Thursday, June 28, 2012

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 22nd 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.   

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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 22nd 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.   

Friday, June 15, 2012

Juneteenth celebration set for Saturday in Opelousas


    Zydeco musician Geno Delafose is the featured performer at the annual Juneteenth Folklife Celebration from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at the Farmer’s Market, just off I-49 exit 19B, in Opelousas. The event pays tributes to the day Texas slaves first heard news of freedom.
    The cultural and historical celebration also highlights folk art and other traditions of the region. Admission is free. For more information, call (337) 945-5064.
    In other parish events:
Geno Delafose

  • Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames play at 10 p.m. Friday, June 15 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.
  •  Four zydeco bands highlight a parking lot fundraiser June 15-17 at Sacred Heart Church, 3651 Highway 104, in Prairie Ronde. Leon Chavis entertains at 6 p.m. Friday; followed by Lil Wayne and Same Ol’ Two Step at 8 p.m. Koray Broussard plays at 6 p.m. Saturday before Curley Taylor performs at 9 p.m. The event also includes games, fun jumps, garage sale, live auction and a barbecue cook-off on Saturday. (337) 308-6409.
  •  Brandon Moreau and CajunGrass are the featured band at the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. This weekly program features Cajun bands in a Grand Ole Opry atmosphere. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
  • Brandon Moreau and CajunGrass also play the Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. A Father’s Day Fishing Tournament will be held Friday and Saturday. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
  •  Lil Wayne and Same Ol’ Two Step play a tropical wedding party at 9 p.m. Saturday Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, 8471 Highway 182, in Opelousas. The Gradney family has operated this legendary zydeco dancehall since 1949. (337) 942-6242.
  • Songwriter Mike McDonald, performance poet Bonny McDonald and musician Scott Stephenson perform as Workin’ Man and the Retirees at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21 at Casa Azul, 232 ML King Dr., in Grand Coteau.  Admission is free. (337) 662-1032.

    In upcoming events, musician Geno Delafose and equine businessman Don Stemmans will be the honorees at the second annual Horses and Harmony at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the Evangeline Downs Event Center in Opelousas. Advance tickets are $25 with some 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.
    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, June 12, 2012

Flag Day ceremony Thursday at Visitor Center


    A special Flag Day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center, I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. The ceremony will serve as a dedication of a new flag pole at the Visitor Center.
    Celebrated every June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag. The Second Continental Congress passed the resolution on June 14, 1777. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day in 1916. Congress officially established Flag Day in August, 1949.
    Members of Woodmen of the World and the American Legion will be present for the Visitor Center flag-raising. The public is invited and veterans are urged to attend.
    Tours of the Visitor Center, which celebrated its first anniversary on May 23, will be available after the ceremony. Constructed with reclaimed and recycled material, the center is the only green visitor center in Louisiana and one of the few in the United States.
    For more information, call (337) 948-8004 or email info@cajuntravel.com.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Eunice celebrates Cajun music and culture


   Jason Frey is the featured artist at the 27th annual Un Celebration de Cajun Leur Culture avec Leur Musique from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at the Northwest Community Center, 501 Samuel Dr., in Eunice, Sponsored by the Louisiana Cajun Culture and Music Club, the event includes food, beverages, dancing and door prizes.
    Frey is an award-winning accordionist whose CD, A La Veille Maniere (The Old Way), earned Best First Recording of the Year (2000) from the Cajun French Music Association. Frey was also nominated for Best Album/CD and Best Accordionist honors.
    For more information on the event, call (337) 457-5601.
    In other events:
Jason Frey

  • Actors Vincent P. Barras and Jody L. Powell star in “Love Letters” by A. R. Gurney at 7 p.m. June 8-9 and 2 p.m. June 10 at the Delta Grand Theatre, 120 S. Market St., in downtown Opelousas. (337) 407-1806, www.deltagrandtheatre.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.
  • Cajun Express with Rachel Wilson play the Rendezvous des Cajuns radio and TV show at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at the Liberty Theater in downtown Eunice. The Dallas Street Ramblers of Port Arthur, TX also perform. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
  •  Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns play the Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Highway, in Eunice. (337) 457-2881, www.lvpark.com.
  • Fresh produce, arts and crafts, antiques, music, books and more are available during Market Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11 at Le Village, 121 Seale Lane, in Eunice. Early shopping will be held 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 10. (337) 457-3573, www.levillagehouse.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.