Blog Discontinuation Notice

Good Afternoon and Thank You for participating in the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission "It's Gumbo for your Soul" blog!

Please note that we will be discontinuing this blog. We encourage you to use our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Landry-Parish-Louisiana-Its-Gumbo-for-Your-Soul/108773622499495) - please "like" us. Our website is also undergoing some updates and added imagery; Events will continued to be posted there.  Of course, we always welcome comments and feedback so please do do use http://www.cajuntravel.com/contact.php.

Again, thank you and we look forward to hosting your visit in St. Landry Parish!

Sincerely,
St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
www.cajuntravel.com

                           Gumbo Pots and Sweet Potatoes

 Fall is in the air and our Farmer's Markets are seeing their second crops so be sure to visit one of them this weekend. The Opelousas Farmers Market takes place at Le Vieux Village on Hwy 190 and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7am-11am. And next Friday, September 28, the Fall Opelousas Music & Market Series will kick off with Lil Wayne and Same Ole 2 Step, so mark your calendars. The Washington Farmers Market at the Town Pavilion gets started at 8:30am each Saturday and different homegrown items are added each week. In Eunice, the Downtown Farmer's Market start times have changed to 1pm on Wednesday and 8am on Saturday, so make a note.

• Allons Roulee Bike Ride will roll the roads of Opelousas and surrounding communities on Saturday, September 22. Over 150 cyclists will make their way to travel the rural countryside. Remember to "Share the Road"!

• The Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Live Radio and TV Show. Eunice. Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave. Celebrating 25 years of live performance this Saturday, September 22. The Jambalaya Cajun Band and some very talented guests will play in this family-oriented show in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Broadcast live on radio with emcee. 6-7:30 pm. Adults $5, under 12 $3. (337) 457-7389; www.eunice-la.com 

• There will not be a shortage of great music events on Saturday, September 22, as anOld Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance will take place at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice. 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy. Music starts at 8pm with DJ Kyler Ardoin in the Barn! 18 years to enter. Admission fee. www.lvpark.com  (337) 457-2881. 

• Also Saturday night, September 22, Patrick Henry and the Liberation Band, along with Curly Taylor and Zydeco Trouble will be raising the roof at Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame with Live Zydeco Music and Dance starting at 9:30pm. 11154 Hwy 190, West of Opelousas and before Lawtell. (337) 319-0639.

For more information on parish events call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at 337-948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish-It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission 

These talented ladies created the St. Landry Parish square found on the beautiful king size Bicentennial quilt. Pictured left to right: Nia Henry, Rebecca Henry, Joella LeBlanc and Sigrid Donatto.

 Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration Continues in 

St. Landry Parish

    

      As Louisiana continues to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its statehood in 2012, so does St. Landry Parish. The Parish is honored to currently have the official Louisiana Bicentennial Quilt on display at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 Exit 23, from now until September 17, 2012. Sponsored by Secretary of State, Tom Schedler, the Louisiana State Archives, and Roland Dartez, Executive Director of the Louisiana Police Jury Association, the quilt is entitled Stitch by Stitch, Binding Together 200 Years of Louisiana History.

   Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. that has parishes rather than counties as political subdivisions, and each of the state's 64 parishes is represented with a block in the quilt. The finished 9" x 9" blocks are arranged in columns in order of each parish's location in the state and each one reflects its parish's iconic features.

     This beautiful work of art is definitely an inspiration to the many quilters here in St. Landry Parish and a wonderful way to promote the upcoming first annual Quilt Fair: The Threads That Bound Us Together For 200 Years, Sharing Our Stories Patch by Patch. The Fair will be hosted at the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, 113 W. Vine Street, Opelousas from 8am-3pm. on Saturday, September 15. During the course of the day expert quilters will display and share their talents and stories of yesteryear with the younger generation. (337) 945-5064.

• This Thursday, Sept. 6, St Landry Parish will be joining the worldwide movement, 100 Thousand Poets for Change, where poets gather together to promote social change.  Poets from Acadiana including former Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque and spoken word artist Alex Johnson will perform original poetry at Casa Azul Gifts in Grand Coteau. Set from 7pm-9pm, the evening will also include an open mic.  The reading is free and open to the public.337-662-1032
• Ils sont partis! This week's racing at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino marks the end of the Thoroughbred season for 2012. Post time is 5:40pm for live races Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The 2012 Quarter Horse Season will begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2012. 2235 Creswell Lane Ext. (337) 594-3000.www.evangelinedowns.com
• Margaret Dunbar Cutright is on a national tour for her book"A Case For Solomon" and will be in Opelousas to review her book on Friday, Sept. 7,at the Delta Grand , 6:30pm. On Sept. 8, Cutright will be at the Opelousas Library at 10:00am. All interested persons are invited to attend either or both. Books will be available for purchase and autographing by the author. She will also address students and faculty at Opelousas Catholic on Monday Sept.10 at 9:00am and Opelousas High at 1:00pm.








