Music in Donaldsonville Louisiana

It's the birthplace of America's only indigenous art form—jazz—but Louisiana also is home to a host of musical styles ranging from country, gospel and blues to hip hop, rockabilly and rock 'n' roll. We enjoy an embarrassment of riches in musical talent. From the days of Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet to names like Pete Fountain and Al Hirt, to Kermit Ruffins and Trombone Shorty; from piano innovators Jelly Roll Morton and Professor Longhair to contemporary treasure Allen Toussaint; from Zachary Richard and zydeco "king" Clifton Chenier to Beau Soleil and Rockin' Dopsie; from legendary bands like the Neville Brothers to some of the world's biggest musical names, including Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr.; Louisiana has produced an incredible wealth of musical talent. The fruits of their influence—and many of the artists—appear on stages large and small throughout the state. When you come to Louisiana, don't miss the music!

After a long day of touring plantations, nothing could be more satisfying than setting up camp in Donaldsonville and sitting down to a nice meal, well-paired with a glass of wine. Here’s where world-renowned Chef John Folse's manufacturing plant is located along with his Bittersweet Plantation and Lafitte’s Landing restaurant. Donaldsonville is known not only for its place in Louisiana culinary lore but also for its political significance. It served as the state capital in 1830 when the seat of power was first moved from New Orleans – because the more countrified legislators had become scandalized by the Crescent City’s laissez-faire approach to moral conduct. Though the capital ultimately moved to Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville has maintained the quiet, small-town appeal that first inspired Louisiana legislators to move there. Indeed, the state has designated Donaldsonville as one of its Main Street communities, and it is also home to the intriguing River Road African American Museum.