Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Carrier Family Festival, live music ring in 2012

    Eight zydeco bands entertain at the 15th Annual Carrier Family Festival at 3 p.m. New Year’s Day at the Offshore Lounge, 322 Perry Drive, in Lawtell. The musical lineup includes Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, Dwight Carrier, Corey Ledet, Brad Randell, Gerard Delafose, Lil Pookie and T. Broussard.
Chubby Carrier
    For more than 30 years, Thursday night jam sessions at the Offshore Lounge served as the first stage for some of zydeco’s most top stars -- Geno Delafose, Zydeco Force, Beau Jocque, Same Ol’ Two Step and many others. The festival is a fundraiser for the rustic dancehall, which is in need of major repairs. 
    Admission is $20. Red beans and rice with fried chicken, barbecue and gumbo will be sold. T-shirts and tribute CDs featuring the late zydeco legend Roy Carrier, the lounge’s former owner, will be available. 
    In other St. Landry Parish events: 
  • Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band entertain at the Sixth Annual Mayor’s New Year’s Charity Gala at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at the Opelousas Civic Center, exit 18 on I-49. The event includes a candlelight dinner, midnight champagne toast and “Dancing with the Starz-Acadiana Style” contest. Funds from this gala help the elderly and needy of St. Landry Parish with emergency assistance. Tickets are $30. (337) 948-2525. 
  • Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames kick off a weekend of live music at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, I-49 exit 18 in Opelousas. Admission is free for the 9 p.m. Dec. 30 dance with Chavis. Turning Point, a Southern rock and country band, performs for New Year’s Eve at Mojo’s in the casino. Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeco play at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 1 at Mojo’s. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com
  • The weekly Saturday morning Cajun jam sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 31 at Savoy Music Center, located on Highway 190 just east of Eunice. Admission is free and all musicians are invited to join in. (337) 457-9563, www.savoymusiccenter.com
  • Because of the holiday break, there will be no Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. The weekly program, which features Cajun and Creole musicians in a Grand Ole Opry, Prairie Home Companion format, resumes Jan. 7, 2012. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
  • Grammy winner Chubby Carrier hosts Chubby’s New Year’s Eve Party at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki. Tickets, which are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, include gumbo with all the fixings and champagne at midnight. (337) 288-8893, www.chubbycarrier.com
  • The rock band One Trick Pony brings in 2012 at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Beau’s Garage, 125 N. Court St., in Opelousas. Tickets are $10, $15 at the door. (337) 678-0648. 
  • The monthly JAMbalaya acoustic music jam will be held from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 1 at Tom’s Fiddle & Bow, 204 Fuselier St., in Arnaudville. Bring your favorite for a pot luck lunch. Coffee, tea, wine, soda and water will be provided. (337) 754-5528. 
  • J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreedz perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 1 at Stallions Bar-B-Que and Seafood, 5675 I-49 S. Service Road, in Opelousas. (337) 948-2090. 
    In upcoming events, Chubby Carrier and Cajun/country music veteran Jo-El Sonnier team up for Zyde-Cajun Night at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Delta Grand, 120 S. Market St., in downtown Opelousas.. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 
    For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul, Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Parish celebrates Christmas weekend with zydeco and more

    Break in your new dancing shoes with four zydeco dances Christmas weekend in St. Landry Parish. These events in Opelousas, the Zydeco Music Capitol of the World, feature four of the music’s top stars. 
Curley Taylor
    Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble kick off the weekend at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 at Mojo’s at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. Keith Frank, The Zydeco Boss, performs at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8471 Highway 182. Owned and operated by the Gradney family since 1947, Slim’s is one of zydeco’s original dance halls. 
    Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers, along with J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco NuBreedz, host the Christmas Eve Bash at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24 at the Yambilee Building, 1939 W. Landry St. Chris Ardoin and NuStep celebrate “Grown Folk Christmas” at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25 at Mojo’s at Evangeline Downs. 
    In other St. Landry Parish events:
· A free showing of A Miracle on 34th Street is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 at the Delta Grand, 120 S. Market St., in downtown Opelousas. Senior citizens and their grandchildren are urged to attend. Concessions will be sold. (337) 407-1806, www.deltagrandtheatre.com
· The Compound, a local acting group, concludes its presentation of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 22-23, at the Delta Grand. Admission is $10. 
· The world-renowned, Saturday morning Cajun jam sessions go on from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 at Savoy Music Center, located on Highway 190 just east of Eunice. Admission is free and all musicians are invited to join in. (337) 457-9563, www.savoymusiccenter.com
· Because of the holidays, there will be no Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show Saturday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. The weekly program, which features Cajun and Creole musicians in a Grand Ole Opry, Prairie Home Companion format, resumes Jan. 7, 2012. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
    In upcoming events, Grammy winner Chubby Carrier hosts Chubby’s New Year’s Eve Party at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki. Tickets, which are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, include gumbo with all the fixings and champagne at midnight. 
    The rock band One Trick Pony brings in 2012 Dec. 31 at Beau’s Garage, 125 N. Court St., in Opelousas. 
    The 15th Annual Carrier Family Festival kicks off at 3 p.m. Jan. 1 at the Offshore Lounge, 322 Perry Dr., in Lawtell. Eight zydeco bands are scheduled to perform. 
    On Friday, Jan. 6, Chubby Carrier and Cajun/country music veteran Jo-El Sonnier team up for Zyde-Cajun Night at the Delta Grand. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 
    For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Comics, musicians spread 'A Little Christmas Cheer' in Eunice

