Being a mid-size city in the Deep South — known as a “tertiary market” in the business world — Baton Rouge is not known for being an artistic hub. But the Capital City has a wealth of artistic and musical talent that is often overlooked and under appreciated. It’s not hard to find, it’s just that the city cares more about the fortunes of its beloved LSU Tigers than its singers, songwriters, dancers and theatrical performers.

On this edition of Out to Lunch baton Rouge, Stephanie Riegel talks with two veterans of the local creative scene who have worked for years to cultivate the vibrant and dynamic artistic and musical culture we have today.

 Scott Gaskin is the owner of Green Frog Music, a local agency that does event management, talent booking, concert promotion, band management and provides what is no doubt badly needed financial consulting services to musicians and performers. Scott founded Green Frog Music back in 1996. In the 22 years since, he’s represented some of the most popular acts in Baton Rouge and around the region.  

Molly Buchmann is co-artistic director of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, which was founded in 1960. The company produces three professional performances a year at its home, the River Center Theater for the Performing Arts, and also hosts a national professional touring company each year. To many, Baton Rouge Ballet Theater is best known for its holiday performance of A Nutcracker—A Tale from the Bayou, which is an original creation with a south Louisiana twist on the classic Christmas ballet. Molly and her co artistic director, Sharon Mathew, created it. Molly has been with the company since 1976. She also owns the Dancer’s Workshop, which is the official school of the  Baton Rouge Ballet Theater and has produced some of the city’s best ballerinas.

Photos over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard.