Magnolia LNG

FOX29/the Lake Charles CW

Union Pacific Foundation

Southwest Beverage

Deep South Productions

Parker Brand Creative

Tobacco Free Living

Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society

McDonald's of SWLA

IBERIABANK

Coca-Cola

Fusion Five

Knight Media Printing

Acadiana Profile Magazine

Tom Sawyer

Louisiana Lottery

First Federal Bank of LA

Beverage Sales

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

ASI Office Systems

Louisiana Solar Industry

The O'Carroll Group

LakeCharles.com

Thrive Magazine

Lake Charles Vapor

LCP

J&R Carriage

The Lab Design Group

Tipitina's Foundation

Botsky's Premium Hotdogs

MyPlace American Pub

Allstate - Dean Day

Empire of the Seed

Redfish Rentals

Digikast

Shearman Media

Automotive Alignment & Brake Service

Chesson Law Office

The Dev Department

Our Town

Oct. 1-5

Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre, MSU Campus

4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles

The McNeese Theatre Bayou Players begins its season of the "Past, Present and Future" with Thornton Wilder's definitive version of his classic American play, "Our Town," to celebrate MSU's 75th anniversary. The play explores the universal human experience of life, love, marriage, death, and a tendency to overlook these things that turn out to be most special to one's life. Charles McNeely directs this production with a vision of "wiping the dust off" this play by showing how the story, characters, and themes are connected to today's lives. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, MSU faculty/staff, and children K-12, and free to MSU students. Call 337-475-5040 for details.

Chaos Theory Opening Reception

Thursday, Oct. 2, 6pm

Henning Cultural Center

923 Ruth St., Sulphur

The Henning Cultural Center presents the opening reception of its annual pop art exhibit, Chaos Theory, on Thursday, October 2nd, at 6pm, and it will include works that draw inspiration from movies, TV, video games, pop culture, and cult classics. This year's exhibit features local artists, illustrators, painters, sculptors, and more. Call 337-527-0357 for details.

Harvest Simon Artist Reception

Friday, Oct. 3, 7pm-9pm

Stellar Beans

319 Broad St., Lake Charles

This month's featured artist at Stellar Beans is Harvest Simon. Harvest describes his work as a bit of outsider art meets street sensibility. He uses mixed media, blurry collages, and rustic acrylic. Brad and Haley Meaux will also be showing their art this month. Brad's pieces are highly detailed pen and ink, and Haley uses oils, pastels, and acrylics to create art reminiscent of late German Expressionism. Reception is from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Call 337-564-5739 for details.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Oct. 3-4 & 10-12, times vary

ACTS Theatre

1 Reid Street, Lake Charles

Tickets are now on sale for ACTS Theatre's newest production, Legally Blonde: The Musical, a musical comedy based on the book by Heather Hach. The production, directed by Damien Thibodeaux, features ACTS regular performers as well as newcomers. The show will open Sat., Sept. 27 at 7:30pm. Other performances and times are as follows: Fri., Oct. 3 and Sat., Oct. 4, both at 7:30pm; Fri., Oct. 10 and Sat., Oct. 11, both at 7:30pm. There will be a Sunday matinee performance on Oct. 12 at 3pm. All performances are held at ACTS Theatre, located at 1 Reid Street in Lake Charles. Tickets may be purchased at www.actstheatre.com or by calling 337-433-ACTS. Ticket outlets where vouchers for tickets may be purchased are Moss Bluff Flower & Gift, Lakeshore Medic Pharmacy, and the Civic Center box office. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students with a valid ID.

Art & Used Book Sale

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9am-1pm

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

4020 Hodges St., Lake Charles

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church will host an art and used book sale with proceeds benefitting the church's medical mission in New Guinea. Local art, including work by Nancy Melton, and used books will be for sale. For details, visit www.standrewpres.com. 

