A&E

For Our Coast benefit goes down at AcA Saturday

by Dege Legg

It's star-packed benefit for the Gulf Coast at AcA's new performance theater.

Construction of the new Acadiana Center for the Arts performance theater is all but complete. What better way to celebrate than throw a huge, star-studded benefit for Gulf Coast recovery?

For Our Coast seeks to raise awareness and funds that will help address the ongoing crises in our coastal communities. The evening promises to be a memorable one as all performers will play intimate solo or duo acoustic sets. The roster of performers includes some world-class names. English 60s chanteuse and author of the Rolling Stones' "Sister Morphine," Marianne Faithfull will more than likely headline the event as she rarely, if ever, gigs in the Deep South. Songwriter and chick-cult figurehead Ani DiFranco will also play as well as the three musketeers of Louisiana roots rock: Zachary Richard, Sonny Landreth, and C.C. Adcock.

"All the artists are donating their time and talents to this incredible evening of music," says Todd Mouton, local arts producer. "This whole thing is a result of a shared vision. Zachary got our fund off the ground in May, C.C. made some amazing connections, and Valerie Billeaud Gonsoulin has really pulled folks together in support of this cause and this event. We're all really concerned about our environmental, economic, and cultural well being. This'll be our first musical event in the amazing new AcA theater."

There is sure to be a lot of high-octane, guitar gunslinging going on at this amazing event. All proceeds benefit the Gulf Aid Acadiana Fund at the Community Foundation of Acadiana which will directly support Bayou Grace Community Services in Chauvin, LA. and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana as well as other community organizations supporting coastal fishermen, shrimpers and their families. Tickets are $150 and up. They include a pre/post-event reception at the AcA, starting at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 300 and the show starts at 8 p.m. The For Our Coast happens on Sept. 18 Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Marianne Faithfull