The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana area is proud to host the opening ceremonies for the Great Acadian Awakening 2015. The event will kick-off with a welcome by a variety of dignitaries and local school performances, followed by live music performances by Cajun and Zydeco bands, includingSweet Crude, Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush, and 2015 Grammy-Award Winner Jo-El Sonnier! Be sure to stop by the local food and art vendors that will also be present at this cultural event. Come out for an afternoon filled with live music, great Cajun food, cultural experiences, and great entertainment! Check back for a complete schedule of events!

Event Timeline:

• 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM   
• Historical Significance of Acadian Deportation (Presentation by Warren Perrin) Lake Charles Civic Center, Jean Lafitte Room
• Genealogical Library Research Stations
• Family Table Top Displays
• 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM       
• Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys, Lake Charles Civic Center Buccaneer Room
• CFMA Youth Band & Cajun Dance Lessons            
• Cajun Arts & Crafts   
• Sign up for Cajun French Lessons
• Learn about CFMA
• 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Opening Ceremonies, Lake Charles Civic Center, Exhibition Hall
• 3:00 – 8:00 PM: Art Vendor & Food Booths Open
• 3:30 – 5:00 PM: Sweet Crude
• 5:15 – 6:45 PM: Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush
• 7:00 – 8:30 PM: Grammy-winner Jo-El Sonnier
• 8:30 PM: Event Ends