Downtown West Monroe returns with another free, outdoor concert. August's concert is a tribute show to West Monroe native, Webb Pierce. Pierce was a popular honky-tonk vocalist, songwriter and guitarist in the 1950s.
Pierce will also be honored with a marker on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail. The NELA Music Trail project was founded to celebrate and recognize local musical heritage in Northeast Louisiana. The unveiling of the sign will take place on Friday, August 26 at 6 p.m. at the flower sculpture parking lot, located at 120 Trenton Street. Doyle Jeter, founder of Northeast Louisiana Music Trail, said, "It's not all about the huge stars. It's about regional or local people who are well known in our area, if not regionally and nationally as well. We want to honor our local and regional people."
Ouachita Live began in March and will continue through October. Each concert will be on the last Friday of the month. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will last through 9 p.m. at Alley Park.
Pierce got his start to fame when 4 Star Records signed him in 1949 then went on to sign with Decca Records in 1951.
After his death in 1991, Pierce received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001 and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Adrienne LaFrance-Wells said, "We will be doing an all-star tribute to Webb Pierce." The concert will feature The Monty Russell Trio and surprise guests.
The open container has been lifted in the downtown district. Therefore, various restaurants in the downtown area will provide alcohol for guests to purchase. There will also be food trucks and snowball trucks available.
People are asked not to smoke or bring glass into the park.
Attendants are encouraged to bring a chair to enjoy the show.
