Abita Opry Media

MEDIA - AO2015-11

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 play straight-out bluegrass, and they enjoy themselves in the process. Their enjoyment in performing those great songs is contagious, and we are fortunate to have them as one of our house bands. Eddie Arnold on banjo, and Robbie Lavigne on mandolin provide the vocals, and they are backed up by strong musicians. Last year, the electricity went out right before the show. This group was the house band for the night and they decided to entertain the audience in an increasingly sweltering town hall. They worked up a sweat, but kept our audience entertained and happy. And they will make the audience at this show happy.

Amedee Frederick
Amadee is an Abita Native who has been playing and performing music for most of his life. He can deliver traditional Delta Blues as well as anyone. He can also hit some hot guitar licks with more rocking blues. We are glad to see Amadee back on stage. He has had to work through health issues, but he is well now and sounding better than ever. It has been a pleasure to watch him mature and grow as a musician through the years, and has developed the ability to treat us with roots blues with genuine soul.

John Hatchett Band
John is another musician who has performed in multiple groups, and is another Busker. In a city most well-known for Jazz and Rhythm and Blues, country music is enjoying a lot of popularity. This group will be bringing a part of the New Orleans country music scene to the stage. John has performed with solid groups like the Wasted lives and Gal Holiday. We are looking forward to hear this first time group to visit our stage.

Zion Harmonizers
There are not enough superlatives to describe one of the greatest Gospel music groups in existence. The Harmonizers have been in existence for well over fifty years. The Original leader of the group, the late Sherman Washington, was instrumental in establishing the Gospel tent at the Jazz Fest, and the Harmonizers continue to perform there every year. They are high-spirited, and infectious. Not only are they great musicians, but some of the nicest people we have had the good fortune to have become acquainted with. They are opry veterans and an audience favorite.