    Comedy and Cajun music spread A Little Christmas Cheer, a benefit for swamp country singer Shane West, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. Terry Comeaux, Steve Shaw and Tee Ray are the featured comedians. The Steve Riley & Friends Trio provides the music. 
Steve Riley
    Tickets are $10 and can be purchased the day of the show at the Liberty. For more information, call 457-7389. 
    Other events going on in St. Landry Parish include:
  •     The Compound, a local acting group, presents Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Dec. 21-23 at the Delta Grand, 120 S. Market St., in downtown Opelousas. Admission is $10. (337) 407-1806, www. deltagrandtheatre.com. 
  •     Poet Nellie Harrington and musician Byron Knott perform for an Open Mic night at 7 p.m. Thursday at Casa Azul, 232 MLK Dr., in Grand Coteau. (337) 662-1032, www.casaazul.homestea.com 
  •     Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie entertain at a Toys for Tots event at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at the newly-reopened Stallions Bar-B-Que and Seafood Restaurant, 5675 I-49 S. Service Road in Opelousas. Admission is $5 and a toy. (337) 948-2090. 
  •     Brenna Andrus, Nicole Bertrand and Louis Huckaby sing holiday songs at the weekly Rendez-Vous des Cajun radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. Blake J. Miller and the Vermilion Playboys also perform. This is the final show for 2011. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
    In ongoing events, Gray R. Steckler’s oil and acrylic art exhibit continues through Dec. 30 at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St., in downtown Opelousas. A St. Landry Parish resident and retired attorney, Steckler began painting at the age of 65. He has created art that has been shown in galleries, museums and libraries throughout the state. Call (337) 948-2589 for details. 
    Drive through town and check out the City of Opelousas’ Christmas Decorating Contest winners, which will be announced at 10 a.m. Friday at City Hall. Judging is set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday. 
    For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Fundraiser, holidays events highlight weekend in St. Landry Parish

    Geno Delafose, Keith Frank, Patrick Henry and Liberation and other zydeco and R&B performers entertain Thursday, Dec. 8 at the third annual Coup de Main (Helping Hand), a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Opelousas. The benefit concert is from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday in the Events Center at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.
    More than 150 children were affected when the club’s Opelousas location closed earlier this year because of a budget shortfall. Admission to the fundraiser is $10 and all proceeds go to the club. For more information, call Dustin Cravins at (337) 594-3137. 
Geno Delafose
    Other events going on in St. Landry Parish include: 
  • Enjoy Christmas sounds at the Noel concert by the Eunice Choir and Concert Band at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. The Fine Arts Council of Eunice presents an arts exhibit. Admission is $5, $2 for children. (337) 457-1776, www.eccbc.org. 
  • Floats, marching bands, cartoon characters and Santa Claus will participate in the Children’s Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Opelousas. The parade starts near St. Landry Catholic Church on North Main Street and ends on Cresswell Lane. (337) 948-2589. 
  • The Avoyelles Parish Choir presents a Christmas Concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Church in Washington. A wine and cheese reception is from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Saturday. The town’s 13th annual Christmas parade is 7 p.m. Friday. (337) 826-3626. 
  • The town of Port Barre holds its first Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The parade will start on Willow Street by Frisco Motorworks and end at the American Legion Hall. (337) 585-7646. 
  • Ganey Arsement and the LakeSide Gamblers entertain at the weekly Rendez-Vous des Cajun radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Liberty Theater in Eunice. The LakeSide Gamblers Trio opens the show. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
  • Art Noel takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Glass Porch Gallery, 28 MLK Drive, in Grand Coteau. Featured art includes clay sculptures of musicians and chefs by Sunset artist Annie Hendrix and Charla Guidry’s fused glass and wind chimes, along with found object fish and wall art by Trish Ransom of Grand Coteau. 
  • Kelli Foret signs copies of her new book, Acadian Art Trail: The Essential Guide to Finding Local Art in Cajun Country, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Chapelle Country Store at Le Village, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. (337) 457-3573. 
    In ongoing events, Gray R. Steckler’s oil and acrylic art exhibit continues through Dec. 30 at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St., in downtown Opelousas. A St. Landry Parish resident and retired attorney, Steckler has created art that has been shown in galleries, museums and libraries throughout the state. Call (337) 948-2589 for details.
    For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

“Floodwall” memorial takes one last trip at Arnaudville celebration

    The Hurricane Katrina memorial "Floodwall" completes its world journey Saturday in Arnaudville. On the banks of Bayou Fuselier, final sections of the Mississippi River's Algiers Levee, a 192-foot long installation, are simultaneously set ablaze.
    Artist Jana Napoli gives two of the four-by-eight-foot panels of the standing art sculpture to Arnaudville’s annual Le Feu et l’Eau (Fire and Water) Celebration for participation in the torching. The sculpture incorporates approximately 700 discarded bureau and cabinet drawers.
    "We are joining in the act of sending to memory a most remarkable and moving work of art,” said George Marks, founder and chairman of Le Feu et l’Eau. “The act of burning the pieces is in itself an opportunity to people to experience a last aspect of the power of this work.” 
    Arnaudville’s participation also serves as a reminder that Le Feu et l’Eau Celebration was created as a means to provide displaced New Orleans artists opportunity to sell work while still far from home, Marks said. 
    Le Feu et l’Eau Celebration is one of Acadiana's most interactive and entertaining events showcasing art, culture, music and food. 
    The discarded drawers are each identified by the location from where they were collected -- Gentilly, Central City, Uptown, the East, Bywater, Carrollton, the French Quarter, the Ninth Ward, Lakeview and Mid-City. They serve as reminders of the real people who experienced more than physical loss. Poignantly empty, each of these drawers once contained the artifacts of someone’s daily life and the keepsakes of a personal history. 
    The “Floodwall” section is displayed at the Steeple Vue Gallery through Saturday’s celebration. Viewers will have access to an interactive Website featuring an interview with the artist. During torching ceremonies, communications between the two sites will be conducted through a live stream projected onto a viewing screen. 
    Napoli has exhibited both nationally and internationally and has received several awards for her work, among them, the Oprah Winfrey ‘Use your life award” (2002) and a President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities award (1999). 
    “Floodwall” continues its long-standing dedication to the intersection of art and community-building but also integrates the themes of the unspoken and the unseen. 
    Le Feu et l’Eau Celebration begins with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting at the new NuNu Arts and Culture Collective on La. 93. The torching takes place at 8 p.m. The celebration concludes at 10 p.m. 
    For more information visit www.fireandwater.home.com.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Cajun dance competition highlights weekend in St. Landry Parish

