Thursday, May 31, 2012

Opelousas celebrates Spice and Music Festival


    Zydeco stars Chris Ardoin and NuStep headline the 8th Annual Opelousas Spice and Music Festival June 1-2 at South City Park, just off I-49 exit 18, in Opelousas. Ardoin and band close both nights of the festival with shows at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Saturday.
Chris Ardoin
    The festival opens at 6:30 p.m. Friday with Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, followed by Horace Trahan and the New Ossun Express at 8 p.m. Saturday’s lineup includes J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreedz (5 p.m.), Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns (6 p.m.) and Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames (7:30 p.m.).  
   The festival also includes food, arts and crafts and a kids’ activity center with a fun jump and rock wall. RV parking is available. For more information, call (337) 948-6263 or visit  www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com.
   In other events:
  • Glass and mosaic artist Christine Ledoux continues the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 1 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. This free series emphasizes recycling and features artists who create new art out of materials left over from the Visitor Center construction. (337) 948-8004, www.cajuntravel.com.
  • 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.
  • The Mamou Tuck with Ryan Brunet and Christine Balfa play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. The group of all-star Cajun musicians played during Mardi Gras at the Liberty. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
  • Brenda C and Her Cajun Jammers play the beach party from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
  • Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers entertain at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 3 at Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame, 11154 Highway 190, in Lawtell. Originally built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame is a classic, wooden roadhouse that has featured generations of zydeco artists. (337) 319-0639.
  •  The Eunice chapter of the Cajun French Music Association hosts free accordion, fiddle, guitar and dance lessons from 7-8 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday from June 5 to June 21. The workshops will be held at the Jean Laffite National Historical Park and Preserve’s Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 W. Park Ave., in downtown Eunice. Registration is set for 6:30 p.m. June 5. (337) 457-84990, www.nps.gov/jela.

    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.   

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

First Fridays series features mosaic artist


    Glass and mosaic artist Christine Ledoux continues the First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 1 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 the Visitor Center construction.
Christine Ledoux
    These pieces will later be used in a traveling exhibit throughout the parish. The exhibit is part of the Visitor Center’s focus on green construction and sustainable practices, both old and new.
    An Opelousas native, Ledoux is a self-taught mosaic artist who describes many of her works as a fusion of ceramics and stained glass.
    “By combining hand built clay forms, glass and other materials, I have found a way to express myself artistically,” said Ledoux in her artist statement. “I am constantly inspired by colors and textures found in nature at the graceful proportions of the human body.
    “My pieces usually start spontaneously stemming from an interesting shard of glass, stone or a broken piece of pottery. The process of embellishing handmade forms and reclaimed objects involves fitting pieces together to create mosaics. The process is both relaxing and rewarding to me.”
    Ledoux’s art has been featured at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Red River Revel in Shreveport and other arts events and galleries throughout Louisiana. An oversized, ceramic fiddle Ledoux made for the city of Opelousas’ Fiddlemania exhibit is a permanent sculpture at the Visitor Information Center.
    Admission is free to the First Fridays series, which continues through August. Artists scheduled for upcoming shows include:
  • July 6: Margaret Brinkhaus – art created from natural objects, palmetto weavings
  • August 3: Tommy Myers – mixed media, woodworker, birdhouses created 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.


    

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Chesnutt, Buckwheat Zydeco play Evangeline Downs


    Country music star Mark Chesnutt and the 26th annual Zydeco Extravaganza headline a weekend of music at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, I-49 exit 18, in Opelousas. 
Mark Chesnutt
    Chesnutt performs one show at 9 p.m. Friday, May 25 in the casino’s Event Center. Zydeco Extravaganza features an indoor and outdoor stage with 12 hours of music beginning at noon Sunday, May 27.
    Chesnutt has had more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including eight No. 1 singles. His hits include “Too Cold at Home,” “I Just Wanted You to Know,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “She Was.”
    Buckwheat Zydeco, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning band from Carencro, perform at the Extravaganza, along with Keith Frank, Chris Ardoin, Cupid, Geno Delafose, Leon Chavis, Brian Jack, Same Ol’ Two Step and many more.
Buckwheat Zydeco
    For more information on these events, call (337) 594-3000 or visit www.zydecoextra.com.
    In other events:
  • Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys play Creole music and old-time zydeco for the season finale of the free Music & Market series at 6 p.m. Friday, May 25 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, near I-49 exit 19B, in Opelousas. Squash, the featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples. (337) 948-6263, www.cityofopelousas.com.
  • 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.
  • ·         Geno Delafose, Paul Daigle and Damon Troy are among the entertainers set for the first Krotz Springs Sportmen’s Heritage Festival May 25-27 at Nall Park, 562 Front St., in Krotz Springs. The event includes carnival rides, car raffle and more. A complete schedule is available at www.stanthonykrotzsprings.org. (337) 566-3527.
  • ·         The Vidrine-Chapman Family Band, featuring Jane and John Vidrine and Eric Chapman, play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25 the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Kenneth Benoit and the Gravel Road also perform in this Grand Ole Opry-style show. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
  • ·         Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys perform at the Old-Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 26 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice.  Roscoe Chenier and the Inner City Blues Band entertain at 5 p.m. Sunday on the beach. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
  • ·         Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers and J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreedz play at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27 at Stallions Bar-B-Que and Seafood, 5675 I-49 S. Service Road, in Opelousas. (337) 948-2090.
  • ·         Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeco host a Zydeco Extravaganza After-Party at 10 p.m. Sunday, May 27 at the Opelousas Civic Center, I-49 exit 18. (337) 948-2525.
    In upcoming events, the 8th Annual Opelousas Spice and Music Festival takes place June 1-2 at South City Park in Opelousas.  Find a complete schedule at www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.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.   