Chuck Fest

Saturday, Oct. 4, 12pm-12am

Downtown Lake Charles

Chuck Fest is a festival dedicated to celebrating Lake Chuck's rich cultural bounty. The single-day event is free to the public and will feature local restaurant favorites, Louisiana-made beer and spirits, and 14 bands from all across the Chuck. Alcohol sales the day of the event will benefit the Tipitina's Foundation, a Louisiana-based organization that promotes childhood music education, professional development of adult musicians, and helps to increase the profile and viability of Louisiana's music as a cultural, educational, and economic resource. For more information, please visit: https://tipitinasfoundation.org/ 

Smokin' on the Grove Sulphur BBQ Fest

Saturday, Oct. 4, 12pm-7pm

The Grove at Heritage Square

1015 S. Ruth St., Sulphur

A full day of BBQ Challenges. Cajun, Country, Zydeco, and Outlaw Music will perform throughout the day. BBQ Dinners will also

Breaking Through: Lake Charles Pride Festival

Oct. 3-5

Various Locations, Lake Charles

The Lake Charles Pride Festival will kick off on Fri., Oct. 3 at 5:30pm with a parade through downtown Lake Charles. The parade with begin and end at Lock Park. On Saturday, the festival will take place at Touloulou's deck and beach area out back at L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The festival includes music, theatre performances, vendors, food, family-friendly activities, a silent auction, and other festivities. On Sunday, the festival concludes at Stellar Beans from 10am to 2pm with a Sunday Brunch.

Coffee House Theatre

Saturday, Oct. 4, 7pm

Stellar Beans

319 Broad St., Lake Charles

October's Coffee House Theatre will be a preview of local theatre offerings for October. Itinerant Theatre will give a brief preview of the 3 women in "Louisiana Women: Bound" - Eliza, Rachel, & Marie Thereze. Three Women bound by slavery - stories you won't forget. Then - Lake Charles Little Theatre will give a preview of their upcoming production of the musical "Macabaret" A kooky and spooky journey into the macabre, Macabaret is a collection of humorous storysongs, which twist towards the morbid. Call 337-564-5739 for details.

Wine Down, Vino 101

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30pm

Lake Charles Country Club

3350 Country Club Dr., Lake Charles

The Calcasieu Medical Society foundation presents the third Wine Down event which will include a champagne social and six wine and food pairings for guests. Proceeds benefit the Calcasieu Community Clinic. For ticket information, visit www.ablacktieaffair.org. 

Activities at the Children's Museum

327 Broad Street, Lake Charles

Fri., Oct. 3: Kinetic Sand Fun, 3:30pm

Leisure Learning Classes

Elfy's Shah's Indian Delights, Tues., Oct. 7, 6pm to 8pm; Introduction to Feng Shui, Tues., Oct. 7, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. For more information, email leisurelearning@mcneese.edu or call 475-5616 or visit www.mcneese.edu/leisure 

Tonight: Katelyn Johnson Band, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 7pm; The Chuck Taylors, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; DJ Sno, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Friday: Adam Pearce, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; The LACS, Longhorn's, 9pm; Michael "Blackbird" Fruge, Cigar Club, 9pm; Flamethrowers, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Bag of Donuts, Luna Live, 10pm; DJ Sno, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Saturday: The Coleman Brothers, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Slim Harper, Jack After Dark, 9pm; Flamethrowers, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Pat Ryan Band, Longhorn's, 9pm; Bronco, Jr., Longhorn's, 9pm; Kory Fontenot, Cigar Club, 9pm; DJ Sno, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Sunday: Street Side Jazz Band, Luna Bar & Grill, 11am

Tuesday: Street Side Jazz Band, Loggerhead's, 5pm

Wednesday: Chris Miller & Bayou Roots, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm; Joe Ecker, Cigar Club, 8pm

Mayor's Arts Awards

Friday, Oct. 10, 6pm

Benjamin W. Mount Auditorium, Central School

809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

In concert with the City of Lake Charles, the Arts Council of SWLA invites the public to the 2014 Mayor's Arts Awards ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 10th at 6 p.m. in the Benjamin W. Mount Auditorium at Central School. Mayor Randy Roach of Lake Charles will award those working in the arts by recognizing the contributions of Southwest Louisiana's creative workers, patrons, and artists to the region's culture. Business attire is recommended, and a reception will follow the ceremony. Award winners will be kept secret until the night of the ceremony. For more information, call the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787.

Lake Charles Film & Music Festival

Oct. 10-12

Central School Arts & Humanities Center

809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

The third annual Lake Charles Film and Music Festival is even bigger and better this year. The three-day event, Friday-Sunday, Oct. 10-12, will be held at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles, and at several other Lake Charles venues. Film screenings and seminars and workshops will take place 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Central School. Ed and Susan Poole will head a seminar on Louisiana film history. Louisiana artist, music composer and filmmaker Felix Matos, will talk about his art. Other workshops topics include special effects makeup, independent filmmaking, stop motion animation and low-budget horror filmmaking. Admission is $15. For details, email info@lakecharlesfilmfestival.com.

SAGE Series

Mondays, Oct. 13, 27, Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1

Business Conference Center, MSU Campus

4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Tickets for the SAGE Series are on sale now for $55. Lectures include Russell Long: A Life in Politics by Michael Martin, Ph.D. on Mon., Oct. 13; Freedwomen and the Freedmen's Bureau: Race, Gender, and Public Policy in the Age of Emancipation by Mary Farmer-Kaiser on Mon., Oct. 27; Canoe Song: A French Explorer's Journey 1673-1690 by Brian "Fox" Ellis on Mon., Nov. 17; The Seven Nations' Contributions to Creole/Cajun Cuisine by Chef Marcelle Bienvenu on Mon., Nov, 24; and Lagniappe - 18th Century Gardeners at Pioneers of Modern Landscape Design by Baerbel Czennia, Ph.D. on Mon., Dec. 1. For details, visit www.mcneese.edu/leisure or call 337-475-5616.

Regional Arts Network (RAN) Seminar

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 11:30am-1pm

Central School, Room 108

809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

The next edition of the Arts Council of SWLA's Regional Arts Network will be held on Tuesday, October 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 108 of Central School in Lake Charles. Andrea Bacarisse, owner and CEO of E2E Technology, will lead a seminar on the importance of networking for artists, nonprofits, and the creative workforce. Bacarisse will discuss tips and techniques for the best ways to make connections with potential clients, the strongest events to network at, and how to compose the perfect "elevator speech." Seminar is $5 per person, and lunch is served. Registration is required to attend. To register, click here or call 337-439-2787.

Walnut Grove Institute Call for Artists - Deadline: Oct. 6, 2014

The Walnut Grove Institute and the Arts Council of SWLA are currently seeking submissions for small exhibits to be hung in the new Post Office building at Walnut Grove in Lake Charles. Artists can email 5-10 high res images of their work to ericam@artscouncilswla.org with work titles, mediums, and prices. Selected artists will hang October 15, 2014 to January 15, 2015. All work must be 2D and ready to hang. Call 337-439-2787 for details.

On The Wall: First Page Contest - Deadline: Nov. 1, 2014

Bayou Writers Group is currently accepting submissions for On The Wall writing contest. Writers may submit the first page of a short story or novel which will be posted at the Bridge to Publication Conference. Conference attendees will vote for their favorite entry during the event. The submission receiving the most votes will win free admission to the 2015 conference along with other prizes. Submissions must be the author's own work and have no more than 250 words. Only those who have registered for the conference may submit and only the first 20 correctly formatted submissions will be accepted. There is no fee to enter. To submit or for more information, email tpreje3@gmail.com.

Tennessee Williams New Orleans Festival Contest - Deadline: Nov. 1, 2014

The Festival's One-Act Contest and Fiction Contest have nurtured writers at the start of their careers - and helped them move on to further publications, book deals, and in one case, a Pulitzer Prize. Don't miss out on this opportunity to share your work and win fabulous prizes. Prizes include $1,500 for each contest winner, publication, public readings, VIP-All Access passes, and more! One-Act Play Contest deadline: November 1, 2014; Fiction Contest deadline: November 16, 2014. Visit www.tennesseewilliams.net for details.

