LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / February 2, 2000

GRAMERCY – St. John Parish Council secretary Audrey Millet is a woman witha mission – to enlighten the River Parishes about “Swamp Pop.”Tickets are selling slowly for the Swamp Pop music extravaganza planned Feb. 13, but word of mouth is expected to fill the St. James Boat Club forsome home-grown, Louisiana pop music.

The event is a fund-raiser for the Louisiana Entertainment Hall of Fame, planned by former child performer Lou Gabus, who performed under the name Paula Wilson.

Millet is a long-time fan of the 1950s pop music, especially Louisiana- spawned entertainers. Recently, while visiting a niece in Lafayette, sheexpressed a wish to meet singer Rod Bernard.

To her surprise, the niece said she knew him and set up the meeting. At thesame time she learned of Lou Gabus and her quest to establish the Louisiana Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Gabus has regular fund-raiser concerts at the Back-to-Back Lounge in Lafayette every three months. Millet attended several and, she said, “I wassitting there, totally amazed!” She immediately got involved, both to help raise the funds necessary to establish the Hall of Fame Museum and to spread the good news that this music still lives, by arranging a concert in the River Parishes.

Millet’s hard work has paid off. The event was set up at the St. James BoatClub, and ads began this week on St. John the Baptist Parish cable TV.Several performers are on the bill for the afternoon’s entertainment, starting at 2 p.m. These include Dale & Grace, Rod Bernard, Li’l Alfred, T.K.Hulin, Charles Mann and Warren Storm.

Dale & Grace’s gold-record hits include “I’m Leaving It All Up to You” and “Stop and Think It Over.” Rod Bernard appeared on American Bandstand in1959 to perform his gold-record hits, “This Should Go On Forever” and “Colinda.”Li’l Alfred is known for his popular “Walking Down the Aisle” and “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.” T.K. Hulin’s hits include “I’m Not a Fool Anymore” and”Graduation Song.”Charles Mann’s “Red, Red Wine” and “Walk of Life” are pop standards.

Warren Storm is renowned for his “Prisoner’s Song” and “Mama, Mama, Mama.”Advance tickets are on sale locally at Allied Express in LaPlace, Don’s Supermarket in Reserve, Veron’s Supermarket in Gramercy, NAPA Auto Parts in Gramercy, Ronnie Richey Insurance Agency in Gonzales, and available by phone at 535-2862.

The Louisiana Entertainment Hall of Fame doesn’t yet have a building to call its own. However, with the unwavering drive and faith that it will become areality, former child performer Lou Gabus is fighting to make sure Louisiana’s entertainers will always be remembered.

And with fans like Audrey Millet, the goal will be achieved.

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