Island Strong Music Fest
Trade in your shrimping boots for dancing shoes because, from July 17 to 19, Grand Isle Beach will host the fourth annual Island Strong Music Fest at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion.
The live music festival doubles as a fundraiser, supporting Grand Isle's residents as they recover from the mass devastation of Hurricane Ida.
Keep Grand Isle Strong
A barrier island off Louisiana's coast, Grand Isle often experiences the brunt of hurricanes crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The aftermath often sees family homes leveled by 150 mph winds and debris scattered by floodwaters.
In 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, roughly 17 miles away from Grand Isle. Grand Isle's community of 1,050 residents faced a mandatory evacuation as Category 4 tore through the area. The National Guard estimated that 40-50% of Grand Isle's homes were demolished, and the island remained closed except for residents and property owners.
Four years later, Grand Isle continues to rebuild with the hope of creating a brighter future for its residents and visitors. The resilience of Grand Isle's residents led to the creation of the Island Strong Music Fest, which raises funds for recovery efforts.
Boogie on the Beach
The three-day Island Strong Music Fest features a packed schedule with a lineup of local band performances. The catalog of 13 bands mainly performs country music, drawing influence from Cajun and Creole sounds of South Louisiana.
On Thursday, 3rd Street opens the festival, followed by country band Danny Jr. and Shine Soul. Friday includes two-hour sets from Ross Grisham & Friends and Caleb Lapeyrouse & The Drivers.
Cajun rock band Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous kick off the final day of the festival as one of six performing bands on Saturday. The festival concludes with a late-night show by country rock fusion band Clay Cormier & the Highway Boys.
Enjoy Cajun Cuisine
Since Grand Isle is a hotspot for fishing and crabbing, it is no surprise that seafood appears on the menu. Local vendors are offering dishes such as crab cake alfredo, barbeque shrimp and grits, and shrimp cake sliders. If you prefer the turf rather than the surf, the venue offers festival fanfare, including hamburgers and chicken tenders.
The Cajun staples of boudin and meat pies will also appear on the menu—a glimpse into the food that sets Southeastern Louisiana apart from the rest of the country. It is best not to forget about dessert, which consists of strawberry and apple hand pies with glazed icing.
Support Recovery Efforts
The cost to attend the Island Strong Music Fest is $10 on Thursday and $20 on Friday and Saturday. Those interested in watching all 13 bands can purchase a weekend bracelet for $45.
Interested in making the fest a family affair? Admission for all children 12 and under is free. Remember, the event is cash-only, so visit the bank beforehand or drop by the on-site ATM.
All donations contribute to Grand Isle's restoration from the lingering damage of Hurricane Ida.