        The first round of the LA 31 Cajun Dance Competition is set for 9 p.m.  Friday during the Old Time Barn Dance at Lakeview Park, located on Highway 13, three miles north of Eunice. Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, with guest drummer Jamey Bearb and fiddler David Greely, provide the music.
    Sponsored in part by Bayou Teche Brewing of Arnaudville, makers of LA 31 Beer, the competition will host additional contests in November and December in Henderson, Breaux Bridge and Lafayette.  Winners from each contest will receive prizes and qualify for the Jan. 22 finals. The finals winner gets a seven-day Caribbean Cruise with the Cajun band Bon Soir Catin and Tony Goulas.
    For more information, contact Karlos Knott at (337) 303-8000 or visit www.bayoutechebrewing.com.
   Other events going on this weekend in St. Landry Parish include:
·         Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band play Friday night and J. Paul and the Zydeco NuBreedz entertain Saturday night at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8741 Highway 182, in Opelousas.  Slim’s, a legendary zydeco dance hall, has been in business since 1947. (337) 942-6242.
·         Live quarter horse racing continues at 5:40 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, 2235 Creswell Lane, in Opelousas. The season continues each Wednesday through Saturday until Dec. 17. www.evangelinedowns.com.
·         Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie play zydeco, Cajun music and more at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Mojo’s, located at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas.  (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.
Cajun fiddler Hadley Castille
·         Merlin Fontenot and Friends entertain at the weekly Rendez-Vous des Cajun radio and TV show at the Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave, in downtown Eunice. Jesse Belleau and Cajun Melody also perform. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
·         Cajun fiddler Hadley J. Castille plays the Music of Acadiana series at 2 p.m. Sunday at NuNu’s, 1510 Hwy 93, in Arnaudville. The event begins with an open jam session, followed by an interview with Castille and a performance. Admission is $5, free for children 12 and younger. Food and drink will be available.
·         Horse and carriage rides through candlelit streets are part of Grand Noel Saturday in Grand Coteau. (337) 662-1032, www.casaazul.homestead.com.
·         Decorated streets and shops, Christmas choirs and a visit from Santa are part of Jingle & Mingle: Three Nights of Christmas in Sunset, which kicks off 5-8 p.m. Thursday and continues Dec. 2-3. Each night, each participating shop will have a drawing for a Christmas gift.
    In other events, Gray R. Steckler’s oil and acrylic art exhibit continues through Dec. 30 at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St., in downtown Opelousas.  A St. Landry Parish resident and retired attorney, Steckler has created art that has been shown in galleries, museums and libraries throughout the state. Call (337) 948-2589 for details.
    For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com.  Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Opelousas hosts Historic Holiday Home Tour

    Discover Louisiana’s third oldest city and catch the spirit of the season at the Historic Opelousas Holiday Home Tour scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 in downtown Opelousas. Presented as a preservation project by Opelousas Main Street, Inc., the tour includes stops at four distinct historic homes which all have a unique design and special stories. Architectural styles range from Colonial Revival to Queen Anne. 

The Perrault - Weaver Home
809 S. Court St.
    This home was built of cypress in 1891 by Judge William Charles Perrault, who later became District Judge of St. Landry and Acadia Parishes, and his wife Amanda Lastrapes Perrault, The home contains a parlor, living and dining rooms, four bedrooms and two porches. Sometime after the turn of the century, additions were made to the rear of the home and to the south side of the home. The persimmon tree in the front yard, well over 100 –years old, is believed to be one of the oldest producing persimmon trees in the state. In 2003, the home as purchased by Bob and Melanie Weaver who have named it Persimmon Place.

Veazie-Pavy Home
The Rozas Home
209 N. Liberty

    This Colonial Revival home was built in 1939 for $50,000 behind a beautifully landscaped yard by Alice Boagni Rozas and her husband, Dr. Sidney J. Rozas . Later, the home was owned by their daughter, Mary Ann Rozas Nicholson. The home is constructed of cypress and the massive solid columns along the front originate from Chicago. The home includes five bedrooms, four baths, and formal living and dining rooms with crystal chandeliers, and an outside maid’s quarters . The floors are beautifully buffed oak. The home was purchased in 2006 by Marvin Jr. & Natalie Schwartzenburg. 

Rudolph Adelbert Mayer Home
629 E. Bellevue

    Located on the corner of Bellevue and Cane streets, this home was built in 1874 of cypress on three-and-a-half feet, raised brick pillars. The home was built by Rudolf Adelbert Sebastian Mayer, a professor of music who was born in the Nymphenburg Palace in Germany. 
    Mayer invented the first breech loading rifle patented to M. Martini and was used by the British Army for over 20 years. The professor moved to Louisiana in 1852 and married Mary Dunnon O’Rourke and the home has remained in the family ever since. 
    The home depicts a Louisiana galleried cottage with Italianate influence. It features a typical full front gallery and dormered roof. The ceilings are 12 feet throughout the home with a beautiful cypress staircase in the foyer. A beautiful mallard suite can be found inside. The home is now owned by the great-grandson of Adelbert Mayer, Jonathan Sebastien and his wife, Justine. 

Veazie-Pavy Home
130 West Vine St.
    Located on the corner of Vine and Market Streets, this lovely Queen Anne Victorian-style home was built in 1905 by E. Veazie Pavy and left to his daughter, Aline. The next owner was Aline's daughter, Coy M. Pavy then Coy's sister, Anne P. Boudreaux who left it to her sons Charles and Paul Boudreaux. Built with cypress, it features a rare hand carved Cypress staircase. In 2005, the building was purchased by local attorney Chuck Granger and his wife, Lynn, and now serves as a law office. 
    Advance tickets for the tour are $15 for adults and $5 for children in advance. They are $20 for adults and $10/Children at the door. Advance tickets are available at Sebastien Dupre Jewelry and Back in Time Restaurant. For more information, contact Robbie Sebastien at (337) 948-4367.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Rap, country music stars performing in Plaisance

