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Jewels for Royalty
600 Silverstone Rd. • 337.981.7600 325 Oil Center Drive • 337.233.6975 www.paulsfinejewelry.com Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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features
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MONIQUE delaHOUSSAYE BREAUX: THE GLOBAL INTERIORS ARTIST
This designer’s fascination with clothing and interior decorating began at a young age and progressed into the creation of a full-service international design firm.
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PROSPECT NEW ORLEANS: INTERNATIONAL ART BIENNIAL
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Tens of thousands of visitors gather in New Orleans to experience this collection of contemporary artwork.
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A DASH OF LOUISIANA IN D.C.
The King and Queen of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians reflect on their journey to the capitol and share what’s in store at the 2016 Washington Mardi Gras.
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LAFAYETTE: THE NEXT GREAT CREATIVE HUB?
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Film writer and producer Ahmed Siddiqui sheds light on Lafayette’s film community and provides students with opportunities to work on live film sets.
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BAYOU TECHE BREWING: A BEER FOR EVERY SEASON
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From a railroad car-based business to a sprawling Acadian-style house, these brothers pay tribute to Louisiana’s event culture by brewing specialty beers for all occasions.
VALCOUR RECORDS: LOUISIANA. MUSIQUE. CULTURE.
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This record label tells the story of Louisiana through albums that preserve older music recordings and support newer musicians.
GRAYSON CARROLL: A TRUE ARTISAN
From sketches to wax molds to Plaster of Paris and beyond, the artist behind Artisan Jewelers follows a complicated process to create oneof-a-kind jewelry.
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contents
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8 OPENING NOTES Jenny Krueger, Executive Director 10 FANFARE Mariusz Smolij, Music Director & Conductor
Photo by Jennifer Taylor
12 HEARTSTRINGS Celebrating the Season of Love 16 GAIA Antonio Di Cristofano 34 THE MAD HATTER’S LUNCHEON Fashion, Fun and Fundraising 38 LINK UP Forming Future Artists and Audiences 58 SYMPHONY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The Kickoff of Partners for Education Campaign supporting Do-Re-ME! 58 SYMPHONY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ASO Christmas Concert Maestro Circle 60 STANDING OVATION Do-Re-ME! Ambassadors 62 COMMUNITY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Alexandre Mouton House Annual Christmas Party 62 COMMUNITY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Lemoine’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
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Overture Magazine
VISIT OUR SECOND LOCATION Jan/Feb 2016 Vol. 3, No. 5
PUBLISHED BY
EDITOR Jenny Krueger jenny@acadianasymphony.org
PROJECT MANAGER Rebecca Doucet rebecca@acadianasymphony.org
ASSISTANT EDITOR Danielle Ducrest overture@acadianasymphony.org
ARTISTIC TEAM Alyce Ray alyce.ray@acadianasymphony.org
Hillary Bonhomme hillary.bonhomme@acadianasymphony.org
WRITERS Emily Brupbacher Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux Johanna B. Divine, Ann B. Dobie Danielle Ducrest ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Carolyn Brupbacher carolyncb@me.com • 337.277.2823
2207 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Suite G 337•456•3759 Signiture Accessorizing • Window Treatments & Draperies • Paint Consultations
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Guidry Jenny Krueger Mariusz Smolij MAILING ADDRESS 412 Travis Street Lafayette, LA 70503 ON THE WEB acadianasymphony.org
Overture Magazine is published nine times a year and distributed free of charge by Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music. No parts of this periodical may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Overture Magazine. The owners, publishers, and editors shall not be responsible for loss or injury of any submitted manuscripts, promotional material and/or art. Unsolicited material may not be returned. Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.
Advertising in Overture Magazine does not imply endorsement by Overture Magazine or Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music. Overture Magazine reserves the right, without giving specific reason, to refuse advertising if copy does not conform with the editorial policies. Overture Magazine does not necessarily agree with nor condone the opinions, beliefs or expressions of our writers and advertisers. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.
208 Rue Louis XIV Blvd. 337 . 216 . 9530 www.dunnsfurnitureandinteriors.com
© 2016 Overture Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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Opening Notes
Allons Mardi Gras! Jenny Krueger, Executive Director
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What is it about Jan. 1 that makes us want to start fresh? Is it just a convenient time to try something different? How about those who rebel against it, vowing not to resolve to do anything differently? Are they immune to the pressure created by others who are talking about their resolutions and plans? Honestly, I used to be the person who would desperately try to come up with a new resolution so that I would have something to say when people asked me. Usually, it was something generic. It always sounded like a good idea, but I never really had any intention of making any effort to do it. I used to think I was a person incapable of making a resolution/plan, but I’m realizing now that I was looking at myself with too narrow a lens. What I have learned over many New Year’s Resolution cramming periods is that I’m not one of those people that needs a special date to make a change. It takes me a lot of time to formulate a strategy. But when I’ve gathered enough information, it’s my intuition or passion that tells me when to jump. It doesn’t have to be Jan. 1. It could be anytime. Luckily, some of the subjects in this issue of Overture magazine didn’t need special dates to make the magic happen. They had a vision, partners, passion and bravery. They weren’t afraid to do something new or to try something different. They weren’t afraid to jump into the unknown. We are all better because of their bravery, and we can now enjoy the fruits of their labor. Prospect New Orleans is the perfect feature to read if you enjoy stories of rebirth. Out of the inconceivable loss and destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, a burgeoning, world-class, contemporary art scene has been born. If you love music, Acadiana Symphony’s Maestro Smolij guides us through compositions that provide us with an uplifting and satisfying start to our explorations of classical music for the New Year.
Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch. ~ Ivern Ball
If teamwork and a love for Louisiana inspires you, then we have the features just for you. Get to know the men behind Valcour Records, whose goal it is to present to the world the Louisiana that they know and love through music; and the Bayou Teche Brewing team, who crafts beer to go hand in hand with the Louisiana lifestyle. These two companies are perfect examples of all that is good in Louisiana. Wherever your interests lie, there is no shortage of talent in Louisiana! Grab your friends and your beads, and laissez les bons temps rouler! 8 January/February 2016
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Fanfare
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“Begin the Beguine”
Mariusz Smolij, Music Director and Conductor
“Begin the Beguine” is a popular song written by Cole Porter in 1935. The title indicates an invitation to a dance. More importantly, the acclaimed fresh and unorthodox structure of that song marked an important innovation in popular music writing. Porter decided to replace the traditional, somewhat predictable verses of 16 or 24 bars with varied lengths, but because of those changes, the song at first gained very little popularity. It felt “uncomfortable” to a number of performers and critics. Another musical legend, Artie Shaw, appreciated its mesmerizing beauty and quickly realized the song’s great potential; his recording of “Begin the Beguine” became the best-selling record in 1938. Many other eminent artists soon followed, and audiences around the world enjoyed a long list of great renditions of this song by artists such as Elvis Presley, Julio Iglesias, Sammy Davis Jr., Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald, among many others. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to focus on new interests and activities. I would like to invite you to “begin the classical beguine!” Let’s explore together some music that might have felt “a little uncomfortable” before. Perhaps the length or structure felt different, or maybe the foreign names and titles were not particularly inviting. I assure you that after you give them a try, you will feel almost as rewarded as Artie Shaw after discovering Cole Porter’s talent. Below are five suggestions that marked the beginnings of great musical journeys for their composers. I hope that these compositions will also provide you with an uplifting and satisfying start to your explorations of classical music. 1. Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) – Symphony No. 1, “Classical.” One of the most important Russian composers wrote a long list of symphonies, concertos and ballets. He developed his very own distinctive and exciting musical language, but his first symphony is written in the style of classical composer Joseph Haydn. It is one of the most joyful and lighthearted symphonies of the 20th century! 2. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) – “Variations on ‘Là ci darem la mano,’ Op. 2.” The famous Polish Romantic pianist and composer wrote mostly music for piano solo, but his compositions for piano and orchestra are very charming and of huge importance in the history of music. The first of them is a set of variations (elaborations/interpretations) on one of the famous Mozart’s arias. Chopin wrote this composition at the age of 17, but you can enjoy it at any age and time! 3. Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) – “Slavonic Dance No. 1, Op. 46.” This Czech composer was a master of utilizing traditions of folk music in his symphonic compositions. His series of “Slavonic Dances” is among the most frequently performed works of orchestral repertoire. My favorite is the very first one he wrote, Op. 46 in C-Major. Four minutes of pure joy! 4. Aaron Copland (1900-1990) – “Billy the Kid: Prairie Night & Celebration Dance.” Called the “Dean of American Composers,” Copland brought a distinctive new style with a “strong American accent” into the world of ballet and symphonic music. His first successful ballet, “Billy the Kid,” is set, as with many of his other works, in the American West. Among the most popular excerpts of this highly original and remarkable score are “Prairie Night & Celebration Dance.” This brief and enchanting visit to the American prairie should be a great introduction to Copland’s music. 5. Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) – Symphony No. 1, “Titan.” Many music lovers and historians say that Mahler’s symphonies “embrace” the entire world. Following the great traditions of Beethoven, Brahms and others, he developed his own language, used some of the largest musical forces available and contrasted them with the most intimate sounds. He brought many different ethnic colors into his works and orchestrated them in a most brilliant way. His nine symphonies are among the most exciting music you will ever hear. If Mahler’s name does not sound familiar, please start with his Symphony No. 1, the first movement, a great musical journey from the gentlest sounds of nature to the exuberant chords of human triumph.
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Thank You acadiana We have been successful because of You, acadiana…..Thank You for TrusTing us WiTh one of Your greaTesT invesTmenTs.
Eliana Ashkar, Joel Bacque, Teresa Hamilton, Sharon Henderson, Jason Louviere 337.267.4048 • 2000 Kaliste Saloom #101, Lafayette, LA 70508 Licensed in Louisiana Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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Celebrating the Season of Love Ann B. Dobie
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Photo by Lukus Wronski
s g n i r t s t r ea Overture Magazine
If a box of chocolates and a frilly, heart-shaped card come to your mind when Valentine’s Day is mentioned, you have yet to experience Heartstrings, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s evening of candles, dinner, wine and music. Held in the James Devin Moncus Theater of the Acadiana Center for the Arts for the past two years, it has transformed what used to be a childhood holiday into an adult celebration of romance.
Interiors • Luxury Gifts • Mardi Gras Registry
The gourmet dinner will be provided by the De Gaulle Square Bistro and Bar. Describing itself as “a Southern restaurant,” its seasonal menu currently includes such local favorites as corn and crab bisque and fried oysters along with more unusual fare such as sashimi tuna. The Bistro’s wine list is extensive and its specialty beers numerous, promising diners (and drinkers) a gastronomic treat. The romantic ambience will no doubt reflect the casual elegance found at the Bistro itself. A highlight of the musical portion of the evening will be
a performance by concert violinist Kinga Augustyn. Born in Poland, she began her musical studies at the age of 7. Influenced by her mother, soprano Mariola Augustyn, her first violin teachers were Aleksandra Bogdan and Zbigniew Szufłat. Later she continued her studies at the Julliard School with Dorothy DeLay, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. From there, she went on to receive a doctorate from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Augustyn has performed all over the world, appearing as a soloist with orchestras in the United States, Europe and Asia. She has also played solo recitals and in chamber groups in such major venues as Carnegie Hall and the Aspen Music Festival. Critics regularly write rave reviews about her playing, describing it as being “riveting and stylistically and emotionally varied” (Anthony Aibel, New York Concert Review) and having “splendid intonation and a hypnotic stylistic conception” (Staś Kmieć, Polish
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American Journal Today), as well as “a great sense of freedom in the dazzling cadenzas and the virtuoso passages” (Nino Pantano, The Italian Voice). Such exciting performances have garnered Augustyn many prizes along the way, including such prestigious honors as the First Prize at the Alexander and Buono International String Competition in New York City, the J.S. Bach Competition
in Poland and the Outstanding Pole Competition (category “Young Pole”) in the United States. Although she has never performed in Lafayette, see a preview of what is in store by going to youtu.be/ta9fpzjLiz8. Augustyn’s repertoire is large and varied. She says that “it includes both standard and unique compositions. I love doing research and finding great works, which — for whatever reason — do not get to be heard much. But then of course I know why it is the happiest feeling to play — or hear — J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven or Brahms.” She also confesses to a desire to increase public awareness of Polish music as well as promote contemporary music. To do so, she has recorded a CD of lesser-known Polish violin music and some contemporary works. In addition to her public appearances, Augustyn confesses to having a passion for teaching. Her first student was her younger brother, whom she “taught” when she was just 8 years old. Today, she has a studio in Manhattan where she teaches both violin and piano to students of varied ages and levels of development. Her youngest student, who is only 2 years old, sings and plays percussive instruments along with other toddlers. She also coaches professional musicians for recitals and competitions and helps teachers with their pedagogy. She even works with amateurs if they are ready to make a commitment to really learn. With such varied delights in store for members of the Heartstrings audience, the evening is certain to be a memorable one. For gourmet and music lovers alike, it will be an unforgettable valentine. For more information or to purchase a dinner seat, please visit acadianasymphony.org/events.
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Antonio Di Cristofano A Return Engagement Ann B. Dobie
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How did the Earth come to be? It is a question that over the centuries has been answered in dozens of different ways. The ancient Greeks explained the mystery with the story of Gaia (Earth), who arose to be the home of the immortals who lived on Mt. Olympus. She also created the depths of Tartarus, a deep abyss deemed to be a place of torment and suffering for the wicked. She then produced Uranus (the sky) to cover her and Ourea (the hills) and Pontus (the sea). And so Gaia gave birth to the physical world as we know it.
serve as a judge in international piano competitions. As with his recitals, judging has sent him to Vienna, Madrid, Moscow, Gdansk and more. He is frequently invited to accept teaching positions as well. In that capacity, he has held posts at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the Shanghai Conservatory, the Summer Academy in Dubrovnik, the SMC Academy in Seoul and the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki and at the Valletta International Piano Festival. He has taught at many universities in the United States, as well.
Two years ago, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra began its musical exploration of the physical world by focusing on life’s basic elements: water, fire and earth. Turning its attention first to water, its programs in the 2013-2014 season featured works such as Handel’s “Water Music;” looking at fire the next year, its selections included Manuel de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance” and Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” Continuing its exploration of the elements, ASO’s presentation of “GAIA: A Musical Voyage” will celebrate earth.
Antonio Di Cristofano’s 2015 appearance with the ASO is actually a return engagement, as he played Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the symphony in 2008. It was a performance that garnered high praise from audience members and critics alike. Writing in The Daily Advertiser, Ray Blum commented, “The performance touched every emotion in the musical lexicon. Its touch was secure, bold and assured, as well as gentle. [Di Cristofano] is a pianist of monumental proportion. The gentleman literally commanded the piano with the calm assurance of an admiral balanced by the sure power of a chief boatswain’s mate.” The applause that followed was described as “lengthy thunder.” With such a tribute, Lafayette concertgoers can expect an evening of spectacular musicianship when Antonio Di Cristofano takes the stage again. This time around, he will play Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G-Major, giving us a performance that promises to be every bit as exciting as his earlier appearance here.
Joining the celebration will be Italian pianist Antonio Di Cristofano. Since completing his studies at the Conservatory “L. Cherubini” in Florence, he has traveled the world performing as a piano soloist or in different musical ensembles. His list of appearances includes famous venues from New York to Russia to South Korea. In addition to performing, Di Cristofano is often asked to
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For tickets or additional information, go to acadianasymphony.org.
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MONIQUE delaH O U S SAYE BREAUX
Photo by Chipper Hatter
The Global Interiors Ar tist
Ca t h e r i n e S ch oef f ler C omeaux 18 January/February 2016
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Photo by Chipper Hatter Photo by Allen Breaux
Through her design company, POSH Exclusive Interiors, Monique delaHoussaye Breaux has transformed large and small homes, apartments, businesses, private jets, little girls’ bedrooms and a wide variety of other spaces. I join Breaux at her home to experience how an interiors artist surrounds herself and her family in the creative visualizations of her mind. Casually dressed, just returning from a delivery to a client, Breaux welcomes me. We move into the kitchen, which flows seamlessly into a raised, classic wood-paneled sitting area that is flanked by a leopard-print lazing couch beneath an arched window wall. Outside, looking in is a sculpture of a jester atop a ball. A horizontal-tiled wall recalls a mid-century, modern look until our eyes catch the folk art piece hung high, asking, “What’s Goin On Breaux?” There is playfulness balanced with beauty in this space. Sparkles peak through in unexpected places – rhinestones on the cabinet handles, calming effervescence in the faux finishing overhead. Through careful design, color and texture choice, Breaux is able to bring all of these eclectic components into harmony, and I feel at ease.
“We’ve been in the home 18 years. I’m constantly reconfiguring and redecorating. Friends have asked, ‘Why don’t we build a new home?’ and my response is that my memories are not for sale. I’m not attached to most of what you see here, but the structure somehow holds the memories for me. Home is where I try out ideas before I create them for my clients,” Breaux explains, then laughs as she recalls: “Once, my husband came home to find our bedroom furniture gone with only the mattress on the floor! I had a client who really enjoyed the pieces, and so off they went!”
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Overture Magazine (OM): At what point in life did you realize your talent for design? Monique delaHoussaye Breaux (MB): I’ve dreamed of beautiful interiors since I was 5 when I loved to redecorate my room in my mind. At the age of 9, I redesigned my closet on paper. To my surprise, my mother hired a carpenter and my idea became reality. I’ve had an obsession with couture fashion since I was very young. I would go to the boutiques and study clothes, noting tailoring details, seam finishes, draping methods – I was intrigued by unique clothing. My grandmothers both sewed. I would sew on [my maternal grandmother’s] Singer machine for hours, making enough pillows to decorate Manhattan. When I was 6, I created a collection of hair bows, displaying them “for sale” in my room. My mother brought me and my bows down to a local children’s boutique where the owner bought them all on the spot and requested more! That was my start as a businesswoman. My mother and my supportive uncle who helped raise me always told me that I could do whatever I wanted; hearing that continuously made me a true believer. OM: As president and principal designer of POSH Exclusive Interiors, tell us about the company. MB: As a graduate of Louisiana State University and the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, I learned in New York City if you’re going to be successful, talent will only take you so far. As a result, I became intrigued with the business side of design. Understanding its fundamentals was critical in the foundation of POSH Exclusive Interiors. We are a full-service design firm offering services from conception of an exterior to completely 20 January/February 2016
appointed interior detailing. It is a vertically integrated company equipped to handle the most discriminating tastes and unique personal requests. POSH has based its founding principles on a concierge design philosophy that can deliver clients their ultimate dreams. This approach offers a specialized attention to detail, making POSH a one-of-a-kind design firm. We are best known for our turn-key service, a lifestyle approach to design which allows the client to be involved in the project if desired or to sit back and let us do the work. We provide a completed property, fully furnished and appointed to perfection, including stocked pantries, wine cellars, stylized clothes neatly placed in the closet on monogrammed hangers and top-of-the-bed services that are fit for royalty, just to name a few features. OM: Your design services are highly sought after. What unique offerings set POSH Exclusive Interiors apart from others? MB: Along with offering outstanding, one-of-a-kind services to our clients, we manufacture custom couture upholstery goods as a way of realizing my unique visualizations, which often require original engineering and time-sensitive production. We offer a rare four-week lead time on our furniture — all custom made in the United States. After being successfully featured on Home & Garden
Photo by Scott Richard
Breaux relates: “I always want to know how things are made, how wood is shaped, how leather is stretched, how fabrics are woven. I feel like if I can figure out how a thing is made, then I can better design the components that are key to creating the spaces I envision in my head.”
Photo by Chipper Hatter
Photo by Chipper Hatter
A paper airplane takes flight through the space. One of Breaux’s sons is home from school and is doing what children do – playing. Breaux points out, “My designs for the home have to be functional and able to be lived in.”
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Television several times, feedback from the viewing audiences taught me that amazing design can be appreciated by many, regardless of their financial status. As a result, I wanted to provide beautiful furniture to those who are budget-conscious, as well. Beautiful furniture is timeless. If it is well-made with a modern, classic silhouette, it will transform and make any home more inviting. OM: What have been your sources of inspiration in the design process over the years? MB: Endless design research and see-for-myself travel inspire my work. The hunger for continuous learning never subsides. It is also very important that I have quiet time to process what I visualize, render it on paper and finally produce a completed project. My talent is a gift; I visualize my designs in completion before they are ever executed. With the world as my resource, I am on a never-ending scavenger hunt for the components needed to complete my projects. Our clients range in age from 7 to 97, an eclectic group with roots spanning the globe. I am truly inspired by their values and traditions. My taste is neutral; it’s always about the client. OM: What is currently trending in interior design? MB: Interior decorating trends follow fashion, influencing directly those on the forefront of design. What is seen on the runways of Milan and New York is carefully studied and analyzed. I am fortunate that I often work in Manhattan and witness the trendsetting firsthand. Trends will come and go, impeccable style is timeless — that is POSH’s basic philosophy. The most interesting part of what I do is blending different styles to achieve the desired result. Our product is not something found on the shelf. Everything is custom designed. My clients are often intrigued with the idea that I do all of the design work myself and that I am personally involved in the daily grind of their construction projects. I have a wonderfully talented team that works alongside me. What I do is not possible without their input and support. I am passionate about what I do. I built this company out of the back of my car, and it is with humility that I thank my husband, Tim, my team and all of my amazing clients, who believe in my passion and talent. Breaux’s talent as an artist and her passion as a businesswoman are inspiring. The expansive POSH portfolio, including images of her home, is distinctly displayed on their website at poshinteriors. com.
