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Arts & Entertainment

Local artists abound in the River Region Art Association located in Gonzales. Ascension Community Theater, the local arts theater, offers outstanding performing arts entertainment as well as arts training, nurturing individual talents and inspiring dreams.

By just a short 25-minute drive to downtown Baton Rouge, one can find even more entertainment opportunities. The Shaw Center for the Arts houses the LSU Art Museum and the Manship Theater brings everything from comedians to multi-talented musicians from all over the U.S. The Baton Rouge Symphony is Louisiana’s oldest, continuously performing orchestra, presenting world-renowned concert artists, a “kindermusic” series for children and family concert series.

ASCENSION COMMUNITY THEATRE

Ascension Community Theatre, located in Gonzales, is a volunteer organization that produces three main-stage plays per year at the historic Pasqua Theatre. The ACT’s three-fold mission has been to, “foster an appreciation of drama, learn the crafts associated with it and promote culture within the community.”

From museum and art exhibitions to workshops and local treasures, Ascension Parish truly has something for everyone.

ASCENSION COMMUNITY THEATRE 2008 SCHEDULE

“The Odd Couple”
Feb 21-24, 28-29
March 1

“Godspell”
April 24-27
May 1-3

“High School Musical”
July 31- August 3
August 7-9

“Deathtrap”
November 6-9, 13-15

For more information please call 225-647-1230.

River Region Art Gallery
1835 N Magnolia Ave Gonzales, LA 70737
Contact Donna Braud Phone: (225) 644-849
artgumbomarket@yahoo.com
www.artgumbo.org

Hours: Tues. - Sat 10 am - 4 pm Admission: None Tour Length: browsing / no limit to time / buses welcome Group Size (Min/Max): no limit

The River Region Art Gallery features a “GUMBO” of original artworks by all Louisiana Artists displaying fine art, folk art, jewelry, photography, and unique gift ideas. Special theme shows monthly in addition to over 90 Louisiana artists exhibiting. River Region Artists present an Awesome Art Extravaganza featuring over 140 artisans, held annually in the Autumn Gardens of Houmas House Plantation every second weekend of October.

Alvin Batiste
Rossie’s Custom Framing at 510 Railroad Avenue, Donaldsonville, LA
Contact David Imbraguglio Phone: (225) 473-8536
rossimbraguglio@aol.com
www.alvinbatiste.com

Hours: Tues - Fri 10 am - 5 pm; Sat 10 am - 3 pm Admission: No Tour Length: 30 min./No limit Group Size (Min/Max): No Limitations

The history of generations along the Mississippi River finds expression in the brush strokes of Alvin Batiste, self taught, primitive artist, whose work has been critically acclaimed. Visitors may watch the artist at work, browse the gallery, commission and/or purchase original paintings

FESTIVALS & EVENTS 2008-2009

JULY 18-19, 2008
Swamp Pop Music Festival
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales
www.swamppopmusicfest.com
This annual event donates all proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

OCTOBER 10-12, 2008
Sunshine Festival
Donaldsonville Fair Grounds, Donaldsonville
Contact Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (225) 473-4814

This annual festival hosts live entertainment, a carnival with large midway rides and lots of Cajun Food and music.

OCTOBER 10-12, 2008
Boucherie Festival
Contact Fern Barnett Phone: (225) 675-8515
www.eatel.net/~fred/boucheri/
Reynolds Lambert Park Ascension Civic Center, Sorrento

This annual festival celebrates the “Cajun Boucherie” with activities including the “Crackling Cooking World Championship” competition, dancing to live music, a pageant, Cajun food and rides.

OCTOBER 24-26, 2008
Oktoberfest
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales
Contact Richard Netzberger
Phone: (225) 216-2424
www.oktoberfestla.com.

Join the 14th annual Oktoberfest Celebration in the South’s largest, Munich style German Beer Garden. The family oriented atmosphere inside the TradeMart building has table seating serving the best German Beer, German Food and features Austria’s finest entertainers. The entire family will enjoy the Funfair, carnival rides, midway and activities.

OCTOBER 25-26, 2008
Cajun Village Oktoberfest
Cajun Village, Sorrento
Contact Judy Starrett
Phone: (225) 675-5572
www.thecajunvillage.com.

“Let’s Pass a Good Time Cajun Style.” Come celebrate Cajun culture with authentic music, dancing, arts and crafts, and of course, Cajun cuisine. A festival devoted to beautiful art and hands on experiences.

DECEMBER 14, 2008
Ascension Christmas Parade
Downtown Gonzales
Contact the Ascension Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (225) 647-7487

Over 100 floats, Santa Claus, bands, beauty queens and civic groups stimulate the Christmas spirits of both young and old. Sponsored by the Ascension Chamber of Commerce and located in the streets of Downtown Gonzales.

MAY 21-24, 2009
Jambalaya Festival
Irma Boulevard, Gonzales
Contact Wally Tallion
Phone: (225) 622-1998
www.jambalayafestival.org.

One of the largest festivals in the state, featuring many activities, which highlight the diverse heritage and cultures of the area, including live music, stage shows, arts and crafts, rides and of course Jambalaya. The main event of the festival is a high intensity cook off among some of the world’s greatest Jambalaya chefs.