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