Special to The Leader

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Here in Southwest Louisiana, we have a big appetite for good eats and good music, which is why Lake Charles is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival to be held on Saturday, June 25, inside the Exhibition Hall at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

This family affair, complete with marketplace vendors, offers arts and crafts for all ages and live Jazz music, accompanied by the finest cooking from your favorite food trucks in Southwest Louisiana.

Admission is only $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.

Festival sponsor Rikenjaks Brewing Company will host a Media Night on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. that is open to the public and features the musical talent of local legendary pianist, Chester Daigle and his son, Jairus Daigle, jazz violinist.

The festival will be followed by a special VIP event, “Jazz After Dark,” with musical performances by two time Grammy finalist Mickey Smith Jr., the renowned David L. Harris Quartet, headliner Jeremy Benoit and more.

Rikenjaks Brewing Company will host an After Party following “Jazz After Dark”. Be sure to keep your “Jazz After Dark” ticket stubs – they’ll provide free admission to Rikenjaks After Party featuring Psycadelic Swamp Funk band, The Iceman Special, coming from New Orleans to groove with you! You won’t want to miss these two “sure to please” events!

“The Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Fest is fast becoming a respected hub for the gathering place for great local and renowned artists, paying respect to all the many branches and legacies of jazz. This is definitely the place to go if you are either completely inexperienced with jazz and want to learn more, or if you’re a seasoned expert. There is something for everyone!” said festival co-director, Shari Davis.

Join the fun and excitement at the Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival, to enjoy our unique and diverse cultures. “Let’s awaken a love for the evolving Jazz genre, including blues (the foundation of Jazz), modern or smooth jazz, jazz funk, the speedy, hard-hitting rhythms of be-bop, and the earthy vibes of soul jazz,” said Davis.

For more info on the Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival, visit our website at www.swlashrimpNjazzfest.com or contact Shari Davis at (337) 309-2712.