(Opelousas, LA) —Music & Market continues Thursday, May 4th in downtown Opelousas with The Cypress Band featuring Willie Tee & Lynn August. The outdoor music event takes place from 6-8 pm on the grounds of the historic Courthouse Square.
Willie Tee is one of South Louisiana’s finest and most respected musicians who has entertained audiences for over 35 years. The Lafayette native has performed working with great entertainers such as the late Warren Storm, Tommy McLain, T. K. Hulin, The Fabulous Boogie Kings and many more. In 1958, he began playing saxophone when he was asked to join the band Little Alvin & the Chipmunks. In 1965, Willie Tee joined Clint West and The Fabulous Boogie Kings. Later, in 1980, he and Warren Storm put together a band called Cypress. Almost a decade later, Willie-Tee released his first CD “I Believe in My Soul” in 1999. He is also included on the CD “Louisiana Legends” – produced by the late Paul Marx who owned KBON 101.1 FM radio station.
Lynn August spiked his native southwestern Louisiana sound with elements of pop, gospel and R&B. Born in Lafayette, the blind August was encouraged by his mother to pursue a career in music. He learned to play the drums, piano, and B-3 organ. During the mid-1960s, he played with a young Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, later mounting a solo career as well as sitting in with a variety of local swamp-pop combos. In 1988, August formed Hot August Knights with the late John Hart. His first album was “It’s Party Time” followed by “Zydeco Groove” and various other albums followed.
Lawn chairs and outside beverages and ice chests are welcome. Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames will close the series the following Thursday (May 11). Music & Market is initiated by the City of Opelousas Tourism Office with support from St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission and St. Landry Parish Government. For more information, call 337-948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com
