"This festival contains the greatest collection of Cajun and zydeco artists for any festival in the city and perhaps the state." -- Charles Laborde, host of "Lache Pas" Cajun & Zydeco show heard on WWOZ every Sunday 12-2p

This weekend brings the 10th annual Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival to Armstrong Park. This free festival features some of the top Cajun and zydeco talent in Louisiana today. Performers include Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars, and many more.

The festival will open on Saturday with a special tribute to the late zydeco king Boozoo Chavis featuring two of his grandsons leading their own bands: RJ Chavis & the Creole Sounds, and Justin Chavis & the Doghill Stompers. On Sunday, two of the Ardoin brothers – grandsons of the famous Bois Sec Ardoin – Sean Ardoin and his band Zydekool, and Chris Ardoin (a hugely popular performer in his own right) leading Beau Jocque’s old band, the Hi Rollers, will perform. See the full music schedule below.

There's also an arts market with 25 of the best artisans in the region selling hand-made art, jewelry and other crafts, plus food vendors with eats that include Louisiana oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab, boudin, and alligator.

On Saturday, June 18, parking will be available in the Basin Street Station Lot (located at 501 Basin Street, just across from Armstrong Park by the old Winn-Dixie) for $15 per vehicle. On Sunday, June 19, parking will be free in the lot at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in Armstrong Park (enter via Basin Street). Bike Easy will also be hosting a free bike valet service.

MUSIC SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 18:
11a-12:30p RJ Chavis & the Creole Sounds
12:45p-2:15p Justin Chavis & the Doghill Stompers
2:30p-4p Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots
4:15-5:30p Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
5:45-7p Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars

Sunday, June 19: 
11a-12:30p Bruce Daigrepont
12:45-2:15p Sean Ardoin & Zydekool
2:30-4p Chris Ardoin & Nu Step (tribute to Beau Jocque)
4:15-5:30p Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
5:45-7p Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas

http://www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco