Abita Opry Media

MEDIA - AO2025-10

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.

Bad Penny Pleasure Makers. The husband-wife team of Matt Bell and Joy Patterson, the nucleus of this group, have come on board as one of our house bands. They have been on our stage many times in different configurations and Matt is a premier “go to” musician in New Orleans. He is in demand as a performer for several groups because of his superior musicianship. They continue to improve with each appearance and are happy to have them on board.

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties there was no audio on the 10-18-2025 performance. This is a video from a previous performance.

Crosswind. Bluegrass music has always been part of the Opry and its predecessor, the Piney Woods Opry. Bands come and go or reconfigure from other bands. This group has four members from Fair River Station and the Dobro player, Tim, was with the very popular Driskill Mountain Boys. These are all very accomplished musicians who perform a mix of bluegrass, Gospel and Traditional Country music. We are looking forward to hearing them.

Miss Martha and her Good Time Gang. This is a band from New Orleans that promises to bring us old-time Country music. They have been performing regularly around New Orleans and are a popular band. We have heard them before and are looking forward to hearing them again. We all love that rich traditional Country music especially when it’s got that ”twang.”

Johnny J. and the Hit Men. Johnny and his band are all well-seasoned musicians who have been around for many years on the New Orleans music scene. Tey have performed at the Jazz Fest and many other places. I recently heard them at one of the Friday night performances at the Brew Pub. And knew immediately tha they were a natural fit for the Opry. They perform traditional New Orleans Rhythm and Blues.