A Hidden Gem: The Abita Springs Opry

Last Saturday, my wife and I along with M.D. and Marijane Whitfield left Clinton headed south.  Our destination was the Covington/Abita Springs area.  The ultimate purpose of our journey was to see and hear the Abita Springs Opry.  Abita Springs is right beside Covington, LA on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and right across the lake from New Orleans.  For those in search of day trip or an overnight stay in the New Orleans area before the heat and humidity of summer completely sets in, I would recommend a fun trip to the Abita Springs Opry.

Abita Springs Town Hall, hoe of the Abita Springs Opry

The show is held in the Abita Springs Town Hall.  The old town hall is set up to hold about 400 people in white plastic folding chairs.  There is a "concession stand" behind and to the side of the stage that serves soft drinks, water, gumbo and what I am told  is an amazing bread pudding.  If you eat before going to the Abita Springs Opry, save room for the bread pudding.

The Opry starts promptly at 7pm and ends promptly at 9pm.  I think there is a broadcast of some sort that is involved with the Opry and that is why it is on such a strict schedule.  Each band will play between 5 - 7 songs and you will get a good taste of their style, talent and music.  On the night that we went the show it ended with three strong groups.  Perhaps the one with the most personality was a group called Chrispin Schroeder who was lead by a local pastor named none other than Chrispin Schroeder.  The next group, The Deslondes was kind of like a modern day "'O Brother Where Art Thou".  They fused New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, Country and a twist of Jazz and Gospel.  The last and perhaps most talented group was Tuba Skinny.  who played a traditional bluesy New Orelans Jazz with a wonderful trumpet and clarinet as well as a talented vocalist.

The Deslondes

The term "Opry" is often linked to the Grand Ole Opry and country music.  That is not the case with the Abita Springs Opry.   The Abita Springs Opry hosts "Louisiana Roots Music" which can be anything from bluegrass, jazz,  zydeco, gospel or busker (New Orleans street performer) music.

I would give the Abita Springs Opry a big thumbs up and recommend it to anyone.  If you like live music then you will really enjoy the Opry.  The next and last performance of the Opry before Fall 2016 is May 21st.  It would be wise to buy tickets in advance.  Tickets are $18 each and the contact number for the Opry is 985-892-0711.  Make sure and check out the website of the Abita Springs Opry for more information: http://www.abitaopry.org/index.html