Ledbetter Heights event was quality entertainment.

March 12, 2004 "The Shreveport Times"

I am writing in response to the brave unnamed caller in the Tell The Times section of the Saturday, February 21, 2004 Shreveport Feb. 21 issue of The Times titled ("Black history event was obscene and vulgar"). I am wondering what event the caller is referring to as I was a volunteer at the third annual Ledbetter Heights Music and Arts Fair program held for fifth-graders in Caddo Parish schools, and I witnessed none of what the caller was referring to.

I did see and hear the Red River Drum and Pipe Corps, play some wonderful tunes, though admittedly their hands were busy with bagpipes and drums, so no crotch-grabbing or pants falling as they were wearing kilts. There was also a delightful well done selection by Thelma Harrison, Chris Gabriel, Monty and Marsha Brown called Louisiana Legacy, set in 1950, using Huddie Ledbetter (aka Leadbelly) tunes, to show how music could give a Caucasian New York couple and an African-American couple in Shreveport a common ground and bond them in friendship. Now their hands held a harmonica, a guitar, some pots, pans and cutlery, though no crotches or falling down pants. I am not sure perhaps the caller thought the children's song, the gospel tune or Good Night Irene had sexual innuendos.

I think I "might" have seen Lil KK, the 8-year-old rapper, tug his pants once, but as he had on a long shirt I cannot be for sure and certain. I do know his rap was clean. Somehow, I just do not see an 8-year-old as sexy, though the caller may have a different take on the matter. The local R&B group Legacy sang an inspirational tune and one of devoted love to their lady. I confess I saw no pants falling or crotch grabbing during their performance. The local popular group The Bluebirds had their hands full of instruments and again I never, ever saw them grab a crotch or their pants fall down, though I enjoyed their music as always.

The two hosts (Jabberjaws and Fox Rich) along with Ron Hardy had nothing but positive and inspirational comments to make to the children; not once did I see them grab a crotch nor did their pants fall down. In fact, Fox Rich was wearing a dress so that leaves her out for sure.

I would like to challenge the anonymous caller to contact me and I will be happy to procure a copy of the unedited videotape made of the show. I am more than willing to watch the incident, with the caller present, for it might have happened when I blinked for a moment. Otherwise, I sincerely think the caller owes the children, parents, grandparents, Caddo Parish School Board, the readers of The Shreveport Times, as well as Playaz and Playettes Inc., along with the event sponsors, an apology.

Joanna Ballard lives in Shreveport