Louisiana Crossroads: John Boutté
On Sundays, as the red beans were soaking for Monday’s dinner, John Boutté was awakened by the sounds of his New Orleans neighborhood. Voices carried over the fence from the church behind his home in the Seventh Ward, the home where he grew up, where most of his Creole family still lives and sings. Past the front yard, second-line parades rolled by, matching the madness of Carnival season and the transcendent joy of the jazz funeral. This roux of influences created John Boutte, and serves him to this day.
His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, and Donny Hathaway, as well as local legends like Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and James Booker, introduced to him by his sister, Lillian Boutté, a renowned gospel singer. His song “Treme Song” became the theme for HBO’s Treme, in which he also made several appearances.
John Boutté is celebrated for his soulful, genre-blending vocal style, which fuses jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. He’s known for emotionally rich performances that reflect the spirit and struggles of New Orleans. His work has inspired a new generation of musicians and helped preserve the city’s musical heritage.
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FROM THE AIRPORT
After leaving the Lafayette Regional Airport, drive towards University Avenue to head into Downtown Lafayette by way of Johnston and then Jefferson Street.
FROM I-10
Take Exit 101 onto North University Avenue and follow the signs to Downtown Lafayette.
FROM Interstate-49
Interstate 49 becomes the Evangeline Thruway as you enter Lafayette. Take a right off of Evangeline Thruway onto Jefferson Boulevard.
FROM Highway 90
Highway 90 becomes the Evangeline Thruway as you enter Lafayette. Take a left off of Evangeline Thruway onto Jefferson Boulevard.
STREET PARKING
Downtown Lafayette makes parking easy with the ParkMobile Parking App for metered street parking. All metered spaces are free after 5:00 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
PARKING GARAGE
The Parc-Auto du Centre-Ville Garage, located at 121 East Vermilion Street, offers 530 affordable parking spaces.
BIKE RACKS
Parking your bike is simpler than ever with 75 new bike racks recently installed by Lafayette City Government in Downtown and nearby areas.
1. Is Downtown Lafayette a safe area to visit?
Yes, Downtown Lafayette is a safe and welcoming area. We have a 24/7 police presence to ensure safety and peace of mind for all visitors, residents, and businesses. Strolling through our vibrant streets day or night, you’ll find a warm, inviting community atmosphere.
2. Is Downtown Lafayette walkable?
Absolutely! Downtown is designed to be a walkable district, making it easy to explore on foot. Our streets are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily access local restaurants, shops, and attractions while taking in the unique character of the area.
3. Is Downtown Lafayette suitable for family trips or couples' getaways?
Downtown Lafayette offers something for everyone! Families will enjoy parks, museums, and family-friendly restaurants, while couples can indulge in cozy cafés, art galleries, and lively music venues. Whether you’re here for a family outing or a romantic weekend, Downtown Lafayette has experiences to make your visit memorable.
4. Is Downtown Lafayette Francophone-friendly?
Yes, Downtown Lafayette warmly welcomes Francophone visitors! You’ll find bilingual wayfinding signage throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, and even some restaurants offer menus in French.