Ashton Dupré to close out festival

Every year, the Boggy Bayou Festival makes a point to showcase local talent. This year is no different.
Ashton Dupre’, local musician, singer, songwriter from Bayou Chicot, will close out this year’s festival as it goes in the record books.
With a couple of new releases under his belt since last festival, Dupre’ is anxious to take the stage this year and close for Glen Templeton.
Since last festival, Dupre’ has released “Last Call,” an original song, and “Alone in a Bar,” which is still number one on the Louisiana Country Music chart.
Last spring, Dupre’ had three new singles released: “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. “Boggy Bayou Festival is my home,” he grins. “It’s where I first got on the stage. I was nervous as heck and forgot many of the words,” he continues. “But, I was hooked,” Dupre’ reminisces about the time years ago at the Boggy Bayou Festival when Mr. Shane West (now deceased) called him up on stage to sing. “Wow, I sure miss that man,” he added in a serious tone. “He really inspired me to do this.”
Dupre’ and his band will take the stage on Saturday, April 6, from 11 p.m -1 a.m.
“I’m very excited to be able to close this year,” he smiles. “This is my hometown festival and my hometown crowd. I’ve been attending this festival my whole life.”
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 smile.
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.”
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 before 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 says 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. “I promise you won’t be disappointed!”