Abita Springs Opry to close season with newbies and old favorites

The Opry folks in Abita Springs say the final show of this spring season on May 18 is not one to miss, starting with homemade food in the yard and musicians on the front porch acting up as they tune up for the show’s 7 p.m. start.

The show will appropriately kick off with the Steve Anderson Band — the Abita Opry’s No. 1 house band and fan favorite — picking and playing traditional old-time country music to thrill the hearts of traditional music-lovers. Anderson and his group perform songs originally done by some of the greats, including Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, and Anderson’s Opry friends and fans are adamant that no one better delivers these beloved old classics. 

The night’s second set is slated to feature the bluegrass and country music of the River City Boys, a Baton Rouge area band making its debut at the Abita Opry. And the show’s producers seem certain that River City’s music and energetic performance will make them some new fans in the Opry crowd.

The schedule has the Zac Maris Band up next. Led by the man with the same name, Abita Springs resident Zac Maris sings some duets with the sweet-voiced Genevieve Ducros, as well as a mix of traditional and cover songs with the other musicians who join them.

The May 18 show is set to close with the big sounds of the Bayou Liberty Jazz Band, a very well-seasoned traditional New Orleans Jazz band that plays all the old jazz numbers so many people have heard all their lives. Living history and musical history in one act.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Musicians start gathering on the porch around 5 p.m., and nonprofits on-site will sell gumbo, hot dogs, drinks and homemade sweets. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. All seats reserved, $20. For ticket info, call (504) 214-7777