Wed
Dec
16
(By Keith Spera, The Times-Picayune)
Homegrown rap superstar Lil Wayne is slated to headline the New Orleans Arena on Dec. 28.
Ostensibly, Wayne is promoting his oft-delayed album “Rebirth,” which looks as if it will finally drop on Dec. 21.
Earlier this year, Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, was the subject of the first episode of VH1’s relaunched “Behind the Music.”
Tue
Dec
15
Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, Anita Baker, My Morning Jacket, Lionel Richie, the Allman Brothers Band, the Gipsy Kings, Widespread Panic, Drake and Van Morrison will headline the 41st annual festival, joining hundreds of Louisiana musicians performing the best of jazz, gospel, Cajun and zydeco, funk, blues and rock. The festival spans two weekends, April 23-25 and April 29-May 2, 2010.
http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2009/12/post.html
Thu
Dec
10
Hard to believe, but true: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, if he were still around, would turn 75 next year. To commemorate and celebrate the man and his music, the city that helped launch Elvis Presley’s career soon will host a concert in his honor.
The “Louisiana Hayride,” a 1950s live, weekly radio show in Shreveport, La., is where the young Elvis began making his name, singing, rocking and gyrating amid the likes of many other performers who would become musical greats. Now, OnStage Touring LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., has announced that the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Tour will perform in Shreveport on Jan. 22, at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, which houses the Stage of Stars and Legends Museum.
The tour also has scheduled a stop in Baton Rouge on Jan. 23.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Tour is a multi-media extravaganza that pays homage to Elvis Presley during various stages of his career. The performers, tribute artists selected in competitions held annually by Elvis Presley Enterprises, portray Elvis in the 1950s, 1960s, during his movie career and his concert years. A live band backs up the singers, dancers, including an Ann-Margret tribute artist.
Tickets for the Shreveport engagement start at $25 and go on sale Dec. 11 at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
For additional information, tour stops and dates, visit: ultimateelvistour.com.
James Burton, a Shreveport resident, began playing guitar at the “Louisiana Hayride” in the early 1950s and later toured with Elvis Presley, among many other rock ‘n’ roll icons. He continues to perform and record frequently.
Tue
Dec
8
A NewOrleans.com blogger provides the details of a great holiday concert by members of one of the city’s greatest musical families.
Guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton is scheduled to perform at the New Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who will open the show.
Says The Times-Picayune’s Keith Spera: The New Orleans stop is one of only 11 North American dates announced so far for Clapton’s 2010 headlining tour. These dates are in addition to three shows with Jeff Beck and a European tour with Steve Winwood.
Sat
Dec
5
Looking to capture some holiday spirit, Louisiana-style? Consider a weekend in Shreveport.
An excellent starting place is the Gardens of the American Rose Center. This gorgeous year-round tribute to America’s favorite flower is in full seasonal bloom right now with the annual “Christmas in Roseland” display. More than a million twinkling lights and dozens of lighted displays have turned the gardens into a whimsical wonderland that also features giant holiday cards created by area school children.
The Holiday Home Tour returns Dec. 5-6, putting beautiful historic homes of the Highland and Fairfield districts on display for public viewing. Enjoy guided tours of such architectural gems as the Noel Mansion, along with snacks and beverages. For details see CelebrateHighland.com or call 318-221-5629.
While in Shreveport, don’t miss the chance to visit The Stage 0f Stars and Legends Museum at Municipal Auditorium. See where Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr. and dozens of other music greats got their start. Guided tours will be available each Saturday through Dec. 19.
Saturday evening, consider a short drive over to Oil City for the “Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival,” sponsored by 10 communities of northwest Caddo Parish. The festival opens at 3:30 p.m. at Earl G. Williamson Park, with entertainment, food, clowns, and arts and craft vendors. And of course, fireworks, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
