Hello Louisiana

By Alexandyr Kent
akent@gannett.com

Bossier City filmmakers Monty and Marsha Brown have documented their love of Louisiana food, music and culture in their latest travelogue, "Hello Louisiana."

To Marsha Brown, the 80-minute DVD's message about Louisiana is simple. "It's just that we are so wonderfully unique."

It includes segments on Elvis Presley and the Louisiana Hayride, the blues musician Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, Mudbug Madness, the Natchitoches Christmas festival, the legend of Bonnie and Clyde and the state's rich musical heritage.

The Browns have been screening this film and providing live narration in venues around the country, including the Harvard Club in Boston.

Marsha Brown is proud to promote the state and hopes audiences take something away from the experience.

"These travelogues are kind of like armchair travel," she said. "They get to see places they don't always get to travel to."

In addition to "Hello Louisiana," the Browns have made "La Bell France" and "It's Great! Britain."

More information about the films can be found at montyandmarsha.com and adventurecinema.com. Copies are being sold locally at artspace, 710 Texas St. in Shreveport, and Tubbs Cajun Gifts, 615 Benton Road in Bossier City. They also can be ordered by calling the Browns at (318) 220-9966.

©The Times (of Shreveport, LA)
January 28, 2006