Lafayette Named One of South’s Best Music Towns

(KMDL-FM) The publication Garden&Gun has published a list of what their readers and editors believe are the South's best music towns. The first city mentioned in the article, not a surprise, is Lafayette, Louisiana.

To be honest, the article tends to lump all of Acadiana and some of our memorable musical hot spots into the "Lafayette Bucket," but we know what they mean. The article describes at length the musical choices that Lafayette and the surrounding area offer.

Why Is Lafayette and Acadiana's Music Scene so Unique?

If you're a fan of Zydeco, look a little to the north of town toward Opelousas and Lawtell, and you can find a Zydeco band or twenty in that neck of the woods. And they are all excellent, especially if the last name Carrier is in the mix.

READ MORE: Here's How the Zydeco Breakfast Got Its Start

For Cajun music, it's not that far to Fred's in Mamou, is it? The Garden&Gun article specifically mentions Fred's and the Savoy Music Center in Eunice as great places for great music and a heaping helping of South Louisiana culture.

For an eclectic mix of blues, swamp pop, Cajun, rock and roll, and even a few jazz chords thrown in for good measure, Garden&Gun suggests a visit to the Blue Moon Saloon.

Why Lafayette and Acadiana's Music Scene is Different From New Orleans

Needless to say, the article leaves more than a few venues, acts, performers, and musical styles out, but that is a testament to Lafayette and the Acadiana music scene. We're not tourist trendy like many of the musical acts you'll find in the French Market and French Quarter of New Orleans.

Our musicians are authentic; they play with passion, and yes, they do not get compensated the way they should; that's why you should always tip the band. And be grateful that the band you're dancing to is in Lafayette or South Louisiana because if you were anywhere else, you'd be, to quote another Lafayette musical favorite, Cupid, walkin by yourself.