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.

A storm pelted the grounds of an historic home in Natchez, Mississippi, hours before The Rouge Krewe was to play for a wedding reception crowd — less than ideal for an outdoor event.
“The rain stopped, but the mud stayed. So much mud on the dance floor,” rhythm guitarist and trombonist Jacob Trcalek said. “But it all came together. They had a blast, plenty of  dancing.”

Everyone in Sarah Russo’s family is a musician. Though her father pastored a church in the small town of Port Barre, La., he too was a musician, along with the rest of the family.
“For the longest time, I wanted my sister to sing in a group with me. I begged her, because her voice was amazing. And when it came down to harmonies, we had the family blend that makes everything so special. We don’t have to spend hours working all that out, it is just a natural progression,” says Russo.