Category Archives: Features

Behind The Curtain at TexRep

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If you’re anything like me, you have always enjoyed seeing how things work. It isn’t enough just to see the outside of things, you need to crack them open and see the moving parts. You like finding out what makes things tick. It is the desire to satisfy this curiosity that lead me to discover one of my favorite activities: working backstage on theatrical productions. I have been working with the Texarkana Repertory Company (TexRep) for five years, which is where I discovered my love of working backstage crew.

While I enjoy working in the lighting booth, my favorite crew position is that of Stage Manager. Maybe you have heard that term before, and maybe you haven’t. Essentially, a Stage Manager is the person in charge of everything that happens backstage. A Stage Manager has many responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting the director, keeping time, running book (keeping up in the script, making sure that the actors are saying their lines correctly and giving them lines if they need them), moving set pieces and scenery, setting props, helping actors with quick costume changes, directing other stage crew members, and more. In a nutshell, your job is to ensure that the play runs as smoothly as possible. This is both very exciting and slightly nerve-wracking.

As a Stage Manager, you need to be patient, proficient at taking and giving directions, good at listening and communicating, and polite yet firm. You also need good time management and organizational skills, and you mustn’t be easily distracted or frustrated. Besides those skills, you will need actual tools to help you be successful. I have found that it is very helpful to make checklists, and check everything on those lists at least twice. I also make myself a Stage Manager’s kit for every show. This may include bandages, pain medication, multiple small flashlights, cough drops, mints, breath freshening strips, a lint roller, tissues, writing utensils, Post-It notes, and anything else that I think might be useful to myself or my actors. If I had to offer advice, I would say that making sure your actors and fellow crew members like and respect you is key. Nobody wants to be stuck backstage with someone they cannot stand. Though it is a theatrical production, it is best that there is very little drama involved. In the words of creative director Michael Cooper, “Keep the drama on the stage”.

If you are not interested in Stage Managment, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities available. TexRep is always looking for lighting or sound board operators, stage crew, ushers for performances, and people who are interested in set construction. If you would prefer to be on stage, auditions are always open to everyone (within the casting requirements for the play). Experience in these areas is welcome, but generally not required.

Some people might say that peeking behind the curtain ruins the magic, but to me, it only heightens it. Not only do you get to see the play as the audience sees it, you also get to see everything that they can’t. It’s like watching a live behind-the-scenes featurette and gag reel unfold in front of you. I also enjoy being a part of every step of the theatrical process. It is incredibly satisfying to see a show go off without a hitch, or see the actors nail a scene they had trouble with at the beginning. There’s no greater feeling than a job well done. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone, but especially to those who have an interest in theatre.

For more information on our season or volunteer opportunities, please visit TexRep online or on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram.

As set designer Chris Polson always says, “See you at the theatre!”

Riding the Athletics Bus to OK

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Does a two day trip to Oklahoma with over forty of Texas A&M Texarkana’s soccer players sound like a good time? There’s WiFi on the chartered bus. There are plug outlets every other row of seats. There’s even a bathroom in the back, a nice little closet with a toilet that does not flush located right behind the men’s team! If you’ve never been on one of these away-game-trips, buckle up. You’re on one now. 

Walters carries the ball up the field against SCU. Photo by: Suzanna Summerlin

Madison Walters began her journey at TAMUT in August of 2016 at her first preseason training camp for the Women’s Soccer team. Since then, she’s grown as a student athlete and been named team captain. We’ll be following Walters on her last preseason away trip of her career to play against Southwestern Christian University and Oklahoma City University.  

Rise and shine! It’s 5:30 A.M. and it’s time to get moving. Walters is on the chartered bus surrounded by her teammates by 6 A.M. Everyone quickly dozes off to sleep after the team prayer and the 6 hour drive began. “My whole body hurts,” Walters commented during the pit stop the bus took at the halfway point of the journey as she stretched her legs. The bus made a brief stop for lunch before heading to the field so the women’s team could begin to warm up. 

