By Natalie Covher
Looking for some events to fill out your schedule? Well, you are in the right place! Take a look at all the options we have in the coming weeks to get out, celebrate, support and discover Natchitoches Parish.
Start working on that summer body and focus in on healthy living at the Natchitoches Parish Library.The Library will host a free exercise series beginning Wednesday, February 3rd from 6-7 p.m. 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 older can sign up for one of the 20 spots available. Participants must register and sign a waiver. Wear your 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.
Hear works by Beethoven, Burton Hardin, Ronald Lo Presti, James Naigus, Lowell Shaw and John Barrows performed by the NSU Horn Choir on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:30 p.m. inthe Magale Recital Hall. The Horn Choir will be performing an arrangement by NSU student Josh Waldrop. Dr. Kristine Coreil will direct the choir and Waldrop will conduct his arrangement of Richard Strauss’ “Sonnenaufgang,” a piece best known for being in the soundtrack of the film “2001 Space Odyssey.”
“The piece was written for full orchestra and as the arranger, I have to find out which instrument in the ensemble matches up with parts in the piece,” said Waldrop, a senior music performance major from Benton who is graduating in May. “For example, the French horn is most like the organ.”
Waldrop’s primary instrument is French horn, but he also plays trumpet and classical guitar.
“The French horn has the most unique timbre, which is a distinct characteristic of sound,” he said. “It is the most like the human voice and can be bold, brassy, smooth or even harsh if you want it to be. I encourage fellow students to play in as many ensembles as they possibly can and to play as many instruments as they can. Don’t play with just one ensemble.”
We are truly blessed to live in a town with a symphony. If you haven’t been, I would recommend going at least once. You will have your chance Thursday, Feb. 4 when the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Directed by Dr. Douglas Bakenhus the orchestra will perform the concert, “Music of Courage.” It includes Beethoven’s “Overture to Egmont,” Haydn’s “Symphony No. 100 (Military Symphony), “City of Lights” by Kenneth Olson and “Polovtsian Dances” from “Prince Igor” by Alexander Borodin.
Olson’s work made its premiere at a 2014 concert celebrating the Natchitoches Bicentennial. It includes text by NSU Professor of English Julie Kane. Soprano Terrie Sanders, an associate professor of voice at NSU, is the soloist.
“It is a wonderful work that was well received when we premiered it,” said Bakenhus. “It is powerful and expresses the hope that the city we live in will outlive us.”
Beethoven’s overture honors Count Egmont, a 16th century Flemish nobleman who was executed by the Spanish for treason. His death sparked a revolution that led to the independence of the Netherlands.
Tickets are only $10 andNSU, BPCC@NSU and LSMSA students are admitted free with a current student I.D.
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, February 6th 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.
Catching those Mardi Gras beads is a whole lot of fun at the time but what does one do with the bags upon bags of them afterwards? Instead of holding on to them for a few moths and then tossing them in the garbage, bring to em on over to the Natchitoches Main to Main’s Mardi Gras bead recycling drive February 9th from 8-4 p.m. at the Main to Main Office on Front Street.Your unwanted Mardi Gras beads will be reused and recycled. Each person that donates will receive a piece of king cake.
Stop the “Crape Murder!” Learn how to properly prune Crape Myrtles at the Natchitoches Master Gardener Club’s pruning demonstration at the Arts Center Feb. 10 from 12-1 p.m. Bring a note pad to take notes and the master gardeners will show you how to prune these beloved trees and answer question afterwards. Crape Murder is so common that this event has been made free and open to the public. For information, contact Randall Mallette at 318-357-2224.
Get out your painting clothes and head on over to the Rocking Horse Toy Store February 12th at 7 p.m. to paint with friends. Paint your own tree of hearts. It costs $35 a person. Call or stop by the store to reserve a space. Artists can bring snacksand beverages. Attendees are entitled to 10 percent off any purchase at the store during the event.
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