Photo by Erica Folse
Abita Springs Opry
This is, in our estimation, one in a list of thirty marvelous places, flavors, events, and experiences that anyone who lives in—or loves—our part of the world should experience at least once in his or her lifetime.
When it comes to preserving traditional Louisiana roots music, the Abita Springs Opry stands at a kind of crossroads. “Where we are, we’re on the border between New Orleans/South Louisiana creolized culture and the Anglo-American North Louisiana culture,” explained Opry Executive Producer Bryan Gowland. “So we span both cultural milieus.” Indeed they do. Every spring and fall for ten years, the Abita Opry draws old time country, bluegrass, traditional gospel, zydeco, and Cajun music performers from all over Louisiana to play casual, easygoing concerts in the century-old Abita Springs Town Hall. It’s atmospheric stuff. Hands clap and feet stomp as an all-ages crowd gets into the act. It’s also accessible. “It’s a cross between an informal bunch of guys playing music and a concert,” Gowland said. “Young people, old people, kids; they all love our show. They grew up on it.” Saturdays in spring and fall. Come early to enjoy gumbo, hot dogs, homemade sweets, and sodas before the show. And get your tickets in advance. It usually sells out. 22161 Level Street. $18 reserved seats; $15 walk-ins. (985) 892-0711 or abitaopry.com.
