2nd Saturday Social concert series provides live music for all ages at Caddo Common Park

Shreveport, Louisiana

Caddo Common Park is set to be the heart of the city as a new concert series will highlight emerging and established Shreveport-Bossier local musicians. Starting on July 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Caddo Common Park, 880 Texas Avenue, will host an all-ages concert series called 2nd Saturday Social. The new monthly event will transform the park into a vibrant safe space where music lovers of all ages can gather and enjoy an eclectic mix of live performances. Security will be present at the events.

Reviving the Spirit of 516 Soundstage

Something that has been missing from the music community of Shreveport since the closure of 516 Soundstage. Casey Jones, photographer and Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Marketing Director, and ArkLaTex Artistry’s Brittney Hazelton remember when 516 Soundstage, 516 Texas Avenue, was a popular 13+ live music venue.

“I had worked for a lot of bands, high school bands, and college bands, and I was their photographer or graphic designer for their artwork. So, it was the natural place for me to go,” says Jones, reminiscing on the venue. “While I was there, there were all these kids, and as I got older, the kids got older, and I started seeing these kids in bands that performed in clubs and bars and stuff like that. All of this progression of arts come out of Soundstage, but I’ve stopped seeing that, and that’s because Soundstage shut down.”

Soundstage provided a space for teens to hear live music and a place to socialize with others with the same musical interests that unfortunately closed due to hardships the owner faced.

“It was an unfortunate loss to this community because there was so much, because there was a history that came out of there. Not just the bands,” Jones explains. “But, this lost group of children that grew up to be artists. I’ve just seen this huge gap in the artist roster we have here.” Jones hopes to bring the same creative inspiration back to the youth in Shreveport.

“That’s what we really want, or I personally want. I want a space for young kids to be artists on their own like that and have a place to experiment with music and crowds,” says Jones.

A New Beginning with 2nd Saturday Social

The first event will feature performances by local groups, Native to the Parish and Signs of Stress. Native to the Parish is a more established group and they have been paired with Signs of Stress, a high school-aged band with a female lead vocalist. The new series will take place every second Saturday of the month to offer a unique platform for both emerging and established local musicians to showcase their talent. Each concert will feature a variety of genres to ensure there is something for everyone.

The series will occasionally welcome touring acts to provide a diverse musical experience for attendees. The lively evening of music will also have food provided by a local food truck. The event is free and open to everyone.

“This concert series is a partnership between the Texas Avenue Community Association (TACA) and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC). Together, these organizations aim to foster a thriving arts community and provide a welcoming space for all,” says the Facebook event.