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14 Aug 2024

Dulcimer Potluck Jam

2024-08-14T12:49:30-05:00

The Yambilee Pickers, a group of dulcimer players who meet every Wednesday morning at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center just outside of Opelousas, Louisiana to jam, are hosting a big potluck and jam on Saturday, August 31st. Starting at 9am, dulcimer players from around the state and beyond will meet to jam out with other music lovers. They’ll break at 12pm to eat, everyone is invited to bring their own dish, and then they’ll continue playing till 3pm.

It’s the perfect opportunity to hear great music, meet new people, and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center.

Dulcimer Potluck Jam2024-08-14T12:49:30-05:00
16 May 2024

Jam with Living Hall of Fame Legends

2024-05-28T10:31:14-05:00

The Cajun French Music Hall of Fame Museum is hosting a jam session on June 1st where you can play with actual hall of fame legends! From 10am to 12pm, jam with Robert Elkins, David Greely, and Steve Riley with his son Burke Riley. Spend the morning practicing with the greats as Ray Landry hosts and conducts a Q&A.

This acoustic jam is open for musicians of all types and skill levels for free. The Acadiana Charter Chapter will be offering free jambalaya.

After the jam from 1pm-2pm, kids of all ages will also be able to make their own instrument.

Jam with Living Hall of Fame Legends2024-05-28T10:31:14-05:00
22 Feb 2024

Potluck and Open Mic at NUNU

2024-02-22T15:14:33-06:00

Head to NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville for a night of community, creativity, and delicious eats at NUNU’s Open Mic Potluck!

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Sign up to perform at the open mic, whether you’re a seasoned singer, a budding poet, or a musical mastermind. Let your voice be heard!
  • It’s a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to pass around and contribute to the feast. From savory snacks to decadent desserts, all contributions are welcome!
  • Mingle with your neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of NUNU.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled evening! Spread the word, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a night of laughter, music, and community spirit.

Can’t perform but still want to join the fun? No problem! Come listen to the talented performers and enjoy the potluck spread.

How does it work?

  • Make a $5 Donation at the door
  • Bring a covered dish
  • Wash some dishes
  • Help tidy up before leaving
Potluck and Open Mic at NUNU2024-02-22T15:14:33-06:00
21 Feb 2024

Drum Circle at NUNU

2024-02-21T16:27:08-06:00

If you are a rhythm seeker looking to reduce stress and join a community, David Delhomme invites you to NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville to find your beat and melt away tension at our monthly drum circle.

More than just music, our drum circle is:

  • An art form: Explore the expressive power of rhythm and percussion.
  • A scientific stress reliever: Studies show drumming reduces anxiety and boosts well-being.
  • A celebration of humanity: Connect with others through the unifying language of rhythm.
  • A path to well-being: Experience the joy of self-expression and community connection.

Open to everyone, no experience necessary.

Bring yourself, your friends, an open mind, and your drums. A few drums and percussion instruments will be on hand.

Drum Circle at NUNU2024-02-21T16:27:08-06:00
21 Feb 2024

Cico’s Songwriting Circle

2024-10-04T15:02:02-05:00
Guide and be guided by other singer-songwriters and get to know the ever-growing community at NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville.
Every third Sunday, from 12pm-2pm, join John Cico as he leads, Cico’s Songwriting Circle. Musicians will share intimate creative exchanges within an art-filled, beautifully renovated space that was once the Singleton’s Hardware and Lumber. John Cico is a singer-songwriter who knows the line between folk, country, and blues with deft fingerstyle guitar and poetic lyricism.
“He is the second coming of Townes Van Zandt, as far as I’m concerned…” – Greg Shaddix – The Mockingbird Podcast
Cico’s Songwriting Circle2024-10-04T15:02:02-05:00
16 Jun 2023

Tribute to Clifton Chenier

2024-06-05T15:09:26-05:00

On Saturday, June 22, St. Landry Parish Tourism and the Opelousas Museum pay tribute to Clifton Chenier through art and music.  A larger-than-life cutout image of Clifton Chenier will be unveiled, designed by Opelousas Artist Theon Guillory.  The June Zydeco Jam for Clifton Chenier will be led by CJ Chenier, known as the Crown Prince of Zydeco and son of Clifton Chenier.  The free-to-attend tribute is part of the St. Landry Parish Zydeco Capital Jam, monthly jam sessions open to players of all skill levels.  This year, the celebration takes place at the Opelousas Museum, 315 N Main St., Opelousas, LA 70570

In 2000, the Louisiana State Legislature designated Chenier’s hometown of Opelousas as the Zydeco Music Capital of the World. In 2021, June 25 was declared Clifton Chenier Day in the state by the Louisiana state legislature.  Chenier, the “King of Zydeco” who won a Grammy in 1983 and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award, was born June 25, 1925, near Opelousas.  His hard-driving, ground-breaking style of zydeco music is celebrated worldwide.

Chenier’s son, C.J. joined his father’s band on his 21st birthday.  When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band and recorded his debut album for Arhoolie Records.  C.J. Chenier has won many awards for his music including multiple Grammy nominations.