Farmers Market in Washington again this Saturday between 8:30-11 am at the Washington Town Pavilion.  Lori will be back with us and is bringing bread, preserves, herb cheese spread and a new item....cheesecake spread. Lindy has a new batch of alfalfa, broccoli & radish sprouts ready for your salads and sandwiches. Don't forget to sign up for the Extended Hours Market on October 13th, where you can also bring your yard sale items to Market!
The Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Live Radio and TV Show on Sept. 8 will feature alive performance by Cameron Dupuy & the Cajun Troubadours and Gabe Meche, Eunice. Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave. A family-oriented show in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Broadcast live on radio with emcee. 6-7:30 PM. Adults $5, under 12 $3.(337) 457-7389; www.eunice-la.com 
Sunday night September 9, Leon Chavis will be closing out the weekend at Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame with Live Zydeco Music and Dance. Located at 11154 Hwy 190, West of Opelousas and before Lawtell. (337) 319-0639.
Market Monday at Le Village in Eunice gets an early start this month. On Sunday September 9 from 3-5pm, a book signing for Belaire Cove, A Novel of Love, Life and Loss in a Prairie Cajun Village by Dianne Dempsey Legnon will be held.So shop early for arts & crafts, baked goods, handmade quilts, aprons, goat milk soap, jewelry, photography and vintage items.  Or come on Monday September 10 from 10am-4pm. Lunch will be available to purchase or bring your own and picnic on the porch of the Country Store. Le Village 121 Seale Ln (337) 457-3573, www.levillagehouse.com
The 2012 Soiree Royale, Opelousas takes place Monday September 10 at theEvangeline Downs Event Center. This annual chefs' cookoff and wine tasting will benefit the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce. 6 pm. Tickets $40. (337) 942-2683,www.opelousaschamber.org.
Delta Grand Theatre presents "A Toast to Creativity" with artist Jerome Ford. Starting September 11, 2012 and continuing September 18, and 25. Adult painting classes for Beginners, Intermediate and Advance will start at 6:30 each evening. For further information visit www.deltagrandtheatre.com

For more information on parish events call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at 337-948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish-It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online atwww.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Ready for a Party Weekend in 

St. Landry Parish?

     Labor Day weekend has finally arrived and that means it's an extra special zydeco time here in St. Landry Parish. The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival will be celebrating its 30th year, remembering all of the greats that have paved the way for one of the State's true traditional events.  This year's format has been expanded to two days of great music with day one Saturday, September 1, featuring Lawrence Ardoin and Traditional Creole, Corey Ledet, Dog Hill Stompers, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Step Rideau, Lil Nate, Rockin' Dopsie Jr., J. Paul Jr. and Leon Chavis. 

     Day two, September 2, has been added with performances by Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, followed by country singers Chris Himel, Dustin Sonnier, Jaryd Lane and Charley Rivers.

     Tickets for the Sept. 1 show are $15, $12 in advance and $5 for children 12 and younger. Admission for social groups, riders and families of 10 or more is $10 each. Tickets are $25 for Sept. 2, $20 in advance and $5 for children 12 and younger.  Zydeco Park is seven miles west of I-49 on Highway 167, just north of Opelousas.  For more information, call (337) 942-2392 or visit www.zydeco.org. The festival is sponsored by the Southern Development Foundation.

     Our local dancehalls will start things off tonight, Friday August 31.  Slims Y KiKi in Opelousas will hold a squeeze box contest and music by J. J. Caillier and J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds will kick off the Festival weekend starting at 8pm with a $10 Admission.  Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame in Lawtell will also be hopping with Curley Taylor and Jeffery Broussard, welcoming all zydeco fans. 

     But pace yourself, as the annual Zydeco Breakfast, sponsored by the City of Opelousas, will start on the St. Landry Courthouse Square at 8am Saturday morning.  Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble will wake everyone up at this free event.  Then new this year, the Zydeco Parade, led by J. J.Callier, will stop at the breakfast and caravan with everyone out to Plaisance where the festival starts at 12:30pm.

     And if that's not enough, check out the 1st Annual Creole Renaissance Festival, also on Saturday Sept. 1 in Opelousas.  You're invited to come kick your shoes off and stay a while as you listen to Keith Frank, Buckwheat Zydeco, Chris Ardoin, Brian Jack, Lil Wayne & Same Ol' 2 Step, Horace Trahan, Dexter Ardoin and Geno Delafose.  Yambilee Festival Building, 1939 West Landry St. Opelousas, LA.  Doors open 12pm.

     Other activities this weekend in St. Landry Parish:

• "Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Live Radio & TV Show will the FATRA Cajun Band and "Cajun" August Broussard & Friends, Eunice Saturday September 1 at the Liberty Theater, 200 W Park Ave, Eunice from 6pm-7:30pm.(337) 457-7389; www.eunice-la.com 

• A Double Old Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance this weekend.  One Trick Pony will perform Saturday, Sept. 1 from 8pm-12am at Lakeview Park & Beach and on Sunday Sept. 2 Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe will play.  Camp with us and receive 2 FREE tickets into the show! Come out and support our local musicians and listen to live music with us.  1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy. 13. For more information visit www.lvpark.com  

• It's the Pool Doo Party Saturday Sept. 1, at NuNu's in Arnaudville.  Join local band "Donnie and the Pool Doos," for a new monthly Louisiana Dance Party event at 7 p.m.  Musicians and singers interested in sitting in with the band are invited. Call Donnie at 337.935.0577 if you are interested.  There is a $5 recommended donation. Children 12-and-under enter free. Non-alcohol refreshments will be available for purchase. NUNU Arts and Culture Collective 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy (Hwy 93 East), Arnaudville, LA . www.nunucollective.org 

• JAMbalaya acoustic music jam at Tom's Fiddle & Bow this Sunday September 2, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  Pot luck, bring your favorite food and we'll provide coffee, tea, wine, soda and water. 337-754-5528.  204 Fuselier Road, Arnaudville.

