Take note of south Louisiana’s many music events

Each year, south Louisiana festivals offer a showcase for the state’s rich musical talents and top national and international artists, drawing countless visitors for a toe-tapping, sing-along, get-up-and-dance good time.

One such popular event is the spring Baton Rouge Blues Festival. It is one of the country’s oldest blues festivals, and pays tribute to the swamp blues, a form that took root in the fields along the Mississippi River. Past festivals have featured artists such as Kenner native and legendary blues pianist Henry Gray, who, in his 80s, continues to impress audiences.

Each spring in Lafayette, the Festival International de Louisiane celebrates the region’s unique heritage, one that combines French, African, Caribbean, and Hispanic influences. Previously, Louisiana artists such as Dr. John, Irma Thomas, C.J. Chenier, and Buddy Guy have performed on the stages during this free event.

Lake Charles’ Contraband Days Festival is a pirate-themed festival, so themed because legend has it the ruthless Jean Lafitte and his band of buccaneers hid along the waterways in Lake Charles centuries ago. Each festival kicks off with a group of unruly pirates taking over the city. Fortunately, these pirates like to party and celebrate with a festival that features a mix of live music.

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is always a popular draw. Who can resist the crawfish étouffée, crawfish pies, and fried crawfish? But the festival’s music lineup is equally appetizing.

In New Orleans, hundreds of thousands of music lovers flock to the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival. The seven-day festival, featuring 12 music stages, draws an impressive lineup of artists. Recent performers included Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Jimmy Buffett, and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. 

Mark your calendars to attend one of these topnotch events and discover for yourself why Louisiana’s music scene is unlike any place else.