    Thousands of music fans descend on the community of Plaisance this weekend for two concerts featuring nationally-renowned entertainers. Rap star and Grammy winner Ludacris headlines the Ultimate Jam Saturday and Chris Young leads the KXKC Big Country Bash Sunday at Zydeco Park. 
Ludacris
    Zydeco Park, located on Highway 167 seven miles north of exit 23 (Ville Platte exit) at I-49, has served as the home of the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival for the past 29 years. 
    Ludacris, a.k.a. Christopher Brian Bridges, is a Grammy-winning rapper and actor with roles in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast Five and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and an upcoming romantic comedy, New Year’s Eve. Opening acts at the Ultimate Jam include Lloyd, Bobby V, Trill Fam, J. Paul, Tucka, Mr. Magic, Charlie Boy and Kirko Bangz. 
Chris Young
    At Sunday’s Big Country Bash, Chris Young entertains with his four No. 1 country hits – Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song), The Man I Want to Be, Voices and Tomorrow. He’s joined by Easton Corbin, who hit No. 1 in 2009 with A Little More Country Than That and Roll with It in 2010. Other performers include national hitmakers Chris Cagle and Josh Thompson, along with Kaplan’s Jaryd Lane. 
    Concert tickets are $30, $40 the day of the show. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. More details are available at www.ultimatejamtickets.com and www.kxkc.com
    Other weekend events in St. Landry Parish include:  
  • The Washington Garden Club presents the Fall Harvest Tour of Historic Homes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Washington. The Nathaniel Offutt Home (circa 1840), Dr. Francis Lyman Brown Home (circa 1840), De la Morandiere (circa 1830) and Magnolia Ridge Plantation (circa 1860) are among the featured homes. (337) 826-7337. 
  • Louisiana Main to Main: A Cultural Roadshow – Main Street Memories continues at various locations in downtown Eunice. Activities include a garage sale, farmers market and more. The Jean Lafitte Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, Cajun French Music Association Museum, Eunice Depot Museum and Nutcracker Museum will all be open. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
  • The 1st annual Beef Tongue Cookoff starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakeview Park & Beach, three miles north of Eunice on Highway 31. Songwriter Drew Landry holds a CD release party during the Old Fashioned Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com
  • The 12th annual Tribute to Hank Williams is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Terry Huval, Hugh Harris, DL Menard and others perform songs by the country music legend. Tickets are $14 and all seats are reserved. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com .
     In other events, Gray R. Steckler’s oil and acrylic art exhibit continues through Dec. 30 at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St. Call (337) 948-2589 for details. For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow us on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Lighting of the Village set for Dec. 2 in Opelousas

    The City of Opelousas marks a magical start to the holidays with its annual Lighting of the Village on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Le Vieux Village, 828 E. Landry St., in Opelousas. The official lighting of the historical village has been a favorite holiday activity of both children and adults, offering a family friendly environment. 
    The evening begins with traditional Christmas choir music by the Opelousas Community Choir. Then, it is the official pulling of the switch which will light up the village just in time for the arrival of Santa Claus. 
    Offering a variety of activities for the little ones, the annual lighting event will include free pony rides, obstacle course fun jump, face painting, balloon art, guest appearance from Mickey & Minnie, a cup-cake making station as well as an ornament making station. Holiday photos with Santa will also be offered. 
    The event also provides a unique shopping experience where vendors offer a variety of goods including art & crafts, baby items, handmade jewelry, Christmas specialties, home décor, baked goods and decorative gifts. 
    Attendees can warm up with a free bowl of gumbo provided presented by Opelousas Kiwanis Club and free hot chocolate presented by Wal-Mart DC. A variety of food items will also be available for purchase. Door prizes will be given throughout the evening. 
    The event initiates the 10th celebration of the Lighting of the Village. Sponsors include the City of Opelousas, American Bank & Trust Company, St. Landry Homestead, Opelousas General Health System, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office and Wal-Mart Distribution Center #6200.
     For more information about vendor opportunities, contact Opelousas Tourism at (337) 948-5227.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie ready to rock Music & Market

Geno Delafose
    Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie rock Music & Market Friday, Oct. 28 at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. The weekly music series, which is free and open to the public, lasts from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6p.m.
    Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie is one of Acadiana's hottest bands, often playing six or more area events in a single weekend. 
    Delafose was born into a family of zydeco musicians. He got his start at the age of eight in his father’s band, John Delafose and the Eunice Playboys. He continued to play in the band until his father’s death in 1994. 
    That year, he debuted with album, French Rockin’ Boogie, on Rounder Records. The name of the record  is also the name of his back up group, which include several family members. 
    He released two more albums from the label before signing with Time Square Records to release Everybody’s Dancin’ in 2003. 
    In 2007, Delafose was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album category for his Le Cowboy Creole album. His style is deeply rooted in traditional Creole music with strong influences from Cajun music, country and rhythm and blues. 
    Delafose lives in Duralde, near Eunice, where he operates his Double D ranch raising cattle and horses.
    Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards covering the cost of bands and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed. 
    The featured vegetable for the event will be sweet potatoes. Other vegetables and agricultural commodities will be offered as well as cooked foods and arts and crafts. Ice chests are not allowed as beer. Wine and soft drinks, along with bottled water, are sold on site.
    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, and St. Landry Parish Government.
   For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 337-948-5227 or 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Horace Trahan, Lil Kenny entertain for French Friday Nov. 4

     Opelousas Main Street, Inc. will host its annual French Friday from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 4 on Main Street. The event, which will be held around the historic Courthouse Square located at 118 S. Court Street, will spotlight Cajun and Creole cultures with music by Lil Kenny and the Heart Breakers, followed by Horace Trahan & the New Ossun Express. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature food, Art Walk and student Chalk Art Exhibit.
Horace Trahan
    Horace Trahan is a world renowned Cajun and zydeco performer who has had a great influence on the Louisiana music scene. A native of Ossun, Horace learned to play the accordion when he was 15 years old. Horace was 16 when he began singing Cajun music in French. 
    Not long after high school graduation, Horace began touring with cajun music legend D.L. Menard. Two years later, in 1996, Horace and D.L. Menard recorded a CD on Swallow Records. In the year 2000, Horace revamped his band with all new members calling it the New Ossun Express. In 2001, came his third album entitled “That Butt Thing,” for the title song. In September, Horace released his fourth CD, “Keep Walking,” under his own publishing company. 
    Lil Kenny and the Heart Breakers, which features popular band leader Kenny Janise, is a favorite festival and night scene band of southwest Louisiana. The band delivers everything from Cajun, country, rock, disco, classics, a mix from 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today. Janise has been playing music for over 56 years having started when he was only four years old. In addition to playing in a band, Janise is also a private music instructor where he teaches guitar, bass, accordion, sax, piano and vocals. 
    The event will also feature Cajun and Creole food delicacies such as gumbo, jambalya and sweet dough pies. Artists who wish to participate in the Art Walk for French Friday can sign up by contacting Robbie Sebastien at 337-948-4367. There is no fee to participate. 
    Louisiana Main to Main is a statewide initiative designed to foster economic development in Main Street communities and enhance the image of the State by promoting the Louisiana cultural experience in our many successful Louisiana Main Street communities. A list of all 'Main to Main' events statewide is available at www.LouisianaMaintoMain.org
    This year’s sponsors include City of Opelousas, St. Landry Parish Tourist, Commission, CLECO, Savoie’s Food Products, Centerpoint Energy, Wal-Mart, Louisiana Lottery, Union Pacific, and Delta Media Corporation. For more information about French Friday events, call 337-948-5227 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

River Road leads Music & Market to downtown Opelousas

    Downtown Opelousas will be the setting for the Oct. 21 edition of Music & Market in Opelousas where recent Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, River Road, will perform. The event takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse Square located at 118 S. Court Street. 
River Road
    River Road was an American country music band composed of Tony Ardoin (guitar, vocals), Mike Burch (drums, vocals), Richard Comeaux (steel guitar), Steve Grisaffe (lead vocals, bass guitar), and Charles Ventre (keyboards, vocals). Founded in 1989, the band signed to Capitol Records Nashville in 1997, releasing their self-titled debut album that year and charting three singles on the Billboard country charts, including the #37-peaking "Nickajack". 
    By 1998, River Road had transferred to Virgin Records Nashville and recorded "Somethin' in the Water". While on Virgin, the band began work on its second studio album, with its lead-off single "Breathless" charting as well. 
    Virgin Nashville was dissolved by the end of the year, however, and "Somethin' in the Water" was never released. Also in 2000, after four Billboard chart singles and five Country Music Television videos, River Road disbanded with each member going in different directions. 
    In April of 2010, River Road once again came together for a reunion at Cowboys Night Club in Scott, Louisiana. After a very successful evening, River Road had a meeting and the decision was made to resurrect the super group. Calls were made and Nashville responded with new material and a new CD. The release date for this new 10-song release is slated for the beginning of 2011. 
    This week's featured vegetable at Music & Market is pumpkins. Other vegetables and agricultural commodities will be offered as well as cooked foods and arts and crafts. Ice chests are not allowed as beer, wine and soft drinks along with bottled water are sold on site. Bring your lawn chairs for this free event. 
    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, and St. Landry Parish Government. 
    For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 337-948-5227 or 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hadley Castille, Donnie and Pooldoos rock Music & Market Friday

    The Oct. 14 edition of Music & Market in Opelousas features the sounds of Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecropper’s Band as well as entertainment by Donnie and the Pooldoos. The free concert series takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Farmer’s Market in Le Vieux Village, just off I-49 at exit 19B.
    Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecroppers Band, including son Blake and granddaughter Sarah Jayde Williams, play authentic South Louisiana Cajun fiddle music with interpretations of turn of the century songs, along with a swing-influenced sound that creates a blend of both the traditional and contemporary. Born and raised in Pecaniere, a community near Opelousas, Castille began singing and playing fiddles when he was 11-years old. For over 60 years, he has dazzled audiences worldwide with his Cajun melodies. 
Hadley Castille and the Sharecroppers Band
    Castille's performance correlates with the grand gathering of Acadians in Louisiana called the “Grand Réveil Acadien" or "Great Acadian Awakening.” Hosted by Louisianians, the entire region of south Louisiana is opening its doors to welcome family and friends who want to celebrate and help maintain the culture, customs, traditions and history of the Acadians. This celebration continues through Oct. 16 in four Acadian regions -New Orleans, Houma, Lake Charles, and Lafayette. 
    The Oct. 14 Music & Market also features zydeco, swamp pop and Gulf Coast rock 'n' roll. Donnie & The Pooldoos are lighting up the dance floors with their intoxicating sound that could only come from one place- the bayous and swamps of South Louisiana. The group consists of veteran musicians who honed their craft in front of some of the toughest critics around, the dancers and dancehall pardons of the “Crawfish Circuit” of the Gulf Coast. 
Donnie and the Pooldoos
Longtime musician Don Carpenter leads the band on accordion and vocals.
    Don grew up in the heart of the 
Atchafalaya Basin, down in Morgan City, where the congruence of all these Louisiana sounds occur naturally. On bass and vocals is Phil Kaelin and rounding out the group are two of the best known musicians to come out the roots music circuit of Louisiana-Blake Castille on guitar and Kenny Alleman on drums. Between the two of them they have played on dozens of recording sessions and performed with a who’s who of Louisiana Cajun, country and zydeco musicians. 
    The featured vegetable for the event will be cushaw squash. Cushaws are a large squash variety. They are bulb shaped with a slightly sweet yellow flesh. They’re good for baking and for making pies.
    Other vegetables and agricultural commodities will be offered as well as cooked foods and arts and crafts. Ice chests are not allowed as beer, wine and soft drinks along with bottled water are sold on site. Bring your lawn chairs for this free event. 
    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, and St. Landry Parish Government. 
    For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 337-948-5227 or 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Two big concerts coming to Plaisance in November

    National music acts will perform Nov. 19-20 at the Ultimate Jam and the KXKC Big Country Bash, two concerts coming to Zydeco Park, site of the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Plaisance. Rap superstar Ludacris headlines the Ultimate Jam Saturday Nov. 19.
   Ludacris, a.k.a. Christopher Brian Bridges, is a Grammy-winning rapper and actor with roles in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast Five and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His opening acts include Lloyd, Bobby V, Trill Fam, J. Paul, Tucka, Mr. Magic, Charlie Boy and Kirko Bangz.
    Young country stars Chris Young and Easton Corbin take the stage Sunday, Nov. 20 for the KXKC Big Country Bash. Since 2009, Young, 26, has scored four No. 1 country hits – Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song), The Man I Want to Be, Voices and Tomorrow.  Corbin, 29, hit No. 1 in 2009 with A Little More Country Than That and Roll with It in 2010.
    Other performers include national hitmakers Chris Cagle and Josh Thompson, along with Kaplan’s homegrown singer and songwriter Jaryd Lane. A limited number of $25 advanced tickets are available through Oct. 16 at www.kxkc.com. The price increases to $30 on Oct. 17. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
    Ultimate Jam tickets of $20 are available through Oct. 16 at www.ultimatejamtickets.com. Tickets increase to $30 Oct. 17. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
    99.1 KXKC, Nissan of Opelousas and Cumulus Media are Big Country Bash sponsors. Cumulus and Nissan, along with Q95.5 KRRQ and Magic 104.7 KNEK present the Ultimate Jam.
    For more information on these concerts, contact Cumuls Media at (337) 232-1311.

