Celebrating Local Culture and Talent

After the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2023, the 2nd Annual 318 Day Festival returns on March 16th, 2024, staving for an even bigger celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Northwest Louisiana.

Last year, over 700 attendees gathered to revel in the vibrant showcase of local artists, culinary delights, and musicians, all emblematic of the essence of Shreveport, the parish, and the region. This year, the festival is set to expand its offerings with the inclusion of a fashion show featuring the internationally renowned Designer Tasha.

Designer Tasha, a seasoned fashion designer and stylist, gained fame through her participation in Project Runway Season 15. With over 100 magazine publications, blogs, and TV appearances under her belt, she brings a unique blend of style, passion, and philanthropy to the festival. Inspired by loved ones, music, and scriptwriting, Designer Tasha’s designs have graced the likes of Ye & Sunday Service Choir, Wendy R. Robinson, Laverne Cox, Sheryl L. Ralph, Jimmy Odukoya, and many more.

Alongside the fashion show, the festival will feature an impressive lineup of musical talent, including Edi Kí, Tree Fiddy Trio, Native to the Parish, The Woodlawn High School Marching Band, and DJ Breeze, with additional artists to be announced soon. The festival grounds will also host a diverse array of local vendors and an Artist Row, providing attendees with a taste of the community’s artistic vibrancy.

The 2nd Annual 318 Day Festival is open to the public and will take place at Caddo Common Park on March 16th, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Centenary’s Magale Library is gearing up to host a brand new, innovative community event on Saturday, March 9. The College’s academic information hub will be the gateway for Magale Fest, a new community festival featuring live music, carnival-style games and activities, and food and beverages from great local food trucks. A.J. Haynes, a 2010 Centenary graduate and frontwoman for the band Seratones, will headline the Magale Fest live performances as part of a week-long visit to her alma mater. Magale Fest runs from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and is free and open to the public.

Other musical performances in Centenary’s Hargrove Memorial Amphitheatre (“the Shell”) include New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Sarah Quintana and Centenary students. Festivalgoers can view a DNA-inspired student art installation created by Centenary’s biology program and participate in games and activities on Centenary’s beautiful Quad hosted by Centenary student groups and academic departments such as Chi Omega, Outreach, and the Frost School of Business, which is hosting a full-sized football toss-and-target game on the Quad. Community partners for the event include the Shreve Memorial Library and Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, whose offerings will include encounters with a screech owl. Food can be purchased from local vendors such as Cajun Asian, Taqueria el Eden, and Dripp Donuts. Thrifty Liquor will provide beer and wine sales for patrons 21 and older.

“Magale Fest is an opportunity to celebrate libraries as centers of community engagement and lifelong learning in general, and specifically to invite the Shreveport-Bossier community to come and experience some of what Magale Library and Centenary College have to offer beyond excellent academics,” explained Patrick Morgan, Magale Library director. “From live music and great food trucks to games and fun activities provided by Centenary departments and student groups as well as local institutions, Magale Fest is an event the whole family will enjoy.”

For more information and ways to participate, visit centenary.edu/magalefest or contact Patrick Morgan at pmorgan@centenary.edu.

“The piece opens with beautiful, introspective playing from pianist Zane Harper ’24, becoming an invitation for the rest of the orchestra to slowly join in,” said Santelices. “The piece quietly ends with Zane accompanying a lovely violin duo from concertmaster Dominick Benedetto ’25 and principal 2nd violin Noel Strange.”

The full orchestra will also perform “Morning” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1.

“The latter piece was on a LP record which I owned and wore out playing from listening and conducting to as a young child,” shared Santelices. “You hear and feel the calm of a new day dawning as well as the thrill and terror of fleeing from the slumbering troll chasing you out of his cave.”

Morton Gould’s American Salute will conclude the program. Written in 1942 for a government radio program, this piece was completed by Gould in eight hours and is based on the tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” The melody is presented in many guises throughout the sections of the orchestra. American Salute is a popular choice performed by orchestras around the country for Fourth of July celebrations.

