Section Music

Volume Won

Yes, the headline is spelled Won. It is a play on words. After you read this retrospective of my life and career, you might get it. Or maybe not.

On the Record: Corey Henry, ‘Lapeitah’

New Orleans brass albums — while good — are often like a bucket of peanuts: They may come in different shapes and sizes, but they are all still roughly the same. Not so here.

No Easy Choice

This weekend, a Louisiana artist will most likely win another Grammy. But which one?

On the Record: Chris Ardoin & NuStep Zydeco

These are the songs audiences want to hear the most. And that’s what Ardoin — a zydeco circuit, festival staple and flag bearer for the Ardoin legacy — gives them.

On the Record: Strange Theories

Before Gabe Broussard started appearing on "The Voice," his band Strange Theories was already gigging around Lafayette and selling their debut record.

In Case You Missed It

As the year closes, take note of these entertainment items you may have overlooked.

Sekhani closes out Bach Lunch series Friday

Roots rocker Kevin Sekhani, formerly of The Mercy Brothers, brings his high-energy, gospel-tinged rock ’n’ roll to Parc Sans Souci Friday for the last of the concert series’ fall 2016 run.

On the Record: Doublewide

Doublewide is the band Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister would have fronted in Austin 12 years ago.

On the Record: The Nouveau String Band

This record will probably not delight purists and staunch fans of the artists from which they borrow but that doesn’t mean its not fit for the rest of us.

On the Record: Plush Claw

If the gems here are clues to better and bigger things when the band does get around to their next full-length, it will be remembered as a welcome harbinger.

Fall into the blues at Warehouse 535

If you need more reason to welcome cooler temps and the eventual arrival of Gumbo Weather, get thee to Warehouse 535 for the kickoff of Blues on the Green.

On the Record: Brass Mimosa

Employing a freedom — of ideas and away from genre constraints — that our scene has always had, Brass Mimosa’s Stay Sharp is equal parts funky and Lafayette-born.

On the Record: Matt Babineaux

The term no-frills isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Matt Babineaux illustrates that on his A Place to Fall, a seven-song debut featuring him gently dressing up his singer-songwriter rock with a no-frills approach.

On the Spot: Porch Squad

The four member hip-hop group LOADED Team Porch Squad hit their fourth anniversary this past July — a feat for any non-roots group in Lafayette.

Heaving on the Bayou

On “Archipelago” Melody Parker promises pop music infused with "Cajun" influences. She doesn’t deliver.

On the Record: Jim Pharis

Sure to Offend’s cuts are live, non-overdubbed tracks of just Pharis and his guitar, with him utilizing his raw finger-picking style to weave vignettes and half-indictments of the current state of the nation.

On the Spot: Chistopher Deshazo

Deshazo talks about his new band, Durwoord, which makes its debut July 2 with The Butchers and Cathead Biscuit Boys at the Blue Moon.

On the Record: Tortue

Longtime Lafayette musicians Danny Kimball, Phil Kaelin, Blake Castille and Lee Tedrow elevate guitar rock to the level of political and social consciousness with an ear for history.

On the Record: Bri

Most of Briana Babineaux's songs fall under the stylistic umbrella of contemporary urban gospel — with a few departures here and there — and all of it is well produced.

On The Record: Viatones

Despite your frame of mind, your job prospects, the day you had at work, it is undeniable how stellar the Viatones sophomore effort is.

Voodoo Fest 2016 lineup announced

The 2016 Voodoo Music + Arts Experience Lineup has finally been announced featuring performances from Tool, Arcade Fire, The Weeknd and many more.

On the Record: The Boogie Kings

With a title as bold as "Legacy," this really should have been a live recording featuring the Boogie Kings doing what they do best — performing live.

Back Tracks: Ronnie Chauvin/Ramada

The lead singer of Frigg A-Go-Go lifts the curtain on The Penetrating Sounds of Frigg A-Go-Go, the band’s first full-length record — recorded in a sandwich shop in the hopes of buying a van.