Swamp pop and R&B headline the Oct. 7 Music & Market

    Music & Market in Opelousas welcomes the blues, R&B and swamp pop sounds of Gregg Martinez and The Delta Kings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Farmer’s Market in Le Vieux Village, just off I-49 at exit 19B. Music begins at 6 p.m. 
Gregg Martinez
    Martinez describes his music as “bayou blues and Creole soul.” He was born and raised and still lives in the Cajun country of south Louisiana where he began singing in church at the age of eight. 
    Ten years later, he was singing professionally. His powerhouse voice, which has been compared to Sam Cooke and Luther Vandross, took him from the bars and nightclubs of the bayou country to some of the finest resorts, casinos and clubs throughout the nation. He had an exclusive performing contract with Donald and Ivana Trump and a seven-figure recording contract. 
    By 1986, Martinez was on the brink of stardom in the music industry, yet like many great artists, somehow slipped through the cracks of the star maker machinery. The late Ed Bradley of TV’s 60 Minutes—upon seeing him perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2005—called Martinez one of America’s greatest hidden treasures. 
    He has performed throughout the U.S. and has toured South Africa, England, Wales, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Gregg has released nine recordings, Wonders Never Cease (1991), Love Has A Voice (1993), They That Wait (1997), For The Ages (1999), All The Days (2001), Christmas (2002), Bring Down The Thunder (2004), Big Bad Daddy (2006), and the brand new South Of The Parish Line (2011). 
    Martinez’s music is played on radio stations in the U.S. and abroad. Gregg has shared the stage with many notable artists including Stevie Wonder, Foreigner, BTO, Dobie Gray, Shirley Caesar, Percy Sledge, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Patti Labelle, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. He is also the former lead singer of the Boogie Kings, for which, as a member of that legendary group, he was selected into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He wrote and recorded the title song for their final album, Never Go Away in 2007. 
    Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards covering the cost of bands and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed. The event is held at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion located at 828 East Landry Street on the grounds of the Opelousas Tourist Center. The featured vegetable for the event is cabbage. 

    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, St. Landry Parish Government. For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 337-948-5227 or 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

Canoe, kayak racers set for Tour du Teche

    Tour du Teche Canoe and Kayak Race along the Historic Bayou Teche in southwest Louisiana on October 7-9, 2011 will award over $16,000 in prize money. Over 85 boats will compete in a staged marathon through beautiful Bayou country and will include stops to enjoy Cajun country hospitality for boaters and spectators as well.
    The main race, the Tour du Teche II , will be held as a staged race totaling 135 miles, with competitors going from Port Barre to St. Martinville on Friday, from St. Martinville to Franklin on Saturday and Franklin to Berwick on Sunday. Time will be taken after each leg, with the best overall time determining the winner. Details of the different races can be found at:http://www.techeproject.com/tour-du-teche/.
    Musical entertainment, food and fun will take place in several towns along the Bayou Teche. Highlights include musical performances by internationally renowned zydeco/Cajun musicians Keith Frank and Mark Willis and Cocodrie in St.Martinville and Johnny Chauvin in Franklin. Enjoy a gumbo cook-off in New Iberia and a kick-off ceremony with food and a Cajun jam led by Mayor Gil Savoy in Port Barre. See schedule at http://www.techeproject.com/tour-du-teche/.
    Southwest Louisiana is known for its beautiful live oaks, meandering bayous, its cultural diversity, its people, food, music and Joie de Vivre. Bayou Teche is in the heart of this country called Acadiana. Alligators, capricious rafts of water hyacinth and towering sugar barges are special features of this journey through Cajun, Creole and Chitimacha country.
    Tour du Teche has it all: an exciting adventure for participants, including prize money and many activities and much fun for visitors as well. Tour du Teche will provide a very lovely glimpse of our natural waterways, our bayous in Louisiana, food, dancing and "passing a good time."
    Tour du Teche is a program of the Teche Project, a community organization that addresses ecological, cultural and historical Conservation of Bayou Teche. The race is sanctioned by USCA.
    For more information, contact the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or e-mail info@cajuntravel.com.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Grammy winner Chubby Carrier entertains Friday at Music & Market

    Music & Market in Opelousas continues Friday, Sept. 30 with the sounds of Grammy award-winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market in Le Vieux Village, just on exit 19B at I-40. Music begins at 6 p.m. 
    Born in Church Point, Carrier is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in Creole and zydeco music history.
Chubby Carrier
    Carrier began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father's band. By the time he was 17, he had started to play with Terrance Simien, before forming his own band in 1989.
    The Bayou Swamp Band has recorded five CDs over the past 10 years. The band has traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, North Africa and Europe.
    Carrier and band are the winners of the Best Zydeco and Cajun Music Album category of the 53rd annual Grammy award for the CD, “Zydeco Junkie. “
    Eggplant is the featured vegetable at Friday’s Music & Market. Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards covering the cost of bands and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed. The event is held at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion located at 828 East Landry St. on the grounds of the Opelousas Tourist Center. 
    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, St. Landry Parish Government.
     For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 337-948-5227 or 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Zydeco Festival, free events highlight Oct. 1 weekend

