Latest news with #LakeCharlesCommunityBand
American Press
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Red, White, Blue & You offers patriotic, family fun
Lake Charles' daylong Fourth of July celebration begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday with live music, food and games, and culminates with the annual fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. (Special to the American Press) R ed, White, Blue & You will be an all-day festival and fireworks extravaganza. On Friday the festival will provide patriotic, family-friendly fun for to Southwest Louisiana. What started as a festive evening has evolved into an all-day celebration that spans the downtown lakefront area, said Payton Lundmark, director of cultural affairs for the City of Lake Charles. Red, White, Blue & You will be the launch of a yearlong celebration of America 250, leading up to the country's 250th anniversary in 2026. The activities will expand from the Arcade Amphitheater to North Beach, where water rentals will be available. The patriotic festival is just the beginning, Lundmark said. Throughout the year, the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center will host themed programming, like colonial workshops, history talks and installations, she said. The celebrations officially begin with the first annual Hot Dog Cook Off at 3:30 p.m. Handmade ceramic hot dog trophies created by local pottery artist Avonlea Cooper are up for grabs in three categories: Top Dog, Best-Looking Dog and Most Creative Dog. Lundmark said three 'adventurous cooks' signed up for the competition, but interested professional and home chefs may still sign up. The contest is free to participate in. Those interested can register in advance online, and must be able to provide their supplies for prep, cooking and serving. Games like pickleball, Wiffle Ball, volleyball, corn hole and Cajun golf will be set up on North Beach for festivalgoers to play. The City of Lake Charles Parks and Recreation will also set up competitive Olympic-style games from 3-7 p.m. at Millennium Park. Throughout the grounds, food trucks, lemonade stands and ice cream will be available. Live music will be performed throughout the evening at the Arcade Amphitheater. Dani Lacour starts the show at 4:30 p.m. Lacour, a Moss Bluff native, plays Southern rock and country music alongside her full band. 'The band is made up with some of the most talented musicians out of Lake Charles and surrounding areas,' Lundmark said. 'She strives to give a fiery and entertaining show each time for her supporters.' Next up is the Lake Charles Community Band performance at 6:15 p.m. The community band is an all-volunteer group comprised of local, passionate musicians who perform under the direction of Davaron Edwards. The band's Fourth of July performance will bring variety to the celebration with classic marches, movie themes and patriotic tunes on the docket. The live performances will be closed out by L.A. ROXX, the 'World's Greatest Arena Rock Tribute Band,' Lundmark said. 'With blazing dual solos, incredible riffs, thunderously kickin' drums and authentic vocals, this band is sure to knock you back into your favorite arena rock show,' she said. L.A. ROXX will perform from 7:30-9 p.m. The Red, White, Blue & You finale begins at 9 p.m. with a patriotic Glow Show. The building will be illuminated 'with a glorious patriotic display of moving images and scenes' by the City's 3D projectors. At 9:15 p.m., the annual fireworks finale display will light up the sky above the lake. The 88.3 (KBYS-FM) simulcast will play coordinated patriotic music for both the Glow Show and fireworks display. Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and ice chests. Glass is strictly prohibited. The program will be moved into the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum in the case of inclement weather.
American Press
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Lake Charles Community Band: Two summer shows that ask for audience participation
T he Lake Charles Community Band is bringing Lake Charles two summer shows that will let guests experience spooky spectacles and vibrant sounds. The Summer Concert Series has two shows lined up. The first performance is at 6 p.m. Monday at the Rosa Heart Theater in the Lake Charles Event Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr. The second at 6 p.m. on June 23 at Tritico Theater at McNeese State University. Each concert is themed and encourages audience interaction and creative participation, said Jeremi Edwards, assistant professor of music theory and composition at McNeese. Attendees are invited to dress to theme and become 'active contributors to the atmosphere and spirit of the performance.' 'When people are invited to contribute to the environment through costumes, colors or shared themes, they're more invested in the experience,' he explained. 'It fosters a sense of community, creativity and belonging. Families, students and music lovers of all ages get to have fun, express themselves, and feel like part of something larger.' This playful aspect of the concerts breaks down the structures of traditional concert settings, inviting new audiences into concert culture. On Monday, audiences can prepare for 'Fright Night!' The community band used to play Halloween concerts during each October, but haven't been able to in recent years. This concert aims to correct that, Edwards said. 'We all have heard of Christmas in July, well how about Halloween in June?' he said. For 'Fright Night,' audience members should put on their favorite Halloween costumes to help transform the performance into a spirited celebration. The program will include songs like 'Witches Dance,' 'A Rockin' Halloween,' 'Thriller' and selections from the Broadway musical 'Wicked.' The second concert later in the month was inspired by the rainbow, Edwards said. For the 'Color Pallette' performance, guests should dress in their 'boldest, most vibrant outfits' to turn Tritico Theater into a colorful expanse. Edwards' vision for the performance is for the audience and performers to work together to create a 'living, breathing work of art.' 'Just as the music explores different tones, moods and styles, the visual presence of a colorfully dressed audience enhances the concert's energy and connection to its theme,' he said. 'Just as colors can evoke feelings, memories and moods, so too can music. Through an eclectic and energetic program, this concert will paint a sonic landscape that highlights how composers use tone, rhythm, and orchestration to bring vivid images and emotions to life.' Each song will reflect a color. From 'The Pink Panther' to 'Red Rock Mountain' to 'Greenwillow Portrait,' audiences can prepare for a kaleidoscopic experience. During 'Color Pallette,' the Lake Charles Community Band will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to a member of the ensemble who has demonstrated commitment, passion and service throughout the years, he said. While the individual who will receive the award is a surprise, Edwards said confidently 'their contributions have helped sustain the spirit and tradition of the Lake Charles Community Band.' 'Beyond their musicianship, they have served as a mentor, a motivator, and a true ambassador for the arts in Southwest Louisiana,' he added. 'We are proud to honor their legacy, not just for their talent, but for the example they have set in demonstrating how music can unite people, uplift a community, and leave a lasting mark.'