After a 3-1 win against SCU, Walters was exhausted, playing the full 90 minutes. She changed into clean, dry, clothes and sat with her team to watch the TAMUT men’s team win 2-1 in overtime. The bus smelled of sweaty trash as both stinky teams piled onboard to head to the hotel. Walters was dead asleep by 10 P.M. after the teams ate a feast at Golden Corral.

The next morning the hotel lobby was packed with soccer players as they ate breakfast before loading the bus at 10:30 A.M. The teams were eager to play as they arrived to the OCU field around noon. Walters was frustrated after the women lost 2-1 in overtime. She led the team towards the locker rooms to shower off before watching the men’s team battle it out on the field. 

Photo by: Suzanna Summerlin

After two frustrating loses against OCU, the bus loaded up with freshly showered athletes and began the 6 hour trek home. A hectic pit stop at Chick-fil-a was made for dinner– restaurants usually struggle to handle the soccer program and their large appetites. “I want to be home already,” Walters said as she opened up her laptop to begin a Kinesiology test; putting in earphones to drown out the noisey men’s team. The bus arrived safely to campus around 1 A.M. and the bus unloaded quietly as everyone headed their separate ways. 

Just like that, Walters’ last preseason away trip was over. “Next week is going to be brutal,” Walters sighed as she looked over the soccer schedule. The women’s team has a week off from games before conference play starts and they’ll put in work until it’s time to load the bus again.

23 & Me, the Best DNA Company

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The definition of genealogy is a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor. I believe every human once in their time has thought of their origins. DNA companies such as 23&Me, MyHeritage, FamilyTree and so many others have gained a lot of popularity over the years. According to Forbes, Ancestry.com DNA database alone tops about 3 million, sales rise to about $850 million back in 2017. It seems like many people want to know about their past. I’ve gained a profound interest in understanding the genesis of my paternal and maternal ancestors, as well as the ancestors of my ethnic group and of course fellow human race. Hopefully this will be some use to people who are considering buying a DNA kit.

One of the main reasons that I’m well versed in DNA test is because I took four DNA tests: 23&Me, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA. I don’t want anyone to overpay or buy a DNA kit and end up confused about the results or not liking the company. So, I’ll rate from the best company out of those four from 0 to 10 and focus on the best throughout but let’s start with the best.

I would say 23&Me was the best by far, followed by Ancestry.com, then MyHeritage, and finally FamilyTree. The reason why I like 23&Me out of the others is because it has more to choose from than the others, it’s less expensive, only costing around $40 or $50 dollars if there’s a holiday or random sale.

Now, when I say 23&Me has more to choose from, it’s due to their many different selections such as: Ancestry, Health, Research, Family & Friends. When you choose one they then break into various subcategories. Here’s an example: let’s say you want to know more about your father’s side. All you have to do is click “Paternal Haplogroup” under the Ancestry/Summary tap. It tells you, who you descend from on your male side going back over 5,000 years it’s quite extraordinary. But let’s say you want to know about your mother’s side? At that point you click “Maternal Haplogroup” under the same tab Ancestry/Summary. Theirs tons of other selections on 23&Me whether you want to learn about your “DNA Relatives,” “Ancestry Composition,” “Your DNA Family,” so much to see and learn about according to your genetics.

Some came close in features such as Ancestry.com. However, if you want to learn more about the history of your family in America, you had to pay extra for birth and death certificates as well as for any military information or newspapers/slave records. This additional information such as documents would be great to have, spanning back for decades but you have to pay extra for it or monthly. I imagine most people don’t have the extra money to do this, but if you do, you may love Ancestry.com.

The company does have a wide database that can provide governmental information on just about anyone’s family in the past. They’re the best company if you’re into documents on your family but over-all very basic when it comes to their DNA Story. They only provide broad regions of the world that your ancestor came from such as: Mali or England but it doesn’t breakdown into specific ethnic groups like: Igbo or Anglo-Saxon. The DNA story is to broad in that sense, however, they’re always updating so it may get better. Nevertheless, Ancestry.com is good the only downside is broad regions and monthly expense which is why I have it second on the list. If you get Ancestry.com at least get it along with MyHeritage.

