If the official Festivals Acadiens et Créoles launch at Girard Park isn't on your itinerary, downtown Lafayette definitely should be.
Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys
If the official Festivals Acadiens et Créoles launch at Girard Park isn't on your itinerary, downtown Lafayette definitely should be. A special Downtown Alive marking the start of the festival kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with a double bill that neatly reflects the duality and commonality of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles: a 5:30 p.m. performance by Cajun rockers Mamou followed at 7:30 p.m. by zydeco faves Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys.
Formed in the mid 1980s, Mamou was a trailblazing band that combined traditional Cajun music with the explosive sounds of punk rock and other rock styles, proving - and the band took a lot of heat from stodgy traditionalists - that Cajun music ain't just some precious relic of the past. Broussard and co., meanwhile, represent the next generation of high-energy zydeco music, performing both Creole classics and next-generation music that folds in diverse influences.
This special DTA Festivals Acadiens et Créoles celebration runs from 5-9 p.m. at Parc International. As always, the celebration is free. Concession sales help keep it that way, so please leave the ice chests at home.
The remainder of the fall 2012 DTA season features:
Oc. 19
Roddie Romero and the Hub City Allstars (Rhythm & Blues - Parc International)
Oct. 26
The Revivalists (Indie Rock - Parc Sans Souci)
Nov. 2
Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole (Zydeco - Parc Sans Souci)
Nov. 9
Nik-L Beer (Covers/Variety - Parc Sans Souci)
Nov. 16
Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys (Louisiana Roots & Blues - Parc International)
Nov. 21
The Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun - Parc Sans Souci)
Lighting of the Official City Christmas Tree & Toys for Tots Drive