For more information on parish events call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at 337-948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish-It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

 

                                 

GITLO AT NUNU'S FOR A REAL BLUES EXPERIENCE

The August 26, Sunday Stage is a product of Artists with One Voice, starting at 4pm. There is a $5 suggested donation.  NuNu's Culinary Collectives will offer food and non-alcohol refreshments for purchase.  NuNu's is located at 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy (Hwy 93 E) in Arnaudville, LA. For more information call 337-453-3307 or visit www.nunucollective.org.

      Other weekend events in St. Landry Parish:

·  Casa Azul in Grand Coteau will have Mavis Fruge hosting the La Scene Ouverte--Open Mic En Francais! on Thursday Aug.23 from 7-9pm.  Bring your French language poems, stories and songs to share.  Free admission and all invited. 337-662-1032.

·  J Paul Jr & the Zydeco Nubreeds will perform this Friday, August 2, at Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Hwy 190, west of Opelousas in Lawtell, starting at 10pm. 

·  The Boogie All Stars, a band made up of members of The Boogie Kings, will be performing live at theBoogie Ball, United Way's annual Campaign Kickoff this Saturday August 25, 7-11pm at the Opelousas Civic Center.  Dinner will include delicious food provided by a variety of chefs, and restaurants, such as Café Josephine who will feature a pig roast and other tropical favorites.  Silent and live auction.  Tickets are $30. 337-942-7815 or visit www.uwsle.org

·  The Washington Community Farmer's Market is very excited to welcome Glenn Beard, a 10 year veteran of the Red Stick Market in Baton Rouge. Glenn now lives in Washington and will be bringing farm fresh eggs, assorted jellies and purple hull peas. This week's raffle includes an 18x24 inch framed J. Summers Perkins' original water color of a Louisiana water scene. 337-826-6518,mauiflyer@hotmail.com.

·  NuNu's La Table Francaise, a monthly Francophone gathering in Arnaudville, will take place Saturday, Aug.25 from 9am-Noon. Come and enjoy homemade treats and fun conversation. Venez partager le heritage. 337-453-3307, www.nunucollective.org 

·  Blake Miller & the Vermilion Playboys will perform at this Saturday's Rendez-Vous des Cajuns TV & Radio Show at the historic Liberty Theater.  The emcee will be Ray Landry and performances will be from 6pm-7:30pm. The theater is located at 200 W. Park Ave. in Eunice.  337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

·  And next Wednesday, August 29, take time to grab a cup of coffee and share conversation and fun with other French speakers in Opelousas. The Opelousas French Table happens every last Wednesday of the month at the Whiteville School House located in Le Vieux Village, 828 East Landry, Opelousas, Louisiana. 337-948-6263.

For more information on parish events call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at 337-948-8004 or visitwww.cajuntravel.com  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish-It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

                            

Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers hit the stage at Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame tonight at 10PM

   Lots of Music this Weekend  in St.Landry Parish 

       

         It’s definitely a music weekend here in St. Landry Parish.  As we count the days to the 30th Annual Original Southwest LA Zydeco Music Festival, we have two great dances at two of the oldest zydeco clubs in the world!  Friday August 17, Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers will perform at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Hwy 190, west of Opelousas in Lawtell, starting at 10pm.  Then on Sunday August 19 Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers will make the floor bounce at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki in Opelousas from 8pm-Midnight.

And Saturday the 18th Chris Miller and Bayou Roots with special guest Milton Vanicor will entertain at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. at the Liberty Theater in Eunice www.eunice-la.com.  Lots of Cajun music fans are in the area for the annual Cajun French Music Association Le Cajun Music Awards, so be sure to complete your CFMA weekend with a visit to the CFMA Museum & Hall of Fame located in downtown Eunice.

More St. Landry Parish events:

•             Live thoroughbred horse racing continues at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino.  Wednesdays through Saturdays at 5:40 p.m.  2235 Creswell Lane Exit in Opelousas. Free for all ages. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.

•             Cajuns For Bayou Teche will be doing a bayou cleanup Saturday, August from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting at the Arnaudville boat launch.  All volunteers are welcome and please bring any motor boats, canoes, and kayaks you have access or just bring yourself. Tour du Teche III is fast approaching so let’s get the Bayou looking good!

•             Farmers markets are still going even in the heat of summer. New vendor, Glenn Beard, will be bringing farm fresh eggs, assorted jellies, muscadine, and purple hull peas this weekend at Washington Community Farmer’s Market, held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. each Saturday at the Pavilion across from Town Hall in Washington. The Eunice Farmer’s Market, held at the corner of 2nd Street and Park Ave., has changed its time until cooler weather.  New start times are Wednesdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 8am (337) 457-6503.  The Opelousas Farmer’s Market is held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 838 East Landry Street in Opelousas (337) 948-0561. Vendors at all three markets offer produce, plants, craft items, homemade good and more. 

•             Share French conversations at La Table Francaise, held at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 18 at Café Mosaic, 202 South 2nd Street in Eunice. (337) 546-6276.

•             The weekly Cajun jam sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 18, at Savoy Music Center, located on Highway 190 just east of Eunice. Admission is free. (337) 457-9563, www.savoymusiccenter.com.

