Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival Goes Virtual
Not even a worldwide pandemic can stop Cajuns from gathering and playing some amazing Zydeco.
Some of the biggest superstars in the Louisiana Zydeco music scene got together to make sure the 38th Annual SWLA Zydeco Music Festival will still happen this year.
It's a who's who list of names performing this year:
- Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie
- Nathan Williams & Zydeco Cha Chas
- Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
- Mike Broussard & NU Edition Zydeco
- Anthony Dopsie
- and more!
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, they decided to have a virtual presentation of the festival this year. Not only does it have music performances, but it also has very interesting behind-the-scenes interviews and stories.
In 1981, fearful that Creole and Zydeco music was dying out, members of a group called The Treasures of Opelousas organized The Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in association with the Southern Development Foundation.
The first Zydeco Festival was in 1982 and held on a farmer’s field on the outskirts of Opelousas with 400 Zydeco music fans in attendance.