Showing posts with label Wild Beast Feast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild Beast Feast. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wild Beast Feast – “True Chef Confessions!”
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| Lon Oden is the ancestor of Tad Martin's wife. He was a ranger in late 1800s. This is very cool! |
Wild Beast Feast – “True Chef Confessions!”
-By Angie Manning
I have to say that I had no idea what I was getting into when I thought about writing a blog on the chefs for the Wild Beast Feast. I thought that it’d be an innocent little story about sportsmen who like to cook after hunting – kinda thing. Oh no! These sportsmen chefs are characters, and they have a huge heart for the arts. I heard back from some teams on their secret cooking plans – namely the “Mangy Coyotes,” the “Panini Brothers” and the “We Got (pork) Butts!” So, here’s a little “meet the chefs” piece for your reading enjoyment! LOL!
Meet the Mangy Coyotes…So, the Mangy Coyotes team consists of Tad Martin, Don Walser, Leo Reddoch and Owen Thompson. Owen and Tad both work at Merrill Lynch; Leo is a surveyor and owns Unishippers, and Don is a Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer here in Lake Charles. They are all big deer, turkey and duck hunters. So, why the “Mangy Coyotes?” What’s with the name? The Mangy Coyote name comes as a reference to South Texas where Tad’s wife is from and - where he primarily deer and turkey hunts. Of course, the best part about living in Southwest Louisiana, according to Tad, is the hunting, people and spicy food! The Mangy Coyotes will be cooking up a rotisserie feral hog from South Texas and possibly some Axis or whitetail roasts on the spit. As to why Tad supports the Symphony? Well, he loves music and has really begun to appreciate classical music more since his wife is a classical pianist who teaches music and has a degree in performance piano. And I quote (from Tad) about loving classical music: “I have no choice! We are very proud to be able to support the Symphony.” (I think…behind every good turkey hunter…is a good classical pianist! Or…maybe…you are what you hunt for?!)
Meet the Panini Brothers…The Panini Brothers are made up of William Monk, Lee Boyer and Keith Duplechin. Last year, they did shrimp and tasso pizzas with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese and alfredo sauce. This year, they are cooking up two unique paninis, with an account of the history and “wildness” of each recipe. One will be a saucy “Rachel” Panini. The other will be a “Peachy Cuban.” How peachy?! The group enjoys cooking for any reason, especially a good cause like this one, and they like to sample all the other contributions too. Monk said, “One of the most enjoyable things about living in Southwest Louisiana is combining the best local ingredients with the best local recipes, and then, during the meal, talking about what we plan to cook next! And, the best meals are combined with good music and good friends.” (Well said!)
Meet the We Got (pork) Butts…Chris Price, from Lake Charles, lives in New Orleans with his wife and works in the financial services industry, but that does not stop him from participating in the Wild Beast Feast event in Lake Charles. Chris said, “I love supporting the Symphony through the Beast Feast... It's such a great event that I've been trying to get a couple groups that I'm part of in New Orleans to replicate it!” Chris is making tacos two ways - wild boar and rabbit in different preparations. He will also be serving a watermelon-strawberry agua fresca. For fun, Chris enjoys playing with his dogs Winston and Mio, playing soccer, cooking and just enjoying the music, food and culture of New Orleans.
Come on out to see these chefs and many more during the Wild Beast Feast on Saturday, May 5, from 5-10 p.m. at the Cash & Carry Building on Enterprise Blvd. For more information, check www.lcsymphony.org or call the office at (337) 433-1611.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Edgemont Happy Hour Bar Crew! (Wild Beast Feast) May 5
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| The Wild Beast Feast will have a special appearance by these guys! They invented the "Edgemont Beast" drink in honor of the Wild Beast Feast. Seems that the chefs will not be the only creative culinary force! Pictured: Luke Saucier, Dean Manning, Steve Lang & Mark Judson |
Wild Beast Feast Features the
Edgemont Happy Hour Bar Crew!
-by guest writer Kelley Saucier
I sat down for an impromptu lunch Friday afternoon with Luke Saucier, Dean Manning, and Mark Judson, the undeniable Mayor of Edgemont. Over some of the best taco soup I’ve ever had, we discussed Edgemont Happy Hour, Edgemont Beer Summit, funny neighborhood stories, yoga (how does that fit in?), and, of course, their guest appearance behind the bar at the Wild Beast Feast.
Everyone considers Mark Judson the Mayor of Edgemont. As Dean puts it, “If not Mark, who?” So, I asked Mark, as the official mayor, about his vision for the Edgemont Happy Hour Bar at WBF. “A true bar is a state of mind. It can only be defined in the eye of the beholder. The majority of our celebrity bar tenders’ experience has been on the other side of the bar – and it is vast experience. We will utilize that vast knowledge to create the ultimate patron experience. We have a huge assembly of talent – an all-star team of goodtime-gurus for the Beast Feast.” Joining Judson, Saucier and Manning are Steve Lang, Dallas Kingham, Denny Dennison, and Randy King. Things will be moving fast at the Edgemont Bar!