The reason why MyHeritage is third is because it’s similar to Ancestry.com but unfortunately has less information when it comes to documents i.e. certificates. The only reason I’ll get MyHeritage along with Ancestry is to see if the results come back the same or at least similar. This is why I recommend taking at least two DNA test from different companies to make sure that the results are close or the same. Also, it’s wise to check on your family to see what you should or might have so you can get a basic idea of what to look for. Needless to say, MyHeritage gives a general regional location of where your ancestors came from in the last few centuries but it doesn’t get into specific people groups, however, if that’s what you looking for (geographical regions) then MyHeritage is for you.

My least favorite is FamilyTree, simply because I refuse to pay $400+ for a full Y-DNA search test. For the male lineage it’s more expense than the female. That alone should be a good enough reason to not buy it, but it doesn’t end there. FamilyTree is a less known company thus their database is small. The reason why these DNA companies have so much information about your past is because they have millions of people genetic history in their system. The smaller the company the less they can work with according to DNA, which is why they may be so expensive. This company also in my opinion tends to be for experienced geneticists, because of their slightly confusing layout and terminology.

If anyone is interested in learning about their heritage, I recommend you buy 23&Me first then Ancestry.com if 23&Me wasn’t good enough for you. I also recommend you buy these DNA Kits during a sale, but the main reason why you should choose 23&Me first is because it has more options for you to choose from according to: genetics, lineage, regional ancestry, and it provides deep ancestral roots than any other DNA company. Breaking down your father or mother side when it comes to DNA Haplogroups and gives you a specific point of origin for your ancestors. And I will always recommend that you further your studies particularly on Haplogroups to get the full scope of your lineage.

The Secrets Of Her … A Lazy Woman’s Skin

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It is 4 a.m. and the alarm that I set has ruined yet another night of good sleeping.

Being a full-time college student and full-time employee can be very hectic and stressful. Waking up every morning takes me an extra thirty minutes, long after my alarm goes ringing off. Every morning I lie awake for those thirty minutes contemplating if getting out of my bed is worth it or not. When I finally decide that it is, now I am thirty minutes behind on my schedule. I have to Comb my hair, brush teeth, iron clothes, make hot tea, grab my gallon of water and I’m running out the door to make it to work on time.

Who has time for make up when you’re in a race to beat time? For me, I’d rather go bare faced than to look like a clown in a rush. I’d love to be at the stage where I can be the type of woman to sit and sip a cup of herbs with her husband, while going through a 10-step facial routine before bed, but I’m not. After completing long hours of homework at the end of day, I am on to the shower and back to bed to get some rest before the next day! As an on the go college student, I’ve adapted to a 6-minute skin care routine every night before my shower. Although I am not going to share my 6-minute routine, I will give you four tips on how to develop clear soft skin and a popping glow.

Photo Courtesy of PointsKitchen.com

First and foremast, you want to make sure you are drinking a proper amount of water every day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Water is the most important element for your body and drinking it can provide many of benefits.

Photo Courtesy of Walmart.

Tip #2, Witch Hazel is your friend My favorite brand is made by Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner 16 and sold at Walmart. All you have to do is just pour little Hazel on a dry towel and massage it into your face. You should see the dirt being removed from your face and feel your pores opening. It is such a tingly refreshing feeling.

 

Photo Courtesy of Walmart.

Tip #3, Cocoa butter is amazing. My favorite brand of Cocoa butter is by Palmer’s of course. A 350 ml bottle from Walmart can take you a long way. I used to work the job of a day care teacher and my babies would always ask me if I had brought them marshmallows. Sadly, I lied and told them yes, but they could only find them if we could go a whole day without anyone in the class having to flip to a red card as a discipline consequence.Needless to say, they never received the chance to eat marshmallows with Ms. P!

