Downtown Alive! Spring 2010 Season - 02/23/2010

Lafayette, La.- A community tradition for 26 years and a popular staple in Acadiana's cultural and social calendar, the Downtown Alive! (DTA!) 2010 series kicks off March 12. The Spring 2010 season promises to once again, bring great entertainment in the form of free, family-friendly, smoke free, outdoor concerts to Downtown Lafayette. Sponsored by Cox Communications, Lafayette Coca-Cola and The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, DTA! features performances by Grammy Nominated,  renowned and up and coming musicians representing a variety of genres ranging from Cajun, Swamp Pop, Blues, Rock, Funk and more. 

DTA! begins at 5:30 p.m. with food and beverage concessions - musical performances from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Concession sales help keep DTA! free, so please leave your ice chests at home with your pets.  For more information, visit www.downtownlafayette.org.

Downtown Alive! is produced by Downtown Lafayette in cooperation with Lafayette Consolidated Government.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

T.K. Hulin, Steve Adams & Smoke w/special guest Charlene Howard
March 12- Parc International
T. K. Hulin has become a Louisiana legend and major figure in the music industry with a singing career that spans almost 50 years, beginning in the 1960s with a regional hit, "Many Nights" and later his signature song, "Graduation Night". Nicknamed T.K. by his uncle, and then "the King" by his friends, T.K. and his music have for many years been larger than life with an unmistakable voice and a style all his own. When the music starts, this Louisiana legend is off and running, taking everyone along for the ride! www.tkhulin.com

Charlene Howard, brings a dynamic sound to the microphone. Her unique style defies categorization, but instead, it is a blend of pop, R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Country. It is packed with the influences of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Patsy Cline and more recent artists as Wynonna Judd, Bonnie Raitt, and Jo Dee Messina. Add a splash of bayou water from Charlene's Cajun roots and you have an exciting evening of memorable melodies and expressive soul. She was voted Best Female Vocalists in R&B, Blues, Soul & Country Music by The Times Of Acadiana, www.charlenehoward.com

Pine Leaf Boys
March 19-Parc Sans Souci
Lafayette's own, three-timeGrammy-Nominated, Pine Leaf Boys are known for their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance. Their wild shows and thoughtful arrangements have breathed new life into Cajun music, reviving ancient songs and bringing them to the bandstand. Being described as, "... the link that connects the young and the old generations," and, "the best new, energetic, and fun Cajun band in a very long time," the Pine Leaf Boys play the old fashion dance hall standards while making a priority to bring many of the more obscure songs of past masters into their repertoire and play them with gusto. The Pine Leaf Boys have preserved the traditional Cajun sound, while allowing it to breathe and stretch with those who play it. They present their music in multiple configurations such as twin fiddle, duo accordion/fiddle, bass, drum, and foot-stomping jurés. www.pineleafboys.com

Nik-L Beer
March 26-Parc Sans Souci
For more than 30 years, Nik-L Beer has been delighting audiences across Louisiana. Drawing on diverse musical experiences, this 8 piece band belts out Golden Oldies, Hard-Driving Zydeco, Blue-Eyed Soul, Motown, Country, 80's Funk, Swamp Pop, Two-Stepping Cajun, A Cappella and Mardi Gras music. www.niklbeer.com

Bonerama
April 9-Parc International
Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' Bonerama is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as "the ultimate in brass balls" (2005) and praised for their "...crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls" (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown. Their unique sound has been recognized by receiving the "Best Rock Band" at the Big Easy Awards in 2007.  New Orleans' fertile club scene was directly responsible for Bonerama getting together. Trombonists Mark Mullins and Craig Klein were both members of Harry Connick's band, where they'd played since 1990. Both were looking to supplement this gig with something a little less structured, and Bonerama was born at Tipitina's. It was Mullins who instigated the offbeat classic-rock covers that have become a band tradition. They grab people with rock songs, and mix in New Orleans music at the same time. http://boneramamusic.com

John Mooney & Bluesiana
April 16-Parc International
Throughout the years John Mooney has developed one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable guitar and vocal signatures of today.  Influenced by his grandfather who was a musician, John left home at 15 and began playing with Joe Beard. He was introduced to the first and most enduring influence on the development of Mooney's music, the legendary Delta blues singer, Ed "Son" House. Son's heavily rhythmic style allowed Mooney to adapt acoustic playing to a modern electric format, which is one of his most distinctive trademarks.  In 1976, John moved to New Orleans and immersed himself in that city's vibrant music scene. John regularly played with the likes of Earl King, The Meters, Snooks Eaglin, and the man who was to influence his music greatly, the father of New Orleans piano, Professor Longhair. John successfully combined the sounds of the delta with the syncopated rhythms of the Crescent City to create the style that has become uniquely his own.

