THE MUSIC JUST DOESN'T STOP

"Gypsy, Gypsy, Gypsy...You just would not believe the music.  It's every where you turn."  Vannie and Dave could not stop talking about the music.  They lived in Lafayette 40 years...they knew about these places, but somehow with work and kids never made it out into the country to see them.  This caravan has been such a learning experience.  And I have loved, loved, loved it.  Being around "my kind" for 2 weeks has been out-of-this-world.

Here they go...
Stop #1...Savoy Music Center...home of the Acadian Accordion...established 1960.  Located on Hwy 190 between Eunice and Lawtell.  Jam Session every Saturday morning from 9:00 till noon. No Admission.  Served boudin and cracklins and hot Community coffee.

Boudin, Cracklins, Community Coffee

Vannie said this was a heart attack waiting to happen, but, man, was it good! 

Check out these T-Shirts with Cajun Musicians...Sure wish one would fit me!

Guitars, Fiddles, Harmonicas, Triangles, Piano, Steel Guitar...and a bunch of Cajuns sitting around and having fun.

Marc Savoy...owner

Don't you just love this picture...wives of some of the musicians.

Dave thinks he is a Cajun!  Cher, he's got the rhythm!

 

 

Stop #2...Fred's Lounge...Mamou, LA. Only open on Saturday mornings. This is a downhome honky tonk.  World Famous.  After Fred passed away, his wife, Sue, has continued the tradition.  Everyone calls her Tante Sue.

Judy Boudreaux (our leader), V and D, and friend, Paul

 

Tante Sue, and Vannie...Friend, Sue, is looking on from the back.

 

 

Stop #3...Prairie Acadian Cultural Center...Great place to read about the history of the area.  There are wonderful photographs, and paintings depicting the culture.

This was the band playing at the culture center.  Vannie said the boy in the middle is only 13.

...and then there was the cooking/tasting demonstration...Can you see what is in the pot in the mirror?  Gumbo!  Dave said it was one of the best he had ever eaten.

 

 

Stop #4...Nutcracker Museum...Eunice...over 350 nutcrackers.  Free Admission.  Check out Captain Kurt and Spock

 

 

Stop #5...Liberty Theater...Eunice.  V and D said that if you like Cajun music and live theatre, this is the place to be on a Saturday night.  It doesn't matter that the entire "live broadcast" is done entirely in French.  It's just great music and a slice of French LA culture.  A historic must see!

 

Next Day...Moved to Carencro, LA...Bayou Wilderness Campground.  I love this place, too.  Out in the country next to a beautiful bayou.  Plenty of wide open space.  Feels good!  The Airstreamers rested and relaxed...visited among themselves... washed clothes.  Pizza, salad, and ice cream was served for dinner...and then, a hot game of bouray!

Vannie's doing pretty good...Spades happens to be tromps!

 

Only one more big day.  It has been a blast.  Everyone has gotten along so well and enjoyed each other.  New Friends for a lifetime!