May 11th Music & Market to feature Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames
(Opelousas, LA) —Music & Market wraps up this Thursday, May 11th in downtown Opelousas with popular Southwest Louisiana Zydeco band Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames. The outdoor music event takes place from 6-8 pm on the grounds of the historic Courthouse Square.
Born and raised in Lawtell, Louisiana, Leon Chavis began singing and playing drums when he was two years old. His family’s music heritage had a big influence on his career. His father, Joe “Chopper” Chavis, has performed R&B and played keyboard and rub board for major R&B and Zydeco bands for over 30 years. Meanwhile, his cousin, Boozoo Chavis, is considered a legend and pioneer of Zydeco music.
In high school, Chavis began to get involved into Zydeco, R&B, and Hip-Hop music, where he learned to play the keyboard, rub board and accordion. He then went on to join the Southern University Marching Band for two and half years while majoring in Business Management.
In 2004, Chavis and his dad formed Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames. Within two years, the band was performing heavily and released his first album entitled, “The Heat Is On.” Chavis’ went on to add a second album, “Holla @ Me”, which brought him acclaim for the song titled for the album. A string of hits and albums would follow including “The Champ is Here,” “This All I know,” “Zydeco Famous Flames (Live),” and “Zydeco Famous Flames-Encore (Live).”
Lawn chairs and outside beverages and ice chests are welcome. Music & Market is organized 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
