This year, Boggy Bayou has one of its own to headline.
With three new singles released since last spring, Ashton Dupre and The Last Call Band will headline next weekend’s Boggy Bayou Festival in Pine Prairie. Those singles are: When She Drinks My Whiskey, Redneck Side, and Don’t Wait Up.
A graduate of Pine Prairie High School, Dupre’ is one of Boggy Bayou Festival’s favorite all-time entertainers.
Dupre’ and his band will take the stage on Saturday, April 7, from 10:30-12:30 a.m. He and friends will do an hour-long show earlier that evening from 7-8 p.m.
“I’m very excited to be able to headline this year,” he smiles. “This is my hometown festival and my hometown crowd. I’ve been attending this festival my whole life and I’ve always dreamed of headlining,” he adds. “This festival means so much to me. It’s an honor to be able to headline.”
The son of Tony and Roxanne Dupre of Bayou Chicot, he comes from a family of musicians and singers. His brother, James, who now resides in Nashville, TN, has been featured many times at the festival and also was featured on the popular television show, The Voice. Ashton’s brother, Jake, also sings and so does his younger sister, Elizabeth.
“We all love singing together,” Dupre’ adds with a grin.
Not only does the local band play at the festival in Pine Prairie each year, they also have played a number of events including Ville Platte’s Smoked Meats Festival, the Louisiana Cotton Festival, opened for William Michael Morgan at River Ranch last fall, played at Cowboy’s Night Club, Drouet Park in Turkey Creek, and was featured in a Swamp ‘n Roll show.
His passion for music was developed at an early age. He began performing on stage a number of years ago but vividly recalls, “I was very nervous when I first began. I kept on because I love it so much.” In fact, Dupre’s first time to sing on Boggy Bayou’s stage was a number of years ago with the late Shane West. “I love that man,” he says seriously. “He called me up on stage to sing with him. I was so nervous, I forgot the words,” he smiles as he reminisced. “But finally, my nerves got better.”
The paramedic with Acadian Ambulance Services, Dupre’ is always “fired up” when playing for his hometown crowd. “It’s something my band and I look forward to. We will be able to see our hometown people come together. We will have fun entertaining them and get to hang out with them after the show. We get to see people we haven’t seen in a while.
“Besides,” he admits, “It’s for an amazing cause - our nursing home.” Dupre’ recalls when his own grandfather lived in the nursing home. “It’s wonderful to help out,” he admits. “That’s what this festival is all about and that, in itself, makes it even more special to me.”
The singer is quick to point out that he would not be so successful without the members of his band. “We work hard to put together a show that I know everyone will enjoy. Just come on out and support us,” he concludes.
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BERNICE ARDOIN