Photo Courtesy of Dollar General

Last but not the least, have you heard of Vitamin E oil? The dollar general sells the body Vitamin E oil at a low price of $2. Vitamin E has proven to make the skin healthier and provide a nice glow. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents formation of free radicals that damage our skin cells. Its antioxidant properties neutralize the oxidant effect that damages collagen and makes the skin dry and forms wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and discoloration. Vitamin E also contains anti-inflammatory properties and can protect and repair the skin from cellular damage.

Ladies take care of your skin and your skin will repay you with a healthy glow. It is important when being a lady on the go that you don’t look like you’ve been on the go. Who needs make up when your skin is popping?

The Hustle of Broadcast Journalism

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“Networking, networking and networking!!!”

Photo courtesy 95.3 Jamz

For many people, success in the broadcast journalism career field happens at a rare chance, but for people like Brittanni Strambler, her hustle and networking takes her to the next level.

Brittanni Strambler is a Houston, Texas native who takes her hustle to heart. She is a TV host and radio personality heard on 95.3 Jamz. According to Brittanni, her job in the industry has allowed her to influence the lives of others around the local community. “The impact I have on a community and the responsibilities I hold through storytelling. Staying relevant can be stressful at times, especially when trying to engage millions of people”, she said “working in the industry has many pros that outweigh the cons.”

Broadcast media involves more than sitting behind a microphone and speaking. To get involved in this line of work, “You can never go wrong with a YouTube channel,” Strambler said. Finding mentors and reading about other success stories can also be a great way to gain knowledge on the industry.

“My mentor has definitely played a huge role in my success. He is the CEO of the station I currently work for and he listens in to every show and gives me negative/positive feedback,” Strambler said.

Photo courtesy 95.3 Jamz

Just recently Brittani and NFL player DeAndre Washington of the Oakland Raiders teamed up on D.Wash Foundation first annual Youth Football Camp at the Thurgood Marshall high school in Missouri,Texas. The event allowed for enhancement of young boys and girls lives to enable them to make a positive impact on the football field and in their community.

Experience and preparation for broadcast journalism comes by taking advantage of internships and mentors, networking, and getting involved with one’s campus radio and television station. Strambler believes the best way to get started with an entry-level position is by applying for positions within a media company and working one’s way up. Strambler said one’s schedule may vary because news, sports, politics, and entertainment change daily.

As a six-year veteran in the broadcast field, Strambler’s best advice for any newcomer is to “Build your network, stay relevant and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

For more about Brittani, follow her on instagram @bri_media.

Christmas at the Perot Theatre

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For the first time in 40 years the Perot Theatre is open to the public to play holiday movies, in a collaboration between the City of Texarkana, Texas and TRAHC, and Perot Theatre to bring Texarkana a new holiday tradition.

The event will take place on December 22, 2018 at the Perot Theatre in Downtown Texarkana. This is an all day event for the community to come and enjoy. There will also be food trucks, vendors, crafts, refreshments, and holiday movies shown throughout the day. The forecast has predicted for snow to fall on Main Street.

The first holiday movie to be shown will be Polar Express at 10:30 a.m. followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas (short film) at 1 p.m. The Elf will be shown at 1:30 p.m., with the grand finale of It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m.

Santa Claus will make a stop for photo appearances.

Ticket prices range from $5-7. To purchase tickets call (903) 792-4992. For more information click here.