Since 1981, he has been touring with his group, the Bluesiana Band, performing throughout the U.S., Canada, Panama, Europe, Australia, and Japan. After the loss of long time friend and band member Jeff Sarli, Mooney has called upon Rene Coman of the Iguanas for Bluesiana Bass rhythms and renowned New Orleans drummer Kevin O'Day to keep the beat. Over the years, John and his band have earned a musical reputation that have gained them invitations to play at numerous folk, jazz, and blues festivals across the globe, including the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Newport Folk Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and a yearly appearance at New Orleans' world renowned Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2000, Mooney released "Gone to Hell," with special guest Dr. John adding some extra spice. The critics welcomed this comeback with open arms and high praise. His newest disc, "Big Ol' Fiya" with special guest Jon Cleary has been a long time coming but Mooney has brought some profound musical styles and songwriting to his signature syncopated delta blues sound. www.johnmooneylive.com

True Man Posse
April 30-Parc Sans Souci
First appearing on the Downtown Alive! almost two decades ago, this South Louisiana Creole Reggae group no longer talks about revolution but of personal issues we all face every day.  Walter Thibeaux, lead guitar, bass, lead vocals and songwriter has been playing music for 20 years.  He has toured across the United States and Europe, as well as Jamaica, with Bob Marley's Wailers while playing with Ras Cloud.  One of the founding members, Terry Broussard, drummer & background vocals has played rhythm and blues with many famous musicians including Gary "Saxman" Brown and Walter "Wolfman" Washington.  Dickie Landry, saxophone/flute has performed hundreds of solo tenor saxophone concerts throughout the world and has performed with Talking Heads, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Clifton Chenier among others.

The Robbie Bush Band
May 7-Parc International
Lafayette's own, Robbie Bush Band is saying good bye to their many fans at this DTA! farewell performance. This 9 piece horn and harmony driven variety dance band has kept Acadiana grooving for over 8 years. The band features strong 4-part vocal harmonies and a killer horn section backed by a tight rhythm section. The band's arrangements are fast moving and innovative. Great medleys blend your favorite songs together for the best dancing and listening experience! From Motown to Manhattan Transfer, Jitterbug to Country, this band rocks, and DTA! is honored to bid them farewell.

Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express
May 14-Parc Sans Souci
Known for his skills on the accordion, Horace Trahan started gathering crowds in the 1990s as a traditional Cajun musician.  He began moving in a new direction in 1999 and decided to break out with his new Zydeco sound.  Horace's soulful voice and accordion mastery can be heard in his music and his most popular songs, "High School Breakdown" and "Butt Thing", which was a hit on pop radio stations across Southwest Louisiana. Horace is backed by the Ossun Express comprised of a seasoned group of players who know south Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco music.

The Iguanas
May 21-Parc International
Hailing from New Orleans, The Iguanas have emerged as one of the most popular bands in one of the world's most musical cities. Recent recipients of 2009 Best of the Beat Awards for Best Country/Folk/Roots Rock Performer, The Iguanas' music courses with the sounds of the Big Easy - Latin shuffles, gritty fun, dark cinematic jazz and Basin Street horns. The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist and accordionist Rod Hodges and Joe Cabral, who alternates between saxophone and a traditional Mexican stringed instrument known as the bajo sexton. The two also share lead vocal duties. The longtime lineup was assembled with bassist Rene Coma anddrummer Doug Garrison. www.iguanas.com

GIVERS
May 28-Parc Sans Souci
GIVERS consists of several musicians from various improvisational groups all centered in southwestern Louisiana who have combined to form one cohesive music making body, creating what they refer to as afro-beat, dancy pants, indie pop, love music.
GIVERS specialize in sounds that gather together melodically and electronically bent forms of african, folk, and pop music, but send them underwater, where they are refracted with light and space, changing the overall shape and texture into something refreshingly new, yet at the same time, familiar.
All natives of southern Louisiana, the members were brought up in a music scene steeped rich in culture, whether it be the cajun or zydeco roots of their hometown, Lafayette, or the funky, dance inducing second line from neighboring New Orleans. Despite the abundance of traditional music surrounding the band, GIVERS have managed to harness a sound of their own, breaking free of tradition, all the while maintaining honesty in their music, which keeps listeners on edge. They have supported such acts as Dirty Projectors, Casper & the Cookies, Everthus the Deadbeats and MyNameIsJohnMichael. Their first full album will be released this spring. www.myspace.com/giversmusic

The Canes
June 4-Parc Sans Souci
When seasoned Louisiana musicians with diverse musical backgrounds come together, The Canes is the result. Their Americana, folk rock and acoustic rhythms offer a unique mix with a Louisiana flare that will have you moving along to the beat.  Musicians include: Seth Touchet (acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica), Larry Amy (bass guitar, vocals) Greg Walls (drums) and Eric Adcock (piano accordion, hammond b-3 organ) and Roddie Romero (slide guitar, guitar, accordion) from the Grammy Nominated Roddie Romero and The Hub City All-Stars. www.myspace.com/thecaneslafayettela

(####)