Lafayette Night at Apollo Theater Fuses Cultures, Ideas
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas Play at the Reception!
Oct. 26, 2013
by Herman Fuselier
The Advertiser
Lafayette Night at the Apollo Theater Saturday was mostly about good music and good food just like all parties here in Lafayette. However, there was some business mixed in among the fun.
An entourage of at least 20 officials, arts supporters and others from Lafayette attended the final night of “James Brown: Get on the Good Foot,” a dance tribute to the Godfather of Soul at the Apollo Theater.
The show, which launched Oct. 17 at Lafayette’s Heymann Performing Arts Center, opened at the Apollo on Tuesday.
Early in the day, the Lafayette group toured the historic Harlem theater, known for showcasing soul, R&B, jazz and hip hop greats.
Following the tour, the Lafayette group and guests including food and travel writers enjoyed a private reception at the Apollo’s Sound Café with food prepared by Lafayette chef Pat Mould with beer courtesy of Bayou Teche Brewing of Arnaudville.
Mould prepared chicken and andouille gumbo, Creole shrimp remoulade, pear and sweet and spicy pecan salad, and Southern pecan pie.
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas played at the reception.
“Not only is this beautiful, but it’s enlightening. It’s a chance to spread our culture, our awareness,” said Dennis Paul Williams, a guitarist with the Zydeco Cha Chas. “I’m happy to be live at the Apollo.”
Tawasky Ventroy of Lafayette, who attended the Harlem reception, said he has supported the “Good Foot” project since the beginning.
“I grew up a James Brown fan,” Ventroy said. “I’m glad to be a part of this. It’s great for Lafayette to host this and be a part of the debut. It’s just been awesome.”
For Joey Durel, Lafayette City Parish President, the trip to the New York gave him an opportunity to combine business with pleasure.
“I’ve been able to kill two birds with one stone,” Durel said. “We walked through Central Park, broadening my horizons, getting ideas of what could be done with our Central Park, the Horse Farm.
“The icing on the cake has been coming to the Apollo and seeing such a historic theater. All I was thinking the whole time, how can we pull off something like this in Lafayette for our artists and musicians?”
Prior to tonight’s performance, Lafayette’s role in helping the production come together was acknowledged by Mikki Shepard, Apollo executive director.
“This project would not have happened without Lafayette, Louisiana,” Shepard said.
Now the production goes on the road and will make stops in Baton Rouge, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Before the Lafayette group headed home, the full day closed with just a little more music and socializing at the after party with music by Burnt Sugar.
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas Play at the Reception!
Oct. 26, 2013
by Herman Fuselier
The Advertiser
 |
A private reception focused on Lafayette was held at the Apollo's Sound Café with music by Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. (Photo credit: Herman Fuselier)
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An entourage of at least 20 officials, arts supporters and others from Lafayette attended the final night of “James Brown: Get on the Good Foot,” a dance tribute to the Godfather of Soul at the Apollo Theater.
The show, which launched Oct. 17 at Lafayette’s Heymann Performing Arts Center, opened at the Apollo on Tuesday.
Early in the day, the Lafayette group toured the historic Harlem theater, known for showcasing soul, R&B, jazz and hip hop greats.
Following the tour, the Lafayette group and guests including food and travel writers enjoyed a private reception at the Apollo’s Sound Café with food prepared by Lafayette chef Pat Mould with beer courtesy of Bayou Teche Brewing of Arnaudville.
Mould prepared chicken and andouille gumbo, Creole shrimp remoulade, pear and sweet and spicy pecan salad, and Southern pecan pie.
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas played at the reception.
“Not only is this beautiful, but it’s enlightening. It’s a chance to spread our culture, our awareness,” said Dennis Paul Williams, a guitarist with the Zydeco Cha Chas. “I’m happy to be live at the Apollo.”
Tawasky Ventroy of Lafayette, who attended the Harlem reception, said he has supported the “Good Foot” project since the beginning.
“I grew up a James Brown fan,” Ventroy said. “I’m glad to be a part of this. It’s great for Lafayette to host this and be a part of the debut. It’s just been awesome.”
For Joey Durel, Lafayette City Parish President, the trip to the New York gave him an opportunity to combine business with pleasure.
“I’ve been able to kill two birds with one stone,” Durel said. “We walked through Central Park, broadening my horizons, getting ideas of what could be done with our Central Park, the Horse Farm.
“The icing on the cake has been coming to the Apollo and seeing such a historic theater. All I was thinking the whole time, how can we pull off something like this in Lafayette for our artists and musicians?”
Prior to tonight’s performance, Lafayette’s role in helping the production come together was acknowledged by Mikki Shepard, Apollo executive director.
“This project would not have happened without Lafayette, Louisiana,” Shepard said.
Now the production goes on the road and will make stops in Baton Rouge, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Before the Lafayette group headed home, the full day closed with just a little more music and socializing at the after party with music by Burnt Sugar.
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