By: Connor James - MSTv Correspondent

The Food Gas & Lodging Festival turns up in Baton Rouge for March. So, for people who make the annual pilgrimage trip to Austin to catch it, no worries, its in your back yard now kiddies.

Three local staples of fine BR entertainment, The Spanish Moon, Mud and Water and the Varsity Theatre are actually working together to bring us over 50 great acts this month.


The festival lets performers, bands and artists who are local, or traveling through Baton Rouge (en route to SXSW and other venues) to showcase our local talent and drop some extra money into the pockets of those just passing through.

With a huge line-up showcasing the 2 week long festival, the organizers hope that this will not only draw more people to the event, but also draw awareness to the Baton Rouge music atmosphere.

And of course, a partnership between venues is the first step in growing the event into a significant force.  Organizers hope that in the coming years, more local venues will be added to the list with sights toward making the GFLF a city wide annual festival.

That's something the area could certainly do well with for the future.  But for now, here's this years line-up.

Contact individual venues for ticket information.

Reproduced from:  TheAdvocate.com

Louisiana music and art is the theme of an exhibition and panel discussion at the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, during Black History Month.

Louisiana Music: An Artistic Tribute, will run through Tuesday, Feb. 26, with subjects ranging from blues and zydeco imagery to jazz-inspired Afro-Caribbean abstraction.

Admission is free.

Organized by Cultural Crossroads, Inc., in conjunction with Baton Rouge Collects, the exhibition includes paintings, sculpture, collages and fiber art by Frederick Brown, John Scott, Emerson Bell, Addie Dawson-Euba, Jacquelyn Hughes-Mooney, Kimberly Lewis, Charles Siler, Irene Tucker, Randell Henry and Cheryl McKay Dixon.

According to Joyce Jackson, president of Cultural Crossroads, “We are now seeing a renewed emphasis on the synthesis of the arts, including culinary and performance arts in Southern Louisiana cultural expressions. The panelists will begin by discussing new developments in art and music and end with attempting to identify the metaphysical and physiological foundation for these phenomena.”

Cultural Crossroads, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to programming the artistic expressions of African-American people and to exposing those connections to Africa and the diaspora. For more information, call (225) 751-9911.

Reproduced from: theadvocate.com

The former home of the legendary Tabby’s Blues Box in downtown Baton Rouge has some new residents. Located at 244 Lafayette St. across from The Hilton Hotel, The Blues Room is the newest addition to the explosion of growth happening in the downtown area. The bar opened its doors on Jan. 25, and owner Billy Stevens and bar manager Amanda Davis could not be more excited about their new home.

“There are a lot of incentives to open in downtown Baton Rouge,” Davis said. “It’s great because we’re the only other blues bar in the area besides Phil Brady’s. It’s a great location. You have the convenience of downtown, but because of all the bars on Third Street you’re not going to be shoulder to shoulder packed. It’ll still be a little crowd.”

The Blues Room’s unique décor and atmosphere sets it apart from many other bars in the area. Stepping down a few feet into the dimly lit bar, patrons are met with large flat screen TVs and fabulous photos of downtown Baton Rouge and the New Orleans French Quarter. The stage is set in front of the bar’s blue and white logo where the motto reminds patrons to “Enjoy the Culture.”

“We are a very laidback place where people can come and hang out and talk to their friends,” Davis said. “Our sound system is set up in a way where you can hear the music, but you don’t have to scream in order to have a conversation with the friends you came with. It’s really great because in a lot of the other bars downtown it’s really hard to socialize without having to scream at the top of your lungs.”

But even with great atmosphere, the music is still the star attraction of The Blues Room. With amazing acts like internationally known Gregg Wright and Boogie Long and the Blues Revolution, The Blues Room is already making its mark as a great venue for exceptional blues music.

“We want to expand with our acts and put this place on the map,” Davis said. “I want to make it a very big live music venue where people can come and listen to great music and enjoy themselves.”

