BANNERS PREVIEW

For over 30 years, Banners at McNeese State University has served as Southwest Louisiana’s premier arts and humanities organization, offering a broad range of programming that brings world-class talent to the five-parish region. As the area’s only multi-disciplinary arts organization of its kind, Banners delivers not only exceptional performances on stage but also workshops, masterclasses, and free outreach programs that extend into schools, senior homes, and community centers ensuring that no corner of the region is left untouched by the transformative power of the arts.

Connecting the Community Through World-Class Arts

As Banners at McNeese moves forward under the university’s new theme of Brand New Day, led by McNeese President Wade Rousse, the organization remains committed to its mission: to enrich the lives of all Southwest Louisianans through the arts. With a legacy of over three decades, Banners at McNeese is poised to continue being the cultural heartbeat of the region for decades to come.

“Bringing the arts into classrooms, to senior citizens, and into the lives of our students is central to what we do,” says Dr. Brook Hanemann, director of Banners at McNeese. “The impact we have on the community is about more than just putting on performances—it’s about education, access, and creating opportunities for growth.”

Banners is known for its diverse offerings, from the iconic sounds of Ellis Marsalis to the interactive joy of Trout Fishing in America, whose songwriting workshop last season brought together fans of all ages. With performances that span music, dance, comedy, theater, and more, Banners consistently brings a global perspective to the region, offering experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible to local audiences.

Last season alone, Banners featured performances from the Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Carpenter blues band, the spellbinding Accordion Kings, and the audience interactive favorite Broadway’s Next Hit Musical. Each performance is carefully selected not only for its entertainment value but for the educational and cultural enrichment it brings to Southwest Louisiana. This commitment to outreach has seen artists lead songwriting and dance workshops, masterclasses, and interactive sessions with students, teachers, and community members.

“Our programming reaches all parts of the community, and we are particularly proud of the free ticketing our sponsors help us to provide for seniors, youth, first responders, educators, and military personnel,” Hanemann adds. “It’s our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can experience the arts.”

Much of this incredible programming is made possible by Rouge et Blanc, the region’s premier food and wine festival, which serves as Banners’ flagship fundraiser. “We are deeply grateful to each and every patron who attends Rouge et Blanc,” Hanemann says. “Their support provides the resources to fuel Banners’ programming throughout the year.”

Banners’ scope and ambition are unmatched in the region. The organization consistently offers over 30 events each year, with more than 15 of those taking place within their Spring Cultural Season, an intense eight-week period in March and April. “The volume of programming we manage is only possible because of the dedicated and passionate team behind Banners,” Hanemann explains. “Randy Partin, Brittany Menard, and our student worker Ella Maddox are integral to every aspect of what we do. It’s truly a dream team, making sure each event runs smoothly, from large performances to intimate workshops.”

Banners also serves as a crucial bridge between McNeese State University and the wider community. Through its outreach programs, the organization brings art directly into classrooms, engages homeschoolers, and even creates bus-in opportunities for students to attend performances. This connection between academia and the broader community has helped foster an environment where the arts are valued as an essential part of life in Southwest Louisiana.

As Banners looks ahead to its next season, which includes not only returning favorites like the McLeod Lecture Series and annual Works on Paper kickoff, but also the return of dance and comedy, excitement is already building. “We’re thrilled to bring back dance with Ballets with a Twist and to host comedian Tom Briscoe, whose multi-generational family comedy will connect with audiences of all ages,” Hanemann says. “It’s going to be an incredible season.”

Hanemann and her team wish to thank the patrons, volunteers, and supporters who make this vital work possible year after year.

Banners at McNeese: A Peek Behind the Curtain of Generational Impact

When you come to a Banners at McNeese performance, it’s easy to be swept away by what’s happening on stage. But if you were to peek behind the curtain, you’d see something even more amazing—the behind-the-scenes work that touches the lives of multiple generations through outreach, education, and deep community connections. For over three decades, Banners has been shaping the cultural fabric of Southwest Louisiana, making an impact that extends far beyond
the stage.