     St. Landry Parish offer chances to celebrate the arrival of October with 10, live music events during the first weekend of the month. Many events offer free admission and all show why St. Landry Parish is the home of zydeco music and a hotbed of Cajun music.
    Give your dancing shoes a workout with these events:
·         Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band entertain at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at the free Music & Market concert series at the Farmers M arket Pavilion, just off I-49 exit 19B in Opelousas. Local farmers will sell and offer samples of eggplant, the featured vegetable of the week. www.cityofopelousas.com .
Zydeco Festival in Plaisance
·         Country singer Jaryd Lane and zydeco star Geno Delafose perform a free show from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday in the Events Center at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casinos. All guests with a free Player’s Card will receive $5 in Free Play on the casino floor. www.evangelinedowns.com .
·         Zydeco favorites Same Ol’ Two Step play a free dance at 9 p.m. Friday in Mojo’s Sports Bar in Evangeline Downs.
·         Bring an instrument or just tap your toes at the free Savoy Music Jam Session from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Savoy Music Center, 4413 Hwy 190, in Eunice. These world-famous Cajun jams have been taking place every Saturday morning since 1966. (337) 457-9563.
·         The 29th annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zydeco Park in Plaisance. Tropical Storm Lee postponed the festival from its Sept. 3 date. Chubby Carrier opens the fest, followed by Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Geno Delafose, J.J. Caillier, Lil Nathan, J. Paul, Step Rideau and Corey Ledet. Tickets, $15.  www.zydeco.org.
Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys
·         Get up close and personal with Cajun musicians performing at 3 p.m. every Saturday at the Jean Lafitte Prairie Acadian Culture Center, 250 W. Park Ave., in Eunice. (337) 457-8499.
·         The Pine Leaf Boys,  four-time Grammy nominees, play the entire 90-minute show of the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Admission, $5. www.eunice-la.com .
·         Zydeco icons Keith Frank and Chris Ardoin headline the First Annual Nu Step Trail Ride Saturday night at the IFBS Lodge, 6240 Highway 31, near Leonville. The ride leaves at 11 a.m. Sunday and returns in the afternoon for music by Brian Jack, Chris Ardoin and special guest Leah. $10 per night, $20 weekend pass. (337) 371-5502.
·         Cajun and Creole music, old time, honky tonk, cowboy music and more are part of the free monthly jam session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 Tom’s Fiddles, 204 Fuselier Road, in Arnaudville. Jammers bring food and ice tea to serve. www.tomsfiddleandbow.com
    While you’re in the area, check out the J. S. Clark School Reunion Exhibit at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, Farmer’s Markets in Eunice and Opelousas, antiques at the Sunset Market and Auction House and more. For more information on all these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com

Monday, September 19, 2011

Da Hurricanes blow into town for Music & Market

    A special Music & Market gets underway Friday, Sept. 23 at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in Opelousas with the flavorful sounds of Da Hurricanes. This variety band takes the downtown stage in conjunction with the announcement of the Wild About Downtown banner art winners. The event happens from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music at 6:00 p.m.
    Da Hurricanes is a classic rock 'n' roll, R&B cover band made up of a diverse group of professionals who are also professional musicians at heart. The original band was created in New Orleans in the early '80s, while members Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux and Cliff Broussard were obtaining degrees of higher educations and played many notable New Orleans venues with a solid fan following. When Thibodeaux opened his medical practice in Opelousas in the early '90s, he recruited long time friend and musician, Stephen "Big Daddy" Morrow. Later the group added Jim Gates & Don Demourelle to the ensemble and enjoy making music in and around Acadiana. 
    Da Hurricanes is made up of lead singer and lead guitar Clifford Broussard. In addition to his music, Broussard is the CEO of Willis-Knighton Bossier City Health Care System. Thibodeaux, rhythm guitar and vocals, is a Board Certified General Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon, and Medical Director of The Wound Treatment Center at Opelousas General Health System. 
    Morrow, bass player, is the managing partner of the legal firm Morrow, Gates & Morrow. He boasts a large professional music career, as he plays with a large number of bands, which include the legendary Boogie All-Stars (formerly known as the Fabulous Boogie Kings), Machine and many more. Drummer Jim Gates, who is a partner at Morrow, Gates & Morrow, is finally realizing his childhood dream of being the drummer for a classic rock band. Don Demourelle, along time nursing professional in Acadiana, follows Morrow in playing music with other bands including The Chapter and Chapter Two. Demourelle, who us the keyboard player for the group is affectionately referred to as "The Cajun Billy Preston." 
    In conjunction with the event, Opelousas Main Street, Inc. will announce the winners of the Wild About Downtown banner art project. The outdoor banner art exhibit kicked off in April and featured 31 banners throughout the downtown area. 
     During the five-month exhibit, viewers were able to cast their vote for their favorite banners. Winners of the student division are scheduled to be announced at 6:30 p.m. while adult division winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 24, folks will be able to bid on their favorite banners via eBay. Proceeds raised help Opelousas Main Street, Inc, a 501c organization, fulfill its mission to build long-term sustainable downtown revitalization. 
    While the highlighted vegetable for the September 23rd h event will be Hibiscus Tea. Veronica Fuselier with the St. Landry Parish Farmers Market will serve up the homegrown beverage. Other music acts throughout the series include Chubby Carriere & the Bayou Swamp Band, Greg Martinez, Hadley Castille & the Sharecropper Cajun Band with special guests Donnie & the Pooldoos, River Road and Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie. 
    Music & Market happens from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards covering the cost of bands and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed. 
    The fall series is made possible with the support of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, CLECO, Walmart Supercenter, American Bank, St. Landry Homestead Bank, Centerpoint Energy, Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods, Quik Quarter, Delta Media Network, St. Landry Parish Government. 
    Farmers interested in vending opportunities should contact St. Landry Parish County Ag Extension Office at (337) 948-0561. Food vendors as well as art and craft vendors interested in booth space should contact the Opelousas Office of Tourism at (337) 948-6263. To print a schedule of the fall 2011 line up, visit www.cityofopelousas.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Screening, arts series finale set for Visitor Information Center

    Queen of the Sun: What the Bees are Telling Us, an award-winning documentary on the global honeybee crisis, will be shown at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the new St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center. The center is located at exit 23 on I-49, just north of Opelousas.
    Queen of the Sun follows colorful, alternative and inspiring beekeepers from all around the globe as they keep bees in natural and holistic ways. The film also examines Colony Collapse Disorder, which has been causing bees to disappear in mass numbers from their hives with no clear, single explanation.
    Famed movie critic Roger Ebert called the movie, “A remarkable documentary that’s also one of the most beautiful nature films I’ve seen.” Christine Champ of Film.com described the movie as “Stunning... as soulful as it is scientific, as uplifting as it is alarming.”
    Admission is free to the documentary screening, which is sponsored by St. Landry Homestead and a partnership with the LSUE Foundation, Friends of the LeDoux Library and LSUE Continuing Education.
    The documentary screening follows the final edition of the art series First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 at the center. The finale features Darrell Bourque, former Louisiana Poet Laureate, and writer Patrice Melnick in “A Piece of Art is Worth a Thousand Words.”
    A nationally-acclaimed poet, scholar and teacher, Bourque won the UL Lafayette Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996 and the UL Lafayette Distinguished Professor Award in 1997. He is the author of four books of poetry.
    Melnick taught for 13 years at Xavier University in New Orleans, where she founded one of the first creative writing programs at a historically-black university. Following Hurricane Katrina, Melnick opened a gift shop in Grand Coteau and started a literary reading and open mic series. She’s the founder of the annual Festival of Words, which highlights established and emerging artists.
    For more information on these events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Follow the center on Twitter @StLandryParish or on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul.