Thrive 2015 Art Calendar Call for Submissions - Deadline: Nov. 7, 2014

Thrive Magazine and the Arts Council of SWLA are accepting submissions from local artists to be showcased in Thrive's 2015 art calendar. Thirteen artists will be featured, one per month, along with a write up about the piece and artist. The calendar will be inserted into the January 2015 issue and an extra 5,000 issues will be distributed throughout Southwest Louisiana. Finalist submissions will be posted on Facebook, and the public will vote for the winning 13 artists. Email submissions with descriptions of entry and artist with a photo of the artist to edit@thriveswla.com. Limit three submissions per artist.

Surreal Salon 7 Call for Artists - Deadline: Nov. 13, 2014

Baton Rouge Gallery - center for contemporary art is proud to announce it is now accepting submissions for Surreal Salon 7, a national juried exhibition of pop-surrealist and lowbrow art from across America. The work selected by the exhibition's juror as "Best in Show" for Surreal Salon 7 will be prominently featured in an editorial on the exhibition that will be seen by millions the world over in an upcoming issue of Juxtapoz Magazine. The artist's work will appear (with title and medium listed) and will be recognized as "Best in Show" for Surreal Salon 7. For details, email jandreasen@batonrougegallery.org or call 225-383-1470. To view submission guidelines, visit http://www.batonrougegallery.org/surreal-salon/ 

George Rodrigue Foundation Call for Student Art - Deadline: Feb. 12, 2015

The George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation are seeking student artwork for their 2015 art contest. Applicants are invited to explore Louisiana's rich musical heritage. All juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible for entry in the GRFA Art Contest. No test score, grade point average or college major requirement is necessary for enter. The contest is open to all juniors and seniors attending public and private schools, home schooled students, and GED students. The winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts team to design a special poster to be sold at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's free festivals including the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival, the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, and Fiesta Latina. For details, visit www.rodriguefoundation.org. 

Louisiana Artist Roster Accepting Listings

The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts will support a Louisiana Artist Roster as mechanism to promote performing and visual artists. The purpose of the roster is to support Louisiana artists who want to tour and exhibit statewide, regionally, nationally and internationally. It will be used to promote Louisiana's artists at upcoming local, regional and national events, and other conferences and opportunities throughout the year as they arise. The Louisiana Artist Roster is a listing of Louisiana artists that have professional experience with shows, exhibits, or performances of all genres who are tour-ready and available for statewide, regional, national or international bookings, exhibitions and special events. Artists must complete the online application and will be selected for the roster through a peer review process. Review the guidelines at http://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/arts/louisiana-artist-roster/index. 

Creative Arts Center Available for Lessons & Workshops

Associated Louisiana Artists announces that its Creative Arts Center is available to non-member artists and teachers to conduct lessons and workshops. The CAC is an extension of the Gallery by the Lake at 106 W. Pryce St. It is a specialized teaching center with work tables, audio/visual equipment and an overhead mirror to show tabletop work. Arrangements can be made by calling 436-1008 during gallery hours, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. An answering machine will take messages during other hours.

Associated Louisiana Artist's On-Going Art Classes

Join at any time! Professional teachers in watercolors and oils with easel-side individual instruction. Come and enjoy the fellowship and fun in a state of the art facility. All levels of learning are invited. Prices range from $30 to $50 a month. Call 337-478-1008 between 12 and 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, email info@gallerybythelake.com or just come by and visit at 106 W. Pryce Street, in downtown Lake Charles. 

Dewey Fine Art Announces Morning Art Classes

Watercolor classes available for beginning and intermediate adult students, the group classes allow for an individually guided pace, while choosing their own subject matter. Covering the basic drawing and perspective techniques in a fun, relaxing environment. Call 337-477-0124 for details.

Adult Guitar Classes Open Enrollment

Tina Wing will teach a McNeese Adult Guitar class starting every Tuesday from 7:30 - 8:30PM. Call 337-475-5616 to enroll.

Theatre Training Registration Open for Children

A wide variety of workshops are available including Stageworks, and Creative Dramatics. Call 337-433-7323 or visit www.childrenstheatre.cc for details.

Lake Charles Community Band Open to New Members

The Lake Charles Community Band is welcoming new members. All instruments are needed. Practices are on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Lake Charles Boston Academy Choir Room. Please contact Denise at 625-5330 for more information.

