2023-01-13 04:26:51
CUE THE TUNES Everybody knows jazz was born in Louisiana, but that’s not the only cradle we rocked here. John Lennon famously said, “There wouldn’t have been a Beatles without a Fats Domino,” singling out the New Orleans-born pianist. Cajun music, zydeco and swamp pop also got their starts here. The streets of Louisiana are paved with music! It lives within the soul of our people, and you can feel it in the rhythm of our lives. It’s no wonder so many musicians come or live here to find inspiration. After all, music not only thrives here, but lots of the music we love today was born here. In New Orleans, there’s nothing like a night at Three Muses, Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar or the clubs on Frenchmen Street. Jonesing for authentic jazz? Check a night at Palm Court Jazz Café off your bucket list. Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall (circa 1895) and Ruby’s Roadhouse (circa 1930), both in Mandeville, are must-jams as well. Further upriver in Baton Rouge, the Varsity Theatre hosts rock, funk, blues, pop and more near the campus of LSU. What is it about Louisiana that inspires musicians of all kinds – jazz, blues, rock, rap, bounce … you name it? Put on your dancing shoes and come find out. Come learn the two-step at Cajun dance halls like Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, Paul’s Playhouse in Sunset, La Poussière in Breaux Bridge and Cajun Country Dance Hall in Church Point. Artmosphere Bistro, a cozy bar in Lafayette, hosts both local bands and Grammy-winning musicians. Northern Louisiana is the birthplace of many country music stars, including Faron Young, Mickey Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lucinda Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. The state song, “You Are My Sunshine,” was written by Country Music Hall of Famer and former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis. If you’re a fan, swing by the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium where Hank Williams Sr. and Elvis performed at the famous “Louisiana Hayride” back in their heydays. In fact, the phrase “Elvis has left the building” was first uttered when Elvis left the stage here. At Big Country in Bossier City, not only will you get to hear some great tunes, but you can take a line-dancing class or ride the mechanical bull. And don’t miss Enoch’s Irish Pub in Monroe, where outlaw country legend Jerry Jeff Walker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown have wowed crowds. Sound-sational! Just like there’s air to breathe, there’s pretty much music at every Louisiana festival. New Orleans hosts the French Quarter Festival, Essence Fest and so many others. The state’s capital city is home to the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and sounds from the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival fill the air in Shreveport. The Acadia Music Fest lights up Thibodeaux and folks in Lake Charles can’t wait for t he Cajun Music & Food Festival every year. In Central Louisiana, fans rush to the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and music isn’t the only draw at the Alex River Fete in Alexandria. There’s local art, classic cars and a beer garden, too! Up north, the Red River Revel has been going strong for 47 years in Shreveport. And even though the Louisiana Peach Festival doesn’t have music in its name, this 74-year-old party offers 12+ hours of live music in charming downtown Ruston. Both your taste buds and your feet will be dancing. Feel the beat at LouisianaTravel.com/Music!
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