“Our programming is more than entertainment,” says Dr. Brook Hanemann, director of Banners at McNeese. “It’s about creating access and opportunities for people to engage with the arts in ways they never imagined. So many of our performances are paired with workshops, masterclasses, or behind-the-scenes experiences that make the hard work worth it.”

Banners strives to create programming that offers local educators inspiring ways to enhance student experiences, and the impact is profound. Many teachers integrate these experiences into lessons across a range of subjects, from history and literature to STEAM education, where the “A” for “Arts” is essential in fostering creativity that fuels innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math.

A perfect example of this came last season with Broadway’s Next Hit Musical. While audiences enjoyed a hilarious, interactive show, what they didn’t see was the powerful learning happening offstage. Local high school and McNeese students had the rare opportunity to participate in a theatrical improvisation workshop led by seasoned talent from New York. Students from the Calcasieu Theatrical Association, representing five high schools, turned the red-carpet event into a mock prom, arriving in glamorous outfits, while Tim Gunter’s student strings group filled the orchestra pit with live music for the first time since natural disasters. These connections between local students, artists, and the community are what make Banners more than just a performance venue.

“Our goal is to make every interaction a learning opportunity, whether it’s through workshops like this one or one-on-one conversations with seasoned professionals,” Hanemann adds. “It’s about creating a bridge between the stage and the lives of our community members.”

One of the most memorable outreach efforts in past seasons occurred when Banners brought Grammy Award winners Violectric and Steinway pianist Robin Spielberg into the region’s elder homes. These intimate performances also featured local poet Robert Cooper, whose storytelling left a lasting impression on residents. “The emotions in these settings are so powerful,” says Hanemann. “It’s makes everything we do worthwhile.”

Banners also offered McNeese’s music interns a one-on-one conversation with Rich Barrett, the Mayor’s Artist of the Year Award recipient. Barrett, a nationally recognized lighting designer, shared his expertise with students, providing a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of stage production, from lighting concerts for famous musicians to designing events for past presidents. Experiences like these give young professionals a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and see the possibilities in their chosen fields.
Banners has a long tradition of pairing world-class entertainment with educational opportunities. While not every performance includes an outreach component, the ones that do create a significant, lasting impact. The Banners/McNeese Jazz Fest is a prime example, offering a space where students can perform alongside seasoned professionals and learn from some of the best musicians in the field.

Much of Banners’ outreach success is supported by partnerships, like the ongoing collaboration with Christian Youth Theatre (CYT). This relationship has brought thousands of young performers and their families to the theater in recent years, expanding the reach of Banners’ programming and fostering a vibrant, youth-centered arts community. “Our partnership with CYT shows how young lives can be enriched when the arts are made accessible,” says Hanemann. “It’s incredible to witness the energy these young performers bring to the stage.”

This year, audiences will once again be able to experience the magic of dance with Ballets with a Twist at the Rosa Hart Theatre as part of Banners’ mission to broaden access to world-class performances. “We hope to create a season finale that will include several local performance groups,” says Banners Assistant Director Randy Partin. “Along with master classes at a local dance company, we anticipate participation in the show by local dancers. Music will be sent ahead of the performance date and rehearsed by local marching band members who will play at the main show. Vocal scores will be rehearsed and performed by a local choir and performed as part of the main show. We hope to use every potential outreach opportunity to make this a memorable experience for participants and patrons.”

These events are just a small piece of what Banners offers Southwest Louisiana, where the arts are integral to the daily life and cultural heartbeat of the region. “We are committed to bringing world-class performances to every corner of our community,” says Hanemann. “It’s about so much more than what you see on stage. It’s about the impact behind the curtain—the students whose lives are changed, the elderly who feel connected again, and the young professionals who find inspiration along their path because of the work we do.”

Visit banners.org for more information on upcoming events or to support and benefit from Banners’ outreach programs.

