The 33rd Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival takes place this weekend and celebrates the genre’s long, rich history and undeniable legacy. The theme of this year’s festival is “Tout le Chemn menn a’ Plaisance, Se Peyi de Zydeco,” which means “All roads lead to Plaisance, it’s Zydeco Country,” referring to the small town of Plaisance, located in St. Landry Parish, which is a historic site for the Creole culture and its music.
The Zydeco Festival honors the roots of Zydeco with several exceptional performers, many of which are second and third generation Zydeco entertainers, delivering music that will cover the history of Zydeco.
This year’s lineup includes performances from Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys, Travis Matte & The Kingpins, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Lil’ Nate & The Zydeco Big Timers, Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws and Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flame.
The festival kicks off with a number of activities honoring Zydeco, including Zydeco Mini Rides and special activities for children. There will also be a huge variety of authentic Creole foods including sample creations from the Black Pot Cook Off, which will be served after judging. Several arts and crafts vendors will also be present throughout the grounds offering unique Zydeco souvenirs and collectible T-shirts made from local artists.
The 33rd Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 5, from noon through midnight at Zydeco Park in Plaisance. And in case of rain, an alternative site for the festival has been established at the Yambilee Building, located at 1939 W. Landry St., Suite 103, in Opelousas. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 years and under. For more information call 337-290-6048 or visit www.zydeco.org.