Friday, June 28, Ouachita Live in Downtown West Monroe presents Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots.
Ouachita Live is a free outdoor concert series held in Downtown West Monroe's Alley Park that takes place the last Friday of the month from March through October.
Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, a native of New Orleans and former NFL player, will bring zydeco with a twist to Northeast Louisiana as his music includes influences of Blues and African-Rhythm, creating a unique experience for audiences. He has traveled to over 50 counties playing in his own style which he calls Afro-Louisiana music incorporating Blues, Zydeco, Gospel, Caribbean and African influenced melodies and rhythms. He is a multi- instrumentalist , master accordion and harmonica player as well as piano, rubboard, talking drum, and dejembe. Barnes is also a member of the Paul Simon band.
In addition to his musical talents Barnes is deeply involved in parade culture throughout New Orleans holding the title of Big Chief of the North Side Skull and Bone Gang. Sunpie is also a member of the second line parading organization Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
Adrienne LaFrance-Wells of Downtown West Monroe tells listeners why they don't want to miss this show, stating," Sunpie is a true renaissance man, a storyteller and has put zydeco on stagers around the world, and you don't want to miss this man on the Ouachita Live stage."
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.
For more events presented by Ouachita Live or a line up of other featured performances, such as evocative singer-songwriter, Dylan LeBlanc on July 26, visit Ouachita Live on Facebook.com.
