The West Baton Rouge Museum, in collaboration with the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Foundation and WRKF, extends an invitation to all musicians and music enthusiasts to join the inaugural Musicians’ Fête on Thursday, April 18, 2024. This pre-event for the Baton Rouge Blues Fest is free and open to the public, promising a day of celebration and valuable resources.

Festivities commence at noon with a complimentary luncheon catered by Neal’s Soul Food, followed by a variety of activities including impromptu jams, musical sets featuring Steve Riley, engaging speakers, networking opportunities, and a resource fair. Attendees can connect with contacts for potential gigs, legal and insurance advice, business insights, and tax preparedness information. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library will also be present, offering resources for small businesses and musicians, including access to their recording studio.

The highlight of the day is the 6 p.m. live interview/performance between Tulane University Professor of Anthropology and NPR’s American Routes radio host and Executive Producer, Nick Spitzer, and Bluesman and West Baton Rouge native, Lil Ray Neal. Set against the backdrop of the museum’s outdoor Juke Joint Stage, audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and libations to enjoy the show and participate in a cultural and musical conversation about the preservation of the blues tradition in Baton Rouge.

Recognizing the need for resources expressed by local musicians, the Musicians’ Fête aims to provide a space for networking and support. As music, particularly blues, holds a significant place in the region’s cultural heritage, the event aligns with the museum’s mission to preserve and promote this art form and the artists who uphold it.

Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to attend and benefit from the resources and entertainment offered at the first-ever Musicians’ Fête. For more information, contact the West Baton Rouge Museum at (225)336-2422 or email [email protected]. The West Baton Rouge Museum is conveniently located at 845 North Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen, Louisiana, just minutes away from downtown Baton Rouge.