The CYO provides college-level playing experiences for advanced instrumentalists ages 13 and above. CYO members perform repertoire for strings, woodwinds, and brass in both chamber and large-scale orchestral settings. For more information, visit centenary.edu/hurley.

The concert will be live-streamed on the Centenary Youth Orchestra Facebook page at facebook.com/centenaryyouthorchestra.

A streamlined name and a more modern logo usher in Willis Knighton Health’s 100^th birthday celebration and its renewed commitment to being the area’s leading healthcare provider for the next 100 years. “System” has been dropped from the name to reinforce the focus on health and reflect WK’s mission, which is dedicated to Northwest Louisiana.  The familiar WK retains its burgundy red, but is lighter and brighter.

“After a century of providing care throughout the community, we pledge to make the next 100 years at Willis Knighton even stronger,” said Jaf Fielder, president and CEO.

From its humble beginning as Tri-State Sanitarium in 1924, Willis Knighton Health has been closely tied to the evolution of healthcare in Northwest Louisiana. It introduced many of the “firsts” that have allowed people to receive comprehensive care close to home, with advanced technology and innovative services. Through its unique “tithe the bottom line” approach to philanthropy, the board of the nonprofit healthcare corporation demonstrates its deep connection to the community, enhancing both healthcare and the quality of life for people here.

Willis Knighton Health, the region’s largest healthcare provider, provides jobs, supports local banks and businesses and draws national attention to this area through its award winning care. It has grown to include four acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, urgent care centers, fitness centers, numerous medical clinics, and The Oaks of Louisiana senior living community.

Local healthcare, delivered to local people, and corporate decisions made by people who live and work in the local community.  That’s Willis Knighton Health.

The Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman award will recognize a female who is a high school junior or senior whose leadership, influence, poise, and determination are demonstrated through meaningful acts of philanthropy and the betterment of her fellow students and community. Nominees must be a high school junior or senior in Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto Parish; demonstrate influence and leadership in their school and/or community; have a positive reputation based on their experience, leadership, and integrity; exhibit significant education and/or community accomplishments; and have shown a commitment to philanthropy by helping children, the elderly, those in need, the arts, business development, education, and/or other acts of caring through unpaid positions.

Nominations will be accepted through January 24, 2024. To review the criteria and nominate someone, please visit https://www.laholyangels.org/events/most-influential-woman/.

Patrons can support the event by purchasing individual tickets for $75 or table sponsorships for $1,000. Table sponsorships include luncheon tickets for eight and recognition in the event program, on social media, and on the Holy Angels website.

Table sponsorships and individual tickets will be available for purchase mid-January at https://www.laholyangels.org/events/most-influential-woman/.

This is the eighth year of this Northwest Louisiana honor, and proceeds will benefit Holy Angels, an independent, nonprofit organization serving over 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Angels provides love, support, and empowerment through job and skills training, education, and community and social integration. Learn more at https://www.laholyangels.org/.

Essential Tips on Protecting Pipes During Winter

During Freezing Temperatures: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate plumbing, especially if located on exterior walls. Drip cold water from the farthest faucet from the main valve to keep water moving and prevent freezing. Don’t lower your thermostat too much at night; maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can prevent freezing pipes.

In Case of a Burst Pipe: Shut off the main water valve immediately and contact a licensed and registered plumber for prompt assistance.

“During the winter season, residents must take proactive steps to protect their pipes and prevent potential damage,” said William Daniel, Director of Water and Sewerage. “Simple actions such as locating your water main shut-off valve and insulating pipes can make a significant difference in avoiding costly repairs. By following these guidelines, we can collectively ensure the reliability of our water supply during the winter months.”

It is important to note that the responsibility for water mains and connections to the water meter lies with the City of Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage. Property owners are responsible for pipes located on their property.