Abita Opry Media

MEDIA - AO2016-11

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.

Last Chance Bluegrass Band
These guys perform that good ‘ol hand clapping and foot stomping bluegrass music as well as anyone around. As one of our three house bands, they have become an important part of our Opry family and are helping us keep that part of our musical heritage alive.

Western Sweethearts
Accomplished musicians can perform a variety of music styles, and this group is no exception. The band leader Matt Bell and his wife, Joy Patterson team up with other musicians to perform Jazz as the Bad Pennies Pleasure Makers, Country music as the Wasted lives, and now they will bring another style, Western Swing, to the Opry. This style is an interesting blend of country and older styles of popular music. It was made popular by people like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Matt and joy always bring something strong to the stage and they will do the same in this configuration.

Necessary Gentlemen
Is it Bluegrass? Is it Country, or is it something else? This is another very talented group of young musicians who can’t be put into a box and perform in a particular formula or style other that their interpretation of what they are playing. We heard them at the Covington Farmer’s Market and we booked them on the spot. Strong vocals and great arrangements highlight this group and we welcome them to the Opry stage.

Skakem Up Jazz Band
They don’t actually have a name yet. When we heard of this group, it became a must for our stage. The group was organized by Shaye Cohn. Shaye is one of the most versatile and talented musicians in New Orleans. She has performed with several groups and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. She provides strong background leadership in the groups in which she performs. You might be familiar with her name, but musicians and people who follow New Orleans music closely are fully aware of her talents and contributions. Shaye organized this group for a specific function and is a conglomerate of members of several different groups who are all strong musicians. This will prove to be a great cap on a great season.