•             “Becoming Louisiana: The Path to Statehood” an exhibit commemorating this year’s Bicentennial, opens this weekend through September at the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. And don’t forget about the weekly music program and foodways demonstration held each Saturday.  The music program begins at 3 p.m. and the foodways demonstration begins at 4 p.m. (337) 457-8499, www.nps.gov/jela.

•             The 30th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco King and Queen Ball at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 18 at Opelousas Delta Grand Theater, 120 South Market Street, in Opelousas. (337) 942-2392, www.zydeco.org.

For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337)948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com.  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Jamey Bearb and Drew Simon with Low Maintenance perform Saturday night at the Liberty Theater. It’s a “Boxing” Weekend in St. Landry Parish

It's the 2nd Annual Royal Rumble Lakeview Park & Beach this Saturday August 11.  The Battle of the Bands competition will be between the Pine Leaf Boys vs Les Malfecteurs from 8pm-12am at 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy. 13. The two bands will come head to head and Invite you and your friends to dress as your favorite wrestler!  For more information visit www.lvpark.com Other weekend events in  St. Landry Parish : Lil Nate and the Zydeco Bigtimers will be performing at Millers Zydeco Hall of Fame Live Zydeco Music and Dance Friday Aug.10 and J Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds Saturday Aug.11. Miller's located at 11154 Hwy 190. West of Opelousas in Lawtell. (337 319-0639) It's Tailgating Southern Style at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, 2235 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, on Friday, August 10th.  There will be a display of RV's for viewing and lots of FREE parking for you and your RV. Racing begins at 5:40pm. Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society's Summer/Fall Meeting and Tours will begin Aug.11 at 8am for the Duralde Restored Prairie and at 10am for the Eunice Restored Prairies. Lunch and meeting, noon. :  (337) 328-2252  www.cajunprairie.org Experience Live Boxing at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday Aug. 11 at the Events Center at 6pm.  For more information  visit www.evangelinedowns.com/events center "Rendez-Vous des Cajuns" Live Radio &TV Show will feature Drew Simon & Low Maintenance, Eunice Saturday Aug.11 at the Liberty Theater, 200 W Park Ave, Eunice from 6pm-7:30pm.(337) 457-7389; www.eunice-la.com Local artist, Theresa  Stelly's , Creator's Canvas-Cancer Research Foundation, will be on display at the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St, Opelousas through Sept.30. For more information you can call (337) 948-2589  For more information on parish events call the St. Landry Tourist Commission at (337)948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish-It's Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter@StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish

St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission

Weekend brings swamp pop, theatre and more

    Enjoy swamp pop, rock ‘n’ roll and R&B oldies as Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress entertain at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. in the Event Center of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, I-49 exit 18, in Opelousas. Swamp pop legend Tommy McLain joins the band as special guest. 

    McLain is also featured on the band’s new CD, “Legends Making Memories,” which includes renditions of “Houston Solution,” “Juke Box Songs,” “What Am I Living For” and more. For more information, call (337) 594-3000 or visit www.evangelinedowns.com. 

Bonne Chance Cajun Band

    In other St. Landry Parish events: 

• The Eunice Players Theatre concludes its production of “Camelot” at 7 p.m. Aug. 2-4 at the theater, 121 S. Second St., in Eunice. (337) 457-2156, (337) 546-0163.
• Los Gringos Calentanos, Tina Pilione and Paul Anastasio, play the fiddle style of Juan Reynoso at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at the Chapelle Country Store at Le Village, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. The performance features the legendary guitar and violin Calentano music. (337) 457-3573, www.levillagehouse.com
• Birdhouse artist Tommy Myers concludes the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe art series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. The series showcases local artists creating pieces from materials salvaged from the Visitor Center construction. (337) 948-8004, www.cajuntravel.com.
• Roscoe Chenier and the Inner City Blues Band play on the beach from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
• The Bonne Chance Cajun Band performs at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Humorist Kent Gonsoulin is this week’s emcee for this live, family-oriented held in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
• Donnie and the Pool Doos host the monthly Louisiana dance party at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Hwy, in Arnaudville. (337) 754-7115, www.nunucollective.org.
• The monthly JAMbalaya Acoustic Jam is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 at Tom’s Fiddle and Bow, 204 Fuselier St., in Arnaudville. Music includes Cajun, country, bluegrass and more. (337) 754-5528, www.tomsfiddleandbow.com.
• A screening of When the Drum is Beating, a documentary on the Haitian band Septentrional Orchestra, will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 at Casa Azul Gifts, 232 ML King Dr., in Grand Coteau. A Skype session with director Whitney Dow will be held after the screening. (337) 662-1032.
• Creator’s Canvas – Cancer Research Foundation, art work by Theresa Stelly, continues through Sept. 30 at the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St., in Opelousas. (337) 948-2589, museum@cityofopelousas.com. 

    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Birdhouse artist concludes First Fridays series

    Mixed media artist Tommy Myers concludes the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. With the theme “Constructing Art: Salvage – Reuse – Create,” the First Fridays series emphasizes recycling and features artists who create new art out of materials left over from construction of the Visitor Center.

Tommy Myers

    Nine artists have created pieces for this series, which will be part of an exhibit that travels throughout the parish. The Visitor Center, which marked its first anniversary on May 23, highlights green construction and sustainable practices, both old and new.

