The Ruins of Rome and the surrounding area of Italy are second only to the United States in the number of movies that are filmed there on location. Nearly 7 million people around the world travel to Rome each year just to see the Ruins. But if you live in Lafayette, La., you don’t have to go that far to travel or wait until your next action-packed movie is filmed there to get a feel for the ancient city.

On stage, “Sharona Thomas and SOLID Soul” have a calling card a mile high and a mile wide. If there is a venue or an event that wants golden music, they want Sharona. SOLID Soul has been that funky extra something added to her performance. It’s her very own band that formed in January.

This past year, as with every year, Nebu Nezey and her family ended 2020 by doing something special for the children in her community. Nezey and her husband, Brandon, bring toys to children in their community so they can have a special Christmas. The family actually goes out shopping, chooses age-specific toys, personally wrapping each one, and heads over to the Northgate Mall where children of all ages can celebrate the magic of Christmas.

The vision of David E. Lyons was never a ghost. He had one vision and that was to bring culture to his beloved town of Crowley, Louisiana. He did so by building the Grand, a twenty-two thousand square foot second-story opera house, which was a rare feat when not too many two-story opera houses existed.

Musician Walter Jr. makes his triumphant return to the stage at iMonelli Jazz Room. A true renaissance man, the acclaimed guitarist/singer/songwriter recently celebrated his 50th year as an impressive blues and jazz artist — all while holding high-level theological degrees and certifications. His extraordinary talent was recognized when he was named an Honorary Member of the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame.

What is considered “good music” made in the past couple of years is becoming harder and harder to distinguish as “new.” Perhaps because of COVID-19, singer–songwriters are leaning in more to the feel of yesteryear. The nostalgia of Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and Shania Twain has not been lost on this new generation of performers. In fact, even the concept of “home” is rooted in, or at least been the inspiration behind, today’s tunes. American Idol season ten contestant and native of Lafayette, Skye Isaac goes even a step further. Though she currently lives in Los Angeles, Calif., Isaac’s music evokes both timeless classics and the music of home.