The South is the birthplace of two of the major types of indigenous American music, blues and Zydeco. Both were born and grew in people’s yards, in fields, roadhouses and at family get-togethers. This weekend, the 29th Annual Long Beach Bayou Festival brings the music of over 16 bands to two stages for some toe-tapping music that is the perfect thing to put some South in your ears.
Many different programs and events will allow guests to experience a variety of things. The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band will lead this year’s Mardi Gras Parade. During the day, Zydeco Dance Lessons will be given. Two music stages, the BluesStage and the Zydeco Stage, will ensure that there is plenty of music for everyone.
Of course, it isn’t the South without crawfish, and Crawfish Eating Contests will be held throughout the days to see who can eat the most of the tasty, humble mudbug. For those who don’t want to eat in a contest, various vendors will be serving crawfish, barbeque , Creole cuisine and other fine Southern treats to hungry guests. Both soft drinks and adult beverages will also be available for thirsty fans who want something to drink.
The Kid’s Corner has been expanded this year to include a Children’s Stage, face-painting, a reptile show and arts and crafts. It will be fun all day long! Other scheduled events at the Bayou Kids Fun Stage include a puppet theater, watermelon eating contest, a performance of the Roderick D. Jones Foundation Kids Jazz Ensemble and a performance by Alexis Shafira, an outstanding young vocalist.
Musical headliners on the Zydeco Stage include Geno Delafose, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Bonne Musique Zydeco and David Sousa and the Zydeco Mudbugs. On the Blues Stage, local blues musician Bernie Pearl, Stoney B Blues Band, Cafe R&B, Tracy Niles and the Bill Magee Blues Band are just some of the artists who will keep you dancing to the music.
Ticket prices for each day are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 60+ and $20 for students 18 and older. Tickets and info are available through the event website, www.longbeachbayou.com. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)
Long Beach Bayou Festival
Saturday, June 20 11:00am-9:30pm
Sunday, June 21 11:00am-8:00pm
Rainbow Lagoon Park
E. Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802
