Find Shows, Find Music, Find Life: Browsing for Bands Playing Near You

Alright, so I don't go to a lot of shows in Shreveport. Of course there's the Actor's Cafe and Big D's (every once and awhile). The problem with Shreveport music is the law. There's very little to do if you're not 21.

So, many of us travel to Dallas, NOLA, and Austin to see good bands. But it's impossible finding shows unless you MySpace stalk your favorite artists. And that takes time. You can't do that if you're a full-time student with a full-time job.

But I have some tips and websites. I've found them through other blogs and our lovely radio promoters in the big cities.

Tourfilter.com: Let the Internet Find the Shows
Enter tourfilter.com. This is what my life was missing, for the past five years! Tourfilter, now three years old, scours the internet for shows and artists. It organizes all the shows based in different metro areas (like Dallas, New Orleans, Austin, etc.). Punch in your favorite artists and Tourfilter will email you whenever they're coming to town (or near town, as in our case). Shreveport isn't there yet, but at the rate they're expanding, expect smaller metros soon!

Pollstar.com: What's Shreveport's Schedule Look Like?
While it's been around for many years, pollstar.com still keeps up with current trends. I hate all the adverts, though. Regardless, Pollstar gives you the ability to search based on artists, venues, concerts, cities, and more. It's not very indie-friendly, lacking several shows with upcoming artists. Yet the site offers enough to give you the information you need in most situations.

MySpace.com: Popular Social Site Does City Scheduling Too
MySpace's music site offers even more show listings for a given zip code. It works by collecting venue information from each artist site. The user only needs to type in their zip. And zing! All the posted shows appear. The problem here is that you get a lot of junk and listings for sketchy shows. A few months ago I talked to a band that played in a guy's trailer in Bossier. The band was a little freaked out. I don't even know if there was a door price.

Hope that helps! Do you know any other ways to find shows?
Of course local shows (that are sent to us) are posted in our booth news.

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Ben Folds Coming to Centenary Gold Dome, Shreveport [Confirmed]

It has just been confirmed that Ben Folds will be playing at Centenary on Friday, April 4th for Centenary's Annual Preview Weekend. Preview Weekend gives prospective students a chance to spend the night on campus and learn different things that make Centenary unique.

Thanks Allison, for the update. The Ben Folds Fan Club website lists the tour dates and tickets. Centenary's Gold Dome is listed for April 4th. Again, the ticket prices will most likely be $15 for everyone and $10 for Centenary students. Fighting Squirrels still hasn't released any official information, but if an
external site is hosting the info it'll only be a matter of time. To get tickets, check out centenarytickets.com. Nothing new is there, but expect it soon since this show will most likely sell out. Great job to the Fighting Squirrels for bringing in a good act. This will most likely help their bottom line.

I still think FSP should work with KSCL to save money on the artist/record co. connection. Oh well.

photo creds to Ryan Ellders

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[Update] Rumor: Ben Folds Coming to Shreveport, Centenary

Okay, our rumor is being smashed from left and right. Thanks for all the information regarding this event. And please comment below if you have any information.

There are two pieces of information that still point to Ben Folds playing at Centenary. The first, as mentioned in a previous post, is a pamphlet sent out by Admissions with the text, "enjoy a concert featuring Ben Folds." The second bit of information is buried in our Facilities scheduling calendar. Comparing the original date of April 3rd and Folds' Myspace reveals a conflict. Folds is set to play in Tulsa, OK. Thanks to Melissa for that bit of info.

However, there is still an open date on Folds' MySpace. That date is also scheduled in our Facilities Calendar as "Concert". On our end, we still have no confirmation on any specific person playing at the event, nor do we notice any changes to www.centenarytickets.com. Keep your eyes open!

From the Facilities Reservation Calendar:

Thu 4/3/2008 all day     Fighting Squirrels - Concert - Set up     Gold Dome
Thu 4/3/2008 all day     Preview Weekend - Crawfish Boil Set Up     Crumley Gardens
Fri 4/4/2008 all day     PREVIEW WEEKEND     Crumley Gardens, Kilpatrick Auditorium, Centenary Room, Carruth Choir Room, Broyles Choir Room, Whited Room, Fitness Center Gym, Jones Rice Field, Gold Dome
Fri 4/4/2008 all day     Preview Weekend - Breakout Sessions Set Up     Broyles Choir Room
Fri 4/4/2008 all day     Preview Weekend - Picnic Set Up     Crumley Gardens
Fri 4/4/2008 all day     Preview Weekend - Registration/Welcome Set Up     Whited Room
Fri 4/4/2008 all day     Preview Weekend - Set Up     Kilpatrick Auditorium

Fri 4/4/2008 8:00am - 12:59pm     Fighting Squirrels - Concert     Gold Dome

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Actor's Café, All Age Venue Opens Doors [New Venue]

It makes me so happy to see amazing people do amazing things in Shreveport. This is my newest find.

Actor's Café is a new bar/restaurant/venue located at 1401 Fairfield Ave. From venue's MySpace, "Our goal is to provide a fun atmosphere where musicians, actors, artists, and the public can showcase their talents while enjoying tasty food and a full bar."

Jeffrey Nightbyrd, the owner lists several upcoming events:
Thursday is always Actors Showcase. See info below
Friday sparkling Alana Dyson plays and sings with Kern Courtney. 8pm.
Saturday Ladies Night and the Shreveport Belly Dancers will perform. Trudeau has more info.
Sunday Academy Awards Party, doors open at 5pm.
Monday Dan Garner of the Tipitina's Music Co-op brings his popular singer/songwriter jam to the café. This had quite a following at Java Junction (now Skinworks).
Tuesday is when signed Acclaim actors gather to do scenes for upcoming movie auditions in the back room.
Wednesday musicians gather for the Music Jam. All good musicians are welcome.

Attention Aspiring Actors

Every Thursday at the Actor's Café we will be holding an "Actors Showcase".

Come perform a scene or a monologue of your choosing for five minutes on stage without getting the "gong." At least one winner every night. Free beverages for contestants. Fun atmosphere. Over a period of 8 contests we will see who the best of the best is. Real movie casting directors will choose the final winners. The final winners will win an agency contract and photo shoot. So come give it your best shot this Thursday at the Actors Café! Do a scene with a friend or a monologue. Starts at 8pm (sign up early)

Actor's Café address and phone:
1401 Fairfield Shreveport 71101 (google)
318-673-9998

image courtesy of Actor's Café MySpace

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Colour Revolt Coming to Shreveport, Harlequin Alley

Holy Hell! Again another amazing poster Shannon Palmer. Who is this person? I want to buy her lunch!

the dirty:
Colour Revolt, Peekers, Porcealin Arms, Jaguar Shark, & And, Wellington
Sunday, March 9th @ 7p / $10
Harlequin Alley (516 Texas Street)

What makes the headliner so special?  Well, maybe it's because they're a cool indie rock band from Oxford, Mississippi. Oh yeah, with looks to kill. And about 22 thousand Myspace Friends to help out. Shreveport, get pumped.

The show, according to the Facebook Event, will be All Ages and cost $10 at the door. Doors open at 6p and the show will begin at 7p. Of course, alcohol will be available for those over the age of 21.

The show is a collaborative effort between Flentge Productions and Carbomb Productions. Mark Flentge, head of FP, states "this is going to probably be one of the biggest shows to hit our area in a long while."

Should be a great mix of local artists and other state-ly talents. Visit the Facebook Event for updates.

les MySpaces
Colour Revolt
http://www.myspace.com/colourrevolt
Porcelain Arms
http://www.myspace.com/porcelainarms
The Peekers
http://www.myspace.com/thepeekers
The Infamous Jaguar Shark
http://www.myspace.com/thejaguarsharkband
and, Wellington
http://www.myspace.com/andwellington


photo credit: Mark Flentge & Shannon Palmer

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[Update] Rumor: Bloc Party and Ben Folds Coming to Shreveport, Centenary

I've spoken to the Fighting Squirrels people on campus and they (as of Tuesday's meeting) haven't reached a contract with the band(s). Essentially, they haven't fully booked an artist. Meanwhile, the actual transcript from the Preview Weekend pamphlets reads as follows:

"Preview Weekend April 4&5: an opportunity for admitted students to explore centenary.
Stay overnight and enjoy a concert featuring Ben Folds, block party, games and more! Be sure to save the date, more information is coming your way soon."

So, looks like Ben Folds is the main performer (still unconfirmed), while a physical block party will take place, on a -umm- block. This is slightly disheartening, but it's all still very unconfirmed. Expect updates soon. And visit centenarytickets.com for other updates.

Thanks for the info KC!

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Battle of the Bands is moving!

KSCL has changed the date for the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands to Saturday, March 29th at 1p.

We have done this for several reasons, namely: 1) it won’t be as cold, 2) we won’t overlap the event with other shows at night, and 3) it can be on the weekend. Our main concern is for our listeners and we want this to be the biggest event of the year. Please spread the word about the change!

Everything else stays the same. Same rules for entry. Same prizes. We will, however, extend the final day for submissions to Thursday, March 20th. Again, please spread the word about the changes.

(below info / all the same)
KSCL is seeking eight bands/performers from any genre of music. These performers can be groups or solo acts.

Prizes are:
1st: $300
2nd: $150
3rd: $50

Bands and artists wishing to participate should send demos to ksclbotb@gmail.com (mp3 or other digital format) or ATTN: Battle of the Bands, KSCL 91.3 FM, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71104 (CDs).

Merchants wishing to promote with KSCL for the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands contact Tyler Davis at tdavis@centenary.edu or (318) 869-5296.

For more information, please email ksclbotb@gmail.com or call Jon Schleuss at (318) 869-5296.
(former post)