It’s that time again. We’re back from a brief hiatus during Election Weekend. It was very important that people focus on that, so we’re back!

Friday, December 12

5:00p – Shreveport Symphony Orchestra presents “Painted Violins: 601 Spring Street” which will feature the Magnet High School Orchestra. I saw these students perform just last week and they were really, really good. I was totally surprised. Make it out to see them. I mean just listen to this piece and tell me you’re not intrigued at how talented these kids are.

7:00p – Do something good for yourself by dining out at Abby Singer’s Bistro, where you canget 15% off your food by logging into Facebook and claiming their offer! I would try the burger of the month, the Crabby Abby. This pseudo-burger is a crab cake patty with remoulade and burger fixins served on a crescent bun. For the vegans, try the Stuffed Portobello Mushroom! Expect to spend a modest $55 for dinner and wine for two.

9:00p – That crabby patty should have filled you up. But don’t get too gorged, because you’ll likely want another drink when you go see Papa Mali’s return to Bears on Fairfield! His last show was absolutely phenomenal, and smoke free. While Mali is returning, we’re not sure if the no smoking rule will too. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Saturday, December 13

inflatable5k
More fun than running on a road!

8:00a – Look, I’m certainly not one for running at all, much less 5K, but the Insane Inflatable 5K looks just fracking nuts. It’s all going down at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Tickets are $59 until the day of, which goes up to $75. Get tix here.

11:30a – Lunch at Baked in the Holiday Pop-up Shops in the Red River District for an authentic taste of Northern Italy. Follow it up with Fleur de Creme local ice cream shop! There will also be Santa and live entertainment in the district.

1:00p – If you are an artist, head to the Bossier Arts Council to brush up on Managing your Art Income. Learn how to balance product costs versus income of your art and stay in the black. Free for members. Membership is $25.

5:00p – If you haven’t seen Birdman, you need to put this in your day. It’s being called a contender for the best film of the year and has a staggering 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Catch it at the Robinson Film Center. Tickets here.

xmasatdashop
This Saturday at 7pm!

7:00pXMAS at da Shop 2014. There’s nothing to do in Shreveport besides this. It’s the anti-prom for Christmas in the Sky. As much as we artists love to support the community, some may find SRAC’s biennial affair too expensive. Not to fear though because XMAS has you covered. Enjoy art, music, film, and a special performance by the Highland Angel Choir children’s choir.

Sunday, December 14

10:30a – Have brunch actually at brunch time at Marilynn’s Place on Fern Ave. Sorry guys, 1 p.m. isn’t “brunch.” England has been doing it since the 1800s and maintains it’s not an afternoon thing. I’m bound and determined to never eat brunch after noon – and you should too.

12:00p – Shop for your family and friends at the Handmade Holiday @ Rhino Coffee. According to Rhino, they will have “a variety of awesome vendors selling their handmade specialties. Ornaments, artwork, vinyl records, sweaters, furniture, and more!” I’ll be there, personally. I’m a last minute shopper, but maybe I’ll get something ahead of time for a change. Looking at the list of vendors, it looks like it will be insane.

5:00p – Get ready to be in awe of the Church of Highland at Sevendipity Cafe. Volunteers of America and Church for the Highlands are selling art with the proceeds to be given to Visions of Hope. Live music will be provided by Bill Allen.

7:00p – Gas up the car and head to the Gardens of the American Rose Center to cap off a Christmasy weekend with Christmas in Roseland. With more than one million lights throughout the 26 acre property, you’re sure to get yuletide cheer. $5/person or $20/carload.