A&E

AcA's great line-up in May

by Dominick Cross

Festival International is not even here yet and April isn't quite over, but just to keep us focused on the future - no matter what the Mayan Calendar says - the Acadiana Center for the Arts has all sorts of great activities set for May.

April is a few days on the other side of being halfway over. Festival International de Louisiane has yet to run its exhilarating course downtown and we can tell because we're not happily exhausted yet. But just to keep us focused on the future - no matter what the Mayan Calendar says - the Acadiana Center for the Arts has all sorts of great activities set for May - and here's a look at what's coming:

IBERIABANK presents the All-Stars Series: Soul Salvation featuring Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn

AcA's James Devin Moncus Theater

Wed., May 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $55, $45 and $35

One black, one white. One from Texas, one from Mississippi. One woman, one man. Both raised in the church, both steeped in the traditions of American music and both putting their own contemporary twist on it blending blues, rock, gospel, folk, R&B and country music. Most importantly, both have soul. Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn have taken their careers to new heights in 2010: The Truth According To Ruthie Foster garnered a Grammy nomination and Thorn's Pimps and Preachers was No. 1 on the Americana radio charts. But it is their powerful live shows that establish this dynamic duo as two of America's freshest and finest performers.

Zigaboo Modeliste, King of the Funky Drums

AcA's James Devin Moncus Theater

Thurs., May 10, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $27, $23, and $19

If you haven't heard Zigaboo's incredibly tight and genre-defining drumming on the original recordings of The Meters or the pivotal Wild Tchoupitoulas recordings of the 1970s, you've undoubtedly heard one of the countless times he's been sampled during the last several decades. A first generation creator of Louisiana funk, Zigaboo has worked with The Rolling Stones and countless others. This show, featuring his hard-grooving seven-piece band, will be the perfect high energy closer to the season.

Student Arts Expo

Downtown Lafayette

Sat., May 12, 2 to 8 p.m. Free

The Student Arts Expo is an annual event designed to increase public knowledge and appreciation of the arts by LPSS students, their schools and educators. During the Arts Expo students are able to share their experiences through art presentations, exhibits and performances throughout Downtown Lafayette. Presented by Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) and Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) in partnership with Downtown Lafayette and Lafayette Consolidated Government.

Local Filmmakers Showcase

Free
The AcA presents its 2nd Annual Local Filmmakers Showcase. The event will showcase films that were written, directed, edited or produced by Louisiana natives or those with strong local ties, providing an opportunity for area filmmakers to display their talents on the big screen. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 12  8:30-9 p.m.
Showcase of Students from UL's Moving Image Arts and Visual Arts Programs

Saturday May 12, 9 p.m.
Screening of Tchoupatoulas with filmmaker Q&A

Sunday, May 13 6 p.m.
Screening of T-Galop: A Louisiana Horse Story with filmmaker Q&A

Lisa & Chuck Boudreaux present Dr. Michael White as part of the Jazz the Center Series

Friday, May 18,  8 p.m.

Tickets: $18 - $45

AcA converts the James Devin Moncus Theater into a New York City-style Jazz Club and for jazz in an authentic club atmosphere.

The Endowment for Humanities' Humanist of the Year Award winner and recent Treme star Dr. Michael White and his seven-piece band will bring some New Orleans-style jazz to close out the inaugural season. Get ready to second-line between the tables.

Table seating with cocktail service and rear mezzanine seating available.

Tickets can be purchased online here, at The Box Office at 101 W. Vermilion St., or by calling 337.233.7060. A $1 facility fee is added to all ticket purchases. An AcA membership discount is available for all performances and workshops. Ticketing fees may apply.