The Blues Room has live acts Wednesday through Sunday. Every Wednesday night from 8 p.m. to midnight, Louis Dunn and the Dunn Deal All-Stars perform live. On Sundays, Elvin Killerbee hosts a blues jam session to which he brings in friends to play, and aspiring musicians have an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Sundays with Elvin Killerbee is our open mic night,” Davis said. “If somebody wants to get up there on stage and sing something, they can.”

The Blues Room is open seven nights a week, and happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with two-for-one drink specials on everything in the house. The bar also serves food all night including fare such as hot dogs, nachos, po-boys and hot tamale pies and offers patrons the opportunity to play pool on two pool tables.

“We’re a new place, and it’s amazing,” Davis said. “Tabby’s Blues Box is what it originally was, and I kind of want to build off that. Tabby’s may not be open, but the legend lives on, and people can come and have a good time. It’s a great place to come and have a conversation. You can come and relax and listen to great music. We’ve got great food, and we’ve got lots of seating. You can play pool. It’s not going to be the same atmosphere of downtown in general that people are used to. It’s going to be more a homey, cozy feel.”

For schedules and acts, check out The Blues Room Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blues-Room/337180466388661

By: Alex Templar - MSTv Correspondent

Perhaps we're being a little misleading with the title of this article.  Despite the sobering realization that the late, great and true, Michael Jackson passed away nearly four years ago, we can still say with truth that M.J. will be preforming at the LSU student union on February 21th.  But, he'll just be doing so in the skin of his chosen heir apparent.

Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket aside, the heir in question is Joby Rogers.  Rogers, somewhat of a performance artist, virtually channels the essence of the King of Pop in every stage appearance he's been spotlighted in since 2009.

But before you go just considering him a Michael Jackson impersonator, take a second look at the man's pedigree - Rogers is the only artist chosen to be Jackson’s official substitute — by Michael Jackson himself.

And its the spirit of Jacko that Rogers intends to channel when he brings “The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” to the LSU student union theater on the 21st.

To see his skill upon the stage makes Jackson's choice to name Rogers as his official impersonator virtually undeniable.  It’s as if he becomes Jackson when he steps on stage.

But of course, imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, something Rogers knows well when compared to other impersonators. 

“The demand for more things Michael has grown since his passing,” Rogers said. “And the number of impersonators has grown, too.”

However, unlike his rivals, none but Rogers have a letter of designation signed by Michael Jackson.  Also, none but Rogers can make the claim of being on the cover of Rolling Stone.  Only him..


And its this sense and proof of validation that Rogers will be bringing to the Baton Rouge area. 

in an all-encompassing tour, the audience can expect a concert worthy of the "King of Pop" himself.  A full compliment of dancers, video screens and vibrant light show will take the audience from M.J's Jackson 5 beginnings to the ends of his turbulent life.

"This not only will be my first trip to Baton Rouge but my first trip to Louisiana,” Rogers said. “I don’t know why we’ve never made it to Louisiana, but we’re really looking forward to it. I’ve eaten gumbo, but it’s been from a can. I’m looking forward to eating real Louisiana food.”

Even though he expects a gracious welcome to our state, Rogers looks forward to another go round as his alter-ego; something he not yet tired of playing.

Playing Jackson, as expected, has given Joby opportunities from travel, to television talk shows and a personal appearance at the unveiling of the Michael Jackson statue at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Los Angeles.

Now LSU and Baton Rouge finally has its chance to host and enjoy a concert by Michael Jackson.  One given by someone, If not in his form, has the seal of approval from the spirit of the performer to be his named heir.  

So, are you ready for “The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.?”  You better be..

The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience hits the LSU Union Theater stage  7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21.
Costs are $36-$44 with LSU students admitted free with a valid university ID.
Call (225) 578-5128 or visit http://www.uniontheater.lsu.edu

By: Conner James - MSTv B.R.beat Correspondent

Its been called the Baton Rouge version of "Decadence Fest," its been called weird and its been called just plain odd.  But more often, its been called the most fun event in local Baton Rouge Mardi Gras celebrations. 

