To many, Perkins Rowe is known as the place with high-end stores and a movie theater. However, its management hopes to change that reputation and incorporate a sense of community between the shopping center and the surrounding Baton Rouge area.
Perkins Rowe managers want to not only do business with the local community, but also immerse themselves in what it has to offer, said marketing manager Erinn Sala. As part of this initiative, Perkins Rowe is bringing back its free Rock N Rowe weekly concert series.
The spring lineup began last Thursday and will run through May 25, an expansion from the eight-week-long fall series. A concert will take place every Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
The series will feature local artists from a variety of genres, including rock, country and dance, Sala said. Artists performing this month include After 8 on March 16, the Eddie Smith Band on March 23 and The Longneck Society on March 30.
Performing this week is After 8, a New Orleans-based band that covers music ranging from Prince and Whitney Houston to Adele and Bruno Mars.
April’s musical guests include Jonathan Boogie Long on April 6, The Remnants on April 13, Chase Tyler Band on April 20 and Beaucoup Boogie on April 27.
By incorporating food, music and shopping, the series is a perfect way to celebrate southern Louisiana culture, Sala said.
“You’ll find families, singles, couples, friend groups and all age ranges,” she said. “You’ll also see consumers dancing to the beats, walking their pups and enjoying all the experiences that the Rowe has to offer.”
Sala said her favorite memory of past Rock N Rowe concert series was when the Rowe hosted the United States Navy’s Fleet Forces Band last fall for the series’ final event.
“It was a very memorable event, both with the band and the many veterans who came to [the] property that night to hear them play,” Sala said. “We are definitely looking forward to hosting more events that honor those who serve us both on a local and federal level.”
Perkins Rowe is partnering with various community organizations, like the American Heart Association and the Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center, for future community-building events.
Thus far, Perkins Rowe’s calendar includes the Baton Rouge Ballet’s 7th Annual Dancin’ in the Streets fundraiser on Saturday, March 25, as well as the four-day Louisiana International Film Festival beginning April 20.
Perkins Rowe management has also signed a lease with retail store Altar’d State and will add an outlet in Perkins Rowe. The company’s own philanthropic efforts fosters the Rowe’s connection to the community, Sala said.
Perkins Rowe is located on the corner of Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Boulevard.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Jordan Marcell

The Chris Leblanc Band performing during the Rock N Rowe event on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge.