In Residence

Amanda Shaw performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2019, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Award-winning Cajun fiddler, Amanda Shaw, has launched a new live music program every Wednesday in Chemin à la Mer’s lounge and every Saturday in Chemin’s dining room. Chef Donald Link’s chic new eatery is located on the fifth floor of Four Seasons Hotel. Following Shaw’s five-week gig, the restaurant is hosting a rotating line-up of musicians to entertain diners (reservations available on Open Table; by phone: 504-434-5898).

Alexandria
Empowering Women
Join industry leaders for an empowering Louisiana Women in Agriculture Conference Expo 2022 held April 6-8 at Alexandria’s Randolph Riverfront Center. Tour two farms, visit a goat dairy, hear organic farming tips, learn from top equestrian trainers and meet featured speakers Gaye Sandoz (director of the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator) who helps budding entrepreneurs develop emerging food ventures; “The Farm Babe” Michelle Miller who reveals the myths and merits of grocery labels; and Dr. Marissa Hake navigating bovine health with humor (facebook.com/louisianawomeninag).

New Orleans
On Their Toes
New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) launches Ballet Hispanico’s national tour when it returns to New Orleans March 12 to mark its 50th anniversary with a debut performance of “Dona Peron.” American Ballet Theatre, accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, closes out NOBA’s spring season with performances of “Don Quixote” May 14-15 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (nobadance.com).

Shreveport
Animation Creation
Troubled Muse is bringing a full-service visual effect (VFX ) and animation creation studio to Shreveport. The company’s launch is supported by Louisiana’s Entertainment Job Creation Program. Troubled Muse will create original digital content for TV and feature films, specializing in motion capture, visual effects and animation, bringing 53 new permanent jobs (average salary of $74,000) and 40 new indirect jobs to Shreveport (louisianaentertainment.gov).

West Monroe
On the Riverfront
Downtown West Monroe is one step closer to getting a new look, thanks to a development that will give citizens recreational access to the Ouachita River. Private contributions totaling $125,000 (to date) have been raised for an ambitious riverfront plan that includes a new recreational marina featuring walkways and boat slips, slated for completion this summer in Phase One. Phase Two will include a small amphitheater, stage and fishing pier (downtownwestmonroe.org).