    On Friday, Myers will demonstrate art birdhouses made of wood, tile, metal and other leftover construction material from the Visitor Center.

    “I want to continue challenging my imagination to see how many ways a collector’s birdhouse can be made from ordinary and unusual recycled items,” said Myers. “The work is gratifying, the creating is stimulating and the hunt for more accessories is fun.”

    Myers is a member of the Louisiana Crafts Guild and has exhibited at numerous festivals, including Festivals Acadiens et Creoles and Festival International de Louisiane.

  Admission is free to First Fridays. The series 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 Center for the Arts.

    For more information, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004. Follow the center on Twitter @StLandryParish or on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul.

Zydeco Festival in Plaisance celebrates 30 years

    Fourteen bands in two days highlight the 30^th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival Sept. 1-2 at Zydeco Park on Highway 167, seven miles north of Opelousas. With the festival’s theme “Zydeco legends connect us to the roots a’ Plaisance,” the Sept. 1 show features traditional and contemporary zydeco artists paying tribute to zydeco’s pioneers.

Lawrence Ardoin and Tradition Creole

    Featured artists include Lawrence Ardoin and Traditional Creole, Corey Ledet, Dog Hill Stompers, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Step Rideau, Lil Nate, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., J. Paul Jr. and Leon Chavis.

    The Sept. 2 lineup showcases Louisiana country artists after opening with Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Country performers include Chris Himel, Dustin Sonnier, Jaryd Lane and Charley Rivers.

    Tickets for the Sept. 1 show are $15, $12 in advance and $5 for children 12 and younger. Admission for social groups, riders and families of 10 or more is $10 each. Tickets are $25 for Sept. 2, $20 in advance and $5 for children 12 and younger.

Lil Nate

    Zydeco Festival season kicks off with the annual King and Queen Ball Aug. 18 at the Delta Grand Theater in downtown Opelousas. Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble perform. The festival’s 22^nd Annual 5K and Fun Run is set for Aug. 25 at South Park in Opelousas.

     J. J. Caillier and J. Paul Jr. entertain at the festival’s Kick-Off Dance Aug. 31 at the legendary Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki dancehall in Opelousas.

    Caillier leads the Zydeco Parade and Jam at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 1 from South Park in Opelousas. The parade stops by the annual Zydeco Breakfast with Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble performing at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square. The parade proceeds to Plaisance, where the festival starts at 12:30 p.m.

    For more festival information, call (337) 942-2392 or visit www.zydeco.org. The festival is sponsored by the Southern Development Foundation, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission and the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission.

Zydeco Hall of Fame hosts free fan party

    Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, along with Lil Wayne and Same Ol’ Two Step, perform for the Fan Appreciation Party at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Hwy 190, in Lawtell. Admission is free.

Geno Delafose

    Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. Grammy winners Clifton Chenier, Rockin’ Sidney, Terrance Simien and Chubby Carrier all began their careers at the club.

    Last May, new owners Dustin and Nichole Miller re-opened the music landmark, which had closed in 2011 after its previous owner passed away. For more information, call (337) 319-0639.

    In other St. Landry Parish events:

     · Pauline Edmond and poet Jay Udall are part of the Grand Coteau Voices series at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at Casa Azul, 232 ML King Drive, in Grand Coteau. (337) 662-1032, casaazul.homestead.com.
     · The Eunice Players Theatre opens its production of “Camelot” at 7 p.m. July 26-28 at the theater, 121 S. Second St., in Eunice. The production resumes July 31 and continues through Aug. 4. (337) 457-2156, (337) 546-0163, www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.
     · Jake Stephens plays on the beach from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
     · The D. S. Shine Young Memorial Futurity is set for Saturday, July 28 at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, near I-49 exit 18, in Opelousas. Top horses compete for the $100,000 purse. Races start at 5:40 p.m. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.
     · Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas and the Cajun Cousins entertain at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. This live, family-oriented show features Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop bands performing in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Show is broadcasted live on the radio with an emcee. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
     · Singer/songwriters Barry Hebert and Steve Judice perform from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29 at NUNU Arts and Cultural Collective, 1510 Hwy 93 in Arnaudville. An original member of the Grammy-nominated Basin Brothers Cajun Band, Hebert recently released his first solo CD, “Worn Wooden Floors.” Judice released his “When Darkness Falls” CD last year. (337) 453-3307, www.nunucollective.org.
     · Creator’s Canvas – Cancer Research Foundation, art work by Theresa Stelly, debuts Wednesday, Aug. 1 at the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main St., in Opelousas. (337) 948-2589, museum@cityofopelousas.com.

    In upcoming events, Tommy Myers is the featured artist for the season finale of First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. A mixed media artist and woodworker, Myers creates birdhouses from found objects. For more information, call (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com.

   

Native American culture highlights weekend events

    Native American dance, crafts and historical discussions highlight the Attakapas Tribes of Louisiana Coming Out Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Le Vieux Village, near exit 19B of I-49 in Opelousas. The event features bands of the Attakapas tribe, which includes the Opelousas Prairie Band, Gator Band and Eagle Band. 

    Prior to the dance performance at 10 a.m., the St. Landry Parish Farmer’s Market Association will have fresh, homegrown produce for sale. The public can also stroll through the village’s historic buildings and visit the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. 

    For more information, call (337) 948-6263. In other St. Landry Parish events: 

    -- Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at Stallions Bar-B-Que and Seafood, 5675 I-29 S. Service Road in Opelousas. (337) 948-2090.
    -- Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers play at 10 p.m. Friday, July 20 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. (337) 319-0639.
    -- The weekly Saturday morning Cajun jam sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Savoy Music Center, located on Highway 190 just east of Eunice. Admission is free. (337) 457-9563, www.savoymusiccenter.com.
    -- Brenda C and the Cajun Jammers play on the beach from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. A watermelon eating contest is set for Friday and Saturday. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
    -- Cajun musicians Donny Broussard and Hubert Maitre entertain at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. This live, family-oriented show features Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop bands performing in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Show is broadcasted live on the radio with an emcee. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
    -- Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames, along with Koray Broussard and the Zydeco Unit, share a double bill at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. (337) 319-0639.
    -- The Eunice Players Theatre open their production of “Camelot” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 at the theater, 121 S. Second St., in Eunice. The production continues through Aug. 4. (337) 457-2156, (337) 546-0163, www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.
    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

2012 Cracklin Festival releases band lineup

    Jamie Bergeron, Geno Delafose and Damon Troy are among the entertainers scheduled for the Port Barre Cracklin Festival, set for Nov. 9-11 in Port Barre. The festival includes carnival rides, a parade, cracklin cook-off and more.

Jamie Bergeron

    The 2012 entertainment lineup features:

Friday, Nov. 9

7:30-9:30 p.m. – Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie

10 p.m.-12 a.m. – Krossfyre

Saturday, Nov. 10

12-2 p.m. – Lil Kenny and the Heartbreakers

2:30-4:30 p.m. – Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys

5-7 p.m. – The Joel Martin Project

7:30-9:30 p.m. – Damon Troy

10 p.m.-12 a.m. – One Trick Pony

Sunday, Nov. 11

12-3 p.m. – Horace Trahan

4-6 p.m. – Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns

    Since 1985, the Port Barre Cracklin Festival has served as a major fundraiser for the Port Barre Lions Club. One of the club’s largest charity donations is to the Louisiana Eye Foundation, which helps people who are in need of eyeglasses or eye surgery but are unable to afford care.

    For more information, visit www.portbarrecracklinfestival.com.

Native American Coming Out Day set for Saturday

    Learn more about the history of the region’s first inhabitants at the Attakapas Tribes of Louisiana Coming Out Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, near I-49 exit 19B in Opelousas. The event features a dance performance, Native American craft vendors and bands of the Attakapas tribe - the Opelousas Prairie Band, Gator Band and Eagle Band.

    Long before early European settlers arrived, Native Americans made Opelousas their home. The city takes its name from the Opelousas Indian Tribe.

    The Attakapas were one of six bands to inhabit Louisiana. Other bands in Louisiana included Caddo, Tunica, Natchez, Attakapas, Chitimach and Muskogee.

    Attakapas land included all of what is today southwest Louisiana, extending from upper Bayou Teche to the Sabine River and from Gulf of Mexico north to Alexandria.

    Prior to the dance performance, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., St. Landry Parish Farmer’s Market Association will have fresh homegrown produce for sale. Attendees can also stroll through the historic buildings located in Le Vieux Village, as well as visit the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum.

    For more information about Coming Out Day, contact Carlene Robinson at (337) 945-0166. For information about Le Vieux Village, call (337) 948-6263.

Eunice Concert Band hosts summer concert

    The Eunice Community Concert Band and Choir present its summer concert, “Let Me Entertain You,” at 7 p.m. July 12-13 at the Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave., in downtown Eunice. The choir and band perform “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from “Guys and Dolls,” “Amazing Grace,” a Tribute to Gershwin and more. The Children’s Choir entertains with “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid.”

    Admission is $5. For more information, call (337) 457-1776 or visit www.eccbc.org. 

    In other St. Landry Parish events: 

    -- The Washington Community Farmer’s Market is held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. each Saturday at the Pavilion across from Town Hall in Washington. Vendors offer produce, plants, craft items, homemade good and more.

    -- The Louisiana Orphan Train Society hosts its annual gathering from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, 223 S. Academy St., in Opelousas. The gathering includes society members and descendants of New York orphans who came to Louisiana in early 1907 for new homes. (337) 942-2292, www.laorphantrain.com.

    -- The Missoula Children’s Theatre, the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre, presents the play, “Secret Gardens,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at the Washington Community Center, 536 Veteran Memorial. Admission is $5, $2.50 for children. (337) 826-3626, townofwashington@bellsouth.net. 

    -- Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe play on the beach from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. A Beat the Heat Movie Marathon is also scheduled. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
    -- Creole music legend Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys play the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Mary Tweedel and the Cajun Mixers will also perform in this live, family-oriented show in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Musicians Hadley Castille and Sarah Jayde will emcee. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com. 

    -- J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds entertain at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Built in 1974 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. (337) 319-0639. 

    -- Zydeco favorites Chris Ardoin and Keith Frank share a double-bill at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15 at Mojo’s Sports Bar, located inside Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, 2235 Creswell Lane, in Opelousas. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com. 

    In neighboring Evangeline Parish, Insect Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Louisiana State Arboretum, located at Chicot State Park near Ville Platte. View displays of live and preserved insect specimens and explore hands-on, live insect exhibits. Other activities include a screening of the film, Queen of the Sun, nighttime insect gathering and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.insectday.com. 

