Music icon Patti LaBelle is back in Louisiana this weekend for a celebration tour, and even after decades on the road, the state’s energy and culture still stand out to her.
On her “8065 Tour,” LaBelle will perform Friday at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, celebrating her 82nd birthday and 65 years in music. She is no stranger to Louisiana crowds, having performed over the years at events such as the Essence Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
“Louisiana audiences, they’re on fire and always receptive and just fun,” she said Thursday in an interview.
“And when I do ‘Lady Marmalade,’ I mean, they are all into that.”
The music isn’t the only thing she looks forward to when visiting the state. Louisiana’s food scene has also left a lasting impression. Asked which dishes she seeks out, LaBelle didn’t hesitate: crawfish and po’boys.
“I absolutely love po’boys,” she said with a laugh. “And I love crawfish, the little craws as I call them. They’re hard to pick because they’re so little, but they’re good.”
There is one local delicacy she’ll likely skip.
“I wouldn’t like to try oysters … raw,” she said. When asked about charbroiled oysters, another Louisiana favorite, she quickly added, “Not even.”
When talking about a legend like LaBelle, it’s impossible to ignore Louisiana’s deep musical roots. From blues to jazz to soul, the region has shaped generations of artists, and LaBelle says that Southern spirit comes through in her performances.
“I’m a Black woman, so I know that Southern soul comes out through my show no matter what,” she said. “When I sing, I just feel it. I feel empowered.”
At 81, LaBelle says she’s grateful to still be performing after such a long career. And after decades on stage, she says the connection with audiences keeps her going.
“Sometimes people don’t know each other sitting next to each other and they end up embracing each other,” LaBelle said. “Just seeing people enjoy the show makes me happy.”
“I’m just happy to be in this year, to be in 2026, you know, at 81,” she said. “I’m looking forward to more greatness.”
Concertgoers can expect a night of classics, LaBelle said, including “Lady Marmalade” along with fan favorites “You Are My Friend” and “If Only You Knew.”
Tickets for Patti LaBelle’s 8065 Tour in Marksville start at $75 and are available through the Paragon Casino Resort website. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.
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