Get ready for jazz with a touch of blues, with the Shadowmen, featuring Eric Johanson when A-Town Jazz returns to the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center on Friday, August 26th.  At a recent music concert in Alexandria, one band member proudly announced that the lead guitar player was about to play “Voodoo Child” better than anyone you’ve ever heard. The guitarist humbly retorted, “Unless you’ve heard Eric Johanson play it.” Those familiar with Cenla’s music scene have, of course, long since been under the spell of this young man who started playing guitar at age six.

While visiting this past October, Eric ran into Cyril Neville (the youngest of the Neville Brothers) who had just moved back from Austin, Texas. He asked Eric to stay as the guitar player for his band Tribe 13. The band recently appeared on the HBO series “Treme,” and they are currently touring the East coast.

The August 26th A-Town Jazz is really a family celebration with Aunt Margaret Ward Knight on bass and vocals, mom Frances Johanson and cousin Tiffany Pollack singing. Also joining in is Doug Gay, a great friend and former band member of Eric’s band CIRE, who has most recently been touring as drummer for Tab Beniot. Sound will be provided by Cenla Music.

Tickets for A-Town Jazz are $25.00, and will be available at the door or in advance by calling the Arts Council at (318) 443-4718. Admission covers light hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. There will be a cash bar (wine, beer and soft drinks). Doors open at 7:00pm, and entertainment begins at 7:30pm.