Cultural experiences in Baton Rouge

A few weeks ago I took my family to the Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at Baton Rouge Community College to watch Brothers of the Knight, a theatrical production based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Brothers of the Knight was adapted, directed and choreographed by famed actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, with music composed by Grammy Award winner James Ingram. The cool thing about this hip production of a classic fairy tale was that it featured local dancers. Not only was it entertaining and refreshing, but I was amazed at the quantity and quality of our homegrown talent.

In just three weeks students from all over the region auditioned and rehearsed after school and on Saturdays. Arts Council Executive Director Derek Gordon shared with me that one of the objectives was to bring together talented kids from all across our community from different backgrounds who would not necessarily encounter one another under other circumstances. By the end of the three weeks they were a family that had created lifetime friendships. Once again I was reminded of the importance of the arts and cultural organizations in our community.

Right now the Community Fund for the Arts has its 2008 campaign in full motion, targeting $700,000 as this year’s goal. These funds support 14 arts and cultural organizations, including the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, Baton Rouge Little Theater and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. With the growth of our region it is critical that we continue to invest, support and grow an excellent cultural environment, which delivers high-quality, diverse, affordable programs to all ages and audiences. If you would like to pledge your support or want more information, visit

brcfa.org or call the Community Fund for the Arts at 344-8558.

Young people serving

There is a great national organization that is having a positive impact all over the country, including right here in our own city: City Year. It is a nonprofit founded on the belief that young people can change the world. Their mission is that one day of service will become an opportunity for and common expectation of every young person. City Year’s signature program, the Youth Service Corps, unites more than 1,400 people ages 17 to 24 for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development and civic engagement. One of the things I like about City Year is that the Corps members are as diverse a group as the people they serve. Right now City Year is actively recruiting young people for the upcoming year’s service. If you know any person in this age category who wants to make a difference, serve their community and earn some money, call City Year at 663-4234, or e-mail [email protected]. It will be a challenging experience, but one that is both rewarding and fulfilling!

The people behind the mask

When we have an emergency, we dial 911 and we know trained professionals will soon be on the way. But who do the police call when they face complex, life-threatening circumstances? They call the SWAT team, the officers we know by their tactical black uniforms and rapid-action assaults. But who are the men behind the masks? In most cases they’re veteran officers who balance constant intense training with maintaining normal family lives. Writer Chuck Hustmyre, a former SWAT officer and federal agent, introduces us to some of the police officers who are ready 24-7 to handle our worst-case scenarios.

What happens when schools fail?

This month’s cover story explores the reasons and consequences of a public school’s failure. As the state prepares for the July 1 takeover of four of our local public schools, staff writers Sarah Young and Jeff Roedel pinpoint one of the poorest-performing schools, Prescott Middle. They talked to families, teachers and administrators to put together a thought-provoking report. We also spoke with state schools Superintendent Paul Pastorek to find out just what the state plans to do once it takes over these schools. Our coverage begins on page 60.

Celebration of life

On May 31 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at BREC State Fair Grounds people from all walks of life will be participating in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Many of us who have participated in this event know it is a unique event that not only raises funds, but also awareness. For information about how to form a team or get involved visit cancer.org/relay.