DERIDDER—The crowd gathered in the Amerisafe Pavilion at DeRidder’s first annual “Downtown at Sundown” concert series Thursday night. Rain drizzled and the air was seasonably cool as the band warmed up and began to play.

The first group to appear in what will be three concert series, Grabow Riot was formed to provide entertainment for residents of local nursing homes but has also played for churches and various festivals.  Dressed in denim and cowboy hats, band members Michael Luttrell, Mark Luttrell, Bobby Brown, Wilfred Luttrell and James Bailey chatted with the audience and waved to children, setting the mood of merriment and good-natured familiarity that can only be found in small towns in the South.

As dance classes and businesses closed for the evening, the group grew to a healthy crowd.

In addition to the music, downtown stores posted longer business hours to allow participants to move along Washington and First streets and shop at their leisure.

Jouban’s on Washington Street stayed open until seven. 

“This is an excellent idea,” said Francis Jouban. “It’s great. We’re excited to help support any event that helps to bring exposure to the downtown area.”

 
Real Art DeRidder (RAD), the city’s new artist co-operative, also extended business hours to accommodate event goers.

For the first “Downtown at Sundown,” RAD offered chocolate cake, chips and salsa along with an array of art on display, created by area artists.

Misty Clanton, City Project Coordinator, handed out popcorn in the back corner of the pavilion.

Children still dressed in pink tutus and leotards skipped up to get bags of it, and cans of soda.

“Considering the weather, we had a great turnout,” said Clanton. “I’m looking forward to the next two series.”

The concert series will continue every Thursday night through Nov. 5; the series is leading to DeRidder’s food festival “La Cuisine de Beauregard,” which will be held on Nov. 14 beginning at 11 a.m. in the downtown area. The food festival will highlight ten different ethnic cuisines, from Lebanese to Cajun.

For more information on “Downtown at Sundown” or “La Cuisine de Beauregard” contact City Hall at (337) 462-8900.