Elizabeth Vidos, also know as Lady Chops, is a talented percussionist whose past work includes performing in the hit Broadway show “STOMP.” Her program titled “Drum Roll Please” is energetic, interactive, and fun for all ages as she incorporates over 15 different instruments including buckets, body percussion, and the Cajun rubboard. Her choice of social media sites are Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. (Lady Chops-YouTube). She is being invited back by high patron demand. Please see the supplemental supporting information submitted. Professionally, Elizabeth Vidos is a Recreation Therapist at the Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services (2013 to present) and a Facilitator for Quantum Learning Network (1998 to present). This performer was funded with a grant from the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Brii Simmons is a music and theatre teacher across the Acadiana area, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She grew up singing with her mom and sister, along with a long lineage of vocalists in her family. She has performed in state and southern regional singing competitions with the National Association of Teachers of Singing, placing in both Musical Theatre and Classical categories, Farm Bureau Singing Competition, and Center Stage Singing Competition. She also participated in District and Parish honor choir from 2010-2014. She performed in several shows with the UL Opera Theatre: Les Miserables (Ensemble), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow: A Stephen Sondheim Evening (herself), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Another Opening, Another Show (herself), Three Singers and Some Furniture: An Evening of Opera Scenes (Rosina/Susanna/Mademoiselle Silberklang), and Shelby Have’s production of Chicago: The Musical (Katalin Hunyak). Brii’s performance was funded with a grant from the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development Division and administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Chad Huval, our first grant-funded performer, will be unable to be with us this week so he is sending a wonderful replacement for the entertainment of our patrons both young and old. We will have a rare opportunity to enjoy accordion music and more by one of the members of the world-renown Pine Leaf Boys – drummer, vocalist and accordionist, Drew Simon.

Performances: Wednesday, 6/14/23 – Pine Prairie Branch @ 10 am, Mamou Branch Library @ 2pm. Thursday, 6/15/23, Basile Branch Library @ 10 am, Ville Platte Main library @ 2 pm.

The library Board of Control and staff from around the parish wish everyone a safe, memorable and COOL Memorial Day as we honor those who served to protect our freedoms! The library and all branches will be closed Monday, May 29^th. Our normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30^th, when we will begin our registration process for Summer Reading which kicks off on June 6^th! Please visit our website or your favorite branch to see the calendar of activities planned for the patrons of Evangeline Parish. Our programming begins on Tuesday, June 6th, and our first entertainers will be LoLo the Clown & Ventriloquist Donna Lavergne at the Turkey Creek Branch @ 10 am then they will go to the Chataignier Branch @ 2 pm. On Wednesday, June 7^th, the Pine Prairie Branch will have Ventriloquist Donna Lavergne @ 10 am and the Mamou Branch will have her @ 2 pm.  On Thursday, June 8^th, the Basile Branch will have LoLo the Clown and Donna Lavergne @ 10 am and the Ville Platte Main library will have them both at 2 pm.  On that note, we say, “Thank goodness for our Summer Reading Sponsors who are ARDOIN FUNERAL HOMES,  BASILE STATE BANK, BON AIMEE’ INSURANCE, R.E. & APPRAISAL SERVICES, EDWARD JONES, PETER STAWARTZ, EVANGELINE BANK & TRUST, JD BANK, VILLE PLATTE, LAKEVIEW RV PARK & RESORT, PAUL’S MEAT MARKET, REPRESENTATIVE RHONDA BUTLER, DIST.  38, SOUTHERN UROLOGY – DR. MARCEL LAHAYE, VIDRINE COMMUNITY CENTER- DR. NICK LAHAYE, VIDRINE ACE HARDWARE”!

Please visit the Facebook page of your favorite library branch to see information about programs unique to them. Also, visit our website www.evangelinelibrary.org for updates. You can always call the main library @ 337-363-1369 or send an email to [email protected] for more information and never forget that libraries do change lives…. even in the cloud! Suzy Lemoine, Outreach Coordinator.