OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Cory Ledet, Nathan Williams and Anthony Dopsie are just a few of the artists making their way to Arpeggios to headline a fundraising concert that aims to restore the historic Slim's Y Ki-Ki Dance Hall.

Rod Sias with the Zydeco Preservation Society said they have received grant funding to go towards the building, and the fundraiser will ensure everything, from the floors to the paint and the iconic stage, can be brought back to life.

This fundraiser will also be used to honor the King of Zydeco on his 100th birthday.

"We are raising money for a bronze statue to honor the King of Zydeco," Sias said. "It's critical that we recognize Clifton Shamir in his 100th centennial birth because there is no zydeco without Clifton Chenier."

Given Chenier's achievements, including the Grammy lifetime achievement award, and his contributions to the history of the Zydeco Genre, Sias said recognizing Chenier with the funds for a statue at an event that will also be headlined by his son Clifton, is just as important as bringing Slim's Y-Ki-Ki back to life.

"He's one of probably one of the most decorated musicians to ever come out of Opelousas in particular, and Louisiana in general," Sias said. "He went all around the world, but he was never really recognized in Louisiana until late in his career. And so, this is our way of giving back and saying, hey, you know what? We appreciate everything you've done. This is one of our own, and we're going to honor him."

Arpeggios is located at 204 N. Main street in Opelousas. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and music starts at 6 p.m.

Latest Posts