'The Art of Tammy Zihlavsky and Megan Davis Taylor, Through Sept. 30, East Bank Gallery

|  ART/EXHIBITS

AUG. 6-9: “CONVERSATIONS ON CRITICISM: THE FUTURE OF INTELLIGENT WRITING ON THE ARTS,” What is the present and future role of arts criticism and reporting in an increasingly commercialized culture? This three-day symposium asks a range of highly respected and high-profile critics, editors and reporters to address these issues from different perspectives. $75 or $45 for NWLA Artist Directory members (Call 673-6500 to get discount.); fees cover registration, meals, receptions and entry to UNSCENE! artspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 673-6535.

AUG. 6-SEPT. 6: “TO BE CONTINUED: THE POWER OF SUGGESTED STORIES IN THE ART OF RACHEL STUART-HAAS, JOSHUA CHAMBERS AND TAFFIE CRAGON GARSEE,” The final art exhibition in the critics series brings together three artists, each initially chosen by a different critic for a solo show during the past two years. Free. artspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 673-6535.

AUG. 6-SEPT. 6: “BELLE MAR,” THE POETRY OF KATIE BICKHAM, An award-winning pet and teacher from Shreveport, Bickham has published her first book of poetry, “The Belle Mar,” winner of the Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Prize. Free. artspace, 710 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 673-6535.

AUG. 9: UNSCENE! UNDISPUTED!, The finale event for the 2013-14 UNSCENE! Arts Residency Series is an art challenge to determine which artist team can create interesting works of art in 30 minutes. The event features food trucks and voting tokens. $10 entry gets you in with 10 free votes. 5-11 p.m. Millennium Studios, 300 Douglas St., Shreveport. 

AUG. 14, 21 and 22: “GONE IN 60 SECONDS,” As part of Digifest South, the Bossier Arts Council and Winrock International will host two pitch workshops and a G60 elevator pitch contest. The workshops will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 and 21 at the East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdlae Blvd., Bossier City. G60 Elevator Pitch contest, 6 p.m. Aug. 22, with two $1,000 prizes for the best pitches. Call 741-8310.

SEPT. 6-30: OIL PAINTINGS BY MELINDA GANDY OF MISSISSIPPI, Opening reception Saturday, Sept. 6, 5-7 p.m. Free. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1-5:30 p.m.; Saturday noon to 4:30 p.m. Norsworthy Fine Art Gallery, 214 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 424-6764.

THROUGH AUG. 8: “EXCELLENCE IN ART,” an exhibition by Caddo Parish educators. Free. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. West Wing Gallery, Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport. Call 632-2020.

THROUGH AUG. 22: THE ARTS ENTREPRENEUR GRADUATE EXHIBITION IV, includes performance and visual art from Northwest Louisiana artists Monro Brown, Eric Francis, Tracy, McComic and Kedrick Williams. Central Gallery in Central Artstation, corner of Crocket and Common streets, Shreveport. 

THROUGH AUG. 30: “WIT & WIRE,” Paintings by Yvonne Brouchard and sculptures by Charles Arnold, both artists from East Texas. Reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 9. Free. 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Norsworthy Fine Art Gallery, 214 Texas St., Shreveport. Call 424-6764.

THROUGH AUG. 31: “AMERICAN STILL LIFES,” This exhibition will feature masterpieces by a range of contemporary artists recognized especially for their sumptuous still-life compositions along with their dazzling artistic techniques, including Daniel Mark Cassity of Hot Springs, Ark. Free. R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport. Call 865-4201.

THROUGH SEPT. 30: THE ART OF TAMMY ZIHLAVSKY AND MEGAN DAVIS TAYLOR, From abstract landscapes to animals, their unique styles are a sight to see. Reception 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Free. Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. East Bank Gallery, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: ARTFUL ACRYLIC CLASSES, by Rebecca Francis. $75 per month. 4-7 p.m. Barnwell Garden and Art Center, 602 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. Call 673-7703.

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH: SHREVEPORT WRITERS CLUB, Writers from all stages of life in all genres and styles of writing meet to share their thoughts in written form with other people who love words; guests welcome. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bossier Arts Council Annex, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. 

|  BARS/NIGHTLIFE

CHICAGO/THE HOOKAH ROOM: 118 Texas St., Shreveport. 221-0490. Acts are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless otherwise stated. Loco Lounge featuring the best selection of electronic dance music artists in town, Fridays; Floyd Grigsby and the 5GK Band, Saturdays.

COVE ON CROSS LAKE: 1612 Dilg League Drive (off Lakeshore), Shreveport. 635-0262. 11:30 a.m. to closing Monday through Saturday. www.TheCoveOnCrossLake.com. Karaoke, 7-11 p.m. Wednesdays; ladies night, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays; Golden Tee Live, Internet jukebox. (Check website for bands and dates).

EL PORTRILLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT: 6614 Youree Drive, Shreveport. Wayne’s FM Karaoke, 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays.

FROG’S BREATH SALOON: 1984 Airline Drive, Bossier City. You Can Be a Star Karaoke, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 

H&H LOUNGE: 717 Hope St., Shreveport. 424-9297. Good Vibes Night every Wednesday. Drum Circle, 6-9 p.m.; VJ-DJ music, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

LEE’S: 639 E. Kings Highway, Shreveport. 861-2151. Acts are 8 p.m. to midnight weekdays and 9 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays. John Wright, Aug. 7; The Yard Dogs, Aug. 8; John Wright, Aug. 9; Jerry Beach Blues Jam, Aug. 11; John Wright, Aug. 14; Kandu, Aug. 15; John Wright, Aug. 16; Jerry Beach Blues Jam, Aug. 18.

RISTORANTE GIUSEPPE: 4800 Line Ave., Shreveport. 869-4548. Jazziana, 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. 

SUPERIOR GRILL: 6123 Line Ave., Shreveport. 869-3243. All acts are 6:30-10:30 p.m. The Mix, Aug. 6; Scram Wulfie & Lefty, Aug. 7; Keith Horton Band, Aug. 8; Pocket Change, Aug. 9; Robert Duncan Band, Aug. 10; Jimmy Wooten Band, Aug. 12; JB & Drama Club, Aug. 13; Red Thread, Aug. 14; The Pack, Aug. 15; The Caravan, Aug. 16; Matthew Davidson Band, Aug. 17; Jonie Jubal (solo), Aug. 19; The Roscoes, Aug. 20.

SUPERIOR’S STEAKHOUSE: 855 Pierremont Road, Suite 120, Shreveport. 869-3243. All acts are 6-10 p.m. unless noted. Christina Langston & Stan Hoffman, Aug. 6; Haley Brooke, Aug. 7; Haley Brooke, 6-11 p.m. Aug. 8; Haley Brooke, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Aug. 9; Haley Brooke, Aug. 11; Haley Brooke, Aug. 12; Christina Langston & Stan Hoffman, Aug. 13; Haley Brooke, Aug. 14; Haley Brooke, Aug. 15; Haley Brooke, Aug. 16; Haley Brooke, Aug. 18; Haley Brooke, Aug. 19; Christina Langston & Stan Hoffman, Aug. 20.

TREJOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT: 5815 Youree Drive, Shreveport. 869-2316. Wayne’s FM karaoke, 6-10 p.m. Fridays.

|  MUSIC/COMEDY

AUG. 14: WYNONNA AND THE BIG NOISE, A five-time Grammy winner and New York Times best-selling author, Wynonna has created a new high-energy show with her band, The Big Noise. 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $31.50, $36.50, $41.50 and $59.50, available at ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Center box office. Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport. Call 1-800-745-3000.

AUG. 15: MAXWELL SUMMER SOULSTICE TOUR, The singer is taking his funk on the road in a cross-country tour. $47.50, $65.50 and $75.50. 8 p.m. Tickets on sale at all Tickemaster locations, the CenturyLink Center box office or 1-800-745-3000. Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport. 

AUG. 16: RESTLESS HEART, The men who make up this band have enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history, placing over 25 singles on the charts, with six consecutive No. 1 hits. $39.50, $32.50 and $20.50. The Strand Theatre, 619 Louisiana Ave., Shreveport. Call 226-8555.

AUG. 23: THE STAGE AT SILVER STAR, Live entertainment. Schedule: Jamie Lynn Spears, Aug. 23. 1201 Dixie Overland Road, Bossier City. Call 752-3633.

AUG. 23: JAMES BURTON INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL, Enjoy music from some of the country’s greatest guitarists. $32, $42 and $102. 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale at all Tickemaster locations, the CenturyLink Center box office or 1-800-745-3000. Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport. 

AUG. 24: LINCOLN BREWSTER, The American contemporary Christian musician and pastor became a sought-after sessions guitarist in the 1990s and is coming to town through the James Burton Foundation and The Simple Church. Free. 6 p.m. Ticket information available on www.jamesburtoninternationguitarfestival.com. Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport. 

|  SPECIAL EVENTS

AUG. 7-10: “COUNTRY GRAVY AND OTHER OBSESSIONS,” a musical comedy in which two women come to town to present a relationship seminar. $20. 8 p.m. Aug. 7-9, 2 p.m. Aug. 10. East Bank Theatre, 810 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Call 741-8310.

AUG. 9: SANDYSDANCE CENTER DROP IN AND DANCE PARTY, featuring free dance lessons 7 p.m., dancing to the music of SandysDance Party, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $15 per person, casual attire or costume attire. SandysDance center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com.  

AUG. 11, 18 & 25: WEST COAST SWING DANCE LESSONS, featuring beginner West Coast swing at 6:30 p.m. and intermediate West Coast swing at 7:30 p.m. $8 per person per class. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com.  

AUG. 22-24: SPORTSMAN’S EXPO, the Ark-La-Tex’s premier outdoor show featuring elements of camping, hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. The event includes vendors, contests, door prizes, informative seminars, concessions and more. Advance tickets available at sbcsportsmansexpo.eventbrite.com; date of event, $8 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free, children age 5 and younger, $5 seniors 55 and older, $5 military with ID. Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo St., Shreveport. 

SEPT. 6: FESTAPALOOZA, Join us for a rockin’ day out with a live band, beer, food vendors, craft vendors and more. $20 pre-sales July 1-16; $25 through Sept. 5; $75 VIP tickets through Sept. 5; $30 day of event. Noon Festival Plaza, downtown Shreveport. Call 688-1130.

SEPT. 6: FALL FOR DANCE, The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet kicks off its 41st season with several other local dance companies joining the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet in this annual outreach program. General admission $10 adults, free for children 12 and younger; reserved seating $12 adults, $2 children 12 and under; patrons can also purchase a special buffet dinner package. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. RiverView Theater, Shreveport. Call 221-8500.  

SEPT. 13-14: SHOP TIL YOU DROP ARTS, CRAFT AND GIFT SHOW, Experience a fun-filled weekend of shopping galore with Anna and Elsa from the movie “Frozen” at 3 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday for the children and door prizes given away hourly. $3; children 10 and under are free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City. Call 470-6714 or 564-9489.

SEPT. 13: CHIMPANZEE DISCOVERY DAYS, Walk through the sanctuary’s naturally wooded trail, visit the enrichment station and the greenhouse exhibit. A 30-minute, led hayride tour is available. Adults $10, children, $5. Chimp Chat and Chew dates, featuring lunch, a behind-the-scenes tour of the sanctuary and a presentation by a staff member, are at noon Sept. 13 and Nov. 8; adults $50, children $25; reservations required. Admission: $6 adults, $3 children age 5 and younger. 9 a.m. to noon. Chimp Haven, located in the Eddie D. Jones Park, off Highway 789, Keithville. Call 925-9575.

SEPT. 21: SHREVEPORT MAYORAL FORUM, Meet the candidates who want to be the next mayor with a question and answer session and reception. Presented by People Acting for Change and Equality. Free. 4-6 p.m. Deaf Action Center, 601 Jordan St., Shreveport. 

THROUGH AUG. 8: SOUTH HIGHLANDS SUMMER MARKET, a family and pet-friendly event featuring organic foods, music and handmade items. Friday nights from 5-9 p.m. Mall St. Vincent, Shreveport.

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: PROFESSIONAL CIVIL LAW NOTARIES ASSOCIATION, Learn about the association and various acts and documents a notary can prepare. Free. Sign-in at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m. Southern Hills Business Association Conference Center, 9701 Baird Road, Shreveport. Call 797-4396.

EVERY THURSDAY: ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS, Join the party with instructor Katie Ours Tapis. $7 per person, workout attire. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com. 

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: SHREVEPORT SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON, This group promotes boating fun, safety and education and meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Shreveport Yacht Club, 2905 Municipal Pier Road, Shreveport. Call 426-9484.

SATURDAYS THROUGH AUG. 30: SHREVEPORT FARMERS MARKET, Shop for fresh-grown local produce, jams and jellies, arts and crafts and more at the annual Farmers’ Market. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays and 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays. Festival Plaza, downtown Shreveport. Call 455-5788.

SUNDAYS THROUGH JULY 27: BENTON FARMERS MARKET, Benton’s inaugural farmers’ market is a Sunday-only outdoor market featuring high-quality, locally grown produce from area growers. Free. 12:30-5 p.m. Sundays through July 27. 495 Simpson St., Benton, La.

FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: HIGHLAND OPEN STUDIO TOUR, Artist workshops and galleries are open for your perusal with art to make and buy. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours start at 436 Topeka St. Visit http://www.restorehighland.com/.

ONGOING: ADULT INLINE HOCKEY, beginner pickup hockey every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; advanced pickup hockey every Wednesday 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10. Hot Wheels South, 1902 Alfred Lane, Bossier City. 

ONGOING: ABSOLUTE BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASS, Learn popular line dances and burn calories. Casual dress. $8 per person. 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Monday. SandysDance Center, 111 Dalton St., Suite 400, Shreveport. Call 465-4534 or visit www.sandysdance.com.

ONGOING: BOSSIER ANIMAL CONTROL ADOPTION DAYS, Animals in good health are in need of loving homes. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Petsmart, 2630 Beene Blvd., Bossier City. Hand in Paw, Friends of Bossier City Animal Control, needs volunteers to help with the adoption days. Contact Phyllis Whatley at 742-8673 or visit www.bossiercity.org (under animal control adoption).

ONGOING: YOGA CLASSES, in the style of Krishnamacarya; all levels welcome. Class fee is by donation. Mondays 5:45-6:45 p.m.; Tuesdays 5:45-7 p.m. All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 9449 Ellerbe Road.  For class details, call 210-7203.

ONGOING: DETOUR DOWNTOWN RUN/WALK/BIKE/CRAWL CLUB, Each week, Detour members will meet at Overtime Sports Bar and then run/walk/bike as fast/far as one would like down Clyde Fant Parkway then head back to Overtime Sports Bar for free non-alcoholic beverages and great drink and food specials. Detour Downtown provides an opportunity to stay active, connect with friends, network and meet new people. 6 p.m. Wednesdays. 200 Travis St., Shreveport. Call 673-0048 or visit http://www.shreveporthappyhour.com/detour/.