Rouge et Blanc Seeking Volunteers

Banners Cultural Series is currently seeking volunteers for Rouge et Blanc throughout the day on Saturday, October 11th. Banners will strive to place volunteers in their preferred area of interest if there is an opening and if the volunteer possesses the minimum qualifications needed. Duties include, but are not limited to, entry tent area, set-up, recycling, wine pouring, raffle ticket sales, etc. Call 337-475-5123 for details.

Chuck Fest Seeking Art Vendors

Chuck Fest will take place in downtown Lake Charles on Saturday, Oct. 4th, and local art vendors are sought to display and sell artwork during the event. 10'x10' vendor slots are available. There is no fee to be a vendor, and all vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, and tents. For a vendor form or to find out more information, contact Walker Williams at 337-485-0019 or email tyler@walkerwilliams.co.

Culture Fest Louisiana Seeking Vendors

Culture Fest, the annual multicultural festival that brings together art, food, dance, and music, will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Saturday, October 25th. The event is currently seeking visual arts vendors to set up displays at the event. Call 337-409-9636 or email info@culturefestlouisiana.com for details.

Area Farmers Market Seeking Art Vendors

The Charlestown Farmers Market and the Cash & Carry Farmers Markers are seeking art vendors. The Charlestown Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 8AM - 12Noon on Bilbo Street behind Historic City Hall. Visit www.cityoflakecharles.com for details. The Cash & Carry Farmers Market features local art and hand-crafted items on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4pm-6pm at 801 Enterprise Blvd in Lake Charles. Visit www.cashandcarryfarmersmarket.com for vendor application.

Artists Engaging in Social Change Grant - Deadline: Nov. 12, 2014

The Surdna Foundation is now accepting proposals for one- or two-year support to extraordinary artist-driven projects as part of its Artists Engaging in Social Change funding area. All artistic disciplines will be considered, including cross-disciplinary work. The request for proposal (RFP) is open to both 501(c)(3) organizations and individual artists and culture bearers, but artists and collectives that are not incorporated as 501(c)(3)s must apply under a fiscal sponsor. Visit http://www.surdna.org/rfp/ for details.

Free Swim Soup Now Accepting Proposals for Microgrants

Free Swim SOUP is now accepting ideas for its next SOUP, a community dinner celebrating creative projects in Southwest Louisiana. Four ideas will be presented ranging from art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurship, education, technology, etc. Each presenter has fifteen minutes to share his or her idea and then field questions from the diners. Anyone in the Lake Charles community, as well as the Five Parish Area, is eligible to submit a proposal. If you have an idea for a community-minded project, or your business, non-profit, club, or organization requires monetary assistance to realize a goal, Free Swim SOUP can help provide funding with microgrants from $50 up to $1000 (depending on attendance and donation amounts).

New Orleans Theatre Association - Grant Applications Accepted Quarterly

Grants are available for any arts-related endeavors, but are particularly aimed at schools and educational institutes that are active in the performing arts, including music, drama, and dance, as well as related areas such as acting, directing, writing, and producing. Most grants will fall in the range of $500 to $5,000 but other amounts are available and there is no preset maximum amount. More information and a grant application form are available at www.neworleanstheatreassociation.com. 

New England Foundation for the Arts

The New England Foundation for the Arts is accepting proposals for its Native American Artists Exchange Program, which supports an exchange of ideas between two Native American artists from different regions. Visit http://www.nefa.org/grants_programs/grants/national_native_artist_exchange_grant to learn more.

National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts Office of Research and Analysis is accepting applications for Research: Art Works, which supports research that investigates the value of the US arts ecosystem and the impact of the arts on other domains of American Life. Visit http://arts.gov/grants-organizations/research-art-works to learn more.

Pollination Project

The Pollination Project invites applications from social entrepreneurs for seed grants of up to $1,000, which will be awarded to individuals for projects in the early stages of development that promote compassion toward all life, justice, community health and wellness, and social change-oriented arts and culture. Visit http://thepollinationproject.org/applicantinformatio/funding-guidelines/ to learn more.