Groovy Kind of Life

Five Local Bands You Must See

Not only is South Louisiana rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, we also have a very strong local music scene. From every hole in the wall bar, to bigger nightclubs tends to have a local band that you can see for around a five dollar cover.

Not bad when you consider the price of concert tickets these days.

One of my favorite days of the week is Wedneseday.  That’s when the newest edition of  The Times of Acadiana comes out and I get to see who’s playing where.  My weekends tend to be planned around which bands I want to see that weekend.

My favorites?

1. My first favorite is The Molly Ringwalds.  Though not technically a local band they do play locally on a regular basis.  The Mollys, as we tend to call them, are an 80’s tribute band that plays songs you can’t help but sing along to.  Some of my personal favorites? 

“Don’t Stop Believing”  and “Here I Go Again.”

http://www.myspace.com/themollyringwalds

2.  Geno Delafosse and French Rockin’ Boogie is my second choice.  I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Geno and I have to say I’ve never been disappointed.  He is also a tireless performer.  His band never even takes breaks.  Seconds into a Geno show, my feet are tapping and I’m swaying with the music.

http://www.myspace.com/genodelafosefrb

3.  Another local favorite is next, Jamie Bergeron and The Kickin’ Cajuns.   Jamie is also a great performer.  He loves to interact with the crowd, often spending time during his breaks to shake hands with his fans.  He’s known for wearing a cowboy hat, boots, and shorts on stage.  His music is just as eclectic.  He’ll go from a Cajun waltz to singing ZZ Top.  He and Geno often rotate weekends at one of my favorite places to go on Sundays, Whiskey River.

http://www.myspace.com/jamiebergeronthekickincajuns

4.  The Nickl Beer Band is my next favorite.  One of my newest favorites actually, which is ironic, considering that they’ve been around for some time.  This band’s genre would probably be considered Swamp Pop.  They are another band sure to please. They play everything from oldies but goodies to newer Cajun songs. 

http://www.myspace.com/niklbeercom

5.  Number five is a local legend.  Wayne Toups is simply someone you must go see, it’s like going to the French Quarter when in New Orleans or Tiger Stadium when you go to Baton Rouge.  It’s something you simply must do.  And you won’t be disappointed.  I’ve included Hunter Hayes in this YouTube clip, he’s one of our up and coming musicians.  I’ve seen him perform before and was impressed.

http://www.myspace.com/waynetoups2006

http://www.myspace.com/hunterhayesmusic

And for you rock fans, there’s a new band that I’ve heard recently that I really enjoy.  Major Minor.  If you like rock, you’ll like this band.  Their music is good, their show is outstanding.

http://www.myspace.com/themajorminor

If you’re a local and you know some more bands I should check out or include in a future blog, let me know.  I’m always up for some good music!

Laisser les bons temps rouler- Let the good times roll!