(Long Beach, CA) – The Long Beach Bayou Festival is back Sat-Sun June 24-25, 2017 at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach (400 E. Shoreline Dr.) with its Mardi Gras atmosphere – including Cajun/Creole food, a French Quarter Marketplace, kid’s activities and the best in Blues, Jazz, Cajun and Zydeco music. Hours are 11am-9pm, Saturday and 11am-7pm Sunday. Known for top-notch artists in Blues, Cajun and Zydeco, the festival features simultaneous stages of music.
Highlights include blues guitarist Bernie Pearl, Jimbo Ross (Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin), the captivating and energetic Café R&B, Grammy-winning Pine Leaf Boys, popular Zydeco band Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers, and the amazing Jumpin’ Jack Benny Band with its mix of blues, soul, and funk.
As always, the large shaded wooden dance floor will be filled all weekend long. The easy dance instruction for all ages is always a popular feature, so even the most inexperienced dancers can join in on the fun.
Cajun/Zydeco Stage:
Dennis G & the Zydeco Trail Riders
Grammy winners, The Pine Leaf Boys
Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers
Mark St Mary Blues & Zydeco Band
T Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
Bonne Musique Zydeco and more!
New Orleans Stage:
Bernie Pearl
Whiteboy James
Jimbo Ross & the Bodacious Band
Café R&B
Seville and Company
Jumpin’ Jack Benny Band
Louie Cruz Beltran & more!
Popular festival traditions continue with a colorful costumed Mardi Gras parade led each day by the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band, and a delectable French Quarter marketplace with gumbo, crawfish Etouffee, jambalaya, hush puppies and other Cajun and Creole delights, plus coffees and desserts such as sweet potato pie, beignets and an array of cobblers. The popular crawfish and watermelon eating contests also return this year.
Children of all ages appreciate the Kids Corner featuring storytelling, sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, magic, and costume and mask making for the Mardi Gras Parade. The Kids Corner also features kids shows and games and activities for older kids are also featured.
Tickets: Adults: $25/day-advance, $30/day-gate; Seniors (60+) and Students (18+): $20/advance, $30 at the gate, Children 12 & under: free. Active Duty, Retired and Reservists of the Military: free with current, valid Military ID.
Rainbow Lagoon Park is located on the North side of Shoreline Drive, between Shoreline Village Drive and Linden Avenue. Parking is available on the Marina Green Lot across from Rainbow Lagoon Park.
The event is presented by Benoit Entertainment Group. A portion of the profits will benefit LALA (Louisiana to Los Angeles), a non-profit organization which raises educational funds for local youth to attend college.
Info and tickets on the web or call: 562-912-4451.
