Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms with the Jimmy C Newman Tribute Farewell Alligator Man
Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette, La
With Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, and Doug Kershaw Hosted by Joel Savoy
Joined by Caleb Klauder (Mandolin, Guitar, and Vocal), Reeb Willms (Guitar and Vocal), Rusty Blake (Pedal Steel and Guitar), Matt Meyer (Drums), and local musicians Kelli Jones (Fiddle, Guitar and Vocal), Gary Newman (Bass), Chris Stafford (Piano and Guitar), and Jesse Lége (Accordion). There was a time in south Louisiana that the name Jimmy C Newman was spoken with an almost god-like reverence- a young singer from Mamou had made it to the big time and the locals could not have been more proud to tell folks that the C stood for Cajun. Jimmy’s career endured a lifetime, performing on the Grand Ole Opry for 58 years until just before his death in 2014, giving one of his very last performances to Louisiana Crossroads as part of Joel Savoy’s Honky Tonk Merry-Go-Round in 2013. Coming together again to celebrate his legacy is group of friends from very different roots music regions from across the United States that discovered this music individually and built a relationship on a mutual affection for these early country songs. Host Joel Savoy is joined by Caleb Klauder (Mandolin, Guitar, and Vocal), Reeb Willms (Guitar and Vocal), Rusty Blake (Pedal Steel and Guitar), Matt Meyer (Drums), and local musicians Kelli Jones (Fiddle, Guitar and Vocal), Gary Newman (Bass), Chris Stafford (Piano and Guitar), and Jesse Lége (Accordion) for a sentimental evening honoring a Louisiana Legend.