    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Free social media class for local businesses

    Local business owners can learn the importance of social media through SMILE, Social Media for Inter-community Leaders’ Excellence, a free class at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23. Dionne Davis-Green of UL Lafayette will teach the two-hour class, which is designed to show the business value of Facebook and various social media.

    Davis-Green is part of the Business Supporting Faculty in the Department of Management at UL’s B. I. Moody College of Business Administration. A St. Landry Parish native and current resident, she researches and promotes social media’s benefits for local businesses.

     Last March, Davis-Green was co-chair of the Louisiana Business Challenge, a competition in which Beau Chene High School seniors beat more than 60 other teams to win the BP-sponsored event. The BCHS students claimed more than $19,000 in scholarship money.

    Students Kathryn Knott, Lainey Latiolais, Amy Stelly and Byron Stelly devised a three-part plan to improve tourism in St. Landry Parish. The results include SMILE and the plan’s second part, SPICE, St. Landry Parish Internship for Community Enhancement.

    The students developed an internship program for local high school and college students to work with businesses in developing social media sites and promotional videos. Applications for the internships, which begin in August, can be found at the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site, www.cajuntravel.com.

    The final part of the team’s program is a series of five trails, which highlight the parish’s hot spots for tourists interested in art and culture, historic locations, business and industry, recreation, food and lodging.

    Seating is limited for the July 16 SMILE class. Reserve a spot by Friday, July 13 by e-mailing info@cajuntravel.com.  For more information, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004.

Lebeau hosts annual zydeco festival

    Bring your dancing shoes and a hearty appetite to the 22nd Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival, which kicks off at noon Saturday, July 7 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Grounds on Hwy 71 south in Lebeau. Performers include DJ Ron Richard (noon), Lil Wayne and Same Ol’ Two Step (1:30 p.m.), Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble (3 p.m.), Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers(4:30 p.m.), Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band(6 p.m.), Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws (7:30 p.m.) and Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames (9 p.m.). 

    Admission is $10, $5 for children. Tents and lawn chairs are welcomed. For more information, call (337) 351-3902. 

Leon Chavis

    In other parish events:
    - Artist Margaret Brinkhaus of Sunset continues the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 6 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. The series features artists who create new art out of materials left over from construction of the Visitor Center. (337) 948-8004. www.cajuntravel.com.
    - Full-day workshops and demonstrations on the arts and cooking are part of Grand Coteau 101: Lesson on the Arts and Living Well from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 7-8 at various local merchants in Grand Coteau. Admission is free. (337) 662-1032, www.grandcoteau.org.
    - Roscoe Chenier and the Inner City Blues Band play on the beach from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 7 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
    - Jamie Berzas and Cajun Tradition are the featured band at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 7 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Cajun, zydeco and Creole bands perform live in a family-oriented show in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Broadcast live on radio with emcee. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
    - Donnie and the Pool Doos play blues, zydeco, Cajun music and more at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 7 at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Hwy., in Arnaudville. (337) 754-7115, www.nunucollective.org.
    - Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band perform at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 7 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8471 Hwy 182, in Opelousas. Patrick Henry and the Liberation Band play R&B and blues Sunday, July 8. The Gradney family has operated Slim’s since it opened in 1949. (337) 942-6242.
    - J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds play at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 8 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. (337) 319-0639.
    - Arts and crafts, baked goods, jewelry and more are available at Market Monday, set for Monday, July 9 at Le Village, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. Quilters will also host a sewing demonstration. (337) 457-3573, www.levilagehouse.com.
    - The Eunice Community Concert Band and Choir present their 22nd annual summer concert, “Let Me Entertain You,” at 7 p.m. July 12-13 at the Liberty Theater, 200 W. Park Ave., in downtown Eunice. (337) 457-1776, www.eccbc.org.
    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

First Fridays series continues with Margaret Brinkhaus

    Artist Margaret Brinkhaus of Sunset continues the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 6 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. With the theme “Constructing Art: Salvage – Reuse – Create,” the First Fridays series emphasizes recycling and features artists who create new art out of materials left over from construction of the Visitor Center.

Margaret Brinkhaus

    These pieces will later be used in a traveling exhibit throughout the parish. The Visitor Center, which marked its first anniversary on May 23, highlights green construction and sustainable practices, both old and news.

    Brinkhaus will demonstrate how palmetto leaves can be turned into art. She will also make ropes and cords from daylily and iris leaves.

    A renowned gourd artist, Brinkhaus has presented workshops at Louisiana Folks Roots, Cite’ des Arts in Lafayette and numerous schools and libraries.

    Brinkhaus is also a member of the Natchitoches Art Guild, Baton Rouge Arts Market, Sunset Garden Club and the American Gourd Society. She owns and operates La Caboose, a bed and breakfast inn that was once a red Southern Pacific Railroad caboose.

    Admission is free to the First Fridays series, which concludes Aug. 3 with Tommy Myers. A mixed media artist and woodworker, Myers creates birdhouses from found objects.

    First Fridays 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 Center for the Arts.

    For more information, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004. Follow the center on Twitter @StLandryParish or on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul.

Fireworks, music and more in St. Landry Parish

    Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks at two celebrations Wednesday, July 4 in St. Landry Parish. Eunice hosts the area’s largest fireworks display at 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Eunice Recreation Complex, 461 Sittig St. Admission is free.