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Final Music & Market features Creole musician Goldman Thibodeaux

    Music & Market wraps up its spring series Friday, May 25 with a performance by Creole musician and accordion player Goldman Thibodeaux along with the Lawtell Playboys. The event is scheduled from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m., at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, near exit 19B in Opelousas.
Goldman Thibodeaux
    Thibodeaux, who is from Lawtell, is noted for his traditional “La La” music, the acoustic, Creole house party music that preceded zydeco. While Thibodeaux is vocalist and accordion player for his band, the first instruments he played were the rub board and t-fer (triangle).
    Thibodeaux grew up in a time where rooms were cleared to make way for house dances. His uncles were Bebe and Eraste Carriere of Lawtell, two of the pioneers of early Creole music.
    Thibodeaux’s last CD, released in early 2007 is titled “French Creole House Dance” and features 22 songs. Through his music, Thibodeaux captures the spirit of Creole life in songs that often tell of sorrow and pain and trials and tribulations.
    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.
    In addition to the music, local farmers will offer fresh produce for sale. Squash is the featured vegetable for Friday’s event.
    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, call 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com

Thursday, May 17, 2012

'T-Galop' screenings set for Eunice, Grand Coteau

    In south Louisiana, horses are a way of life, used for zydeco trail rides, racing, Mardi Gras runs and more. Filmmaker Conni Castille has profiled the area’s horse culture from its origins to the present day in her new documentary, T-Galop: A Louisiana Horse Story. 
Jockeys race at Carencro Raceways in a photo from 'T-Galop'
    A free screening is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 W. Park Ave., in Eunice. By popular demand, T-Galop returns for an encore screening at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 at Casa Azul, 232 ML King Drive, in Grand Coteau. An overflow crowd attended a May 15 screening at Casa Azul.
    Several scenes and horsemen from St. Landry Parish are featured in the film. An online preview can be seen here.
    For more information on the Eunice screening, call (337) 457-7700 or visit www.nps.gov/jela. More details about the Grand Coteau screening are available at (337) 662-1032. 
    In other events: 
  • Enjoy the swamp pop sounds of Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress at the free Music & Market series at 6 p.m. Friday, May 18 at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. Tomatoes, the featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples. (337) 948-6263. 
  • 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. 
  • Gerald Thibodeaux and Cajun Accent play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 19 the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. The Harry and Lisa Trahan Cajun Band open the show. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
  • Grammy winners Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band perform at the Old-Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com
  • The Eunice Farmers Market, located on Second Street in downtown Eunice, opens its 12th season at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. The market will also be open at 10 a.m. each Saturday. (337) 457-6503. 
  • Live thoroughbred racing continues Wednesday through Saturday through Sept. 8 at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, exit 18 in Opelousas. Post time is 5:40 p.m. (337) 594-3000. 
    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.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Swamp pop, tomatoes highlight Music & Market May 18


    The sounds of south Louisiana swamp pop and the flavors of homegrown vegetables reunite for Music & Market Friday, May 18 on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. Music & Market welcomes Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress. The featured vegetable is tomatoes.
Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress
    Admission is free and the music goes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday.
    A native of Vermillion Parish, Warren Storm is known to many as the Godfather of Swamp Pop. In 1952, Storm made his musical debut when he sat in for his father on a dance job.
   He became one of the most sought-after session drummers in south Louisiana before he recorded The Prisoner’s Song as his first single in 1958. The record sold a quarter-million copies and soon became the prototype swamp pop song.
    During his career, Storm has been responsible for dozens national and regional hit records. As the in-house drummer for Jay Miller studios in Crowley, Storm played on numerous blues hits with the likes of Lightnin’ Slim, Slim Harpo, Carol Fran and many others.
    The Cypress Band featuring Warren Storm & Willie Tee originated in 1980. They had their own weekly television show on station KADN on Saturday afternoons.
    Although the band broke up in 1984, Warren & Willie Tee continued working together as guests with other bands. In 2004, they decided to reform the Cypress Band and began another era of their music. In September, Storm was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
    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 remaining spring 2012 lineup will feature Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys on May 25 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion.
    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, call 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com

