The spring series kicks off with the Cajun sounds of Les Malfecteurs, whose English translation means ‘The Outlaws.’ The band’s powerful brand of Cajun honky tonk is more than a simple product of their home parish of Lafourche.
The group builds upon the legacy of Nathan Abshire while infusing the country music currents so prevalent in the south region of the state. Following accordionist Ryan Brunet’s lead, Les Malfecteurs offer the promise of things to come. Their emotive bandleader’s vocals, a driving rhythm section, and pining steel guitar are the very reason this band will be a powerful creative force not only in south Louisiana, but across the country.
The band members include Ryan Brunet, accordion; Blake Miller, fiddle; Daniel Coolik, fiddle; Tysman Charpentier, guitar; Joe Vidrine, bass; and Jay Miller, drums.
The majority of the free, outdoor, cultural events are held at Le Vieux Village/Farmer’s Market Pavilion, located at 828 East Landry St., in Opelousas. Meanwhile, the May 4 and May 11 events will take place downtown on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square.
On Friday, April 27, Music & Market will feature Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion/Le Vieux Village. The evening will also lend way for the second annual Trash Art exhibit. The trash can exhibit will turn empty oil barrels into artistic trash cans by students from St. Landry Parish schools. Schools involved in the Trash Art project include South Street Elementary, Washington Elementary, Grolee Elementary, Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, Port Barre High, Southwest Elementary and Opelousas Junior High.
The receptacles will eventually be placed in the downtown area of Opelousas. Ortego Oil Supply in Opelousas is donating the barrels for the project.
In addition to musical entertainment, Music & Market will spotlight a vegetable and/or agriculture commodity. Samples will be available. Featured vegetables and products throughout the series include corn, cabbage, mustard greens, snap beans, okra, tomatoes and squash.
Music & Market happens from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fridays, with music beginning at 6 p.m. Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed.
The Spring 2012 lineup features:
- April 13 - Les Malfecteurs (Cajun), corn
- April 20 - Dustin Ray & Southern Groove (zyde-Cajun), mustard greens
- April 27 - Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames (zydeco), snap beans, Trash Art exhibit by local students
- May 4 - LA 31 (variety), cabbage
- May 11 - Jamie Bergeron & Kickin’ Cajuns (Cajun), okra (Courthouse Square)
- May 18 - Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress (swamp pop), tomatoes (Courthouse Square)
- May 25 - Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys (Creole), squash
This event is presented by City of Opelousas Tourism with support from St. Landry Homestead, Delta Media, Acadiana Council for the Arts (ACA), LA Division of the Arts, Union Pacific Railroad, Delta Media Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Louisiana Lottery, Shop Rite, IESI, American Bank, Bodemuller the Printer and Cleco.
For more information or to find out about vendor opportunities, call 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.
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