By Natalie Covher
Food, Art, Music Ohh My! There are so many opportunities to have fun in the coming weeks. Don’t let life pass you by, get out and celebrate, support and discover Natchitoches Parish.
Get information and sign up to help kick cancer at Relay for Life’s Kick Off Party Thursday, January 28th at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom at NSU. Relay for Life was able to provide free services to 40 cancer patients in Natchitoches Parish last year. Help beat that goal by signing up. Anyone can come and learn how to can make a difference in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life of Natchitoches Parish will be held April 22 at 6 p.m. at the NSU tailgating field.
No other instrument has as much soul as the saxophone. Listen to Saxophonist Paul Forsyth Friday, January, 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall at NSU. It won’t cost you a thing to listen to Forsyth perform works byBach, Pierre Max Dubois, Karel Husa and JacobTV. Forsyth, an associate professor of saxophone at NSU, will be accompanied by fellow faculty member Elen Bocaczova on piano. Equally adept at both the classical and jazz repertoire, Forsyth has performed recitals and taught master classes at numerous concert halls, universities and conferences around the world. Start your Friday off with a song in your step and attend this recital.
Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds at the inaugural Johnny Antoon Memorial Battle for the Paddle Chili Cook-off Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. at Prather Coliseum at NSU. See which team takes home the paddle and try out the different chef’s chili recipes after the Women’s basketball game. Three judges will give awards for first, second and third place as well as a people’s choice award. Donations for the peoples’ choice award will benefit the American Cancer Society. Help raise money for Relay for Life while supporting NSU as they take on Southeastern in a double header.
Hear vocalist Dr. Corey Trahan and friends perform in concert with friends during“Come Fly With Me” Sunday, January 31st at 3 p.m. at Magale Recital Hall at NSU. There are no excuses to miss this treat since it is free and open to the public.”Come Fly with Me” is a concert highlighting decades of Broadway musicals. Trahan, director of music theatre and assistant professor of music theatre at Northwestern State, will partner with pianist Julian Jones, a faculty member at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The one-hour program features selections from the American Songbook (George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen), Disney musicals and “Phantom of the Opera.” A number of students, faculty and visiting artists will join in for this fun filled performance.
Explore your creative side with Art a’la Carte.Paint your very own“Can’t Weigh Me Down Anchor” Tuesday,February 2nd at 7 p.m. at Maglieaux’s on the Cane. This paint along party is for anyone, of any age who wants to enjoy a fun, relaxing evening of art. Artist Ginger Hughes promises that even if you’ve never painted before, or never thought that you couldthere is still fun to be had. Admission is $35 per painter and includes supplies. After the event you can take home your 16’x20’ painting.
Ladies 13 and up can learn how to kick some but at Sgt. Jeff Townson’s self-defense classes for women February 2nd,9th and 16th from 6-9 p.m. at the Natchitoches Police Department’s training center. To get the full benefit these classes have to offer it is best to attend all classes. Sgt. Jeff Townson is a certified instructor in the RAD defense technique that can teach you all the tricks needed to defend yourself incase you ever need to. RAD classes teach women ways to defend against aggression and assault with hands-on training.The class is $20. To pre-register call Amy Cox at 357-3802.
The Natchitoches Parish Library will host a free exercise series beginning Wednesday, February 3rd from 6-7 p.m. Start working on that summer body and focus in on healthy living with the help of these classes. Each month will feature a different type of exercise and a different local instructor. February’s classes are Zumba with Meagan Metoyer every Wednesday from 6–7 p.m. Zumba is a fitness program involving dance and aerobic elements that uses choreography from a variety of influences including martial arts, salsa, hip-hop, samba and mambo. Adults 18 and oldercan sign up for the one of the 20 spots available. Participants must register and sign a waiver. Wear you best work out gear or comfortable, loose clothing along with gym shoes for the class. Whether you are interested in signing up to participate or are willing to teach an upcoming class, contact Martha Uchino at 318-357-3280. For more information, contact Martha Uchino or Amy Walmsley at 318-357-3280.
Celebrate the life and times of Marie Therese Coincoin Saturday, February 6th from noon-2 p.m. at the Lemee House. The Resurrection Fern Foundation Inc. will present the event that will include live performances, walking tour and refreshments. Learn how this woman beat all odds and gained her freedom. For information call Kelly Jackson at 818-384-6921.
Dress up your dogs and kiddos in their Mardi Gras best for the Natchitoches Humane Society’s Krewe of Wag-uns Parade Saturday, February 6th at 4 p.m. Get there early to registerat 3 p.m. before the parade line-up at 3:45 p.m. in the Bank of Montgomery parking lot. Bring your own throws, candy and dog treats to get those tails wagging. The parade will roll from the bank, south on Front Street to Touline Street, and east on Rue Beauport to the downtown riverbank.The fun doesn’t stop there, a King and Queen’s “Pawty” will ensue directly after the parade. Prizes will be awarded for Best Float, Best Dressed Pet and Best Dressed Child. The entry fee for the parade is only $5 and pets can be registered for the chance to be crowned as “King Rex-Rufus” or “Queen Mutt-A-Gras.” Golf carts are permissible if driven by adults. Children can ride scooters, bicycles and wagons, but must be accompanied by an adult. No ATVs are permitted. For information about the parade and admissible animals, call the Humane Society at 357-3885. All funds benefit animal spay and neuter programs in Natchitoches Parish.
Mardi Gras Natchitoches style, follow the Krewe of Dionysos through the looking glass Saturday, February6th at 6 p.m.The family friendly nighttime parade consists of a dozen or more super floats and much more. Catch throws including beads, cups and specialty items from members masquerading as your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters. The parade will roll from the stage parking lot down South Drive to Keyser Avenue; to Keyser Avenue; Left onto Keyser Avenue to Keyser Avenue Bridge; Right onto Jefferson to Front Street to Washington Street; Left onto Texas Street to Second Street; Left onto Second Street to Church Street where the parade ends.
Don’t keep the fun all to yourselves let the people know where to go, what to do, and how to have fun in Natchitoches Parish! Send in events to NPJNatLa@gmail.com