Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The next time you are loading up your iPod or similarly technological gadget, think about looking up some truly different musical experiences for your evening run or road trip. So, if Cajun, Zydeco or Swamp Pop are not an everyday affair for your listening pleasure, you might be surprised to know that there are many bands out there who are carrying on traditions passed down from generation to generation, with Zydeco and Swamp Pop stemming from blues and country influences on Cajun French music. In fact, there is a new Zydeco & Cajun Music category at the Grammys!

Check Out Grammy Winners:
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience 2008 Winner
Michael Doucet avec BeauSoleil 2009 Winner

Grammy Nominees:
Pine Leaf Boys
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys
Cedric Watson
Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie
Lisa Haley
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Racines
Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

Hey, it’s no secret the Louisianans like to have a good time, and my personal thought is that perhaps long before washing machines did the dirty work, people decided to make music with washboards to break up the boring chore of washing clothes! Who knows?

But, better yet, instead of just looking up our truly unique blend of music for a mere iPod, why not check it out in person? This summer, you can experience the Cajun Music & Food Festival, July 18-19, or the Marshland Festival, July 31-August 1.

The complete scoop is on the calendar section at http://www.visitlakecharles.org/, and while you are there, you can get an overview of other attractions, restaurants and places to stay and visit in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana.

Come by and have a cup of coffee (my favorite) at the tourist bureau while you are in town, and we’ll help you find your way - 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA. For more information, call the bureau at 800-456-7952.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Downtown at Sundown will feature Soul Vacation on Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. on the corner of Ryan and Broad in Downtown Lake Charles. Soul Vacation began in November 2003 when bassist Jay Ecker invited co-member and guitarist of the band "City Heat," Mike Dolan, to put together a new kind of party band, playing a mixture of today's most popular hits with a dash of that undeniable classic rock flavor. He then quickly recruited Mrs. Jessica Minton of Lake Charles to add a unique female voice to the equation. With the addition of former student David Pellerin (keyboards/vocals) and Ron Muniz (percussion), the group was complete. The band performs at venues across southwest Louisiana and east Texas. Playing songs from a wide array of artists, Soul Vacation is one of the most musically versatile live bands in Lake Charles.

Downtown at Sundown is made possible by corporate sponsorships. The Soul Vacation concert is sponsored by Global Industries and will be performing on a stage sponsored by Cheniere Energy. Local artists will come out to exhibit their talents in table top galleries alongside kids’ entertainment and food booths. In the event of rain, the concert will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed. Beverage revenue will benefit the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA. The audience is invited to meander through Downtown Lake Charles for more entertainment in the restaurants and pubs. For more information call 337-491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.
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