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You See the Love Over Me, 2013/2016
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Johanna B. Divine
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“We want people to come here to see art and to see Louisiana art … The local arts scene is one of the treasures of the country’s contemporary art world.”
Dan Cameron Prospect New Orleans Founder Theaster Gates, Installation View at Contemporary Art Center New Orleans for Prospect.3: Notes for Now, a Project of Prospect New Orleans, October 25, 2014 - January 25, 2015 Photo © Scott McCrossen/ FIVE65 Design
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O
n his first visit back to New Orleans after Katrina, Dan Cameron saw something quite remarkable. Out of inconceivable loss and destruction, a burgeoning world-class contemporary art scene was developing before his eyes. Cameron, a self-proclaimed “Nolaphile” and veteran curator of international art exhibitions in Taipei, Istanbul and Venice, had witnessed first-hand the social and financial benefits of large-scale art events. He immediately saw the potential of developing an international biennial in New Orleans. With the help of philanthropist Toby Devan Lewis, Cameron launched Prospect New Orleans in 2007. Since its inception, Prospect New Orleans has grown into one of the largest contemporary arts biennials
in the country. Its first iteration, Prospect.1, included 81 international artists and 24 venues across the city, attracting 42,000 visitors and generating over $23 million in economic activity between November 2008 and January 2009. Prospect.1.5 and Prospect.2, held in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively, followed suit, featuring more Louisiana artists and developing deeper collaborations with local and regional museums, public art centers, schools and alternative exhibition spaces in and around New Orleans. “There’s something very different going on now,” says Cameron. “New Orleans is being recognized as a cultural center … We want people to come here to see art and to see Louisiana art … The local arts scene is one of the treasures of the country’s contemporary art world.” Prospect.3: Notes for Now, the third edition of the New Orleans international contemporary art biennial, ran from October 2014 through January 2015. This iteration reflected change within the organization, including the appointment of Executive Director Brooke Davis Anderson and Artistic Director Franklin Sirmans. This time around, Prospect.3 featured over 50 contemporary artists from 24 countries. Works were exhibited across the city, and a handful
Mary Ellen Carroll, Installation View of Public Utility 2.0 at AIA for Prospect.3: Notes for Now, a Project of Prospect New Orleans, October 25, 2014 - January 25, 2015 Photo © Scott McCrossen/ FIVE65 Design
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of artists were commissioned to produce site-specific projects. One such piece, “Lincoln, Lonnie and Me – A Story in 5 Parts,” was developed by artist Carrie Mae Weems as an installation in the George and Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art on Carondelet Street in New Orleans. A montage of holographic images, the video installation featured an at times surprising cast of characters – activists, boxers,
Gary Simmons (b. 1964, New York, New York). Installation View at Tremé Market Branch for Prospect.3: Notes for Now, a Project of Prospect New Orleans, October 25, 2014 - January 25, 2015 Photo © Scott McCrossen/ FIVE65 Design
even Playboy bunnies – speaking frankly to the audience in front of red-velvet curtains. Set to a jazz soundtrack, the monologues were raw and honest, ranging in topic from racism and sexism to revenge.
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Sirmans says of Weems, “[Her] work represents much of what I have sought to discuss within this biennial. She has constantly probed with an unflinching eye of pure honesty how we love and also hate each other as human beings trying to coexist on planet Earth.” An internationally renowned and celebrated contemporary artist, Weems was awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Award and received the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. She exemplifies the kind of artist Prospect New Orleans seeks to celebrate and to foster. Another hallmark of Prospect.3 was the development of P.3+ Regional, a satellite program developed to support the arts in neighboring communities in
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“I am so thrilled to partner with Trevor Schoonmaker … who was the unanimous choice of our selection committee to succeed Franklin [Sirmans],” says Anderson. “Trevor is a well-regarded curator; he is smart and generous, warm and collaborative, and he lives and works in the South.”
Louisiana and Alabama, including Hammond, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Mobile. In partnership with regional arts councils and museums, each city displayed the work of local contemporary artists for the duration of Prospect.3, and groups from New Orleans traveled to each city over the course of the biennial to view regional work. Under the guidance of Executive Director Anderson, Prospect.3 was a resounding success. Since early 2015, Anderson and her team have not only been busy planning Prospect.4 but have continued to host interim events. This includes a two-day workshop with Prospect.1 artist and performer Kalup Linzy and ongoing community discussions featuring local poets, activists and artists.
Schoonmaker, the first curator of contemporary art at Duke University’s Nasher Museum, joined the organization in 2006 and has curated eight major exhibitions including Big Shots: Andy Warhol Polaroids (2009); The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl (2010); and Wangechi Mutu: A Fantastic Journey (2013). In addition to his role at Prospect.4, his current work includes an in-depth exploration of the identity of the American South and the region’s profound influence on American culture.
Zarouhie Abdalian (b. 1982, New Orleans, Louisiana), Chanson du ricochet, 2014. Installation at the New Orleans African American Museum. Sound and mirrored surfaces. Courtesy of the artist and Altman Siegel Gallery, San Francisco Photo © Scott McCrossen/ FIVE65 Design
(left to right) Huguette Caland, Ed Clark, (and Joan Mitchell) Installation View at New Orleans Museum of Art for Prospect.3: Notes for Now, a Project of Prospect New Orleans, October 25, 2014 - January 25, 2015 Photo © Scott McCrossen/ FIVE65 Design
Most recently, Anderson announced that Trevor Schoonmaker, chief curator and Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Curator of Contemporary Art at Duke University, would serve as artistic director for Prospect.4. 28 January/February 2016
Prospect.4 is slated to open in fall 2017 in New Orleans in coordination with the City of New Orleans’ tricentennial. For information about Prospect New Orleans, visit prospectneworleans.org. Overture Magazine
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Photo by Blaine Faul
A Dash of Louisiana in D.C. by Danielle Ducrest
Indulge in delicious food and lively music, catch beads from floats, and discuss business with economic leaders. Washington Mardi Gras promises all of these activities as around 3,000 revelers converge at the Washington Hilton. 30 January/February 2016
Overture Magazine
Shepherd School in New Orleans. Aronson has raised funds through donations to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and has made efforts to register hundreds of organ donors.
Presiding over the court is King James McClendon Williams and Queen Anna Haspel Aronson. Aronson attends Tulane University, and Williams is a partner and the head of litigation at Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Murray, Recile, Stakelum & Hayes, LLP. Williams and Aronson have contributed or raised funds for various causes. Williams funds an award at the Washington & Lee University School of Law and a scholarship at the Good
Asked how the appointment as queen compares to what she’s done before, Aronson says: “It really doesn’t compare to anything. It’s so different, and it’s so exciting.” Senator Bill Cassidy asked her to be a 2016 court princess. Aronson was unaware of the change until September on a visit home to Baton Rouge. “I go into lunch, and I assume it’s just going to be my parents, but my whole family was there. There were balloons, and they called it my Princess Party.” Her mother revealed that Aronson had been chosen to be queen. “So I got upgraded, I guess you could say.” Photo by Bernie Saul
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 21, with Louisiana Alive!, a party that has purportedly lasted all night. Revelers return on Friday night for the Chairman’s Dinner Dance and on Saturday for the Washington Mardi Gras Ball. The Court of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians appears, dressed in their full regalia and accompanied by festival and pageant queens and kings from around Louisiana. Parade floats carry the court through the ballroom as they toss beads to their subjects in the crowd.
