Band to host showcase Saturday in Ferriday

Published 12:00 am Friday, June 4, 2010

FERRIDAY — The Arcade Theater is becoming the home to a second monthly musical act.

Starting Saturday, the Avery Michaels Band and Family will host showcase titled “Jamboree in the Pines” on the first Saturday of the month at the Arcade.

The show starts at 7 p.m., and doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is $10.

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The show will feature two song sets, one gospel music and one country music, Delta Music Museum Director Judith Bingham said.

Michaels’ parents, Harvey and Billie Bellgard, founded the Jamboree in the Pines and Michaels said that even when touring he always keeps the first weekend of every month free to be able to do it with them.

Until recently, the jamboree was at an outdoor venue in Deville, La.

“It was an outdoor event, but the weather was so unpredictable that it seemed like every time we did it we got rained out,” Michaels said.

Michaels had played a show at the Arcade before, and it seemed like a natural choice, he said.

“The last two summers I played in Branson, Mo., in Mickey Gilley’s show, and I really liked those type of theaters,” he said.

“We like that area. (The Arcade) is a very nice venue, it is clean, the seating is good, it has a nice stage and good sound.”

The gospel set of the show will feature Michaels, his parents, two sisters, his aunt and his wife Sophia.

“It is a family effort all together,” he said.

The country set will feature Michaels and his band, Exit 209.

The Bellgards will also perform during the country set.

His father —  a prolific songwriter in his own right — has written songs that were featured on the Grand Ole’ Opry, Michaels said.

“My mom and dad will be doing some country stuff too, some stuff my dad has written,” he said.

Door prizes will be given at intermission.

In addition to the new first Saturday showcase, Bingham said the second Saturday showcase — featuring the Gene King Band and talent from around the area — will also continue.