The Abita Springs Opry will once again present four unique groups of musicians at its upcoming April 20 show, and as always, each is distinct from the others. But because it's the Opry, all four will fill the Abita Springs Town Hall — and Abita Opry home — with music that reflects Louisiana's roots and its culture.
The doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the main show runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. But come early for the free act that takes place as the musicians warm up and tune up on the front porch. And while listening to that outside, buy some of the gumbo, hot dogs, homemade sweets and drinks that will be sold.
All seats reserved; buy in advance or at the door the night of show for $20. For ticket info, call (504) 214-7777.
The Opry has identified the night's acts as:
Bad Penny Pleasure Makers, the duo of guitarist Matt Bell and percussionist Joy Patterson, who both provide vocals, are said to have met shortly after Katrina, married and just keep making music together. If these Louisiana-rich musicians bring the rest of their crew to help open the show (and a birdie says to expect it), look for plenty of jazz and lots else, from ragtime to country blues.
The Crybabies of New Orleans will appear at the Opry for the first time to perform their eclectic mix of music. This all-female group may come wearing leopard prints or sporting tiaras, but however they are decked out, expect some music ripe with harmonies. The Crybabies will also make their Jazz Fest debut this year on Thursday, April 25, performing in the Rhythmpourium Tent .
The Hunter Hicks Country Band will bring some good old traditional “honky tonk” music to the Opry stage, the night's second debut performance, and Opry organizers say finding pure country performers isn't easy anymore. "Besides our own Steve Anderson Group (the house band and a crowd favorite), very traditional, old-fashioned classic country music groups are not easy to find and book." So they are thrilled to have Hicks and his group perform.
The No Limit Brass Band: Traditional brass band music is as old as jazz and is rooted in the tradition of having a jazz brass band play in funeral processions in New Orleans. This band is made up of Abita Springs natives, the Lambert Brothers, who have been making music most of their lives as part of a big musical family. Their father, Dalton Lambert, has previously performed at the Opry with his group, the Abita Stumps, and now his sons have stepped out on their own.