MEDIA - AO2014-10

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.

The Petty Bones
The House band for October has been an important part of the Opry family for a long time. The principal members, Anne and Jerry Crowell have been performing together for a long time. Jerry is a very clever song writer and has a very unique and entertaining singing style. Anne can belt out the blues or sing sentimental ballads with style. They have been working though health issues and it will be a real treat to see them back here.

The Carondalettes
Two of these very young and talented musicians have been performing on the Streets in New Orleans. Two of them appeared on our stage previously as principal singers in another group. During the post Opry jam session at the Abita Brew Pub, they were joined by another singer and totally captivated the other musicians and audience singing some old “Doo Wop” songs. One of our musicians and music committee members, Jan Biggs, looked at me and mouthed the words, “book them.” They will bring a smile to your face with their version of that great musical style, and they are too cute for words.

Chris Talley and Friends
Chris performed at the Opry last season as part of Pot luck String Band. We heard him later at the Covington Farmers Market performing with another group. We decided, on the spot, that he deserved a set on our show. Chris is a very talented musician, and he can assemble an outstanding group of musicians. We are looking forward to some solid bluegrass and traditional country music.

Some Like It Hot Jazz Band
This group is a must for the Opry. We heard them at a Jazz Brunch in New Orleans. The group must have gotten their name from the old movie about an all-female jazz band. The group is principally comprised of ladies who all must be someone’s grandmother. The band leader, Kay Caldwell sets the tone with her bigger-than-life personality, and they can really put some great New Orleans style traditional Jazz. Our audience will love them.