Downtown at Sundown Plans Announced
The City of Lake Charles announces plans for the annual Downtown at Sundown concert series. On four consecutive Fridays from 6-9 p.m., the event will feature a variety of music from local and regional bands as well as food and beverage booths, table top galleries, and activities for kids. In addition to heightening awareness and appreciation of the artistic and musical talent in Southwest Louisiana, the event has also contributed greatly to attracting residents, businesses and tourists to Downtown Lake Charles. The inaugural concert in 1999 garnered a couple of hundred people. Now, there are over 1500 concert goers in attendance each week as the area has become a thriving cultural district with restaurants, nightlife, retail, studios, lofts and offices. Event manager, Denise Fasske said "This will be a transitional year. As the Ryan Streetscape project progresses, it will be necessary to reconfigure the logistics. This year's event will take place within the 600 block of Ryan Street between Division and Mill Streets. The former site of the event will be open and available for parking cars. We want everyone to come downtown to patronize the businesses and see the ongoing metamorphosis."
Beverage sales will be facilitated by B.A.A.K. of Southwest Louisiana (Benefiting Area At-risk Kids). B.A.A.K. of SWLA was founded in 2009 with the sole purpose of raising funds to help the abused and vulnerable children of our area. B.A.A.K. has designated that all revenue from beverage sales will benefit Harbour House ETC, the only emergency shelter for youth in the five parish region. Harbour House is a program of Educational and Treatment Council, Inc. (ETC). ETC provides intervention and prevention services which address the issues affecting youth and families who are in at risk situations. Since opening its doors in 1985, Harbour House has been a safe haven for over 7,000 children. "Since we've opened, Harbor House has served almost 7,000 admissions," said Dunn.
It is one of ten programs belonging to the Educational and Treatment Council, Inc. (ETC). The ETC is a private, not for profit social service agency providing intervention and prevention services which address the issues affecting youth and families who are in at risk situations. They are funded, according to Dunn, "through a variety of local money - parish money - as well as some state contracts and federal grants." Their major fundraiser for Harbor House, 'Jokes, Jazz, and Just Desserts', will be held in September at L'Auberge Hotel and Casino in Lake Charles.
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It is through the philanthropic support of The American Press, CITGO, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel and Entergy that this popular, family-friendly event is sustained. The music line-up will be: May 18, Boomerang; May 25, Chris Ardoin and NuStep; June 1, Soul Vacation; June 8, City Heat.
If inclement weather prevails, the concerts will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed on site. For more information, call the City of Lake Charles Arts and Culture Department at 337-491-9147.