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Allons Roulee' bike ride rolls this weekend

    Cyclists will take to roads throughout St. Landry Parish this weekend, part of the Allons Roulee’ Bike Ride scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. Over 140 participants have signed up for the inaugural ride which was previously scheduled for Sept. 3, but moved due to Tropical Storm Lee. Two routes, 25 and 50 miles, will offer riders scenic landscapes including moss-draped oaks, winding bayous, pastures with grazing cattle, prairie lands and former Native American tribal lands. 
    The ride, which rolls from Opelousas, takes riders through towns such as Washington, Grand Coteau, Leonville and Arnaudville. Sag stops for the bike ride will be located at the new St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, just off I-49 at exit 23. 
    Start times are 7 a.m. for the 50-mile and 8 a.m. for the 25-mile ride. Participants can pre-register for the event. The event is geared to riders 16 and older and various cycling levels. After the ride participants can feast on boudin and refreshments hosted by Opelousas Main Street Inc. and St. Landry Parish Krewe de Velo, a local cycling group in St. Landry Parish. 
    Allons Roulee’ is presented by St. Landry Parish Krewe de Velo,’ with support by LHC Group, Opelousas Main Street, Inc., Cleco, Capital Cyclery, Morninghveg & Castille Jewelers, Clerk of Court Charlie Jagneaux, Ventura Foods, Alon USA, Hole Pluggers, Washington State Bank, American Bank, St. Landry Bank, Opelousas Police Dept., Williams Progressive, Lastrape’s Nursery, and St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission as well as assistance St. Landry Parish Government and local law officials. 
    In the spring of 2009, a handful of indoor cycling enthusiasts from St. Landry Parish set out on a course to give road cycling a try. Some six months later, the same group had grown from less than a dozen to over 30 riders. Two years later, that number is still growing strong with organized rides taking place on early Sunday mornings and frequently on Saturdays. 
    For more information about weekend ride times and about Allons Roulee,’ contact Jennifer at jenncas@bellsouth.net or 337-945-4969.


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

'Original' Zydeco Festival now set for Oct. 1

    Zydeco festivals are held throughout Louisiana, the United States and even in England and France. But the one that started it all, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival, celebrates its 29th year Oct. 1 in Plaisance.
Zydeco Festival dancers
    This landmark festival was originally scheduled for Sept. 3, but was cancelled after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee. The fun now kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 and continues past midnight at Zydeco Park, located seven miles north of Opelousas on Highway 167 (I-49, exit 23). 
    The festival’s music lineup includes: 
  •     10:30 a.m. – Dikki Du & Zydeco Krewe 
  •     Noon – Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws 
  •     1:45 p.m. – J. J. Caillier and the Zydeco Knockouts 
  •     3:30 p.m. – Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas 
  •     5:15 p.m. – Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie 
  •     7:30 p.m. – J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreedz 
  •     9 p.m. – Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band 
  •     11 p.m. – Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers 
     The first-ever Allons Roulee bike ride, which was originally set for Sept. 3, has been rescheduled to Sept. 17. The ride features 25- and 50-mile courses, leaves at 7 a.m. Saturday from the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. The Krewe de Velo, a local group of cycling enthusiasts, leads the ride that rolls through scenic landscapes and historic sites throughout St. Landry Parish. 
      For more festival information, call (337) 942-2393 or visit www.zydeco.org. For information on Allons Roulee, call (337) 948-5227 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Artists show heritage-inspired creations during First Fridays series

    Louisiana heritage isn’t just about family and friends for George Marks and Annie Hendrix. Their home state has inspired them to create art that has taken them across the country.
George Marks
    Marks, a mixed media artist, and Hendrix, who specializes in clay, demonstrate and display their works during First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe, a new arts series from the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. The demonstration is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at the new St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center on I-49, exit 23, just north of Opelousas.
    Marks is a painter who works on wood and uses a variety of media, such as acrylic, oil, resin and tar. A resident of Arnaudville, Marks draws inspiration from family, friends and his natural surroundings in south Louisiana.
    Marks’ paintings have been featured in numerous fine arts galleries throughout the United States, including Blue Oaks Gallery in Michigan, Atelier-Magasin Artists’ Collective in New Orleans and Steeple View Gallery in Arnaudville.
    Marks has carried his artistic inspiration into community development and entrepreneurial projects. He’s the founder of Fredrick l’Ecole des Art, a nonprofit community arts and education organization that has brought music series, poetry readings and art and French language workshops to Arnaudville.
George Marks art
    A native of New Orleans, Hendrix was reared in Crescent City culture and chose music as her early medium.  At 42, Hendrix became fascinated by clay art. She began to sculpt some of her favorite musicians and chefs, along with kitchen items and clay chines.
      Hendrix, who now lives in Sunset, has participated in numerous art festivals, including Festival International, the Red River Revel in Shreveport and the Zydeco Festival at The Mint in New Orleans.
    Admission is free to First Fridays, which has featured St. Landry Parish artists twice a month since June. The remainder of the schedule includes:
·          Sept. 2 – A Celebration of Creole Culture with Rebecca Henry’s native crafts and painter Jerome Ford
·         Sept. 16 – A Piece of Art is Worth a Thousand Words with former Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque and Patrice Melnick
    First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe is supported in part by a Grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.
    The series is held at the new St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, which held its grand opening last May. With numerous environmentally-friendly features, the center promotes green construction and sustainable practices, both old and new.
    Visit the center’s revised web site at www.cajuntravel.com. Follow the center on Twitter @StLandryParish or on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul.