The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum will host a special book release event and artist program on Friday, July 25, featuring local entrepreneur, author, and photographer Jesse Poole. The event, scheduled from 5-7 p.m., will celebrate the launch of Poole’s new memoir Beyond the Shadows of the Cane River.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with cocktails and appetizers provided by FLASH (Friends of Louisiana Sports and History), along with a craft beer tasting. At 5:30 p.m., guests are invited to attend an artist talk and Q&A session with Poole, who will share the personal journey behind his latest work.
Beyond the Shadows of the Cane River explores themes of grief, travel, photography, and resilience, offering a deeply personal account of Poole’s life growing up in Natchitoches and his experiences photographing landscapes across the country.
“This book is more than a story,” says Poole. “It’s grief, fire, distance, and everything I’ve carried through a lens. It’s for the ones who never fit in—and kept creating anyway.”
The program will also feature a display of large-format prints from the book and Poole’s travels. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing during the event.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and military families. Current FLASH members may attend free of charge. Tickets and FLASH memberships will be available at the door and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo.
The museum is located at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. For more information, call (318) 357-2492.
WEEKEND TOUR SCHEDULE
Friday, July 25 – 5:00 PM
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum
The official book release event. Includes a live reading by the author, audience Q&A, original photography exhibit, and first edition book sales.
Sponsored by FLASH, the Louisiana State Museum, Explore Louisiana, Seventh Square Coffee Co., and Flying Tiger Brewery (craft beer sampling provided for attendees). Tickets available at the door. $10.
Saturday, July 26 – 3:00 PM
StoryBrew Coffee Co.
An informal morning reading and community conversation. Attendees can meet the author, enjoy coffee roasted by Seventh Square Coffee Co., purchase signed copies of the memoir, and explore a small curated selection of prints.
Sunday, July 27 – 5:00 PM
Flying Heart Brewery
The final stop of the weekend tour. A casual, community-centered event featuring storytelling, book signing, photography, and a relaxed gathering over local craft beer.
Beyond the Shadows of the Cane River is a raw, deeply personal memoir about grief, legacy, photography, and survival. Poole, a Natchitoches native and founder of Poole Media Co., is known for his cinematic visual style, evocative writing, and unfiltered storytelling. The book has already generated interest from readers across the region for its unapologetic tone.
All events are open to the public. Books will be available on-site, prints, and limited edition merch at some locations. Signed and stamped first-edition copies will be exclusive to in-person attendees during the release weekend.