The City of Lake Charles is launching a new outdoor cultural series on Friday, November 13, as a way to showcase many of the brilliant artists and arts organizations in Southwest Louisiana. “Art 6-Feet Apart” will include a variety of art forms including theater, music and dance, as well as a poetry reading, a visual art demonstration, and virtual learning opportunities. The pop-up demonstrations will be held in a variety of downtown venues including Historic City Hall’s Plaza (1001 Ryan Street), Central School’s Plaza (809 Kirby Street), the Transit Center Pavilion (1155 Ryan Street) and Ten Pin Alley (behind 1910 Restaurant).

“Our area is rich in culture, and the arts have the power to bring us together and give us a shared hope for the future, and as we find ourselves preparing to wrap up a year that has brought us a global pandemic and catastrophic damage from two hurricanes, we can all use a little hope,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “I’m pleased to announce that our local community of musicians, artists and nonprofits are providing some uplifting entertainment, in a safe, socially distant manner. Due to continued health concerns related to COVID-19, we’re being creative and planning these events in some of our underutilized outdoor venues.”

The series kicks off on Friday, November 13, at 6 p.m. at Historic City Hall's Front Plaza with a musical performance by "The Fresh Coat Quartet." The group will be playing a combination of Beatles songs and other funk/jazz numbers. Each performance will run only60 minutes.

The entertainment continues on Saturday, November 14 with a musical performance by “The Deep End” featuring William McNally and Sophia Tassin. The concert will take place under the Transit Center’s pavilion, located at 1155 Ryan Street. 

Then on Thursday, November 19, the McNeese State University’s Master of Fine Arts program will host a Poetry Reading on the front steps of Central School, located at 809 Kirby Street. The reading will begin at 5:30 pm.

Rounding out the November performances is the Zyde-Pokes, the official Zydeco band of McNeese State University. Led by Kaleb Leday, the group will perform at the Transit Center Pavilion on November 21 at 5 p.m. 

On Thursday, December 3 at 5 p.m., local artists Julie Dallas, Julie Groth and Danny Allain will conduct a live visual art demonstration featuring a combination of art mediums including paintings and pottery. The art demonstration and mini art will be held in Ten Pin Alley, located behind 1910 Restaurant.

The following day, on Friday, December 4, the Senior Company members of the Lake Area Ballet Theatre Ballet will present "Bits and Pieces" featuring a few favorite Nutcracker "bits" and "pieces" from other famous ballets. The performance will begin at 5 p.m. at Historic City Hall’s front plaza, 1001 Ryan Street.

Barbe High School’s Drama Club will conduct a theater performance on Saturday, December 5 at 5 p.m. at Historic City Hall. The presentation will include highlights from “Hairspray” and more.

Finally, the Lake Charles Community Band will host a brass ensemble on Saturday, December 12 at 5 p.m. at the Transit Center Pavilion, 1155 Ryan Street. The performance will include a variety of Christmas music along with some patriotic favorites.

Two virtual events are scheduled as well. Led by the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA, a Virtual ArtsFest is planned for December 4. A free art supply drive-through giveaway will occur at Central School, 809 Kirby Street, from 4 to 6 p.m. Following the giveaway, participants will be instructed to stream free art lessons taught by local arts educators on www.facebook.com/ArtsCouncilSWLA. Those who are not able to attend the giveaway need not worry, as most of the items necessary to complete the art projects are common household items.

A Virtual Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony will be streamed on www.facebook.com/ArtsCouncilSWLA beginning on December 7. Each day for seven consecutive days, an award winner will be announced by Mayor Nicholas Hunter and Arts Council President Morgan Turpin. Categories include Artist of the Year, Citizen of the Arts, Citizen of the Humanities, Arts Educator of the Year, Artist Organization of the Year, Patron of the Year, and the Keystone Award, Nominations can be emailed to devanc@artscouncilswla.org

All events are free for attendees, but pre-registration is required, as each event will be limited to only 50 in-person attendees to allow for social distancing. Registration can be completed by clicking here or by calling 337 491-9147. Each of the performances will also be streamed on www.facebook.com/historiccityhallartsandculture.