On the Record: Brass Bed

'In The Yellow Leaf' is a tremendous record that doesn’t sound like it came from a small label.

Faith in country

Acadiana’s Ken Holloway may be singing “I’m Leaving,” but his Christian values aren't going anywhere.

IND L!VE

Acadiana’s Weekend Nightlife Guide

On the Spot: Judd Kennedy

Though not at all old, Judd Kennedy is an elder statesman of the Acadiana music scene, having ridden it out from the days of the Purple Peacock to deejaying at Nitecaps and running Renaissance.

On the Spot: Mitch “Heffe” Briggs

A champion of the local scene, Mitch “Heffe” Briggs used to run Heffe’s Saloon. Now, he is trying to turn the ‘used to run’ into ‘runs’ again.

Back Tracks: Kristi Guillory

By the time she recorded 1994’s "Réveille: The New Cajun Generation" (Swallow Records), Kristi Guillory — then only 15 — had been called the best emerging Cajun star by Zachary Richard.

Back Tracks: Zachary Richard, ’Cap Enragé’

Nearing its 20 year anniversary, Zachary Richard looks back on "Cap Enragé," a record that changed his approach to the recording process and ushered in a return to his French language roots.

On the Record: Skye!, Belle of the Boot

If she puts together a knockout band, she could easily be sharing a bill with Keith Frank, J Paul, Chris Ardoin and the other top draws in young zydeco. In no time, they’d say “Rosie who?”

On the Spot: Tom Aswell

You may know him as the intrepid independent journalist who covers state government with his Louisiana Voice website, but Aswell is also an accomplished music writer.

On the Record: Sweet Cecilia

While not to compare the lovely ladies of Sweet Cecilia to the caloric bomb sitting in my fridge, their Sweet Christmas album is a bit like eggnog.

Catching up with St. Paul

In an exercise of vanity, I brag about my personal relationship with St. Paul and his Broken Bones, set to play ACA this Saturday.

Back Tracks: C.C. Adcock

Recorded in 1991 and 1992 and released in 1994, C.C. Adcock’s self-titled debut got his career as a solo musician/band leader started. Here he looks back on a record he cut at the age of 21.

That's why I love Randy Newman

Randy Newman, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Blind Boys of Alabama announced in a preview of upcoming AcA performances.

Lane Mack tops iTunes

Local singer-songwriter Lane Mack released his self-titled debut album this week, which is currently trending at the top of the iTunes Blues chart.

FOR THE RECORD

The IND's Nick Pittman reviews new releases from Cedryl Ballou, Marty Christian and more.

ON THE RECORD

The instrumental rock scene in Lafayette is dead. Long live the almost instrumental rock scene. Sideburner owes a lot to the sounds of a plethora of heady (not heavy), instrumental metal bands that dominated the local rock scene in the early 21st century, namely Collapsar (a band in which Sideburner drummer Brett Judice played as well).

On the Record: new music for August

The IND's Nick Pittman weighs in on new records from Taylor Verret, Plush Claw, Steven Joubert and Lee Benoit. ON THE RECORD By Nick Pittman Taylor Verret Things Left Unsaid Taylor Verret and Taylor...

Instrumental Aid

AcA continues to foster the arts and culture in Acadiana' with Play It Again. Photo by Jessica Andrus The program accepts virtually any instruments - didgeridoos are probably an exception - with...

Slim and Him

Lafayette blues rocker C.C. Adcock recognized for pioneering' promotion of Slim Harpo's music. The first time Johnny Palazzotto met musician C.C. Adcock, the Lafayette rocker was 15 and couldn't get...

Psyouthern Summer

Dege Legg's version of the season is not what you'd expect. Photo and CD cover art by Mike Buck Blogger of crazy taxi cab rides (see an excerpt of his forthcoming non-fiction novel below),...

Singing from the Heart

After performing more than 70 years, The Blind Boys of Alabama stay motivated, true to gospel music. After performing more than 70 years, The Blind Boys of Alabama stay motivated, true to gospel...

