Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Chairman Robbie Bush, Edward C. Abell and Gregg Gothreaux
AAC Community Development Director Gwen Richard, KATC-TV3’s Kari Hall, and Director of Louisiana Cultural Economy Healthcare Initiative Cathy Richard
Lori Maraist, Ellen Fruge, Jennifer Adcock, Meagan Berard and Billie Romero
Lori Maraist and Eric Adcock at The Mint
Mixing business with pleasure has always been Party Girl’s motto, and while I normally prefer parties over press conferences, this occasion was different. A few days before the big Grammy night, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu hosted a press conference at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in downtown Lafayette on Thursday, Feb. 7. Acadiana Arts Council Board President Edward C. Abell and Interim Director Vicki Chrisman welcomed Landrieu, as well as Cynthia Simien, LEDA President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux and Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel. The press conference served as a Grammy send-off for the six local bands who were nominated for the Best Zydeco and Cajun Music Album Grammy. Special musical guests included Drew Simon and Wilson Savoy of Grammy-nominated band The Pine Leaf Boys. During the press conference, Landrieu also unveiled a new “My Louisiana” tourism advertisement featuring Terrance Simien. Somehow the thought of attending the Grammy’s never crossed my mind until now. Of course, it’s glamorous and it has Party Girl’s name written all over it, so off to the other L.A. I went. While in Los Angeles, I bumped into ever-so-handsome duo Roddie Romero and Eric Adcock at the pre-Grammy blowout — always nice to see familiar faces. On Saturday, Feb. 9, a pre-Grammy luncheon was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Catering the luncheon was Stephen McHugh, who works with acclaimed New Orleans Chef John Besh from Restaurant August. Cajun food was served and as always it’s a nice touch to have a little bit of home when traveling about. From crawfish etouffee, chicken and andouille gumbo and boiled shrimp to Louisiana strawberries for dessert — they had the right local ingredients to let the good times roll! Lt. Gov. Landrieu hosted the pre-Grammy luncheon. Party Girl’s new friend, Deana Segretario, who works at the legendary music venue The Mint, said she counted more than 200 beaded guests that attended the Louisiana Music Grammy nominee celebration. Hour-long sets from Lost Bayou Ramblers, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience and Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars entertained a sea of dancing people until 2 a.m. One highlight of the evening was a very special guest appearance by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Grammy winner Simien wowed the crowd with his music and throwing of Mardi Gras beads. A night at the Grammys made Party Girl very proud to be from Louisiana. Party On! — PG
Chris and Rose Courville
Louis and Ashlee Michot
Roddie Romero at The Mint
Tracy and Frank Neuner with Lori and Mike Maraist
Grammy winner Terrance Simien
Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu on stage with Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars