The City of Lake Charles announces plans for the 18th annual Downtown at Sundown concert series featuring four consecutive Fridays of live music from 5:30-9 p.m., beginning May 13. The event brings thousands of residents and visitors to beautiful Downtown Lake Charles. The “street-fair” format will feature a variety of music and entertainment as well as food and beverage, table top galleries, merchandise vendors and activities for kids. 

 

From 2 to 10 p.m. each Friday, Ryan Street—from Iris to the parking lot entrance of the Phoenix Building—will be closed to vehicle traffic in accordance with a special event ordinance.

 

The series will kick off with two-time GRAMMY winner Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, with the opening act being Young Band Nation.

 

For more than 30 years, Terrance Simien, an 8th generation Louisiana Creole, has been one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music. He and his band mates have performed more than 7000 concerts and toured millions of miles to more than 45 countries during their eventful career. Their music has been featured in TV commercials and a dozen or more films. Simien was the featured guest artist on “Gonna Take You There” in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”, making it  the first time Disney featured zydeco music in a film!  He co-wrote a song with Dennis Quaid for the movie “The Big Easy”, and was joined by Stevie Wonder on stage at Bill Clinton’s second inaugural celebration. 

 

Simien furthers his effort to raise awareness about his music and Creole heritage by presenting an Arts-in-Education program, “Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco”, for students K-12.

Simien has received countless awards, grants and recognition for his artistic contributions as a Cultural Ambassador for his state and country. (www.terrancesimien.com)

 

Beverage sales during Downtown at Sundown will benefit the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana. The council’s educational programs provide a jump start and a foundation for those in our community that are willing to learn and accept the challenge of learning. For information about programs for adults, or for children and families, visit www.literacyswla.org or call 337-494-7000 or 1-888-LIT-SWLA.

 

It is through the support of corporate sponsors that this popular, family-friendly event is sustained.

This year’s sponsors are American Press, Capital One Bank, CITGO, Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino, Entergy and Empire of the Seed Historic Properties.  

 

The season will continue with Barbe Show Choir opening for Grammy winner Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys on May 20; Jazz in the Arts opening for Cold Sweat on May 27; and Grammy finalist Mickey Smith opening for City Heat on June 3.  In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Bring your lawn chairs; no pets or outside beverages will be permitted on site. For event and vendor information, call 337-491-9159