To Get To The Next Level, You Must Read Blessed and Unstoppable

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Photo taken by Cambresha Knight

Clear your mind, and reach deep within yourself in order to vividly dream YOUR dreams because in order to succeed, you need to know what you want in life. This book, Blessed and Unstoppable, was designed to put you in a position to gain strength, a deeper knowledge, and exert your full potential in order to move in greater steps. The author of Blessed and Unstoppable Billy Alsbrooks stated that “My book was written to initiate action, not to just sit back and read.” He also explains that “Each day in my book has self assessment questions that set in motion a change in mindset, to open the mind up in a strategic way so that it can design the breakthroughs required to step into greatness”. I believe this book is about waking up your purpose and the dreams that God has planned for your life. This book is so precious, and points out the fact that the readers of this book have a great deal of potential as well. “If a person wants to achieve the highest levels of success, they must be willing to do the inner homework required” Mr. Alsbrooks says. Therefore, I strongly recommend this book to all students, and staff on campus, as well as the community. This book will take everyone to the next level, and lead you towards your purpose as you answer the questions throughout the book. However, Blessed and Unstoppable is only available for purchase as a physical copy. “On digital devices, it’s too easy to skip past the homework and the action steps laid out in the book,” Alsbrooks said. “I want people to stop and think and then take massive action.” So go now. Purchase the book and get ready for a new change. “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Check out Billy Alsbrooks website here, and click this to check out his YouTube channel.

Majic 93.3 Welcomes DJ Godfather

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Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta “King” Hodge poses with soul blues radio host, DJ Godfather. The soulful show will begin Saturday morning 9 a.m.-2 p.m. December 1st. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Texarkana’s Majic 93.3 welcomes DJ Godfather to their urban R&B station. The well-known radio personality kicked off his new show Saturday, December 1st 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with great music, entertainment, and a special guest for local southern blues soul listeners.

“We will debut the hottest Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco show in the Ark-la-tex starring the legendary DJ Godfather. The Godfather of Southern Soul, Blues & Zydeco has a new home after 26 years and we are kicking off the party with celebrity guest and Southern Soul Sensation, Jeter Jones”, said Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta Hodge King.

DJ Godfather’s new Soul, and Southern Blues show kicks off December 1st. Photo Credit Dodson & Glover Photo Credit/Majic 93.3.

As a youthful, yet throwback R&B station, the local radio station believes this radio veteran will add a new flavor for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas listeners. “We are an Urban AC [Adult Contemporary] station that plays Today’s R&B and Throwbacks with a few ‘Classic Hip Hop Throwbacks’. The Godfather will bring a fresh soulful edge with the best Southern Soul and Blues”, said King.

DJ Godfather will also have a special weekend position. “He will also be the station’s only live voice on the weekend. He plays music that caters to the bike club world, trail riders, blues lovers, and southern soul fans”, said King.

Before joining the Majic 93.3 radio family, DJ Godfather worked as a competing radio show host. “DJ Godfather has been a household name for many years due to the personal approach he takes to DJing, however he was on the competitor station, KTOY 104.7 FM”, said King.

Majic 93.3’s DJ Godfather and Keeta “King” Hodge. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Despite working as Majic 93.3’s former competitor, it did not stop Hodge from listening the soulful radio host with the up most respect. “Even then, I listened to him on Saturday mornings as far as I could on my drive home, and I always thought how I awesome it would be if I could bring him to Majic 93.3. As fate would have it, we were able to make that happen officially on Dec. 1st”, said King.

With R&B as her first love, King could not resist the soulful sounds of the blues after a particular working memory. “I started with R&B. However, one night when working at a nightclub call Mr. D’s, the club owner came up and said to me, “DJ Godfather you going to have to start playing some blues or I’m going to replace you with someone else.” To keep my job, I started playing Southern Soul and Blues, and I fell in love”, said King.

Majic 93.3’s Southern Soul and Blues radio host, DJ Godfather. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Like King, newcomers and Southern Blues and Soul listeners will enjoy the new sounds the passionate radio host will bring to the Ark-Tex-La area. “Nobody does it like DJ Godfather, and everyone in the surrounding areas, near or far knows when the Godfather Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco Show comes on, it’s time to party and move your feet”, said King.

The soulful blues man looks forward to bringing his talents and his famous saying ” to magical station. “The general public will enjoy seeing & hearing how HE, himself, enjoys what he does. He is very passionate about his audience and his music! He brings excitement to the mic every show and people can look forward to him getting them up and moving on Saturday mornings with the best of the best Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco”, said King.