When I asked Dean about his Edgemont Bar vision he replied, “The Bar is where everyone knows your name.” The homage to the television series Cheers! is appropriate, as I think that’s what we all love about living in Lake Charles and attending fun events like WBF – this is a place where you do know just about everyone! Dean also says that he “defers to Mayor Mark in all things bar related” and will most likely be the bar-back, while the Mayor is the front man.
Luke is the Bartender-in-Chief of the Happy Hour Bar. The Edgemont Beast is the signature drink he created especially for the WBF. Although the recipe is a secret, Saucier assures us that The Beast will live up to its name. “The Beast introduces itself like a lamb, mid-conversation lights start flickering, lightning strikes, and finally, The Beast roars. Luke’s recommended consumption is “one per customer!”
In addition to The Edgemont Beast, the Happy Hour Bar Crew will be serving Casa Manana Margaritas, beer, wine, and of course various non-alcoholic soft drinks and water. Don’t miss the fun at the Lake Charles Symphony Wild Beast Feast!
Edgemont is a charming downtown Lake Charles neighborhood filled with sidewalks, azaleas, live oaks and a mixture of architectural styles. Many houses in the neighborhood were built in the 1940s and at that time it was the edge of town. Residents blend old and new together, as young families and retired citizens enjoy the drone of lawnmowers, children laughing and quiet weekends; quiet, except for that one Friday night per month when the Edgemont Happy Hour gathers at an appointed home. A 17 year tradition, the Happy Hour has created legends and built friendships that will last a lifetime.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Chris Shearman Experience at the Wild Beast Feast, May 5!
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| The Chris Shearman Experience - Rocking Out! |
Chris Shearman's Favorite Classical Composer?
“Bach or Nothing!”
-Story by Angie Manning & Chris Shearman
“Bach or Nothing!”
-Story by Angie Manning & Chris Shearman
For Chris Shearman, music is the ultimate form of entertainment. For him, there's nothing better than seeing people dancing, or even just nodding their heads. He shared that times are hard right now, and music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone – everywhere – anytime. And, the Chris Shearman Experience will be playing tunes at the Wild Beast Feast coming up at the Cash and Carry Building, 801 Enterprise Blvd., on Saturday, May 5.
“The Symphony is a part of the fabric of Lake Charles. Many people don't realize that so much popular music of today is rooted in the melodies and rhythms of classical, jazz, ragtime, and the older styles of music. The Symphony is integral in maintaining the education of music's heritage and history,” said Shearman.
The members of the band include Paul Gonsoulin, Blake Thibodeaux, and often, they are joined by Joseph Darbonne.
Chris said, “We have been friends since high school and playing music together for over 10 years. We are not only close band-mates, but good friends. We spend a lot of time trying not to laugh outrageously because of how much fun we have up there. Lake Charles is a wonderful place to play live music. We do it right here in our city!”
The Chris Shearman Experience band is definitely influenced by the rock bands of today like Kings of Leon and such, but they are true to the old-school Beatles, Van Morrison, and Zeppelin. For Chris’ take on classical music and his favorite composer, he shares: “I have always been a ‘Bach or nothing’ guy. His ability to transition from major to minor and his capacity for melody have always blown me away.”
The Chris Shearman Experience cranks up at 6 p.m. at the Wild Beast Feast! Chefs and other activities will also be going on that day including live and silent auctions. The event is 5-10 p.m. at the Cash & Carry Building in Lake Charles. Tastings from the fabulous chefs start at 5 p.m. as well as the silent auction.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, or advance tickets can be purchased at the Symphony Office (located in Central School 809 Kirby Street), Gordon’s Drug Store, www.lcsymphony.org. Adult tickets are $30 or $35 at the door. Children ages 7-14 are $10 or $15 at the door. For more information on the Wild Beast Feast or to contact the Symphony office, call (337) 433-1611 or e-mail info@lcsymphony.org.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Painting to be Auctioned on May 5 at the Wild Beast Feast!
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| Vickie Singletary poses with "The Soul of Shostakovich." Photo by Frank DiCesare |
“The Soul of Shostakovich”
Painting by Vickie Singletary
Freestyle Acrylic Artist
(Read the story behind this amazing piece of art, and you can get a chance to see it or purchase it at the Wild Beast Feast on May 5 for the Symphony, complete with food, music and auction items!)
If you went to the last Symphony concert, you saw live art created before your eyes with the brush strokes of Vickie Singletary, a freestyle acrylic artist – along with music created before your ears by the Lake Charles Symphony. She painted the soul of Shostakovich in 22 minutes with the Lake Charles Symphony performing his own composition. The painting on stage concept is called “The Music of Your Soul.”
When I talked to Vickie about it, I have to admit, that I hoped that my soul was rainbow colored, like Shostakovich’s soul! She explained to me that everyone’s colors might be different, so his “red” might mean something different than my “red,” as colors have different meanings for different people. I found that extremely interesting. So, I asked her to send me what she painted for Shostakovich – what his colors represented.
Here is the breakdown of the color symbols for Shostakovich:
Violet
Creative force, inspiration, inspires the receptive soul to express itself in art, music, etc.
Creative force, inspiration, inspires the receptive soul to express itself in art, music, etc.
Blue
Idealism, message ideas.
Idealism, message ideas.
Gold
Love of spirit, purposeful, meaningful.
Love of spirit, purposeful, meaningful.
Yellow
Mental force, confidence, curiosity, practical application of wisdom.
Mental force, confidence, curiosity, practical application of wisdom.
Orange
Emotions, independence.
Emotions, independence.
Red
Passion, courage in action, and intensity brings out the revolutionary and leads into affirmative thought and action.
White
Truth, self sacrifice.
Aqua
Strong individualism, bordering on eccentricity.
Green
Balancing forces, peace, compassion and renewal.
Dark Blue
(Dripping over colors) Depression, moodiness, subduing.
And, I have to say, that after I saw (what) the colors represented, I really “felt” that whenever I saw her painting along with the music that night. It made perfect sense. Vickie normally interviews people and gets to have a “picture of the person from the inside” based on stories and conversations before attempting to paint someone’s soul. For the Shostakovich piece, it was a study on the past, history and stories from reading and talking with members of the Lake Charles Symphony. Vickie has a true gift to capture these emotions.
“In the case of Shostakovich, the composer whose music was performed by our symphony on April 14, I used available information and his life story in place of a personal interview. The abstraction was done live on stage during the concert. It was thrilling for me!” said Singletary.
The piece named "The Soul of Shostakovich" will be auctioned at Wild Beast Feast. This is a 30x40 acrylic on canvas abstract which normally sells and has sold for ten years at the price of $1,800. She is also donating for auction at the same event a lively painting named Jazzy. This features jazz instruments with a piano keyboard (in the Vickanese Style as her friends and family say). This piece is also 30x40 and sells for $1,800. Vickie shared: "This project has been fun and inspiring. It is a gift to be able to give back to others and share the blessings God has given me.”
See the blogs below for more information on the Wild Beast Feast! Hope to see you there. Photo by Frank DiCesare. Story by Angie Manning.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Game On! (the plate)
What would Wild Beast Feast be without the beasts? It would be slightly less of an event, so we just want to take a moment to appreciate the avid sportsmen in the area and the chefs that will be putting so much effort in making this event a success.
So what is your favorite "Game"? Deer, Duck, Boar? Comment below and let us know!
We cannot wait, and the clock is ticking down to May 5th, make sure to pre-order your tickets today!
So what is your favorite "Game"? Deer, Duck, Boar? Comment below and let us know!
We cannot wait, and the clock is ticking down to May 5th, make sure to pre-order your tickets today!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Wild Beast Feast - May 5!
Well, the Wild Beast Feast is coming up May 5, and I am ever-so excited about that. It's a time to get to know the Symphony and hang out with other supporters of music in the area. Plus, local sportsmen will cook up their savory creations with game, pork, poultry and seafood, and you can jam to the tunes of the Chris Shearman Experience too. The band has a fun sound that's diverse, and I particularly love it when the harmonica comes into the picture!
Also, you will not want to miss out on a glamorous auction with trips, exclusive dinners, hunting trips, and more. One of the auction items will include Vickie Singletary's original painting that she created "live" during the Symphony's April performance of “Memorandoom” - featuring the composer's very soul - that of Shostakovich! (Yes, his very soul!!!) The picture to the left is of Vickie painting during the performance. It was quite fascinating.
Anyway, so the pre-feast begins at 3 p.m. You will be able to watch the chefs cooking their wild beasts. At 5 p.m., you can try new dishes from any number of chefs. Oh, and children are welcome! This year there will be a kids’ corner, where your little ones can decorate chef hats and enter into a coloring contest. There will also be delicious desserts - live and silent auctions.
The event will be at the Cash & Carry Building, located at 801 Enterprise Blvd. The Wild Beast Feast is a family event. Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 7-14 at the door, and advanced tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. There will be a cash bar with the Happy Hour Bar Crew (who allegedly will have a special cocktail creation for the event called the "Edgemont Beast.")
For more information about the Lake Charles Symphony, how to become a member and upcoming concerts, call (337) 433-1611 and visit http://www.lcsymphony.org/. Follow the Symphony on Twitter at @lcsymphony or like us on Facebook! (Photo by Frank DiCesare)
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