Dear Editor:
Swamp Pop Reunion XVII was one of the best ever! On behalf of the Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum, we would like to express sincere thanks to all who helped to make this very special event another tremendous success.
We owe a debt of gratitude to so many people who worked tirelessly, but we would especially like to express our sincere thanks to Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams, the Ville Platte City Council, and City Clerk/Treasurer Donald Bergeron for their continuing promotion of Ville Platte as “The Swamp Pop Capital of the World”! Putting on this event would have been extremely difficult without the help provided by the dedicated workers of the city. Special thanks are especially extended to Don White, Director of Public Works; Michael Doucet and Chris Slaughter, Civic Center; and Terry Wilson, Superintendent of the M. L. King Center and his workers for their tireless efforts; and to all of the City workers who hauled tables and chairs and assisted in so many other ways. Thanks to Ville Fire Chief Chris Soileau for arranging for a firetruck to be on standby during the event, and to Police Chief Al Perry Thomas and City Marshal Nicole Snoddy for providing on-site security. Thanks are also extended to the wonderful city hall workers who sold tickets, fielded telephone calls, handled mail, and answered questions. All of your help was tremendously appreciated!
We are also grateful to the following for the important contributions they gave in making the Swamp Pop Reunion such a success:
- The “Cypress” Band with Willie Tee, who provided the very best in Swamp Pop music!
- The “Swamp Pop Legends” who gave their time and shared their talent with the hundreds of Swamp Pop fans who attended: Johnnie Allan, Lynn August, Donald “Tet Dur” Babin, Arthur Broussard, Grace Broussard, Roy Chaffin, Junior Dugas, Jivin’ Gene, T. K. Hulin, Christopher John aka “Frog”, Charles Mann, Ken Marvel, Bert Miller, Rene Prejean, Don Rich, Brandy Roberts, Earl Seaux, Gary “Deuce of Hearts” Thibodeaux, Kenny Tibbs, Ryan Vanicor, and Prince Charles Veillon.
- The several guest musicians who sat in with the band, simply because they love to play Swamp Pop music: Earl Taylor; Mike Pollard; Nelton Rodrigue, and Gene Romero.
- The corporate sponsors who donated generously to make the event possible: Cabot; CLECO; Evangeline Bank; Evangeline Tourism; JD Bank; and media partners, KVPI; The Ville Platte Gazette; and the “Bonnes Nouvelles”!
- John Deville, owner of Cajun Catfish Steakhouse and Buffet, and his staff for funding and providing the gumbo and boudin sold at the event as well for catering the hospitality room for the Swamp Pop performers and their guests.
- The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #632 and AVVA Associates who ran the bar, served gumbo, and sold drink and gumbo/boudin tickets. We truly couldn’t have done it without all of YOU!
- The many community-minded volunteers who manned the door, sold tee shirts, and took care of the many thankless tasks that needed to be done. THANK YOU!
- Many local individuals and businesses which made important contributions: KVPI Radio; Champagne’s Super Market; Te Boy’s Slaughter House; Evangeline Parish School Board; Heritage Manor; Evangeline Chamber of Commerce; Mikey’s Donuts; and Floyd’s Record Shop.
- Items for the live auction were provided by Mike Fontenot and Flat Town Music Company.
- Door prize donors: Jack Miller’s Food Products; Camp Dog Seasoning; Kary’s Roux and Products; Papa Gator’s Cajun Seasoning; and Slap Ya Mama.
- The Catholic Daughters of America who provided delicious refreshments for the Swamp Pop Soirée for the performers and their guests and graciously served as hostesses for the event.
- Special thanks to the Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum staff Nancy Duplechain and Ray Duplechain for sharing their knowledge of Swamp Pop music with the many visitors to the Museum that day! You are appreciated!
- And, finally, thanks to the hundreds of people who travelled from all areas of Louisiana plus surrounding states to enjoy their favorite Swamp Pop music and our very special Ville Platte hospitality and food. We sincerely appreciate you!
Ville Platte is legislatively designated as “The Swamp Pop Capital of The World” because Swamp Pop music was born right here on the prairies and bayous of Louisiana almost 70 years ago! Judging by the large and enthusiastic crowd that attended the 17th Annual Swamp Pop Reunion, hopefully this special genre of music will continue to be played and enjoyed for many more years! Thanks again to everyone who made this year’s event such a tremendous success!!!
We look forward to Swamp Pop Reunion XVIII in 2024!
Sincerely,
Sharon Fontenot, Curator
Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum
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