Live music in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles

It's hard to think of a better way to stave off the blues than by soaking up some good Delta blues in Louisiana's Capital City. The Baton Rouge Blues Festival brings out the soul of Baton Rouge every spring. Celebrating the contributions that blues musicians have made to local arts and music, the 30-year-old festival unfolds in the downtown area and features some of Louisiana's most impressive performers. Beyond the blues, the festival will feature plenty of down-home-cooking by local favorites.

The festival is a highlight of a week-long musical celebration known as Baton Rouge Blues Week, which presents live music in settings such as the Manship Theater, Teddy's Juke Joint, Dalton's, Chelsea's Cafe, Pastime Restaurant and Lounge, and Boudreaux and Thibodeaux Restaurant and Bar. Events also feature the Slim Harpo Awards, Earth Day, Sunday in the Park and jam sessions. For updated information, see BatonRougeBluesFestival.org.

Pirates seize Lake Charles

After enjoying Blues Week, you can take a jaunt to the west for a taste of Contraband Days in Lake Charles. The Contraband Days Pirate Festival celebrates the legend of pirate Jean Lafitte, who is said to have stashed treasures in the area. Each day of the festival offers stages filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, food booths and events.

Bayou Country Superfest

Back in Baton Rouge, everyone looks forward to Memorial Day and the blockbuster Bayou Country Superfest. In its first year, the festival features some of the biggest names in country music, on May 29-30, 2010, at Louisiana State University's Tiger Stadium. Kenney Chesney, Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn, and Taylor Swift headline the event. Superfest offers two jammed-packed days of music and much more. See updated details at BayouCountrySuperfest.com.

Live After Five

In between the big events, enjoy plenty of other live music around Baton Rouge. Live After Five, hosted by the Downtown Business Association, is a concert series that offers wide-ranging entertainment and a delightful way to wind down in the after-work hours.