Abita Springs Opry Media - 2006-09 Featuring the Abita Strings, Jimmy Foster, L&M Bluegrass, Swamp Road Ramblers, Tom Fisher Trio

MEDIA - AO2006-09

The Abita Springs Opry is a series of music concerts held six times a year and is produced by a nonprofit organization, Abita Opry Inc. The show has the mission of preserving and presenting Louisiana "Roots" music. Our music is played primarily acoustically, in its original form.

Our main thrust is old-time Country, Bluegrass, and traditional Southern Gospel music, but we often present other forms of traditional Louisiana music such as Cajun, Zydeco, Irish, or other types that reflect the many different groups of people who are part of our diverse culture.

Abita Strings

This home town bluegrass ensemble is one of the Opry's "House Band". Setting the pace for every show, the Abita Strings have taken Traditional to another level.

Jimmy Foster

Jimmy Foster has been practicing the luthier's art (guitar building) for over 30 years. Just as importantly, he's been playing guitar for over 35 years - a rarity among guitar builders.

It's this player's perspective, plus his commitment to perfection, that defines the character of each and every Foster Guitar.

Jimmy's early musical idols were artists such as Chet Atkins, Les Paul, and Tony Mottola. As his talents developed, Jimmy's taste turned toward the jazz influences of players like Howard Roberts, Johnny Smith, and George Van Eps, the legendary 7-string jazz guitar player.

L&M Bluegrass

Swamp Road Ramblers

Tom Fisher Jazz Trio

Tom Fisher was born and raised in the Chicago area. He received his formal training at Indiana University and his informal training playing with jazz bands in the Chicago area. He moved to New Orleans to join Banu Gibson's band in 1989. He was featured soloist with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra in May of 1990. In 1992, he traveled on a State Department tour to the Middle East, Pakistan and India. Since his move to New Orleans, he has also worked with Al Hirt. Jazz Times Magazine says, "Fisher is one of the best of a top-notch group of young clarinetists now playing."