Flamethrowers will be playing those ‘songs you forgot you loved’

Live at the Lakefront, the free outdoor concert series, continues at 6 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center’s Arcade Amphitheatre with homegrown favorites The Flamethrowers playing highenergy covers of popular, classic and modern hits.

The six-piece band’s various musical backgrounds and tastes can be heard in its song selections. They include Motown, Paul Simon and current artists like Justin Timberlake. Logan Fontenot, guitar/vocals, said the band plays songs “you forgot you loved.”

“We allow people to forget their problems for a little while and have a good time,” he said.

Maggie Belle Band, a seven-piece ensemble out of New Orleans, is one of two opening acts. The band blends old and new sounds with its distinct flavor of soul, funk and R&B.

“Audience members will be in for a ride — at times, moving and emotional — other times driven and upbeat,” said keyboardist Brian Hunter.

Belle said the songs reflect the “emotional ups and downs of the human heart.” A registered nurse, she said the personal and emotional connections made at work are conveyed through her music.

The Zyde-Pokes, McNeese State University’s official Zydeco band, will also perform traditional sounds of southern Louisiana. Lonny Benoit, head of McNeese’s liberal arts department, said the band aims to “preserve one of our area’s greatest resources, Zydeco music.”

The student ensemble is comprised of traditional button-style accordion, bass, keyboard, guitar, drums and frottoir (washboard). The band’s energetic set is “sure to get you off your feet and dancing,” he said.

Pets and ice chests are prohibited.

The concert series is hosted by The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. All beverage sales will benefit the Arts Council.

For more information, call the council at 439-2787 or visit artscouncilswla.org.