Pat Metheny: Still Learning After All These Years

The jazz master's latest project swings through Lafayette in mid February. Pat Metheny will turn 60 in August. By then he will be wrapping up the European leg of a world tour - about 100 concerts in...

Diary of a Country Boy

Jaryd Lane channels Bob Seger and his inner modern cowboy on 78.' It's fitting that when Jaryd Lane played the Bayou Country Super Fest, it was only in the parking lot. Lane doesn't fit into the...

Blues that boogie

High energy Andy Frasco at JSP For fans of blues that know how to party, Andy Frasco is heading to Jefferson Street Pub Thursday night. The Los Angeles musician known for an impressive 200-plus-tour...

FIGHTs Take Flight

Inspired by Eno, built by Burton, The Formal Institute of Great Hit Tunes is Music for Villains' FIGHTs Take Flight Inspired by Eno, built by Burton, The Formal Institute of Great Hit Tunes is Music...

Get ready Broussard ... Black Flag is coming

After reincarnating earlier this year, old-school hardcore punk rockers Black Flag will make a stop Thursday at The Station in Broussard as the band wraps up the Summer of Love tour. After...

Yeah, They're Called Royal Teeth

The name may be a bit, um, odd, but this South Louisiana pop group is ready to take a big bite out of stardom. Don't ask where the name comes from. We did - they dodged the question. But Royal Teeth...

Country legend George Jones dies at 81

The peerless, hard-living country singer recorded dozens of hits about good times and regrets and peaked with the heartbreaking classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today." NASHVILLE, Tenn. --...

New Orleans Jazz Fest features living legends

If there's a theme to this year's New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, it may be living legends. NEW ORLEANS (AP) - If there's a theme to this year's New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, it may...

Dream come true

IberiaBank and PASA are sending a group of Northside High freshmen girls to the local production of Dreamgirls and affording them the opportunity to meet the cast. As part of its sponsorship of the...

HipHop in the Flats returns

After a year-long hiatus, the celebrated hiphop cultural showcase returns to the Feed & Seed this Friday to celebrate the many up and coming artists in Lafayette's often overlooked hip hop...

In the Queen's Entourage

Wherein I give you Part II about a wonderful, gracious blessing named Irma Thomas. Irma Thomas, seated, is joined backstage after her Grammy triumph by, from left, husband Emile Jackson, the author...

Cajun-Creole Rock

Turning Cajun and zydeco musicians loose on rock music was a novel idea for the first En Francais. The novelty has worn off, but the thrill these melded melodies produces is no less welcome on En...

Artmosphere hosts band battle in December

Atmosphere is kicking off another round of its "Best of the Bands" singer/songwriter competition each Wednesday this month. This holiday season, Artmosphere is giving local bands and...

Live on Friday: Paul Thorn & Walter Jr.

Paul Thorn, a Mississippian boxer-turned-bluesman, will join local soulman Walter Jr. live in concert Friday at Vermilionville; oh, and did we mention tickets are going fast? Here's what the show's...

Texas Blues Coming to Lafayette

Though a bluesman from Texas, Hamilton Lewis is less Stevie Ray Vaughan and more Bo Didley meets Johnny Guitar Watson, says his manager. Hamilton Lewis, a Texas bluesman who learned his chops from the...

Rockabilly in Sans Souci tonight

Roll up your sleeves, grease your hair and call your favorite bobbysoxer because tonight Robbie Taylor takes the Downtown Alive! stage. Roll up your sleeves, grease your hair and call your favorite...

Zydeco Festival rescheduled for this weekend

Tropical Storm Lee brought Acadiana this blissful weather and several cancellations of events, among the casualties St. Martinville's Creole Zydeco Festival. But this weekend, it's back on. Sept. 10,...

Does Anybody Want to be a Winner?

The New Orleans Bingo! Show - brainchild of Lafayette native Clint Maedgen - delivers multimedia cabaret with junk-shop panache and French Quarter Soul. The New Orleans Bingo! Show has come a long way...