Friday, May 11, 2012

Zydeco landmark celebrates grand opening

    The birthplace of Grammy winners Clifton Chenier, Rockin’ Sidney and Terrance Simien, St. Landry Parish is the cradle of zydeco music. Another zydeco original in the parish is reborn this weekend with the three-day grand opening of Miller’s Zydeco Hall of Fame in Lawtell. 
Miller's Zydeco Hall of Fame
    Built in 1947 as Richard’s Club, the Hall of Fame has launched the careers of dozens of zydeco musicians. B. B. King, John Lee Hooker and other blues and early R&B stars played the club on their tours between New Orleans and Houston. 
    New owners Dustin and Nichole Miller are reviving the classic, wooden roadhouse, which has been featured on NPR, CBS News and other media outlets. Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers kick off the grand opening Friday, May 11. Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames entertain Saturday, May 12, along with Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers. J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreedz play Sunday, May 13. 
    All dances begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit The Zydeco Hall of Fame on Facebook. 
    In other events: 
  • Local attractions celebrate National Tourism Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. Participants will have displays with materials focusing on their attractions. (337) 948-8004. 
  • Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns entertain for the free Music & Market series at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas. Okra, the featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples. (337) 948-6263. 
  • Learn about fishing, archery, boating, target and trap shooting, nature photography, bird watching, ATV safety and more outdoor activities at the 8th Annual Step Outside Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at the Sherburne Wildlife Management Complex, three miles south of Krotz Springs on La. 975. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are sponsors of the event. (337) 585-0853. 
  • Cajun music legends Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 12 the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Corey Ledet and his Zydeco Band open the show. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com
  • Cajun musician Jason Frey and Lagniappe perform at the Old-Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com
  • Crafts, baked goods, handmade quilts, jewelry and more will be available during Market Monday May 14 at Le Village, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. (337) 457-3573, www.levillagehouse.com
  • A free screening of T-Galop: A Louisiana Horse Story is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 as Casa Azul, 232 ML King Dr., in Grand Coteau. Written and directed by Conni Castille, T-Galop chronicles south Louisiana’s 250-year horse history, which includes Creole cowboys, Cajun jockeys, Mardi Gras revelers and more. Writer Ben Sandmel signs copies of his new book, Ernie K-Doe: The R&B Emperor of New Orleans, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at Casa Azul. (337) 662-1032. 
    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.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Jamie Bergeron performs at Music & Market Friday


    Music and Market in Opelousas continues Friday, May 11 with Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns. The free outdoor concert will break from the Farmer’s Market location and head to downtown Opelousas on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square.
Jamie Bergeron
    The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Okra, this week’s featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples.
    Voted Best Cajun/Zydeco Band seven years in a row for The Times of Acadiana Awards, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns have been playing music for over a decade.  
    With six CDs under their belt, the band has become one of the most sought-after acts playing along the Gulf Coast at festivals, events and clubs. When he’s not playing music, Bergeron is a paramedic for Acadian Ambulance, where he’s worked for more than 20 years.
    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 remaining spring 2012 lineup for Music & Market features:
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

Parish celebrates National Tourism Day May 11

    Representatives from local attractions will celebrate National Tourism Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. The event is part of National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual, travel promotion event that’s been in existence since 1984. 
    Participants in Friday’s event include the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve’s Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Washington Museum and Tourist Information Center and others. Participants will have tables with materials focusing on their attractions and cities. 
    Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. 
    The first full week of May has been recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week since Congress passed a joint resolution in 1983. The following year, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.” 
    According to the U. S. Travel Association, tourism is one of America’s largest employers, supporting 14.4 million jobs. In Louisiana: 
  • More than 1 million visitors were greeted at Louisiana Welcome Centers in 2010. These visitors could fill the Superdome 17 times. 
  • Domestic and international visitors spent $9.3 billion in Louisiana in 2010. $9 billion would buy about 380 pounds of andouille for every state resident. 
  • 24.6 million people visited Louisiana in 2010, which would fill LSU’s Tiger Stadium 260 times. 
  • Each Louisiana household would have to pay $510 more in state taxes without revenue generated by travel and tourism. 
    In 2010, St. Landry Parish saw $92 million in domestic travel expenditures, supported 630 jobs and added $2.63 million local taxes. The total, a 4.53% percent increase from 2009, ranks St. Landry 16th out of the state’s 64 parishes in travel expenditures. 
    In general, the tourism industry: 
  • Supports all businesses in a local economy. 
  • Adds diversity to economies. 
  • Creates jobs that are rarely outsourced. 
  • Provides local taxes that improve roads and services for local citizens. 
  • Fosters the preservation of local culture and traditions. 
    For more information on Tourism Week, contact the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission at (337) 948-8004 or visit www.cajuntravel.com. Events are also listed on Facebook at St. Landry Parish – It’s Gumbo for Your Soul and Twitter @StLandryParish. Videos are online at www.youtube.com/StLandryParish.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Herb and Gardens Fest celebrates 16 years in Sunset

