Since opening in September 2012, the L’Auberge Casino & Hotel has helped entertain scores of Baton Rouge’s night owls with gambling, dining and a high-end bar atmosphere. One aspect of the casino experience that has managed to remain the same is the live entertainment.
These are attractions whose charms have been preserved since the days of the Rat Pack, when one tuxedoed man would dominate the stage as a singer, a dancer and a comedian, all while shrouded in cigarette smoke and holding a drink.
In an attempt to oust this tiring trend of personalities filling casinos each night, L’Auberge has signed The Breton Sound, a local rock outfit led by University alumnus Jonathan Pretus.
The Breton Sound’s collaboration with L’Auberge has resulted in a quarterly series of performances, which the band has titled “Desert Island Discs.” The shows are held in the casino’s Edge, a modern form of a cabaret with a bar and nightly live music. Pretus describes his band as “high-energy” with artistic elements of both early millennium and modern forms of rock and pop music.
“[The band] is kind of a mix of Foo Fighters and Jimmy Eat World,” Pretus said. “Weezer with a little more intricate guitar playing. At the end of the day, just kind of a fun, up-tempo rock n’ roll band.”
After his departure from New Orleans band Cowboy Mouth, Pretus and guitarist Stephen Turner formed The Breton Sound in 2010. The band released its first EP, “Eudaemonia,” in 2011 and has since seen success as a favorite in Baton Rouge’s music scene.
While attending the University, Pretus studied English. By being exposed to various works and writing styles, he said he believes much of his literary education has helped in his work of making music and developing lyrics.
 “I think [studying English] lent itself to songwriting,” Pretus said. “My focus was on writing, so it definitely helped [me] look at different ways to approach how I write songs. I try to look at lyrics not necessarily from a personal construct, but also try to build stories around the things.”
The performances feature The Breton Sound playing a medley of original music and covers of various albums by some of Pretus’ favorite artists. The albums the band performs are determined by an audience poll. The most popular choices are albums played in their entireties.
Since starting its cover shows in January at Gasa Gasa in New Orleans, The Breton Sound’s first full-length performances have been Weezer’s debut album, “The Blue Album,” and its sophomore release, “Pinkerton.”
The popularity of the concerts attracted attention from L’Auberge, which had previously featured The Breton Sound in several concerts to fund the band’s second EP.
“I think it’ll be interesting,” Pretus said. “When we started playing there … we were doing a lot of ’90s rock tunes and things we grew up on — not really a lot of oldies and lounge stuff. There are people that go to [L’Auberge] that are in their early 20s … so that’s who ends up gravitating to the stage when we’re playing.”
The next performance is scheduled for sometime in either May or June. Pretus sees the L’Auberge concerts as an easier gig than playing shows in Baton Rouge venues. High-profile arrangements like this residency are what Pretus said he sees as the next step for bringing The Breton Sound’s name even farther.
“The shows are fun because the more we play, the more it shows us different ideas and styles and methods of writing,” Pretus said. “At the end of the day, it just helps us out as writers. It’s just more education and growth.”
The Breton Sound has a new single set to release Tuesday and a third EP, “Don’t Be Afraid of Rock and Roll,” scheduled for May 19. 
You can reach Gerald Ducote on Twitter @geraldducoteTDR.