sweat got the crowd moving on the dance floor, while football fanatic fans passed a great time kicking back in front of the big screen for some action. Non-stop fun at the Isle!
Jack and Holly Gabriel
Paul Alvardo with Amy and Jan Roberts
Angie and Michael Guidry
Mario and Chasity Campos
Junita and Christian Copeland
Juan Llanos with Gracie and Juan Olalde
McNEESE COWBOYS HOME SEASON OPENER It was the first home game under the bright lights of Cowboy Stadium—and it was a winner! Ring those cowbells! The Cowboys conquered the Lions before an enormous crowd of Blue and Gold fans. What a way to kick off the season with back-to-back wins! The cheerleaders, kickers and tailgaters revved up the ecstatic crowd. Keep on keeping on, Cowboys-- that championship is around the corner!
Nick Guillory, Jake Dugas and Caleb Bradley
Chelsie, Tim and Madelyn Robles PAGE 26
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Sid and Linda with Julia and Isabella Bradley
Bailey Anderson, Hanna Lamendola, Grace Morgan and Paige Guillory
Garrett Trahan and Morgan Clark
Amos Johnson, Chrystal Doucet and Stacy Petty Volume 1 • Issue 7
Volume 1 • Issue 7
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
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