The 44th annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival is rapidly approaching and to kick off the event a press conference was held Thursday at the Opelousas Museum And Interpretive Center with special guest speaker, legendary zydeco musician Geno Delafose introduced to the audience by event organizer Lena Charles. Other speakers included Opelousas Police Chief Greig LeBlanc, Opelousas Alderman at Large Marvin Richard, Rep. Dustin Miller and a special accolade to Opelousas businessman Pat Fontenot who has supported the festival since it’s inception by his friend and mentor Rev. Albert McKnight.
Charles gave a history of the festival that was originally held in an open field in Plaisance La. attended by tens of thousands.There are several festivals that promote zydeco music and culture but The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival was the first hence the word original in the festival name.
The festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 5, on the Yambilee Festival grounds located at 1939 West Landry Street Opelousas, La. Heritage Tent, hosted by Zydeco Unplugged opens at 10 am to 6 pm. Under the tent there will be Creole French lessons, zydeco dance lessons, scrub board exhibit and lessons, Creole culture and zydeco music histsory, story telling and a zydeco jam session.
The music at the main stage begins at noon and goes until. Lineup included Chubby Carrier and the Swamp Pop Band; Rusty Metoyer and Zydeco Kush; Nathan Williams and Zydeco Cha Chas; Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie; C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band; Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadruners; and Mike Broussard and NU Edition Zydeco.
No fee for parking or entry at festival grounds and craft and food boths will be available,
