Sings & Strings Jam Fest rocks Sunday in Garyville
Published 12:24 am Wednesday, May 15, 2019
LAPLACE — After rescheduling for inclement weather last month, Sings & Strings Jam Fest organizer Peyton Falgoust is proud to say the annual event is returning to the historic streets of Garyville this weekend.
Musicians of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are invited to gather in harmony and learn from each other from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the Timbermill Museum and surrounding historic structures.
Jubilant music, food, crafts and family fun highlight the sixth annual Sings & Strings Jam Fest to promote historic preservation and community goodwill.
New Orleans Saints Superfan Abdul D. Tentmakur, Tigerland band Last Call, up-and-coming country artist Jordan Babin and former America’s Got Talent competitor “Voice of Sinatra” Paul Salos are among those slated to perform.
According to Falgoust, 100 percent of proceeds from a lunchtime cook-off will be donated to 9-year-old Maddox Louque’s battle against kidney cancer.
Maddox, of Paulina, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2016 when doctors identified a stage 4 Wilms tumor. Maddox endured chemotherapy and radiation for 20 months of remission before his cancer returned last year.
“Maddox had his last chemo treatment, and we’re hoping he can make the fest this year,” Falgoust said. “Last time we did this, he was still in Texas, battling, but now he’s actually home, so it’s a little bit sweeter this time.”
The chef’s cook-off takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets to sample entry dishes may be purchased at the gate.
Organizer Tiffanie Poche said there’s no fee to enter the competition, which features awards for soup, appetizer and seafood or meat gumbo categories.
Call Poche at 225-290-3660 or April St. Pierre at 225-313-5954 for a cook-off entry form.
A 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m. Those interested can obtain a $25 registration form by contacting Jade or Candace McGaff Falgoust at 504-782-5385.
Call Tina Guidry at 985-703-1531 to reserve an arts/crafts booth.
General admission to Sings & Strings Jam Fest is $5, though children under 12 accompanied by an adult and all musicians get in free.
Falgoust said everyone is a headliner at Sings and Strings, and no experience is required to jam with new friends.
“The whole purpose of the festival is to give people the confidence they need to play with others, learn something new, meet new people and grow as a musician,” Falgoust said in a press release. “I recommend people that don’t even know how to play music to bring an instrument because you will go home having learned something new. I guarantee it.”
Musicians are not required to register for the event; however, those interested in performing are encouraged to call Falgoust at 985-233-0168 and register at form.jotform.com/90216020598150.
Sings & Strings Jam Fest has raised approximately $85,000 for the historic preservation of Garyville since its 2014 inception, according to board president Michael Coburn.
Proceeds have funded extensive interior and exterior renovations and repairs to the Garyville Timbermill Museum.
Board members recently installed picket fencing around the perimeter, Falgoust said.
For more information, contact Falgoust at 985-233-0168.