Hailed as the place where Elvis got his start on the Louisiana Hayride at Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport-Bossier was the nurturing ground for early blues and a special brand of music called rockabilly - which we celebrate year-round with rockin' events, fun attractions and our endless, inspirational music history and heritage.

From Elvis Presley to Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, Louisiana's Other Side's musical roots run deep and soulful. Both Elvis and Lead Belly are among artists featured in the Stage of Stars Museum at Municipal Auditorium, at 705 Elvis Presley Avenue in Shreveport. The museum uncovers stories of the area's legendary people and places that have impacted the American music scene.

On Saturday, May 9, Lead Belly and his legacy will be celebrated with the first-ever Lead Belly Blues Festival at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.

The event will feature musicians Buddy Flett; Ruthie Foster; Bobby Rush; Kenny Neal and The Neal Family Reunion; Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang; Johnny Rawls and Destiny Rawls; James Robinson; and The Bluebirds.

Lead Belly was born on a plantation in 1889 in nearby Mooringsport. In between prison stints, he performed on his 12-string guitar and wrote songs, the most notable of which are "Goodnight Irene" and "House of the Rising Sun."

A life-sized statue of him stands at Texas and Marshall Streets in downtown Shreveport. Created by Jesse Pitts and dedicated in 1993, the statue shows him pointing toward Ledbetter Heights, an area named in his honor. Lead Belly died in 1949 and was interred in the cemetery of Shiloh Baptist Church in Mooringsport, about 13 miles outside of Shreveport.

Tickets to the Lead Belly Blues Festival are $25 in advance. For tickets or more information, call 1-877-7-LBELLY or visit http://leadbellybluesfestival.com.


That's Entertainment
Celebrate The Louisiana Purchase At Holiday In Dixie Festival

Holiday in Dixie will celebrate its 61st year in Shreveport-Bossier, when the spring festival kicks off, April 17-26, at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.

Each year the festival provides cultural enrichment, family activities and a spirit of community involvement and pride as area residents and visitors join together to celebrate and recognize the Louisiana Purchase.

Holiday in Dixie 2009 is comprised of the ever popular Treasure Hunt, Neighborhood Block Party Day at the Carnival on the Riverfront, and much more. The carnival will feature fantastic rides, games, tasty cuisine, arts and crafts, and live music.

Admission to the carnival is free for all ages before 5 p.m. daily. After 5 p.m., admission on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $5. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday admission is $2. Any day after 5 p.m., children under age 12 are admitted free if accompanied by an adult.

In addition, Wednesday is Military Night, which offers free admission with a military ID.

Carnival tickets will sell in quantities of four for $5 or 22 for $25. A "Ride Pass" is available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for $20 and includes unlimited rides 5 p.m.-close. All children's rides are two tickets each and all adult rides are three tickets each. Pay four tickets if you dare to ride the "Freak Out" or "Himalaya."

For more information, call 318-865-5555 or visit www.holidayindixie.com.


Find Your Groove Among The Stars

Sway to the soulful rhythm and blues ballads of The Four Tops, April 25, at DiamondJacks Casino and Resort in Bossier City.

The group will perform at 8 p.m. in the Legends Theatre. Tickets are $35, with a $10 discount for Rewards Club members.

The Four Tops' story is one of longevity and brotherhood as these classic hit-makers are considered the most stable and consistent vocal group to emerge from Motown records in the 1960s, topping the music charts with scores of upbeat love songs.

The immensely talented group has made history with numerous recognitions and awards, including nods from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. The Four Tops also were named to Rolling Stone Magazine's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

For tickets or more information, call 318-678-6701 or visit the casino gift shop.

Country music fans can enjoy An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt, at 8 p.m., April 18, at The Strand Theatre in downtown Shreveport.

With three Country Music Association Awards and two Grammy Awards under his belt, this Grand Ole Opry member is sure to bring the house down with his classic tracks.

The performance is presented by The Strand Theatre and KRMD Country 101.1.

The historic Strand Theatre opened in downtown Shreveport in 1925. Since its construction, the theatre has featured cinema and performing arts for many decades. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Tickets to see Travis Tritt are $25, $30 and $35. For tickets or for more information, call 318-226-8555, 1-800-313-6373 or visit www.thestrandtheatre.com.


Barksdale Air Force Base 2009 Air Show To Take Flight

The 2009 Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show: Defenders of Liberty will take flight, May 9-10, in Bossier City.

The air show will feature such performers as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels; Canadian Forces Snowbirds; Chilean Air Force Halcones; Greg Poe; the Air Force Reserve's Ed Hamill; Shockwave Jet Truck; E Team Skydivers; and the Vintage Warbirds. The event also will feature an "Adventures in Aviation" children's' area with aviation-themed games and activities.

The Sunday Mother's Day Concert will feature country music star Aaron Tippin, and more great artists.

The show, presented by Barksdale and the Military Affairs Council, will begin at 10 a.m., with gates opening at 9 a.m. both days. Parking and admission are free.

For more information, visit www.barksdaleafbairshow.com.


Book Your Hotel Stay In Shreveport-Bossier Today & Save

Plan your trip to Shreveport-Bossier today to take advantage of great specials!

Holiday Inn Shreveport West, at 5555 Financial Plaza in Shreveport, is offering a number of specials for guests who book rooms at this property.

Enjoy a boost to your wallet with the Economic Stimulus Package Special, which offers guests a $20 Wal-Mart gift card for each night spent at the hotel. The hotel also is offering guests a Dine-in Special, in which guests receive a $25 food voucher to the new Huddle Sports Bar located in the lobby of the hotel, in addition to a Pizza Delivery Package that offers a free pizza included with the room rate.

The Holiday Inn Shreveport West property is a newly-renovated property. The hotel completed a $4.5 million renovation project, complete with a renovation of its 225 guest rooms. Each room features new furnishing, renovated bathrooms, new carpet, a microwave and refrigerator, among other changes. The Huddle, a new sports bar, was added to the lobby. High-speed Internet also is available.