Broussard holds Birthday Blast at the legendary Slim's Y-Ki-Ki

    Renowned Creole accordionist Jeffery Broussard holds his Birthday Blast at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8471 Highway 182, in Opelousas. Billed as zydeco’s original dancehall, Slim’s has been in business since 1947. 

Jeffery Broussard

    Born in 1967, Broussard is a second generation accordionist who is considered one of the most skilled and influential players in zydeco and Creole music. In the 1980s and ‘90s, Broussard helped usher in a modern style with the popular band, Zydeco Force. 

    He now highlights his traditional roots as leader of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. Last March, Broussard received rave media reviews during a four-city tour of Russia. 

    In St. Landry Parish events: 

• The weekly Saturday morning Cajun jam sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon April 7 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. 
• Les Bassettes Cajun band plays the Rendez-Vous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. This world-renowned show features Cajun and Creole bands performing in a Grand Ole Opry-style format. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com. 
• Donnie and the Pool Doos kick off the Louisiana Dance Party, a new, monthly event at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at NuNu’s Arts and Culture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Rd., in Arnaudville. Guests musicians Scooter Yerow, Hogie Earthangle and Murphy Richard of the Creole Zydeco Farmers will be featured guest musicians. 
• The rock band One Trick Pony performs for the Old Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 7 Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com. 
• Arts and crafts, baked goods, jewelry, handmade items and more are part of Market Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9 at Le Village Guesthouse, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. Admission and parking are free. (337) 457-3573. 

    In upcoming events, the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series features fused glass artist Jerilyn Lavergne at 11 a.m. April 13 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. The series showcases local artists creating pieces from materials salvaged during the construction process of the Visitor Center. 

    The Cajun band Ryan Brunet et Les Malfacteurs kick off the weekly Music & Market concert series at 6 p.m. Friday, April 13 at the Farmer’s Market, near I-49 exit 19B, in Opelousas. Sale and samples of corn, this week’s featured vegetable, will be available. 

    The 22nd Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale is set for April 13-15 at the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall, 210 Church St., in Washington. Dealers from across the country will fill the six-acre, available booth space. 

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