2023 October Brown Bags
Enjoy some (Finally!) Cooler Temps with Cool Tunes
The weather is FINALLY cooling off! Come celebrate with some cool tunes each Wednesday in October at the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concert series. Kick back at the lush, green Palace Park at 220 DeSiard Street (beside the old Palace Department Store location). Round up your friends, bring a picnic of your favorites, or treat yourself to a $6 box lunch on site from Newk’s (tea included!). Mulhearn’s will again provide free cookies to make the events extra sweet! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Of course, the performances are FREE, thanks to our sponsors Mulhearn’s, Newk’s, The Palace, Paramount Healthcare Consultants of West Monroe, and the City of Monroe. Here’s who’s on stage:
October 4 – Josh Love
Kick off the Series with an award-winning bluesman who covers R&B, rock and much more. The program will be varied, as his covers range from Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, and the list goes on. Come enjoy the fresh air, fall breezes, and a unique talent as we kick off the Series.
October 11 – Clara Rae
Monroe native Clara Rae is a fresh face and voice to grace our Series today! This 20-something is already making a name for herself in the local music scene with her indie folk and country-centered shows. Come hear for yourself why she’s already in demand on stage and at events far and wide as we keep the Series rolling in the park!
October 18 – Homegrown Band
Today we welcome Homegrown Band, a multitalented ensemble with roots in Morehouse Parish. All vocalists, the five provide accompaniment with a variety of instruments: Robin Baggarly (fiddle, percussion), John Creech (guitar, mandolin), Renee Decker: (percussion, trumpet) and Mike Estep (yes the former principal of Bastrop High!) (bass), and Clarence Lindsay (piano, harmonica). Join us as the Series hits its stride!
October 25 – Denene Stringfellow
For our final outing of the Series, we’ll lift your spirits with a little gospel, a few show tunes, and everything else in between! Yes, it’s area favorite, Ruston’s own, Denene Stringfellow! Come see why Ruston observes Denene Stringfellow Day each year! He’s back by popular demand -- a great way to wrap up the Series and head refreshed into all the joys of Fall!
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For more information, call the Arts Council office at 397.6717 or 397.6754. In case of rain we will move indoors to the old Palace Department Store, next to the park. Visit the Arts Council online at www.nelaarts.com, find us on Facebook or Instagram @region8arts!
About the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council nurtures a vibrant regional arts culture through support, promotion, and education. The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council strives to be a transformative force for the community by encouraging a passion for the arts, promoting partnerships and collaboration, and ensuring access to the arts for all. Activities of the Arts Council are supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Additional support and funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, city of Monroe, and city of West Monroe.