    The JC Melancon Band plays live music at the Independence Day Celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nall Park in Krotz Springs. Fireworks and patriotic music follow the performance. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available.

Geno Delafose

    In other parish events:

    -- Zydeco musician Geno Delafose and equine businessman Don Stemmans are the honorees at the second annual Horses and Harmony at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Evangeline Downs Event Center in Opelousas. Tickets, which are available at the door, are $25. The event features music and backyard barbecue-style cuisine. Partial proceeds go to the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. (337) 942-2683.
    -- Ruby Gardner continues the Grand Coteau Voices series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at Casa Azul, 232 ML King Drive, in Grand Coteau. The series features natives telling stories about their lives and memories in Grand Coteau. Renee Taylor recites poetry and there will be an open mic. (337) 662-1032, www.casaazul.homestead.com. -- Homer LeJeune and the Cajun Kings perform at the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Cajun, zydeco and Creole bands perform live in a family-oriented show in an historic 1924 vaudeville house. Broadcast live on radio with emcee. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
    -- Star Guitar goes against other horse racing rivals at Louisiana Legends Night Saturday, June 30 at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, I-49 exit 18, in Opelousas. Star Guitar is the richest Louisiana-bred of all-time with more than $1.6 million in earnings. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.
    -- Percy Sledge, singer of “When a Man Loves a Woman” and other R&B classics, performs at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 30 in the Event Center at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. (337) 594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.
    -- Chris Himel and Outbound play the Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. The Katelyn Johnson Band plays on the beach at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 1. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
    -- Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie entertain at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Delta Grand Theatre, 120. S. Market St., in downtown Opelousas. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. (337) 407-1806, www.deltagrandtheatre.com.
    -- The Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall kicks off its Dog Days of Summer Sunday, July 1 at the Mall, 123 S. Church St., in Washington. Visitors can browse through antiques and receive a free print of “The Patriot.” (337) 826-3580.
    -- J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds play at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames, along with Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers, perform at Da Official Block Party, an outdoor event, at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 3. Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. (337) 319-0639.
    -- The Zydeco Ballers, an Opelousas-based dance group, hosts zydeco dance lessons at 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Opelousas Civic Center, exit 18 on I-49. Cost is $5. (337) 278-8495.

    In upcoming events, gourd artist Margaret Brinkhaus highlights First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 6 at the St. Landry parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23. The series showcases local artists creating pieces from material salvaged during construction of the visitor center. Call (337) 948-8004 for more information.

    The 22^nd Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival is set for noon to 10:30 p.m. July 7 at the Immaculate Conception Church Grounds on Hwy 71 south in Lebeau. Performers include DJ Ron Richard (noon), Lil Wayne (1:30 p.m.), Curley Taylor (3 p.m.), Lil Nate (4:30 p.m.), Chubby Carrier (6 p.m.), Step Rideau (7:30 p.m.), Leon Chavis (9 p.m.).

    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com.  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.   

Acadien plays originals, standards at the Liberty

    The Acadien Cajun Band is the featured performer for the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns live radio and TV show from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. For more than 20 years, Rendez-Vous des Cajuns has featured Cajun, Creole and zydeco bands in a Grand Ole Opry-style program held in a 1924 vaudeville house.

Brandon Moreau, Ryan Simon of the Acadien Cajun Band

    Ryan Simon, the accordionist for Acadien, will also serve as this week’s emcee. In 2000, Simon and then- guitarist Dwayne Michaud started the band to write original Cajun songs and revitalize old tunes.
    The group now includes Brandon Moreau (fiddle), Joe Vidrine (bass), Joe Romero (guitar) and Jay Miller (drums).

    Admission is $5. For more information, call (337) 457-7389 or visit www.eunice-la.com.

     In other St. Landry Parish events, Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers play at 10 p.m. Friday, June 22 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is the area’s oldest zydeco dancehall. (337) 319-0639.
     The Washington Community Farmer’s Market is held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. each Saturday at the Pavilion across from Town Hall in Washington. Vendors will offer produce, plants, craft items, homemade good and more.
     The weekly Saturday morning Cajun jam sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Savoy Music Center, located on Highway 190 just east of Eunice. Admission is free. (337) 457-9563, www.savoymusiccenter.com.
     Cajun on Demand plays the Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.

     In upcoming events, musician Geno Delafose and equine businessman Don Stemmans are the honorees at the second annual Horses and Harmony at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Evangeline Downs Event Center in Opelousas. Tickets, which will only be sold at the door, are $25 with partial proceeds going to the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. For more information, call (337) 942-2683.

    R&B legend Percy Sledge performs at June 30 at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas. For more information, call (337) 594-3000 or visit www.evangelinedowns.com.

    The 22^nd Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival is set for noon to 10:30 p.m. July 7 at the Immaculate Conception Church Ground on Hwy 71 south in Lebeau. Performers include DJ Ron Richard (noon), Lil Wayne (1:30 p.m.), Curley Taylor (3 p.m.), Lil Nate (4:30 p.m.), Chubby Carrier (6 p.m.), Step Rideau (7:30 p.m.), Leon Chavis (9 p.m.).

    Admission is $10, $5 for children. For more information, call (337) 351-3902.

    For more information on parish events, call the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com.  Updates are posted on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.