Aronson was a Karnival Krewe de Louisiane debutante
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I’m glad that he thought enough of me to bestow this honor on me.”
and has attended Washington Mardi Gras as a guest of friends, who were court princesses. Williams is a Mystick Krewe member and a Zulu Krewe member. He’s the first king in his family and the first Zulu member to be crowned king of the Mystick Krewe. “Mardi Gras krewes have been historically segregated, so there certainly weren’t many opportunities for African Americans to participate,” Williams says. “It’s fantastic for the Krewe of Louisianians to have this diversity in their royalty this year.” Congressman Cedric Richmond was tasked with appointing the king and queen. While Aronson didn’t know the congressman beforehand, Williams and Congressman Richmond ride in the Zulu parade together on the same float. “Making me king was probably his way of saying thank you for keeping all of his Mardi Gras Day revelry a secret,” says Williams. Joking aside, he says: “The list of people who have been king in the past is just so impressive than I’m just really honored and humbled to have been chosen …
Photo by Fred Frey
“I’m very honored to be chosen,” Aronson says. About being on a krewe, she adds: “It’s a very cool opportunity. I would never pass it up.” In the months leading up to Washington Mardi Gras, she has attended parties and costume fittings. “Every time I come home, I do something to prepare for the ball,” she says. Aronson and Williams met in the fall when they hosted an announcement party in New Orleans for friends and family.
Williams has had help with his preparations. “My wife, Elizabeth, has been amazing in coordinating it all.” They collaborated on a costume design, and Williams designed his crest, following the tradition that the king and queen develop their own crests for their reign. Williams commissioned Valobra Jewelry and Antiques to create pieces of his costume based on his designs. “The most important memento to me of this
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whole thing is to make sure that the king’s jewelry is done right,” Williams says, “because that’s something I’ll be able to pass down through generations.” In-between the three-day festivities at the Washington Hilton, the Mystick Krewe court visits political leaders and tours sites around the capitol. “What I’m looking forward to the most is that I get to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” says Aronson. The king and queen have traditionally placed the wreath together at the tomb. “I look very much forward to doing it this year. My little brother is a former navy aviator who flew in Iraq. My grandfather was a World War II navy sailor,” says Williams. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for our military.”
New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne’s piece shown here is the official 2016 Poster, depicting the 2016 Washington Mardi Gras theme, ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER.
The majority of Washington Mardi Gras attendees travel from Louisiana for the event. “It’s a homecoming of sorts for Louisianian business people and the legal community and the political community,” Williams says. The festivities have been viewed as a networking opportunity and a chance to represent Louisiana to business leaders and elected officials. The Louisiana congressional delegation attends every year, and they invite their colleagues and staffers. “To bring Louisiana culture to Washington, D.C. in such a first-class way — I thought [that] was very powerful,” says Williams. “We’re doing all this with all these serious, influential, powerful people and all these serious businessmen that mean a lot to Louisiana. And yet everyone’s having such a fun time, such a relaxed atmosphere, and I really think it gave everyone an opportunity to sort of just appreciate what it is that we like about being Louisianians and their bipartisanship.” To learn more about Washington Mardi Gras, visit mkofl.com. Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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The
Mad Hatter’s LUNCHEON Fashion, Fun and Fundraising
Emily Brupbacher 34 January/February 2016
Overture Magazine
T
he Acadiana Symphony Women’s League (ASWL) is an organization made up of motivated and influential women, all of whom devote their time to volunteering within the community to support Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. ASWL’s premiere event every year is the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, a rousing event that is equal parts fashion, fun and fundraising. The proceeds from the event go towards ensuring that the ASO can continue to put on educational and exciting children’s programs, which allow young people in the community to learn about and enjoy music of all kinds.
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Attendees at the luncheon enjoy delicious food, a vibrant fashion show and a much-anticipated hat show, as well as a live and silent auction. Every year, the volunteers from the ASWL spend countless hours organizing the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon which, thanks to its festive spirit, has become a favorite event for locals
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to attend. “Our volunteers from the Acadiana Symphony Women’s League handle everything from the organization to the planning and staging of the event,” says event chair Jeanie Simon-Domingue. “This includes table decorations, invitations, securing items for the silent auction, selling tickets, planning and putting on the fashion show, and so much more. What’s most fulfilling about this event, for me at least, is to play a part in aiding the ASO and raising money for their mission.” In addition to their fundraising, the ASWL also serves the Symphony in numerous ways. “The main focus of the ladies in the ASWL is to raise funds, but we also help in any activity that is needed,” explains SimonDomingue. “We’ll prepare food for musicians before a concert, aid in transportation, and we also help out with many other tasks needed by the ASO.” Dr. Sangeeta Shah, president of the ASWL, notes that in addition to the fun and flair the community has come to expect, this year’s luncheon will also feature something quite special. “This is the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon’s 25th year, so we will be taking time during the event to honor founding members of ASWL as well as past ASWL presidents,” Shah says. The luncheon will still include the events that guests look forward
36 January/February 2016
to such as the hat show and a first-rate, live and silent auction featuring wonderful items. Past prizes have included a spa package and a private jet flight to Austin, a condo stay in numerous locales, and a special Indian dinner at Shah’s house complete with a limo ride and a wine tasting. Since its start 25 years ago, the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon has become an event that both the community and the ASWL volunteers anticipate for months. “I love being a part of ASWL and the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon because it raises money for some wonderful children’s programs but also because it’s something the ladies who take part in it enjoy very much,” says David Bennett, who has been a part of ASWL and helped put on the luncheon for years. “It’s something everyone looks forward to. I handle table reservations, and I had people calling to reserve their table months before we even announced when the event was scheduled. Everyone looks forward to this event!” The Mad Hatter’s Luncheon will take place on Feb. 29, 2016, at Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., and activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To purchase individual tickets or to reserve tables, please visit acadianasymphony.org/ events.
