Excursion Plantation Blues and Jazz

The Marmillion family saved La Plantation Laura in the 1990s to commemorate the site where the West African tales of Compair Rabbit and Compair Bouki (Leuk The Hare in Senegal) were first collected in Louisiana. Between 1808 and 1850, more than 400 slaves of West African origin lived, worked and died on this plantation, home to several families of European origin and adjacent to an Amerindian village. The Historic Riverlands site was founded to celebrate the unique history of St. John the Baptist Parish and the contributions of African Americans to the development of American music and the civil rights movement. This tour honors the richness of the musical heritage of African Americans by exploring the development of the region’s iconic musical genres: jazz, zariko (zydeco), blues, gospel, soul, R,B and rock. Small groups of less than 14 people.

1. 1

   Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site

   1.5 hours

   The Laura Plantation, site of Creole heritage. At this plantation the focus was on the unique culture of Louisiana Francophones and the contributions of countless West African slaves.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 hour

   At Historic Riverlands, the focus is on the musical traditions of African Americans and southern Louisiana.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.