Tune in Saturdays! “I am that humble man who has a love for music, a love for people and entertainment. All my glory goes to God”, said DJ Godfather.

To catch DJ Godfather’s new show or for upcoming events:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majic933

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majic933/

Majic 93.3’s radio logo. Photo Credit: Majic 93.3.

You can also download the radio’s app, Majic 93-3 for music news alerts, weather, and traffic updates.

To catch Keeta Hodge King:
IG: It’s_KeetaKing
FB: Keeta Hodge King

For DJ Godfather:
IG: d_j_godfather
FB: Curtis Muldres (DJ Godfather Ent)

Long Live “The Lion King” (Next Summer)

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Disney released a trailer for a remake of everyone’s animated childhood movie, The Lion King on November 22, 2018. The first trailer began with Simba’s father’s Mufasa’s (James Earl Jones) speech “Everything the light touches is our Kingdom”. The trailer included memorable cinematic scenes previously released in 1994. The live action movie was directed by The Jungle Book‘s remake director Jon Favreau and will be released July 2019.

Disney’s Lion King cast will star in the summer 2019 childhood live remake. Photo Credit: Disney.

Rapper and actor Donald Glover will star as Simba, with Beyonce Carter-Knowles as Nala, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa. The movie will also include everyone’s favorite characters such as Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), Zazu (John Oliver), Kamari (Keegan-Michael KEy), and everyone’s favorite lion villian, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), so mark your calendars and relive your childhood with your children and families.

3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018

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Dallas salon, Lavish Lounge will host their 3rd Annual Showcase Decemeber 2nd Sunday evening 5pm-10pm. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Looking for a diversion only a couple of hours away this weekend?

“It’s not a competition, but a display of talent. We have various makeup-artists, barbers, stylists, and fashion people. As entrepreneurs, these people making a living using their gift in their field. Displaying their talents in front of audience and their peers takes courage and boldness”, said Entrepreneur and Guest Host, Eric Lockhart.

Dallas fashion industry professionals will showcase their creativity when Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz hosts their 3rd Annual Showcase December 2nd Sunday evening, 5-10 p.m. at The Highland Dallas Hotel 5300 East Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75206.

A list of Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018 participants. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Attendees will see creative, unique, yet stylish pieces among showcasing participants. “It will include conventional makeup, body makeup, various haircuts/beards, various hair styles and fashion from boutiques to actual designers”, said Lockhart.

Before being selected for the showcase, participants must follow proper standards and procedures. “They have to own their own brand and display qualities in their work product & service”, said Lockhart.

The stylish salon set a professional theme for fashion industry business — “Excellence”. Attendees will also support regional business vendors, including hair, real estate, clothes, and makeup.

Frederick Johnson aka Sipp the Surgeon will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase event December 2nd. Photo Credit:@sippthesurgeon

The third year showcase will also honor fashion industry guests Bridgett LaDawn, Sipp The Surgeon, Meke Stephens, and Princess The CEO. “These individuals have exhibited excellence and longevity in these fields with influence, giving back and power”, said Lockhart.

All proceeds will go towards the non-profit organization, IMAGINE WELL, Inc. “We are the founders of IMAGINE WELL, a non-profit organization that works with kids and the adult entrepreneurial industry”, said Lockhart.

With great expectations, Lockhart looks forward to the high-end, energetic showcase. “A unified, high energy show with great host, comedian, food, networking, vendors, great time”, said Lockhart.

PrincesstheCEO will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase December 2nd. Photo Credit: PrincesstheCeo.

A wide range of individuals are welcome. “Dress to impress. Attendance of 500-600 people to come out with energy and enjoy a great show”, said Lockhart.

Make-up artists, stylists, models, hair stylists, barbers, or fashion industry professionals are welcomed from all areas including Texarkana.

Tickets can be purchased via Evenbrite.

For upcoming events or bookings visit Lavish Lounge.

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Email: Lavishlounge5@att.net