Downtown Alive will be virtual again this spring.
"To ensure the safety of the community, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited will host the 38th season of Downtown Alive! virtually," a release from organizers says. "This 3-part series, presented by Evangeline Maid, will begin in March and take place on the third Friday of each month. Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and led by Herman Fuselier of KRVS’ Zydeco Stomp, each DTA! show will highlight Downtown venues and homegrown, world-renowned artists while providing an intimate opportunity to celebrate live, local music."
To watch, you can see the shows live-streaming on the DTA! Facebook page, with concerts beginning at 6 pm. Viewers can watch the virtual live performances by tuning in to or attending watch parties at participating Downtown Lafayette locations.
The season will kick off on Friday, March 19, with a Downtown Alive! newcomer — Lafayette’s own Cupid, who shuffled his way into the hearts of millions with the up-tempo party song “Cupid Shuffle.” While his music has filled many a wedding reception and cruise ship onboarding, new singles like “Crawfish” and “Flex” have solidified Cupid as a household name. With a full discography that’s a melting pot of bluesy soul, gospel, rock, and hip-hop, Cupid has a portfolio that impresses and is sure to get viewers on their feet.
St. Martin Parish is well represented in the second DTA! show on Friday, April 16, with the Grammy-nominated group Sweet Cecilia. The Americana trio dazzles audiences with rock, folk, and Cajun-influenced songs while never running short on tales or charm. It’s truly never a dull moment with this all-female family affair, composed of sisters Laura Berard Huval, Maegen Berard Rankin, and cousin Callie Guidry.
Abbeville meets Erath in the dynamic Grammy-nominated duo of Eric Adcock & Michael Juan Nunez for the final Spring DTA! Show on Friday, May 21. Adcock is a Louisiana Roots / Rhythm & Blues pianist and songwriter who funnels inspiration he receives from living in South Louisiana into his songwriting and performances. Nunez, a singer-guitarist-songwriter, is known for music that taps into the heart of southern American culture. The two have been friends and musical collaborators for decades — consider this show Vermilion Parish’s own “Storytellers” episode.
“Downtown Alive! is so special to our team — and Acadiana as a whole — for so many reasons,” said Anita Begnaud, CEO of Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, the non-profit organization that produces Downtown Alive! “This 38-year tradition has stayed alive because you can’t separate Downtown Lafayette from music and culture. We are proud to provide audiences with live, local music — and his storytelling series will show you a side you’ve never seen of artists you love.”
She continued, “We’ve been doing this a long time, and we’re excited to continue this in any way we can. We are so grateful for all of the support we have received from our Acadiana community — especially from our sponsors, some of which have kept DTA! alive for decades.”
Downtown Alive! would not be possible without the support of its sponsors, especially 2021 presenting sponsor Evangeline Maid; venue hosts Parish Ink, Dwyer’s Cafe, and Beausoleil Books; and watch party location sponsors Central Pizza and Tula Tacos.
Companies and organizations like Super 1 Foods, Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Victor Ashy have also come together to produce this season of Downtown Alive!
“After more than 100 years of serving Acadiana, one thing the Evangeline Maid family is sure of is that we need music now, more than ever,” said John Steed, Senior VP of Flowers Foods. “ I am so proud of Downtown Alive! for continuing to navigate this virtual arena, ensuring that we remain connected to one another and energized by this display of local talent. So tune in while enjoying your favorite Evangeline Maid recipes, and join us from near, far, or wherever you are!”
“Downtown Alive! has provided family-friendly entertainment, along with a dash of culture, for nearly 40 years,” said Begnaud. “We’re going to keep this beloved tradition going in any format we can — because that’s how we keep the music alive for the next 40 years and beyond. We can’t — and won’t — stop.”
You can support DTA! by tuning in to each Friday night show.
Learn more about Downtown Alive! and this season’s artists by visiting www.downtownlafayette.org/downtown-alive. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamie Hebert, Director of Programming & Engagement, at jamie@downtownlafayette.org. Spring 2021 DTA! Virtual Concert Lineup All shows stream live on the Downtown Alive! Facebook page beginning at 6 pm.
Friday, March 19 Cupid (Rhythm & Blues)
Friday, April 16 Sweet Cecilia (Americana)
Friday, May 21 Eric Adcock & Michael Juan Nunez (Funk & Soul)