Its the Spanish Town parade and in a strangely appropriate take, its parade theme this year is, “A Spanish Town Twinkie Ate my Ding Dong.”  Yes, it is very strange.

This year the parade begins at noon Saturday, Feb. 9 downtown.  “And for lot of people, this is the event they look forward to all year long,” Spanish Town Parade organizer Bruce Childers said, “It’s the zaniest thing you’re ever going to see.”

Despite the parade growing larger, more popular and having more people wanting to be a part of it every year, organizers don't see it losing any steam in its 32 year history.

With the Spanish Town area being well-known for its diverse inhabitants and businesses, the parade has always intended to reflect these differences in ways outrageous as possible. 

In short, that means the sights and sounds attendees probably will see won't be politically correct - mostly..  Very adult themes permeate the floats, revelers and sometimes the very throws themselves.  So,  is this a parade that could be considered family friendly, or even "impressionable kid" safe? 

Childers says, "Yes."

“It will never turn into a kids’ parade,” Childers said.  “If you have little kids, bring them. They don’t know what’s on the floats, they just want the beads. When they get a little older, they’ll get an education.”

But, if you're worried about your little ones seeing more "inappropriate" behaviour by the party-goers themselves, a family safe area is available. 

"If you have kids and don’t want to be around drinking, go to the alcohol-free zone," he said.  As usual, the "safe" zone is in front of St. James Church on Convention St. 

"But, it doesn't matter where you are, you’ll still get plenty of beads,” Childers exclaimed.

And while the Spanish Town parade keeps getting larger, it’s always about the local pride.  Something to which Childers, after all his planning and execution, expects as another successful year; with a beautiful commencement day to boot.

“The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a great day for Saturday,” he said. 

We only hope the book is right because the people are poised for a great party.

Reprinted from: Robin Miller - Arts writer The Advocate
January 25, 2013


Welcome to the carnival, where reality gives way to, well, whatever world you like.

The Surreal Salon Soiree is your dimension, your party, your chance to be anyone you like. And it begins with the Elevator Projects’ installation outside the gallery, offering visitors a trip inspired by surrealist games.

Now, these are a variety of word and graphical games used by surrealists for the purpose of expanding an unseen singularity into a horizon and beyond. And Elevator Projects’ goal is to create such an atmosphere when it creates an original, five-room installation for this party that coincides with Baton Rouge Gallery’s annual national juried exhibition, Surreal Salon, which runs through Thursday, Jan. 31.

“It will be constructed like carnivals in the 1920s dust bowl era,” said Jason Andreasen, the gallery’s executive director. “Carnival tent walls during that time were built with curtains.”

So, welcome to the carnival, where people and artwork become one.

Elevator Projects is a Baton Rouge art collective that creates pop-up experimental art exhibitions. The group’s installation will be highlighted by members of professional contemporary dance company Of Moving Colors dancing nearby.

“They won’t be performing a choreographed dance,” Andreasen said. “They’ll be moving.”

And visitors also will be moving, passing through this surreal world outside and into the gallery to celebrate the fifth annual Surreal Salon Soiree, where costumes aren’t required but preferred.

The party runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.

This year’s musical entertainment will be The New Orleans Bingo Show, which not only performs live but incorporates its original videos in its show.

“They produce their own videos, and we’re going to set up the inflatable screen we use for our summer film series as a backdrop for them,” Andreasen said. “So, they’ll be performing on stage while their videos play on the screen behind them.”

Local electronic musician Matt Cee also is in the lineup.

But the real stars of the night will be the party-goers, whose sense of the surreal is limited only by their imaginations.

“It’s the one night when the place becomes an art piece,” Andreasen said. “It’s amazing to see the costumes people come up with. They’re so original, and a lot of people think about the surrealist theme when putting their costumes together.”

The idea is to dress as a character or object that could be found in a pop surrealist painting. The key word here is “could.”

The gallery will award cash and prizes to those judged to have the “most surreal” attire.

But it all begins at the carnival. Or at least the carnival-like tents constructed by Elevator Projects.

Enter if you dare.