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LinkUp Photo by Pete Checchia
Forming Future Artists and Audiences
by Emily Brupbacher
The Link Up curriculum pairs the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra with several local schools including ASO’s own Conservatory as well as J. Wallace James Elementary, Lafayette High and many more. Teachers who participate in Link Up have the opportunity to awaken the musical spirit in their students throughout the year and then celebrate that awakening by performing at the Link Up concert. Cissy Whipp, a dance teacher at J. Wallace James, participated in Link Up for the first time last year, and she, as well as her students, found the experience unforgettable. “[One piece,] Firebird, triggered an idea that I called ‘Firebird Fridays,’” says Whipp. “Every Friday, we dove deep into the Stravinsky score, read several fairy tale versions of the story, did the listening activities in the Link Up 38 January/February 2016
book and watched a video of the Russian ballet. We then choreographed our own version and made costumes from giant scarves and got to perform on stage with the orchestra.” Daniel Gale, Do-Re-ME! instructor and instructor of the violin, fiddle, Cajun accordion and mandolin at ASO’s Conservatory of Music, has also experienced the thrill
Photo by Paul Kieu
When the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra teams up with the prestigious Carnegie Hall, the results are bound to be amazing. Link Up — an engaging, inspiring music curriculum for elementary school students and annual children’s concert — is the result of that union. “The Link Up curriculum exposes students to classical pieces and composers,” says Jennifer Tassin, education director at ASO’s Conservatory. “Our participating students who attend the Link Up concert have been studying these pieces all year.” The concert is an interactive experience. Tassin says: “We have students who perform onstage with the orchestra, we have students who dance; it’s not a concert where kids just sit back and watch.”
of having his students perform at the Link Up concert. “The majority of students who attend the Link Up concert spend the months leading up to the Link Up performance learning to sing and play the Link Up repertoire,” Gale says. “Students who play violin, viola and cello actually get to sit on stage, embedded in the Symphony. My violin students Overture Magazine
sit in the violin section next to the grown-up professional violinists. It’s a priceless experience for my students; many of them have never played in an orchestra before, so to suddenly find themselves performing in a professional symphony is pretty exciting. In general, the concert is an exciting experience for all of the students, having worked on learning and polishing the songs for months and then finally getting to perform these songs together with hundreds of other kids their age from all over Acadiana.”
Photo by Chris Lee
Bringing together accomplished instructors, a stimulating curriculum, and an invigorating and highly participatory concert, ASO and Carnegie Hall provide the children of our community an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime. “We have seen the high-impact potential of this program in partnerships around the world as it
helps to increase orchestras’ capacity to support local educators and foster a broader appreciation for the arts in their community,” says Joanna Massey, director of school programs at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. “The participatory nature of the concerts empowers students as musicians, giving them a sense of ownership in a concert, which they not only attend, they perform and directly engage with the orchestra. It is a pleasure working with the dedicated staff of the ASO to continue to bring Link Up to Acadiana. It is through our partnerships, continuously learning from one another, that Link Up remains a vibrant and relevant program for orchestras, teachers and students.” A program like Link Up is indeed relevant as well as effective and engaging for participating students. “Link Up is important for building our students’ artistic literacy,” says Whipp. “Experiences like this help them to learn about different cultures and time periods. They enjoy the varied arts experiences and are inspired to create, find meaning and learn more. It is important to remember that we are not just forming future performing artists but future audiences.” “Link Up: The Orchestra Moves” takes place on Friday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit acadianasymphony.org/conservatory/link-up. Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
January/February 2016 39
Lafayette The Next Great Creative Hub?
Photo by Megan Bergeron
by John Guidry
40 January/February 2016
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Ahmed Siddiqui has a far-flung background, but he fits in perfectly in Lafayette. A firstgeneration American with Indian and Pakistani parents, Siddiqui grew up in New Orleans but has set down new roots in Lafayette and has become a significant figure in the local film industry.
Photo by Megan Bergeron
“I remember that the first film I ever saw was ‘Jaws’ that I watched with my parents, and ever since then I’ve been obsessed with film,” says Siddiqui. He coupled this early interest with a passion for writing and storytelling born from reading comic books. “I was a huge Marvel comics fan, and I loved the way they combined stories with visual elements.” In high school, Siddiqui wrote and directed student skits for pep rallies and school events. He studied creative writing at LSU and took a screenwriting class one semester. “We had an assignment to write the first act of a screenplay, and by the end of the class, I had written an entire screenplay for a film. I loved telling a story in that format.” Siddiqui still does his share of writing now,
and his current project is a film called “Duah,” which he described as being a “Richard Linklater-esque” exploration of different cultures coping in a post-9/11 world. The story
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January/February 2016 41
focuses on the relationship between an interracial and interfaith couple and the struggles they face from their families and society at large.
next to nothing on day one of shooting, and by day three, they’re moving around the set freely, comfortable and doing multiple jobs. It’s really rewarding to see.” Moving forward, bckstry’s main goal is to secure a permanent facility to house a sound stage and act as a hub for local filmmakers to meet and create — an “incubator” of sorts for artists, as he puts it. Siddiqui plans for the group to complete two more short films, a documentary and a feature-length film, for entry into regional and national competitions. He hopes these endeavors will attract attention to the group and, in turn, attract artists to the Lafayette area for collaboration in future, increasingly large projects.
Photo by Megan Bergeron
Writing aside, much of Siddiqui’s time is taken up by his non-profit organization, bckstry (backstory). Bckstry produces short films for local and regional film festivals by combining professional filmmakers and producers with student and amateur filmmakers seeking hands-on experience in the industry. “We’ve made films with students
from UL, SLCC and AIE [The Academy of Interactive Entertainment] and high school students who are interested in film.” The group provides invaluable opportunities for these young people to be on an actual, live set during production. “We’ve had student mentees come in knowing 42 January/February 2016
Siddiqui believes Lafayette is in a position similar to that of Austin 10 to 15 years ago. “Lafayette has a great art and film community that is incredibly supportive. You saw something similar happen in Austin several years back: A lot of artists got together there, the community embraced them, and it took off. Now Austin is one of the hubs of art and culture in the South, and tons of companies have moved there to take advantage of all the talent that accumulated in one place. I can see the same thing happening in Lafayette over the next few years, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.” For more information about bckstry and their work, to donate to their cause or to be a part of one of their productions, visit bckstry.org. Overture Magazine
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Photo courtesy of Bayou Teche Brewing
BAYOU TECHE BREWING
A Beer for Every Season Emily Brupbacher 44 January/February 2016
Overture Magazine
To many in Acadiana, nothing can compare to the simple joy of sitting back with a cold beer, whether you’re enjoying it while watching football, listening to music at a local festival or just catching up around the dinner table with old friends. Perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, Acadiana has a special fondness for its local food and drink. One local favorite, Bayou Teche Brewing, started with three brothers who had the idea that the beers people drink should somehow pair with their favorite local cuisine. “In 2009, Karlos, Byron and I decided to make the beer we had been brewing [for ourselves] for years available to the public,” says Dorsey Knott, vice president of Bayou Teche Brewing. “We started in an old railroad car we were using for storage on the family property. Our goal was to brew enough beer for the local restaurants in St. Martin Parish.
However, our first order would not have even fit inside of the brewery, so we began to expand even before we brewed our first batch of beer.” The Knott brothers began Bayou Teche Brewing with the goal of promoting the unique cuisine, language and artistic spirit that makes Acadiana such a wonderful place. Surprisingly, the desire to create brews that complemented Cajun and Creole cooking began overseas. Karlos Knott, president and brewmaster of Bayou Teche Brewing, spent time in Germany as a U.S. Army cavalry scout in the 1990s. During his travels, Karlos visited local breweries and learned the importance of marrying the distinctive tastes of a local beer to the cuisine served in that region. Upon arriving back at home, Karlos and his brothers began experimenting, trying to instill both the traditions and the tastes that are such a vital part of our cuisine and
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January/February 2016 45
MOSS MOTORS & THE ACADIANA
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culture into the beer they made. “Most if not all of Bayou Teche’s Bières are influenced by our heritage,” says Dorsey. “Our first beer, LA 31 Bière Pâle, was brewed specifically for pairing with our Christmas Eve Gumbo and is also paired well with rice and gravy the other 364 days. We have a beer called Noire that we brew to pay homage to our grandparents, who always had a pot of dark coffee on for visitors. We brew beers like Boucanée, a smoked beer, to acknowledge the prominence of smoked meats in south Louisiana, and Saison D’Écrevisses, a seasonal beer, is brewed to compliment spicy boiled crawfish.”
