In the know
Concerts in the unlikeliest of places—the lobby of Baton Rouge General Hospital’s Mid City campus—have been bringing employees, patients and visitors afternoons of musical delight since 2012. In a partnership with the Manship Theatre and the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts, the Arts in Medicine program at Baton Rouge General has been hosting concerts weekly on Fridays, starting at noon. The idea is that patients will benefit from the therapeutic properties of creating and enjoying art, program supervisor Kim Henderson says. Performances, she says, have had an overwhelmingly positive response. The 30- to 45-minute free concerts have featured solo musicians—pianists, guitarists, and singers—as well as groups such as the Baton Rouge Horn Club. Reflecting on the program’s collaborative spirit, Henderson says some past patients have even stepped forward, revealing their own artistic talents, wanting to give back and volunteer their time to play. To learn more, visit brgeneral.org/arts.
Let your favorite kids hang out in style. The Hanging Crow’s Nest by La Siesta is an ideal retreat to relax with a book, stash favorite toys, or play make-believe. Made from cotton and polyester, it holds up to 175 lbs. $120, available in several colors at Victoria’s Toy Station
The Louisiana chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation invites you to its Derby After Dark 13th annual Denim and Diamonds Gala. Carolyn and Dan Heard will host the evening April 26 on their Perkins Road East property to help raise funding for type 1 diabetes research. The event registration and auction kick off at 6 p.m. Call 932-9511 for details.
The third annual Fur Ball, set for May 10 at the Crowne Plaza, promises to be a howlin’ good time. And this year, the inaugural Fur Ball court will reign over the black-tie gala. “The canine court is going to bring enthusiasm and even more excitement to a very festive event,” says Erin Reynaud, Fur Ball chair. “A king and queen will be announced that night.” Funds raised will benefit Companion Animal Alliance. To purchase tickets, visit FurBallBR.org.
Trees of kumquats, satsumas, grapefruits, limes and lemons are popping up in unused green spaces around the Capital City, thanks to City Citrus. The pilot program started in 2013 as a way to combat hunger and food deserts. With the help of volunteers, Baton Rouge Green will maintain the six new sites planned for 2014, whose trees will bear fruit free for the taking. For more information, visit citycitrus.com.
From a blighted warehouse will rise a vibrant creative community. The Creative Bloc, an 11,500-square-foot collaborative workspace at North Eighth and Main Streets downtown, is set to open this fall. It is the brainchild of John Jackson, president of Launch Media. “This will be a place where interesting people can get together, bounce ideas off one another, and share experiences,” Jackson explains. Professionals in several arenas—from film, photography and graphic arts to app development—will be able to lease space hourly, monthly, or annually. For more information, email [email protected].
Having put the Mardi Gras season behind me, I’ve realized I need to buy a new tuxedo. I hadn’t put on a rental tux since prom and was not about to change that for Carnival this year. However, styles and bodies change over the years, and I’d like a tux that’s in keeping with my taste and situation. My tux should reflect the direction I have taken with my suits—slim and neat. Not everyone needs to own a tux, but if you attend more than three black-tie events a year, you’ll save money by getting your own. Plus, you can have it tailored by trained hands.
—For more men’s fashion advice, follow Matt Watson Clothing Knowledge on Facebook.
MISSION: To assist in the preservation and interpretation of the historic Magnolia Mound house and site as a demonstration of early plantation life in south Louisiana, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations, and to procure and manage the collection.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Patricia Comeaux
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Barbara Bacot, Chet Coles, Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Nancy Dougherty, Semmes Favrot, Harriet Babin Miller, Donna Mitchell, Estelle Rome, Julie Rose, Lindsay Rougon, Larry Ruth, Helen Schneidau, Pam Sulzer, John Turner, Susan Wilder, Barbara Wood, Jeanne Yerger and Karen Zobrist
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 45848, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
PHONE: 271-4157
WEBSITE: friendsofmagnoliamound.org
FOUNDED: The organization became a nonprofit in 1999. The group purchases, restores and maintains the collection of antiques and art exhibited on the grounds of the plantation.
OF NOTE: Magnolia Mound was recently featured on a segment of Antiques Roadshow, with discussion centered on a Campeche chair displayed inside the house.
