The cooler weather isn't quite here yet, but it's time to start preparing our calendars for Acadiana's plethora of fall events. Autumn means the start of stellar music and arts events like Downtown Alive!, The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana's new season, and Party Girl's personal favorite, Louisiana Crossroads. Because it's so hard to wait, Crossroads Director Todd Mouton was kind enough to put on a preview show of sorts with singer/songwriter Cary Hudson on Aug. 14 at Boulevard Grille. The usual suspects and a few new faces gathered for plenty of great tunes and a special menu featuring Cary Hudson Quesadillas. The top-shelf margaritas were a hit, too. Hudson sang about growing up in Mississippi, losing all of his belongings to Hurricane Katrina and even got the crowd singing with the gospel tune, "I'll Fly Away." In between sets, Party Girl visited with Eric Adcock, Julie Bordelon, Thelma McGoffin, Henry Florsheim and Ed and Elaine Abel. See you guys again around town this fall!
Also a sort of preview of its offerings for the younger generation, the Performing Arts Society's George Porter Jr. And Runnin' Pardners show at 307 Downtown made for a perfect Friday evening in Party Girl's book. Starting with a martini reception in the lounge, backed by the sounds of Lerone Rubin's quartet, the evening progressed to the back of the club where the pioneering Meters bassist took the stage. It was hard to sit at one of the round tables and not hit the dance floor when George started playing his funky grooves. "Hey Pocky A-Way" got everybody on their feet, and the music didn't stop until late in the evening. "Between the money raised for our instrument recycling program and the great live music, the night was a big hit!" says Development Director Laura Habetz. "So many people turned out, especially our young members, to hear the New Orleans legend and support our organization." Party Girl also gave PASA's Natalie LeBlanc a pat on the back for organizing the show, only to find out she's relocating to Baton Rouge for graduate school. Good luck, Natalie. Baton Rouge's gain is a loss for our arts scene!
Until the next show...
Party On! ' PG