Abita Opry Media - 2004-10 featuring the Abita Strings, Ben Manuel, Jeff and Vida, Harold Cavallero and Don Vappie

MEDIA - AO2004-10

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.

Abita Strings

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

Ben Manuel
Ben is the brother of Joe Manuel the leader of the Abita Strings. He is a singer/songwriter who performs in the traditional style. He is also a virtuoso of several musical instruments.

Jeff and Vida
A return act to the Opry featuring bluegrass and original songs. They wowed the audience at their previous performances. Vida has a remarkable soulful quality to her voice that makes the listener feel the music.

Harold Cavallero and Danny Paige
Dobro player and steel guitarist Harold Cavallero became a professional musician when he was 13 years old, just two years after he first picked up a Dobro. By the time he was 14, Cavallero was playing gigs in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. He played in the Crescent City with a group known as the Evening Star String Band, specializing in the sound of country music as it was played during the '40s and '50s. His bandmates in the Evening Star String Band include vocalist and guitarist Patrick Flory, Gina Forsyth on fiddle, and Mary Howell on vocals and bass.

Don Vappie and the Creole Serenaders
is New Orleans' premier classic jazz orchestra. This group has acquired a unique following of music lovers that spans the generations; young and old are among the eager fans when the band takes the stage. The Creole Jazz Serenaders' repertoire includes creole jazz from the early years, as well as music from Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong. Duke Ellington, and many others.