Celebrating Cajun and Creole Music History in Eunice

The prairie town of Eunice bursts with Cajun and Creole music history and a good day to visit is Saturday when several museums dedicated to music are open and it’s almost a given live music will be playing somewhere. They offer three not-to-be-missed sites. However, Eunice’s Liberty Center, where the live radio and TV show “Rendez-vous Des Cajuns” has been performing for decades, is currently closed for renovations but shall reopen soon; keep your ears open for the announcement. Until then you can listen to past “Rendez-vous” concerts on KRVS, Acadiana’s public radio station.

View History

The Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice tells the history of the settlers to the prairies that stretch west of the Atchafalaya Basin to the Texas border. Visitors may view historic artifacts of the cultural mix of Cajun, Creole and cowboy and enjoy events such as cooking demonstrations and music concerts. The Center reopened at Mardi Gras after a renovation and currently greets visitors Thursdays through Saturdays. There is no admission charge.

Learn History

There’s so much to learn about Cajun music and its evolution from the arrival of the Acadiens to Louisiana’s shores in the mid-1700s until today when Cajun music is performed worldwide. The Cajun French Music Hall of Fame & Museum explains this history but also honors the music greats of yesterday, such as Iry LeJeune, Dennis McGee, Sady Courville and Joe and Cléoma Falcon, who recorded one of the first Cajun songs, “Allons à Lafayette,” and “Jolie Blonde,” known as the “Cajun National Anthem.” The museum is supported by the Cajun French Music Association.

Hit the Dance Floor

Now that you’ve learned about Louisiana’s indigenous music, put on your dancing shoes and head to Lakeview Park & Beach to hear music performed live. The campground that includes RV sites, cottages, camping and a lakeside beach about 3 miles north of Eunice on La. Highway 13, brings in a variety of Cajun, zydeco, country, honky-tonk and blues bands on weekends and for special events. It all takes place in Lakeview’s old barn.