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Bayou Teche Brewing has gone from a too-small railroad car to a sprawling Acadian-style house with a tasting porch. Loyal customers keep their favorite brews in their fridge for more than just a good drink; it’s also because beers from Bayou Teche Brewing represent something cultural and precious to Acadians. “South Louisiana is an event culture,” Dorsey says. “We turn anything into a special event that can be shared with friends and, of course, food. When we are cooking, we
>> 46 January/February 2016
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January/February 2016 47
Photo courtesy of Bayou Teche Brewing
and all over the world,” says Dorsey. “We all feel blessed to be able spend our days laboring for what we are passionate about — beer!” Bayou Teche Brewing is open seven days a week and gives tours to guests in both Cajun-French and CajunEnglish. Their beers can be found in most grocery stores or ordered online. For more information, please visit bayoutechebrewing.com.
Bayou Teche Brewing now sells in multiple states, but despite a growing notoriety, the company remains focused on family and culture. “Our chief goal at the brewery is to be able to make a career for ourselves, family and employees doing what we enjoy, brewing beer, pairing it with local cuisine and meeting nice folks from Acadiana
48 January/February 2016
Photo courtesy of Bayou Teche Brewing
are enjoying a beer, and when we are eating, we are enjoying a beer. At Bayou Teche Brewing, we craft beer to go hand in hand with Louisiana lifestyle. We actually have a beer for every season: Hunting, Football, Crawfish and Mardi Gras.”
Overture Magazine
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Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux
50 January/February 2016
Image Courtesy of Valcour Records
Louisiane. Musique. Culture.
Overture Magazine
In the mid-1990s, friends Joel Savoy and Lucius Fontenot took over an old, outdoor kitchen behind Savoy’s late grandparent’s house to create a makeshift recording studio. Fast forward to 2006, and we find these two friends, along with Phillip LaFargue II, coming together to form Valcour Records. “Our goal is to present to the world the Louisiana that we know and love in a way that demonstrates the passion we share for our music and culture,” Savoy relates. For the past 10 years, Valcour has put its proud roosterat-sunrise label on a rich collection of old, revivified and newly created works of Louisiana music. “Pierre Valcour Savoie was my great-great-greatgrandfather, who lived on the land where I live now, where my family has been for eight generations,” explains Savoy. “In addition to having a nice ring to it, using an old family name for the record label symbolizes all the things that we believe in: the history of our people, the family-oriented communities from which our music and our culture come, and the integrity that binds us to the preservation and the continuation of these things.” Fontenot recounts: “About a year into the business of the record label, my father was doing family-tree research. Calling me over to his desk, he pointed to a name saying, ‘Look, here’s the common ancestor between you and Joel.’
It was Pierre Valcour Savoie.” Hardly surprised, Fontenot continues: “Joel and I always knew we were related. We also share the same July birthday and our partner, Phillip’s, birthday falls very close to ours.” He gives a slight chuckle. “We’re a trio of Leos with a rooster for our logo.” The three 30-somethings perform various roles within the small record label. Fontenot — whose roles often involve representing with media, photography and merchandise design — explains that while some larger labels offer services like tour booking and management, the focus of the Valcour label is tighter. “Bands come to us for help with distribution and backing. We help get their music in people’s hands.” Fontenot comments on how technology is changing this process: “These are interesting times to be part of a record label. When Valcour first started, we were still seeing lots of people buying physical CDs. Now the majority of music sales are digital copies. The challenge is figuring out how to get the music to the people while making sure the musician is getting paid for it.” In its 10 years, Valcour has released an assemblage of quality music with five Grammy-nominated CDs and one Grammy Award winner — Wayne Toups, Steve Riley and Wilson Savoy’s “The Band Courtbouillon.” They
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January/February 2016 51
Photo by Gabrielle Savoy
promote fresh interpretations of south Louisiana’s music traditions like Feufollet’s “Cow Island Hop” and T’Monde’s “Yesterday’s Gone.” The label has also been affixed to quirky creations like “Christine Balfa Plays the Triangle,” playfully described on the website as, “Nearly an hour of pure, unadulterated classic Cajun triangle.” In an effort to preserve older recordings as well as inspire a new generation of musicians, Valcour has promoted collections of material mined from the Archives of Cajun and Creole Folklore at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL). Fontenot notes: “This stuff wouldn’t be heard unless someone went up to the archives at the ULL Library to have a listen. Our main purpose is to get this music out there.” LaFargue, the marketing and communications strongman, summarizes the operations of the Valcour label. “We work to create business and marketing strategies, to plan and execute new musical projects, and dream about what’s next.” What is next for the record label is a two-night Louisiana Crossroads performance at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), that celebrates Valcour’s 10-year milestone project, “I Wanna Sing Right: Rediscovering Lomax in the Evangeline Country.” Inspired by Josh Caffery’s book, “Traditional Music 52 January/February 2016
Overture Magazine
Image Courtesy of Valcour Records
in Coastal Louisiana,” the four-disc box set features new music by over 30 Acadiana performers. Running through the set are echoes of the traditions that folklorist Alan Lomax captured in 1934, reanimated by the wonderful supply of talent that south Louisiana produces and attracts. Savoy says: “The concept of the album is simple and Josh’s book covers that very well. The exciting part of our project is the content. This may be the biggest and most diverse collection of modern sounds from Acadiana ever, made in Louisiana with Louisiana artists by a Louisiana company.” From electronica to almost-operatic-sounding duets, with whistling, pandero shaking and jug blowing dropped in the mix, this release surprises with old tunes re-envisioned and formatted into a beautiful collection that showcases who we
are and what we sound like in the Evangeline country today. The production at the AcA, narrated by Dr. Barry Ancelet, is slated to include performances by many of the artists featured on the box set such as Zachary Richard, Marc Broussard, Michael Doucet, Ann Savoy, Wayne Toups, Steve Riley and Roddie Romero. Savoy assures us, “There’s going to be a lot of talent on that stage — it’s going to be a couple of amazing nights!” “The part of Valcour Records which I am most passionate about,” reveals LaFargue, “is the opportunity I have to collaborate with so many different types of creative people — from the musical to the visual to the poetic — to capture these musical and cultural moments in time. We aren’t just selling music, we’re telling the story of Louisiana through art.” For more information about Valcour, to hear and own the music, or to purchase a snazzy whatnot emblazoned with the rooster logo, visit valcourrecords.com. Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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Grayson Carroll
Emily Brupbacher 54 January/February 2016
Photo by Travis Gautier
A True Artisan Overture Magazine
“I didn’t make it my livelihood until I moved back to Lafayette back in 2002,” says Grayson. “Being a family-oriented business, I like to think that we have a little more freedom to explore the creative side of what we do. I learned most of my stuff from my dad, and I’m still learning from him, but I hope that I’ve taught him a thing or two here and there, too. I’ll see an image or even a shape — it can be a picture I see on the Internet or maybe something from a painting or sculpture — and I’ll just take it from
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there. Or sometimes an item starts with a unique stone, and we build a pendant or a ring around it.”
Photo by Alyce Ray
Grayson Carroll learned the art of making jewelry at an early age. “I’m a second-generation jeweler,” explains Grayson. “My dad started teaching me how to do this kind of work when I was about nine.” His father, Sam, has been making jewelry for decades and alternated his time between stints of working at Stuller and working at his own shop, which specialized in jewelry design and repair. Grayson learned the ins and outs of designing, creating and repairing jewelry at his father’s side, and over the years, he developed his own artistic style. As an artist, Grayson loves getting his hands dirty during the creative process, seeing a simple shape or image in his mind’s eye and imagining the unique piece of jewelry that it can become.
The process to create the jewelry that customers see at Artisan Jewelers is complex. What starts as an idea
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Photo by Alyce Ray Photo by Alyce Ray
I create can inspire them,” Grayson says. “A few years ago I was asked to do a donation piece for the Center for Cultural and Eco-Tourism’s [now the Center for Louisiana Studies] auction. The magnolia ring I created for them actually came from a design my friend, Amanda Holt Robicheaux, did for their flyer for that event. I really liked the magnolia she did, and that became the inspiration for the ring I created.”
will then become a sketch. After sketching out his idea, Grayson creates a wax mold to get an idea of how the final piece will look. Once a wax mold is created, it gets put into Plaster of Paris so that the wax can be burned out and the mold can be cast into a variety of metals. “We design all types of jewelry here,” says Grayson. “I create original pieces from my own ideas, but I’ll also do designs built around what a customer wants, based on a certain style they want — contemporary, traditional, free-form, what have you.”
And while a day at Artisan Jewelers can consist of anything from repairing old jewelry to working with a customer to design a distinctive piece of jewelry, Grayson remains drawn to the aspect of his work he loves most — creating something new and interesting. “I enjoy creating; I really love everything about what I do,” says Grayson. “Sometimes I even problem solve in my sleep — when I’m trying to design a piece, I might dream about it, then I’ll wake up the next morning and feel like I’ve been working all night.” For more information about Grayson Carroll and Artisan Jewelers, please visit artisanjewelerslafayette. com or facebook.com/artisan.jewelers.lafayette.la.
Another part of the creative process involves Grayson collaborating with friends and family, who inspire him creatively. “Most of my friends are musicians or painters or sculptors, and we bounce ideas off one another. Living in such a creative place or seeing a friend’s drawings or paintings inspires me and vice versa — sometimes what 56 January/February 2016
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Symphony Seauxcial
Partners for Education Campaign for Do-Re-ME!: The Kickoff November 12, 2015, IBERIABANK, Lafayette
Photos by Lucius A. Fontenot
The IBERIABANK Board Room on the 12th floor of the downtown tower was the lovely backdrop for an evening to celebrate the kickoff of ASO’s campaign for Do-Re-ME! Leaders from businesses, government, foundations, non-profit organizations, schools and the community came out to publically show their support for this arts-integrated program. The guests were surprised by a class demonstration where they learned to play ukulele, built letters with rhythm sticks, and learned “head and shoulder, knees and toes” in French. Donors presented checks to Do-Re-ME!, and the Pinhook Foundation surprised everyone with a challenge grant of up to $60,000. It was a great start to what will surely be a successful campaign!
ASO Christmas Concert Maestro Circle December 17, 2015, Heymann Performing Arts Center
Photos by Carolyn Brupbacher
The mezzanine at the Heymann Center was bustling with Christmas cheer on Thursday, Dec. 17. Symphony regulars, sponsors and special guests from Generation ASO and Lafayette General joined the Maestro in the pre-concert reception festivities. Zea’s graciously donated the delicious appetizers, and LOL Photeaux, sponsored by Misti Trahan Realtor, captured the moment and added some fun with props and signs! Everyone had a great time before they enjoyed the symphony concert with Marc Broussard and youth choruses.
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NEW LOOK. NEW WRITERS. NEW FEATURES.
NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. DOWNLOAD THE NEW TIMES OF ACADIANA APP, AVAILABLE ON GOOGLE PLAY AND THE APP STORE.
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Standing Ovation
Ambassadors The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music is grateful for the support and leadership of the following ambassadors who help champion the mission of our Do-Re-ME! program. Your guidance, support and assistance in sharing the impact of what we do are invaluable to our organization. From the ASO&C board, staff, instructors, administration and, most importantly, students impacted by our program, thank you!
Governmental Ambassadors John White, Louisiana state superintendent Stuart Bishop, state representative Vincent Pierre, state representative Nancy Landry, state representative Norby Chabert, senator Bret Allain, senator Jonathan Perry, senator Page Cortez, senator Elbert Guillory, senator Joel Robideaux, state representative Paul Rainwater Randy Haynie Dave Lefkowith, LA Department of Education Dr. Donald W. Aguillard, superintendent of Schools for the Lafayette Parish School System John Bourque, superintendent, Acadia Parish Schools Community Ambassadors Anonymous David Welch, Stone Energy Corporation Jerry Vascocu Jr., Iberia Bank Matt Stuller, Stuller Family Foundation Will and Sandra Mills, MPW Properties Mike Hamner, Pinhook Family Foundation Nick Pugh, Pugh Family Foundation Katherine Moody McCormick, Moody Foundation Margaret Trahan, United Way of Acadiana Brandon Hyde, Whitney Bank Donna Byrne, AT&T 60 January/February 2016
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WiFi that is pure artistry. 1 Gigabit Internet and Hub City WiFi Plus from LUS Fiber.
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Community Seauxcial
Alexandre Mouton House Annual Christmas Party December 4, 2015
Photos by Carolyn Brupbacher
Les Vingt-Quatre members opened the festive season with their annual Christmas party, featuring decorations by selected florists to reflect the circa-1800 period of the Alexandre Mouton museum home. Entertainment was provided by the St. Mary’s Bell Choir and Sweet Cecilia. Everyone enjoyed the gourmet cocktail buffet prepared by members of Les Vingt-Quatre. All proceeds of the event go to the preservation of the Alexandre Mouton House.
Lemoine’s 40th Anniversary Celebration December 3, 2015, The Lemoine Company, LLC
2015 marked The Lemoine Company’s 40th year in business. To celebrate, past and present employees, subcontractors, suppliers and partners joined together at Lemoine’s Lafayette headquarters for a fun-filled night of celebration and reminiscing.
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Two SchoolS
•
one campuS
Girls, PreK3 - 12
Boys, PreK3 - 12
Wednesday Walkabouts Open House February 3, 7 & 24 | 9:00-11:00 am Take a casual look into the daily life of Sacred Heart where you can see students and teachers in action. Call us today to learn more about the tradition of excellence at Schools of the Sacred Heart.
Catholic
•
337.662.5275
Independent
•
Single-Gender education
www.sshcoteau.org
SSH accepts qualified students of all races, religions, national and ethnic origins. Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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