Festival good for the spirit
Published 9:36 am Friday, September 26, 2014
There’s nothing like a little music festival to make you forget all your cares and woes.
At the very least, anybody who likes music at all should feel in the pink after this weekend’s Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival scheduled at Cassidy Park. Even if you don’t like music, there is enough adult entertainment and children’s activities surrounding the music to make attending worthwhile.
I didn’t even mention all the food vendors. They are certain to whet the appetites of anyone who simply walks by their station.
I’m anxious to hear Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Heallraisers and blues rocker Devon Allman perform Saturday. Dwayne Dopsie is Saturday night’s final performance on the Heritage Stage, while Allman’s Honeytribe Band takes the Blues Stage Saturday at 4:30 p.m. for a 90-minute gig.
Zydeco is just happy music in my opinion. Your feet just start moving on their own, oblivious to your surroundings.
One of my first experiences with zydeco was at the Jazz Fest many years ago. I caught Dopsie’s late father, Rockin’ Dopsie, and marveled at how he could create beautiful sounds from playing the washboard. I’m sure Dwayne Dopsie has his father’s musical talent and stage presence, so I’m expecting an outstanding performance.
Of course, Allman is the son of Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers. It just seems talent for music runs deep in some families.
There are several local and regional performers scheduled for the weekend. Keenan Knight, The Petty Bones and Trent and Zac.
With any music festival, security will be plentiful to make certain none of the artists are interrupted or bothered by any unruly fans. I used to think working security at one of these things was about as cool as it could get. Wrong.
In 2008, I worked security at Memphis in May. Talk about being stationed in the Lower 40 and away from the good music this was it.
I remember being stationed at one time near where Snoop Dogg performed. The stage faced away from me, and I couldn’t hear a sound. Maybe that was a good thing.
After my day’s shift was completed, I caught a few numbers from The Eagles. What I heard was great.
I remember remarking to one of the guards near the front of the stage where The Eagles were playing that he had it made being in a good spot. He laughed and said I didn’t want to be there before he turned and caught another drunk leaping over the railing.
I agreed. And returned to the Lower 40.
BBHF Executive Director Malinda White and her band of volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this year’s event unforgettable. Let’s all have a fun and safe Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival.
Randy Hammons is staff writer for The Daily News. He can be reached at 732-2565 or by email at randy.hammons@thebogalusadailynews.com