Here on Louisiana's Other Side, our artistic legacy runs deep. We offer a wide variety of performing and visual arts, from live theater and symphony performances to art galleries and museum showcase.

This fall, north Louisiana will tell the story of the Great Depression through a three-month cultural commemoration - Triumph Over Tragedy.

The project will honor the 80th Anniversary of The Great Depression and New Deal Era in north Louisiana (1929-1941) through various events, including the largest ever "The Big Read" - with the en masse reading of John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath.

From Oct. 10-Nov. 21, patrons will have the chance to experience more than 200 events and activities across north Louisiana. The list of engaging events include the production of a videotaped oral history of the those who lived in north Louisiana at the time of the Great Depression; the documentation of architectural sites and artworks built and created during the era; and new artworks performed, presented and exhibited as a tribute to the Great Depression.

Triumph Over Tragedy will celebrate the artistic creativity and optimism of the American spirit of ingenuity while remembering the struggles, sacrifices and successes of those who lived during this time of tragedy, tenacity and triumph.

The commemoration project is the culmination of three years planning by the newly-formed EYE-20 Creative Corridor. The long-term regional Cultural Economy Initiative, which includes the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC), Northeast Louisiana Arts Council (NLAC), and Bossier Arts Council (BAC), will develop and market all arts and cultural destinations in the 21 parishes north and south of Interstate 20, from Shreveport to Tallulah.

Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College in Shreveport will present an exhibit of Martele silver from the Jolie and Robert Shelton Collections of Lafayette - the largest private collection of Martele silver in the world - from Sunday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 8.

Magnificent, Marvelous, Martele: American Art Nouveau Silver from the Collection of Jolie and Robert Shelton features objects created as part of an exclusive line of hand-crafted silver by the Gorham Silver Company from 1897-1931 - at the time the world's largest silver manufacturer. The Shelton collection is considered the most comprehensive assemblage of this luxurious line of entirety hand-wrought.

The West Edge Artists' Co-op will present a monthly Fine Arts Market at the Louisiana Boardwalk beginning Saturday, Sept.19 and occurring the third Saturday of each month through Saturday, Dec. 19.

The event will feature regional artists selling fine art in various mediums. Art lovers of every age are encouraged to join in the unique experience.

The R.W. Norton Art Gallery will present Ultra-Realistic Sculpture by Marc Sijan, Tuesday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 20.

The internationally recognized artist, with his life-size realistic sculpture, has been featured in more than 40 one-man museum exhibitions.

Sijan's work is classically described as homages to humanity. Far from static, his subjects present a cross section of American life: a frozen sense of motion, rather than an inert passivity.

Find more art shows, events, museums and more at www.shreveportbossierfunguide.com.


That's Entertainment
Eldorado Resort Casino Opens Allure Ultra Lounge

Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport is proud to announce the opening of Allure Ultra Lounge as part of a recent $1.5 million renovation project.

Located on the second level of the hotel pavilion, Allure Ultra Lounge is designed with all the senses in mind. Modeled after modern nightclubs, yet unique to Shreveport-Bossier, Allure boasts seating areas available for easy conversation.

A new dance floor with additional seating overlooks the Celebrity Lounge, giving the space a skybox effect with unobstructed views of live music. Flat screen TVs are placed throughout the venue, allowing guests to enjoy sporting events and up close views of the bands playing in the Celebrity Lounge below.

In addition to Allure, Eldorado's Celebrity Lounge has been renovated. Among updates, the venue has been completely enclosed in beautiful mahogany and glass and includes new carpet, wall coverings, bar stools and a façade surrounding the stage that's hand painted with one-of-a-kind murals.

Hours of Operation

• Monday-Thursday: 4pm-12am
• Friday-Saturday: 4pm-2am
• Sunday: 3pm-12am

Harrah's Louisiana Downs' Super Derby Celebrates 30 Years

Harrah's Louisiana Downs will host the Super Derby Festival - complete with a series of fun events leading up to the 30th Super Derby run.

Super Derby is the premiere annual race at the Bossier City racino. This year the race is worth $750,000 and will be contested on Saturday, Sept. 19.


Discover Smooth Jazz & Blues in Historic Columbia Park