Banners at McNeese: 2025 Spring Cultural Season Roundup

A World-Class Experience in Southwest Louisiana

As McNeese State University’s mascot, Rowdy, might say, Banners at McNeese is preparing for a roundup like no other. With the full cultural season set to be unveiled this month, Banners is gearing up for an incredible lineup of world-class performances, workshops, and educational opportunities that make for the perfect holiday gift. This is your chance to give the gift of unforgettable experiences, featuring music, comedy, dance, and so much more—all at an affordable price.

“The first time I heard about Banners was when my parents bought me a membership as a Christmas gift,” says Dr. Brook Hanemann, director of Banners at McNeese. “I was amazed by the diversity of art forms and the caliber of artists who performed—both national and international. That gift clearly had a big impact because here I am, years later, fortunate enough to lead Banners.”

Banners offers something for everyone, from seasoned arts enthusiasts to families looking for exciting cultural experiences. With ticket prices designed to be accessible to all, it’s a perfect gift option. For serious arts and entertainment patrons, Banners’ All Access Pass not only covers the entire cultural season but also includes two tickets to the premier food and wine festival, Rouge et Blanc, which helps make this extensive programming possible.

This season promises to be one of the best yet. Comedian Tom Briscoe will headline the comedy offerings with his hilarious show Old Mansplaining, a favorite from the Dry Bar Comedy circuit. With over 2.5 million views of his Top 10 special, Briscoe’s side-splitting stories on marriage, raising daughters, and aging ungracefully are guaranteed to leave audiences laughing until their sides ache. Known for his dry wit and sharp observational humor, Briscoe has been a hit on stages from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, and now he’s bringing his comedic mastery to Lake Charles.

One of the most highly anticipated events of the season is Ballets with a Twist, whose signature production Cocktail Hour: The Show promises to combine high-energy dance with intoxicating music and stunning costume design. “Bringing back dance to Banners has been a goal for us, and it feels especially fitting to have Ballets with a Twist as part of our season because their show’s theme aligns perfectly with Rouge et Blanc, which helps fund all of our programming,” says Hanemann.

Fans of bluegrass and world music won’t be disappointed either. Banners is proud to feature JigJam, hailed as “the best Irish band in bluegrass.” Fresh off their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023, JigJam brings their unique blend of traditional Irish music and Americana, offering an electrifying live performance that will captivate audiences. Joining them is Yagody, an extraordinary Ukrainian folk band whose ethno-dramatic style creates a musical experience unlike any other, blending poetic songs and theatrical performance into a concert that feels like a cultural ritual. Both bands will launch their tours through Louisiana with performances at Banners, leading into their appearances at Festival International and the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

The revival of the Banners/McNeese Jazz Fest is a project close to Hanemann’s heart. “This festival really encompasses everything Banners is about,” she explains. “It brings world-class live entertainment to our community, creates opportunities for McNeese students, and reaches into the community to provide performance and educational experiences for high school students and youth.” Hanemann is particularly grateful to local businessman and musician Jay Ecker for championing the return of the Jazz Fest and to Dr. Lonny Benoit, head of the McNeese Department of Performing Arts, for taking the reins as director of the event.
Banners’ newly revived Bluegrass Festival, headed by McNeese’s own Dr. Michael Buckles, has deep roots in Irish folk music, and this festival promises to celebrate that heritage while bringing together some of the best bluegrass performers from around the region.

Banners also continues to spotlight local talent through partnerships with organizations like the Lake Area Ballet Theatre (LABT), whose faculty and board are dedicated to bringing full-scale ballet performances to the region while fostering the next generation of dancers. LABT will grace the Bulber stage this season, offering something truly special for the Southwest Louisiana community.

With all this and more, the 2025 season is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. The offerings are a clear testament to Banners’ commitment to bringing top-tier artistic programming to Lake Charles. From comedy to dance, jazz to bluegrass, and everything in between, Banners at McNeese offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience for Southwest Louisiana. The perfect gift this holiday season, a Banners membership or All Access Pass ensures a year of enriching, inspiring, and often breathtaking performances.

For more information, visit banners.org or call 337-475-5123.