it’s not.

it’s a few people in a room
holding paper, or a phone, or nothing at all
saying the thing they couldn’t say earlier
without choking on it.

no heroes.
no saviors.
nothing polished enough to impress your high school english teacher.

just people
a little cracked, a little tired, a little too honest
telling the truth in a way that doesn’t quite behave.

that’s poetry.

“we are here to laugh at the odds
and live our lives so well
that death will tremble to take us.”
bukowski

april’s national poetry month, which is a fancy way of saying
someone finally gave the quiet ones a microphone.

lake charles has two shots at it this month.

first, charmed page on thursday 4/23.
a bookstore, an open mic, a good place to test your voice without it biting back too hard.

then a week later, project trey on thursday 4/30.
6:30 to 8:30pm.
doors open, lights on, no real script.

and that one matters a little different.

project trey isn’t trying to be a poetry night.
poetry is just the excuse.

it’s a room we’re opening slowly, imperfectly
for people who don’t quite fit anywhere else
but still want to sit somewhere.

today it’s poetry.
tomorrow it might be music.
a chess board.
a magic the gathering table.
a group of parents trying to figure out their kids.
a group of teens trying to survive their parents.

eventually, yeah, there will be more structure.
maybe even something that looks like therapy.
but right now

it’s just a door.
and we’re leaving it open.

“what matters most is
how well you walk through the fire.”
bukowski

we’re not trying to compete with anyone.
that’s not the point.

charmed page does its thing.
fourth thursday has its rhythm.

so project trey will settle into the second thursday of each month
give the words some breathing room.
let the people find their way between spaces.

because this isn’t about building an audience.
it’s about building something that doesn’t feel fake.

i’ve already invited a handful of musicians, poets
and a few people who just looked like they needed somewhere to exist for a couple hours.

truth is, half of us don’t even like crowds.
some of us barely like talking.

so if you show up, don’t worry
nobody’s going to put a spotlight on you unless you walk into it.

you can sit.
listen.
leave early.
stay too long.

that counts.

“find what you love and let it kill you.”
bukowski

poetry is just the start.

project trey is opening its doors this summer.
this is the first of many nights where we try to figure out
what a real community feels like again.

awkward.
honest.
a little uneven.
but real.

come by.
or don’t.

we’ll be there either way.

• sr wright

March 7th, 2026, downtown Lake Charles was transformed into a vibrant celebration of life and music at the Sixth Annual Be Moore Fest. Numerous area musicians and bands joined together to play and remember Brian Moore and his musical contributions to our community.

Check out the photos below!

Photos: Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

[View Gallery on Facebook]

Photos: Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

Photos: Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

Falling on February 14th this year, the atmosphere was extra festive. Starting at the corner of Ryan and Broad Streets, the parade route was lined with spectators of all ages, many of whom brought their own four-legged friends to watch from the sidelines.

What makes the Krewe of Barkus so special is its accessibility. For a $20 entry fee, any local pet can become a Mardi Gras star. It’s a community-driven, family-friendly half-hour of pure joy that perfectly bridges the gap between the morning’s Gumbo Cook-off and the evening’s larger festivities.istration usually opens a few hours before the parade, and the route remains a downtown staple. Start brainstorming those costumes now!

Photos by Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

Part of the larger Cajun Extravaganza, this event is a cornerstone of our Carnival season. It’s where the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers meets the competitive spirit of the Bayou.

While the gumbo is the star of the show, the atmosphere is pure Louisiana. The amphitheater is alive with the “down-home” spirit of Mardi Gras, featuring festive DJ music that keeps the crowd moving between samples. It’s a place where you’ll see krewes in their colorful gear rubbing elbows with visitors from across the country, all united by a love for a dark roux and a good time.

If you’re looking for the heart and soul of the 2026 Mardi Gras season, you’ll find it at the bottom of a gumbo bowl today. Grab your spoons and come hungry—the competition is hot, but the gumbo is hotter!

Photos by Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

The Merchants’ Parade is all about local flavor. It’s the night where the local shops, companies, boutiques, and service providers trade their storefronts for floats and throwing some of the best beads in the city.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor looking for an authentic Louisiana experience, the Merchants’ Parade is where memories are made. Grab your purple, green, and gold, and we’ll see you on Ryan Street!

Photography by Chad Moreno
Killer Photography

Through a captivating collection of photographs, instruments, artifacts, and interactive audio experiences, visitors will journey through the rhythms that have shaped Southwest Louisiana’s cultural identity. As part of this special exhibition, Historic City Hall is calling on the community to contribute historical items that help tell the story of the area’s music legacy. Residents, musicians, and collectors are encouraged to submit:

• Vintage photographs of local musicians, venues, and performances
• Musical instruments and memorabilia
• Historic recordings, posters, or concert flyers
• Personal stories or written histories about the local music scene

“These contributions will help bring this exhibit to life, ensuring that the stories of our musical pioneers and traditions are preserved for future generations,” said Payton Lundmark, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Lake Charles.

Those interested in submitting materials can contact artsandculture@cityoflc.us for more information. Submissions will be accepted through Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the sounds, stories, and spirit of the Lake Area’s music. Mark your calendar for the opening on Friday, May 15 at Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, followed by the Bayou Roots night of Downtown at Sundown. 

Historic City Hall is located at 1001 Ryan Street with hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Historic City Hall is also home to Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake on the second floor. The Charlestown Farmers Market is open on Bilbo Street behind the center every Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon. Meet Me @ The Market is open the first Saturday of every month on the front plaza of Historic City Hall. For more information, please call 337-491-9147, email artsandculture@cityoflc.us or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

On the first floor, retired McNeese State University Professor of Art Lisa Reinauer presents a solo exhibition titled A Certain Slant of Light. The exhibition features more than 30 small acrylic-on-panel paintings that explore subjects from the artist’s immediate surroundings, with an emphasis on both natural and artificial light.

“Painting is really all about light,” Reinauer says. “While my work ranges from still-life to landscape to interiors, it is all based on a love for painting nature, color, and light.”

On the second floor, two additional exhibitions open simultaneously. Gallery by the Lake presents Scenes of Southwest Louisiana, featuring works by artists Debbie Lavergne and Pat Craft, highlighting familiar landscapes and regional character. The Black Heritage Gallery will showcase the work of Louisiana artist Ciara Sanders, whose exhibition brings a contemporary perspective to the space.

The opening reception will include light refreshments and is free and open to the public. Community members are invited to explore all three exhibitions and celebrate the vibrant local talent on display throughout Historic City Hall.

Holliday’s iconic role in Dreamgirls, the Broadway hit, not only won her GRAMMY® and Tony® awards, it also made her a household name. Her heart-wrenching performance of her signature ballad, “And I am Telling You, I’m Not Going” is considered one of the all-time best in a Broadway musicals. Known for lighting up Broadway with her powerhouse performances, Holliday will now take center stage in one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. As Queen, she will be honored by Krewe of Bridge and founder Don Lewis in a private invite only welcoming reception at the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center on February 16th.  

Locals and theater lovers alike are already buzzing about the news, calling it a “perfect pairing of pageantry and theater.” With her joyful presence and love for community, Holliday is sure to bring a touch of Broadway glamour to this year’s festivities.

So, get ready to catch those beads — and a little Broadway sparkle — when Queen Jennifer Holliday takes her royal bow this Mardi Gras!