In the midst of cigarette smoke and the pleasant atmosphere of downtown Baton Rouge stands a simple stage that means much to local singer/songwriters.
It is here each week at Beau’s Bistreaux that they have a chance to unleash upon spectators a passionate flow of original music.
The recently opened bar hosts,”The Best of Beau’s” each Wednesday night, where a handful of competitors have ten minutes to perfom two original songs.
When everyone has performed, a panel of three judges decides and announces the winner of a $50 prize.
In only its third week, the competition has generated quite a favorable response among local songwriters.
“This is a great place where people can play original music without people yelling ‘Skynard!’ at them,” said local musician Renee McCrary. “You don’t have to worry about playing cover songs.”
“The Best of Beau’s” came about as a result of local musician Jason Hanks and Beau’s owner Janet Rhodus putting their heads together to come up with a way to give exposure to local musicians.
“We kind of base it off of the ‘Eddie’s Attic’ competition in Atlanta,” Rhodus said. “There are a lot of original singer/songwriters in this city and they don’t have an opportunity to showcase themselves.”
Hanks, who is a regular performer at the downtown bar, hopes that the competition attracts more talent in the coming weeks.
“When we started, we only had two competitors and now we have seven,” Hanks said.
The event attracts a variety of local musicians, all with different styles and tastes, such as the Sarah McLachlan-esque style of Renee McCrary, who walked away with the $50 prize this past week.
McCrary started playing music when she was 19. After going to music school at the University of New Orleans, McCrary went into a studio in Nashville and released a contemporary female rock album and a country album.
“As John Lennon said, ‘Pain is the best inspiration,'” said McCrary about her musical vision. “I think that life is the best inspiration.”
Hitting closer to home, LSU fifth year senior Tracy Bellina was also on hand at Beau’s to compete.
Bellina gave spectators an off-the-wall, bluesy style with original songs such as “I-10 Bourbon Street Blues” and “The Beer Song.”
Bellina has been playing and writing music for just three years.
“I like to write about personal habits, everyday activities, and good times with friends,” she said.
In June, the winners will come back to Beau’s to compete in the Grand Finale Competition for a $500 prize.
Beau’s Bistreaux is located at 174 South Blvd.