Community Calendar

The second installation of the inaugural Strauss Singer Songwriter Series will feature Dylan Earl. Originally from Louisiana but “naturalized by the Natural State” as a teenager, Dylan Earl (or “Dearl” as he’s come to be known) has been active in the Arkansas underground country scene for over a decade. This show is gonna be awesome y'all!

Piney Hills Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International located in Ruston, is hosting guest nights mixed with sessions aimed at helping singers improve both their voices and their vocal performances.

The chorus is welcoming singers of all skill levels to join them for two nights of settings designed to enhance their choral abilities. The sessions will be held during the chorus's regular rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. June 15 and June 22 in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, located at 212 N. Bonner.

Piney Hills Harmony currently draws its members from Caldwell, Lincoln, Ouachita and Union parishes. Visitors from other parishes are welcome as well.

During the sessions, participants will receive instruction from a certified director as well as other experienced singers, with guidance on techniques and skills that are essential to becoming a successful vocalist. Musical arrangements will be four-part harmony, requiring both high and low voices. The ability to read music is not required as vocal learning aids will be provided.

A community performance that the visitors can participate in is also in the planning stages.

Piney Hills Harmony is one of approximately 500 chapters of Sweet Adelines International, which was founded in 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by a small group of women who loved to sing and whose dream has spread across the globe.

For more information, contact Sallie Rose Hollis, vice president and membership chair, at sallierose@mail.com. You can also visit www.pineyhillsharmony.org and Piney Hills Harmony Chorus / Sweet Adelines International on Facebook.

The third installment of the Strauss Singer Songwriter Series will feature Robert "Slim" Finley! Originally from Bernice, LA, Bernice, Finley is a singer/songwriter and guitarist delivering traditional blues and soul music with elements of R&B and gospel. The Strauss is so lucky to have this powerhouse performer on the stage for this series. You do not want to miss this!

Piney Hills Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International located in Ruston, is hosting guest nights mixed with sessions aimed at helping singers improve both their voices and their vocal performances.

The chorus is welcoming singers of all skill levels to join them for two nights of settings designed to enhance their choral abilities. The sessions will be held during the chorus's regular rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. June 15 and June 22 in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, located at 212 N. Bonner.

Piney Hills Harmony currently draws its members from Caldwell, Lincoln, Ouachita and Union parishes. Visitors from other parishes are welcome as well.

During the sessions, participants will receive instruction from a certified director as well as other experienced singers, with guidance on techniques and skills that are essential to becoming a successful vocalist. Musical arrangements will be four-part harmony, requiring both high and low voices. The ability to read music is not required as vocal learning aids will be provided.

A community performance that the visitors can participate in is also in the planning stages.

Piney Hills Harmony is one of approximately 500 chapters of Sweet Adelines International, which was founded in 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by a small group of women who loved to sing and whose dream has spread across the globe.

For more information, contact Sallie Rose Hollis, vice president and membership chair, at sallierose@mail.com. You can also visit www.pineyhillsharmony.org and Piney Hills Harmony Chorus / Sweet Adelines International on Facebook.

Join NELA Pride at the first Family Pride Day on June 24 at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. This event will feature LGBTQIA+ resource booths, kid’s activities, and live entertainment with DJ Trenton and Chelsea King. Local artists and makers will offer original art, soaps and skincare, woodwork, tannery, Crystals, Jewelry, customer apparel, pet treats and care services, and more. Enjoy food trucks, a lemonade stand, baked goods, and a smoothie bar. Visit the Get Proud table with free rainbow and Pride accessories to deck out your outfit and sign up for prizes and giveaways.

The final installment of the Strauss Singer Songwriter Series will feature Maggie Koerner! The self-proclaimed “Shreveport bred, New Orleans fed” artist was the lead singer and front-woman for legendary New Orleans’ funk-band Galactic before going independent. Having shared the stage with iconic acts like Charles Bradley, Trombone Shorty, The Revivalists, and Tank and the Bangas, her staggeringly powerful presence has always set her apart from the rest! Don't want to miss this series finale.