20th Annual Night of Louisiana will be a 'dance party,' feature Cajun food, music
A touch of the Deep South will be felt on the campus of Central Michigan University for the 20th Annual Night of Louisiana.
The event, to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Finch Fieldhouse and sponsored by University Events and CMU Public Broadcasting, will feature Cajun-themed dinner, dancing and live music from CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band along with the Grammy Award-nominated Lost Bayou Ramblers.
“The cool thing about these two acts,” said John Sheffler, director of radio at WCMU, “is that they both will be playing a style of music that has been passed down through the family.”
Brothers and founders of Lost Bayou Ramblers, Louis and Andre Michot, carry a family tradition established by their father and uncles, Sheffler said.
Chenier, a Creole from Port Austin, Texas, is the son of Grammy Award-winner Clifton Chenier, who Sheffler said was the most famous zydeco-style musician.
Zydeco is rooted in Cajun and Creole music and has influences from R&B, jazz and blues.
University Events Director Bob Ebner said there meals including chicken, sausage jambalaya, seafood gumbo and Southern corn bread with butter will be available. For those not wishing to purchase a meal, Ebner said there will be a la carte items available as well. All food will be provided by Aramark.
“You will see people ranging in age from 20 to 70,” Sheffler said. “You’ll see people in blue jeans and people in evening dresses. The fun part is most of those people are out on the dance floor having some fun. Night of Louisiana is, in two words, a dance party."
Ebner said the music is a celebration of life.
“In a lot of ways it’s a community party,” Ebner said. “I challenge anyone to sit still.”
Tickets are available for $20 in advance at the CMU Box Office, or for $25 at the door. The ticket price does not include the meal, which is available for $10. The event is open to all ages.
