A bit of live music can help shift your mind from the mundane drudgery of the work week. The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council helps squeeze a little musical merriment into the Wednesday lunch break during the month of April with the Brown Bag Concert Series . With chairs, cookies, and a beverage provided, the free concerts are a great way to see local artist perform even in the midst of a busy schedule.
Taking place between 12 and 1 p.m. in Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe, the concerts are accessible to many people on a lunch break. Arts Council Representative Georgia Street says the event is designed to bring people together.
"This was created by the Arts Council to introduce our community to our local artists. So that when you are getting ready to have a party, wedding reception, or christening, or whatever, and you think 'I'd like some music -- Oh! I heard that nice young man at Brown Bag -- I think I'll give him a call."
This year's series brings talent from around the region.
- April 6 - Mason Grenade
- April 13 - Beckey Carroll
- April 20 - Lisa Lee Phifer and Company
- April 27 - Josh Madden
In addition to providing the community with an afternoon of music, the concert series also helps the musicians promote themselves and grow their careers. Many past artist have gone on to make CDs or try to make a name for themselves in larger cities like Nashville.
"We like to think we can give our hometown musicians an opportunity to spread their wings and go on to bigger things," says Street.
This year also introduces a new venue to use should it rain on a Wednesday. In case of rain, the concerts will be held in the nearby 1st Baptist Church Community Room.
For more information about the Brown Bag series or other arts events in the area, visit the NELA Arts Council's website.
