Lake Charles Music Exhibit Is Bringing SWLA History To Life

KNGT | Lake Charles, LA —  There’s just something about music in Southwest Louisiana. It ain’t just background noise around here, it’s part of who we are. From swamp pop playing at family cookouts, to Zydeco squeezing through dance halls, to country music blasting down backroads with the windows down, music has always had a heartbeat in Lake Charles and all across the area.

Now folks are getting a chance to celebrate that rich history in a really cool way.

The Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is bringing back the “Lake Area Music” exhibit, and it sounds like something music lovers around SWLA are gonna wanna check out. The exhibit takes a deep dive into the sounds that helped shape this part of Louisiana. We’re talking Swamp Pop, Zydeco, Cajun, Country, Jazz, and Rock ‘n’ Roll all under one roof.

When is the Musical Exhibit in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

The opening reception is happening Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of Historic City Hall at 1001 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. The event is free and open to the public, which is always nice these days because it feels like everything costs an arm and a leg lately.

They’ll also have light refreshments available, and from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., folks can catch a live performance from Chris Flowers along with some special guests as part of the popular “Wednesday With Friends” series.

If you grew up around here, there’s a good chance this exhibit is gonna bring back memories. Maybe it’s hearing songs your parents used to play. Maybe it reminds you of dancing at festivals, trail rides, or old bars around the lake area. Music around here ain’t just entertainment. It tells the story of our people.

This feels like one of those events where you walk in planning to stay 20 minutes… then next thing you know you’ve been there an hour and a half talking music and telling stories.

And let’s be honest, Southwest Louisiana folks are pretty good at that.