Artist Theon Guillory’s designs were highlighted in Opelousas Main Street’s Fiddle Mania public art exhibit in 2012.  For two years he was named the winner of The Daily Advertiser’s Mardi Gras Cover and was later selected as the poster artist for Games of Acadiana.

Sponsored by St. Landry Parish Tourism, this event takes place at the Opelousas Museum, 315 N Main St., Opelousas, LA 70570.  FMI: Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; museum@cityofopelousas.com

Tribute to Clifton Chenier2024-06-05T15:09:26-05:00
22 Dec 2022

Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week

2024-12-05T10:31:29-06:00

The 22nd Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week will take place March 25-28, 2025, in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach with a Louisiana French Immersion experience at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center that Monday, March 24th.  Highlights include top-notch Louisiana-style entertainment, education, and hospitality with public and enrollment-based activities.  The schedule, Camp registration, and lodging information are found at LAfolkroots.org.

WHY BALFA WEEK?

Balfa Week classes are immersive, multi-day lessons and workshops that have you studying face-to-face with master musicians, cooks, and craftspeople in a nature-based setting. Spontaneous jams, lakeside campfires, new friends from around the world.

Schedule a one-to-one lesson with Louisiana master musicians to conquer a tune that’s stuck in your head. Discuss the creative process with Louisiana folk craft artisans. Learn some tricks for Louisiana cooking during sessions with regional chefs. Imagine yourself peeling and eating a pile of crawfish. Wander into the nightly barn dances with friends to test out moves you practiced in dance class.

That weekend, play in the music jam and sample great food at the 38th Annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cookoff, and explore cultural events in the region.

Housing options are available. Bring your RV, rent or share a deluxe cabin, pitch a tent, or stay at a local B&B or hotel. Visit Evangeline Parish Tourism and St. Landry Parish Tourism for more ideas.

Tuition rates range from a Full-Time 5-day rate to a Daily rate.

Friends of Folk Roots membership discounts are offered on Registrations.

Play. Dance Eat. Repeat. That’s Balfa Week! Get details at: balfaweek@gmail.com 

Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week2024-12-05T10:31:29-06:00
20 Apr 2022

Blackpot Camp

2024-11-20T13:43:21-06:00

Even as an adult you can still have a good time at camp in Eunice, Louisiana. At Blackpot Camp, work with professional, award-winning musicians from across the U.S. Activities for campers include Cajun fiddle, accordion, guitar, songwriting, and so much more. Participants will also try their hand at Cajun cooking, taught by locals in a hands-on working environment.

It’s not all workshops at Blackpot Camp. Every night, campers take a break from lessons for a music concert in the barn-turned dancehall. Overall, the camp has a loose, festive atmosphere that encourages extracurricular jamming and sharing of experiences among campers from all places and backgrounds. If you’ve never tried to Cajun waltz or square dance, now is the time to take your cue from experienced instructors. All of the activities are in the spirit of fun! Create unforgettable memories with interactive experiences among other lovers of Cajun and roots music.

Blackpot Camp takes place the last week of October on the beautiful, secluded grounds of Lakeview Park & Beach. There’s plenty of space for an RV in addition to cabins and room for tent camping. Admission for this event varies. You can learn more at BlackpotCamp.com. Be sure to also look into their volunteer program.

P.S. – You don’t need to be a camper to attend dances in the barn. There’s general admission so anyone can join the fun! Dances take place in the evening. Contact Lakeview Park & Beach for evening event details.

Blackpot Camp Facebook Page

Black Pot Camp in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach
Black Pot Camp in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach
Black Pot Camp in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach
Blackpot Camp2024-11-20T13:43:21-06:00
11 Mar 2022

JAMbalaya Acoustic Music Jam

2024-02-22T14:41:52-06:00

Every first Sunday of the month at 12:30pm, Tom’s Fiddle & Bow in Arnaudville hosts a casual jam session for experienced and beginner musicians. Those who don’t play are welcome to listen in and meet the musicians.

Tom’s Fiddle and Bow is a repair and restoration shop for string instruments, one of only a handful in Acadiana. Tom specializes in making fiddles and sells his handmade creations in the shop. He is a native of Massachusetts but lived in New Hampshire and Maine for many years before relocating to South Louisiana. Tom studied at the Violin Craftsmen Institute at the University of New Hampshire and trained with master craftsmen. Now, he’s a staple in the community.

JAMbalaya Acoustic Music Jam2024-02-22T14:41:52-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Dulcimer Jam

2024-10-02T09:42:33-05:00

Every Wednesday morning from 10am-12pm, a group of dulcimer and bluegrass enthusiasts gather to jam out at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center just outside Opelousas. Jam organizer Joe Besse invites anyone with a dulcimer or acoustic instrument to stop by and join in.

A dulcimer is a stringed instrument originating from Scottish and Irish pioneers from the Appalachian area of North America. This uniquely American instrument is iconic in the bluegrass genre, but at this jam session, you can play along to Cajun music classics as well.

Dulcimer Jam, Opelousas, Louisiana
Dulcimer Jam, Opelousas, Louisiana
Dulcimer Jam2024-10-02T09:42:33-05:00

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

337.948.8004
978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

Visitor Guide (En)
Visitor Guide (Fr)

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