Pete and Re-Pete

The intimate documentary Pete Seeger: The Power of Song re-introduces the pioneering musical radical just when we might need him the most. Pete Seeger never shied from being the center of a song...

Dynamic Duo

Bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs and adventurous pianist Bruce Hornsby bring their spirited collaboration to Lafayette. Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby Ricky Skaggs’ recently released CD with Bruce Hornsby...

All Hail the Queen

Acclaimed rapper, actress and talk show host Queen Latifah comes to Lafayette with her latest musical love: jazz, big-band and American standards. She first made her mark as the "Queen of...

Sugar Ramblers

The Red Stick Ramblers are aiming high with their new deal with Sugar Hill Records. In local music, there is a downside to the success of bands such as BeauSoleil and Sonny Landreth. The more popular...

Hot Stax

Legendary Southern record label looks back to the future. "Can you dig it?" rumbled the husky baritone of Isaac Hayes as he introduced the first Stax Records 50 Year Reunion concert at the...

Second Round

After parting ways with major label Island Records, Carencro's Marc Broussard takes a 180-degree turn on his new album. Marc Broussard looks like a boxer in training. He's compact, talks with a...

Ivory Queen

Talking Louisiana music, hurricanes, and songwriting with pianist, singer/songwriter and longtime Lafayette favorite Marcia Ball. You're playing Thursday in Lafayette for a unique collaboration with...

Christmas Boxes

From blues and rock to funk and punk, here's the rundown of prime CD box sets for your favorite music lover this holiday season. Various Artists What It Is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves from the...

High Notes

The Ind's picks for the can't-miss sets of Festivals Acadiens Tribute to Cajun Music Revisited 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, Louisiana Folk Roots Tent In 1976, the Tribute to Cajun Music moved from its...

Reach for the Sky

The debut CD from Lafayette regular Dax Riggs' new band deadboy & the Elephantmen has major festivals and magazines calling. As Dax Riggs ponders the amount of time he spends on the road, fresh...

Sounds of the Storm

An all-star benefit concert DVD and a veteran New Orleans brass band's reinterpretation of a classic Marvin Gaye album provoke mixed emotions. "Tonight is about the burial of Katrina and the...

Country Comes to Town

Hank Williams' last Drifting Cowboy moseys into Lafayette for a night of honky tonkin' classic country music. At 79 years old, pedal steel guitarist Don Helms does pretty much whatever he wants these...

The Sound of Hope

Festival International and the 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival were emotional respites from the hurricanes of 2005. On the surface, the 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival...

Spring Into Action

Hurricanes be damned: Festival International de Louisiane and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival announce their 2006 lineups. For six days and eight nights in late April and early May,...

Open Mike

Fiddler and frontman Michael Doucet reflects on three decades of BeauSoleil as the band prepares for its 30th anniversary shows. It's often said that being in a band is like being in a marriage, and...

Songs for the Soul

The cream of the crop of hurricane-relief CDs. Music is the universal language, and the outpouring of support in the form of hurricane'relief CDs shows how deeply Hurricane Katrina affected the...

Re-Routed

Nick Spitzer and his New Orleans-based nationally syndicated American Routes radio program are calling Lafayette home ' for now. The opening piano notes are both familiar and strange. It sounds like...

One Angel's Whisper

In the shadow of Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana native Lucinda Williams returns for a rescheduled Monday performance at Grant Street ' and a chance to remember that home is where the heart is. I'm...

Keeping the Beat

The New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and numerous additional efforts help displaced musicians start rocking in Lafayette. Bethany Bultman spent the week after Hurricane Katrina hunkered down with her...

The Many Miles of Myshkin

After leaving Louisiana, new locations and new stimuli have fueled a singer-songwriter's muse. "I loved New Orleans ' I still do ' but it was time to seek out a different world," says...

Rites of Spring

A first look at the line ups for the 2005 Festival International de Louisiane, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival The holidays are barely over, and...


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