I am now starting to make plans for my wife and I to attend" Festival Acadiens" in Lafayette, Oct. 13-15. I have been to the zydeco festival a couple of times but that was a one day event and would drive over from N. O. and it would be in the boondocks. It would be hot as hell and after the festival I had all that I could do to drag myself to the nearest motel and collapse.
This time it is a longer event and I would like to spend more time in the area maybe even meet some of the nice people in this group, find out where the musicians are playing, and jamming. Is there a "preferred" place to stay? So any tips would be most welcome.
I recently bought a Savoy "C" box and my plan is to send it to him to be tuned and will pick it up when I come down for the festival. I play PA and am thinking about bringing that instrument with me.
A great place to stay would be the Blue Moon Saloon &
Guest House. Its just off Johnston St (Convent St., I
think). Some cajun musicians live just down the street &
theres music just about everynite. They have "dorm" rooms
for $18/nite and some private rooms for about $60 or so.
Never stayed there, but it seems like a cool place.
I've only been to Lafayette once, but without hesitation, I'd recommend the Blue Moon. You'll meet interesting people from all over, and have a great time. Besides the events at the Festival, the bar at the Moon is an event in itself. If I were you, I'd place my reservation now. It might already be booked for the Festival in October.
Maz
For all you new comers to Festival Acadiens, this year is the first year the festival is being held in October. Traditionally in the 30 plus years before, 2006, the festival was held in September. The heat has been brutal the last several years as I have been to it numerous times. There will be no Accordion booth this year as Larry Miller of Bon Tee Cajun accordions is retiring. Hopefully the october date will bring a cooler environment to let the good times roll!
Stay at the Blue Moon only if you you plan to party yer hiney off. Don't plan to sleep there, mon ami unless you sleep with earplugs and some shades on. It's noisy, BUT a helluva lotta fun. I like to stay there when I don't have an agenda, i.e., a festival to attend -- or anything else going on in Lafayette.
I've stayed at the Plantation Inn (Pont Des Mouton exit at I-49) a number of years. It's gone way south since the early 90's... Don't plan to sleep there either unless you have a glass pipe yer fond of and are into wild parties smokin' contraband and drinking gin and juice in your room until the wee hours. (drum and bass not included.)
My suggestion is the Microtel next door to Jr. Martin's shop -- Ambassador Caffrey exit just south of I-10. It's a little more pricey, but by golly you'll get some peace and quiet and won't have to worry about your car and its contents. That way you can get some quality shut-eye at any time of the day or night and even walk over to bend Jr.'s ear and pull an accordion or three.
check the motels along hwy 49 like the best western and a couple of others there that give the best rates
Things may be more expensive in town and only a short drive into the fest. They changed the date this year in hopes that it will be cooler let's keep our fingers crossed...also there is a jam tent on site.
Drop me a line when you get finalized and perhaps we can meet up and play some tunes, drop me an e mail...M
I want to thank you all for your answers about where to stay. My wife Janice is now on the case. Now I want to know where to be at 12:00 AM, Fri. And Sat. night. Again, best wishes to all. Jerry Tierney
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