     Fresh herbs, plants, flowers, yard art and more are part of the 16th Annual Herb and Gardens Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 on Marie Street, across from the old Sunset High School, in Sunset. Guest speakers include three master gardeners from Lafayette Parish.
    A children’s area includes games, pot painting, face painting and other activities. Food and drinks will be available.
    Admission is $5 and festival proceeds benefit the Sunset Sertoma Club, South St. Landry Library, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers and the Susan Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact the Sunset Garden Club at (337) 662-3542 or visit www.sunsetherbfestival.com.
    In other parish events:
  • Michelle Fontenot and George Marks are the featured artists at First Fridays with a Little Lagniappe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the St. Landry parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. The First Fridays series emphasizes recycling and features artists who create new art of materials left over from the Visitor Center construction. (337) 848-8004.
  • LA 31 plays zydeco and R&B at the free Music & Market series at 6 p.m. Friday, May 4 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, I-49 exit 19B, in Opelousas. Cabbage, the featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples. (337) 948-6263, www.cityofopelousas.com.
  • The legendary band Zydeco Force and Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers perform at 9 p.m. Friday, May 4 at Stallions Bar-B-Que and Seafood, 5675 I-49 S. Service Road, in Opelousas. J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreedz play at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 6. (337) 948-2090.
  • The Washington Community Farmer’s Market continues from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5 at the Pavilion across from Town Hall in Washington. Vendors offer produce, plants, craft items, homemade good and more.
  • Eleven-year-old accordionist Bubba Hebert and the New Morse Playboys play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 5 the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. Junior Floris and the Bayou Boys also perform. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
  • The Cat Head Biscuit Boys perform at the Old-Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
  • Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeco play at 9 p. m. Saturday, May 5 at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, I-49 exit 18 in Opelousas. Weekly thoroughbred racing continues Wednesday through Saturday through Sept. 8. (337)594-3000, www.evangelinedowns.com.
  • Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band entertain at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8471, Hwy. 182, in Opelousas. Billed as the original zydeco dance hall, Slim’s has been in business since 1947. (337) 942-6242.
    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.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Opelousas celebrates Spice & Music Festival June 1-2

    The Opelousas Spice & Music Festival, a celebration highlighting the area’s unique culture, is scheduled for June 1-2, 2012, at South City Park in Opelousas. This year’s festival offers an exciting lineup of musical performers which include Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Horace Trahan and the New Ossun Express, Chris Ardoin & NuStep, J Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns, and Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames. 
Geno Delafose
    The festival will offer Cajun and Creole food lovers plenty of mouthwatering dishes, including entrees like jambalaya, red beans and rice, fried catfish and more. The festival will also include activities such as arts & crafts vendors and a kid’s activity center with a rock wall and fun jumps. 
    South City Park is located at 1524 S. Market Street, Opelousas, and is easy to access from Interstate I-49 and Hwy 190. There is plenty of free parking. RV accommodations are also available at South City Park by calling (337) 948-2562. 
    Festival admission is $7 for adults. Admission for children (10 years and younger) is $3. 
    For more information, visit www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com or call 800-424-5442 or (337) 948-6263.

LA 31 plays Music & Market Friday, May 4

    Music and Market in Opelousas continues Friday, May 4 with LA 31. The free outdoor concerts are held at Farmer’s Market Pavilion located on the grounds of Le Vieux Village on Vine & Landry Streets. 
    The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m. 
    Made up entirely of family, the LA 31 band hails from St. Landry Parish. They are known for adding their own flavor to favorite hits of the 1970s, '80s, '90s and today. 
    Their music is a roller coaster ride of history, rhythm and blues and zydeco. The band is made up of David Sylvester, Jr. on lead vocals and keyboards; Ronnie Doomes on lead guitar and lead vocals; Eugene Cane on rubboard and lead vocals; Ronald Vedell on accordion; Rodney Doomes on bass guitar and David Sylvester, Sr. on drums. 
    In addition to musical entertainment, Music & Market will spotlight a vegetable and/or agriculture commodity. Cabbage will be available for sale and samples this week. 
    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 remaining spring 2012 lineup features:
  • May 11 -- Jamie Bergeron and the 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, call 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com