Annual Night of Louisiana to be held Saturday in Finch
Those looking to escape the cold of Michigan can heat up with spicy food, music and dancing of Louisiana Saturday night.
Central Michigan University events and WCMU 89.5, CMU's public radio station, will host the 21st annual Night of Louisiana Saturday in Finch Fieldhouse. The event will feature authentic Cajun food, a cash bar and large dance floor. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
Director of University Events Robert Ebner said he chose this type of event after visiting New Orleans. He said he felt the culture needed to be brought to Michigan so people could enjoy the Cajun style of music.
"This is a great event that is a celebration of life. I challenge anyone to sit still during this event," Ebner said. "It is open to the public, and anyone that has cabin fever and needs to get out, this is the event to come to."
The bands performing will be "Balfa Toujours," led by Christine Balfa and "Terrance Simiem and Zydeco Experience." Zydeco music originated in southwest Louisiana and is closely related to "La-La" music, or Cajun music. Zydeco sounds much like blues and is sung in both English and French.
"A lot of times, these bands play in auditoriums, and you just sit on a chair nailed to the floor, but that's not the intention for this event. The point of the music is to get up and shake your hips." said Robert Barclay, host of "The Juke Joint" on WCMU
The dinner and concert are separate costs, and dinner tickets must be bought before the event. The dinner costs $11. Tickets are $20 if purchased before Friday and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased on CMU's online Ticket Central.
"We've built up a substantial number of people that come every year, and we're fortunate enough to attract a new crowd to maybe replace those who couldn't make it," said WCMU Director John Sheffler.
