Rockin’ on the River!
October 21, 2023 from 12-8 PM
Rock with us!
A rockin’ gathering of music, food, craft booths, Rockin’ on the river is a multi-genre delight which also provides a platform for artists to showcase their work. We have so much for you to do and plenty of places for you to come, relax, and rock!
Will Dempsey
12:30-2:00
Will Dempsey, the Ama native and resident, released new songs, had a previously released original song go viral and appeared on Access Hollywood and TODAY – where he played on the national television show. His song “Best Parts of Me” rose quickly on iTunes charts, reaching No. 2 on the country chart and No. 5 on the all-genre chart.
Dempsey first became an instant internet sensation in 2019 after his wife Tiffany posted a video on Facebook that showcased Will and their son Weston playing guitar and singing together. The video went viral and launched Will’s pastime of singing into something more.
Brass-a-holics
2:30-4:00
Since 2010, the Brass-a-Holics have been taking their unique sound around the world. Steeped in the deep musical culture of New Orleans, the band brings a heavy dose of go-go funk to the New Orleans brass sound. In a blending of musical cultures stemming from cities separated by more than a thousand miles, a Brass-a-Holics live show takes the New Orleans brass band culture and infuses it with the electricity of Washington D.C.’s go-go. The resulting sound is both captivating and unique. The band consists of core New Orleans brass elements- trumpet, trombone, saxophone- and adds a full drum set, percussion, keyboard, bass an electric guitar, giving the band limitless options to explore new sonic territory. Whether performing their original music or using the framework of hit pop songs as springboards for fiery improvisations, there is something in the set to appeal to every music fan. Once the music starts, the demographics blend and a brand new experience is created- one that leaves one-of-a-kind memories that live on long after the last note.
Amanda Shaw
4:30-6:00
Music has been engrained into Shaw’s world for as long as she can remember. That exposure greatly paid off as the Louisiana-raised musician has carved out her place in Cajun culture, and has become one of the most recognizable brands in Louisiana music. From national appearances on the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, the Today Show’s Roker-thon and the Rosie O’Donnell Show, to a once in lifetime performances with Cyndi Lauper, Shaw’s magnetic presence helped her to build an extraordinary following of fans and supporters. Younger fans look up to Shaw for her pristine fiddling skills and sassy sense of style, while order fans respect her strong work ethic and sincere sensibility, but audiences of all ages agree that Shaw’s musical talent and appealing personality give her a special flair and make her an incredible representative of Louisiana’s melting pot of music.
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
6:30-8:00
Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, nothing short of seismic live “experiences,” and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s best kept secret. No other place could birth such an undeniable, unpredictable, and downright unique collective. Against the backdrop of Crescent City, the group released five fan favorite albums and quietly developed a devout following. Powered by jaw-dropping technical talent and uncontainable energy on stage, their performances have become the stuff of legend. Big Sam ensures you’re not just a part of the crowd, but “a part of the show dancing and singing along.” Beyond standout sets at the likes of Voodoo Music + Experience and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the boys have performed at Bonnaroo, SXSW, and Austin City Limits, to name a few.
FAQs Where? When? Cost?
What are the hours?
On Saturday, the festival and music is from 12-8pm.
Where is Rockin’ on the River held?
The festival is held at the Lafon Arts Center at 275 Judge Edward Dufresne Pkwy. The stage is outdoors to the left of the center under the digital billboard. Our food vendors are in Lafon Arts Center bus circle along with our community booths and children’s activities.
Where will the festival be held if it’s raining?
All festivities will be moved indoors at the Lafon Arts Center.
How much does it cost to attend Rockin’ on the River?
The festival is FREE and there is no cost to attend any of the performances. The only costs are for food, beverage, and merchandise purchases on festival grounds. In order to keep this festival free and open to the public, outside food and beverages are prohibited.
FAQs Parking
Where do I park?
Parking is available at the Lafon Arts Center, next door at R.K. Smith Middle School and the Satellite Center. Parking is also available across the street the Dufresne Community Center.
What does parking cost?
There is no cost to park at the locations listed above.
FAQs Food & Drink
Can I bring my own food or drink?
No outside food or beverages are permitted.
Can I bring my cooler or ice chest?
Rockin’ on the River does not allow coolers, ice chests, or large containers. The free event’s success and continuation relies solely upon beverage/merchandise revenues. Help keep the festival free by purchasing your beverages at the festival!
What food and beverages will be available?
Local food trucks and concessions from our stand will be available for purchase to help support the Lafon Arts Center.
FAQs Items
Does the Festival conduct bag checks?
To provide a safer environment for the public, festival organizers implement bag checks. Attendees should anticipate bag checks at all major sites and stages. Rockin’ on the River will enforce a ban on weapons, drugs, pets, glass bottles and outside beverages. We strongly encourage festival-goers to not bring these items in order to access all areas of the event.
What items are not allowed to the festival?
- Glass bottles and containers
- Weapons
- Drugs
- Pets
- Fireworks
- Professional radios or walkie-talkies
- Bicycles & 4-wheelers
- Soliciting or vending unless previously authorized
- Tents or sun shades
- Drones
- Pets, with the exception of service animals
What happens if festival-goers show up at the gate with a prohibited item?
The attendee will have the option of discarding or surrendering the prohibited item or the attendee can secure the item at a location of their choosing (car, hotel room, etc.). Surrendered items cannot be returned, items will be forfeited.
Restrooms
Are there restrooms available?
Restrooms will be available in our indoor lobby area. The restrooms are sanitized frequently throughout the event.
Other Regulations
Where will the festival be held if it’s raining?
All festivities will be moved indoors at the Lafon Arts Center.
Note:
Failure to comply with all Lafon Arts Center House Rules will result in expulsion from the event.