The brightness of the Christmas lights on the downtown Natchitoches riverbank, may be eclipsed by the dazzling stars performing at “A Rockin’ Louisiana Christmas” Dec. 21 at the Events Center. The concert is a benefit presented by the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and the James Burton Foundation.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner James Burton tops the bill and will be joined by his band mate from Elvis Presley’s TCB band, Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations. Grammy Winning Cajun-Zydeco legends Wayne Toups and Jo El Sonnier will perform with Natchitoches’ own Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.
“This will be an incredible night of music, both holiday and otherwise”, said Rodney Harrington, lead singer of the Moondogs and Chairman of the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, said, “History will be made in Natchitoches.”
Sonnier said he’s looking forward to interacting with other artists. “I’m always thrilled to perform with James”, he said, “And now I get to play with another member of Elivs’ band, Estelle Brown, and also with my old friends Wayne Toups and The Moondogs. It’s going to be amazing!”
Toups said he expects lots of surprises at the show. “Man, you get that many talented people together, there’s no telling what’s gonna happen. Natchitoches ain’t never seen nothin’ like this.”
“When you think of Christmas in Louisiana, you think of Natchitoches,” Burton said. “I mean, they don’t call it the City of Lights for nothing. I’m so proud and honored that these talented artists agreed to come together to support my foundation and the Natchitoches Jazz Fest.”
Brown said fans can expect to hear some Elvis Christmas songs.
“Elvis loved Christmas and loved performing Christmas songs,” she said, “I’m blessed to be performing some of them with The Moondogs and the other amazing artists.”
Proceeds will benefit the James Burton Foundation (which provides musical instruments for kids in schools and hospitals) and the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students with IDs, and active duty military. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at area banks.
