<\/p>\n
Music icon Patti LaBelle is back in Louisiana this weekend for a celebration tour, and even after decades on the road, the state\u2019s energy and culture still stand out to her.<\/p>\n
On her \u201c8065 Tour,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cLouisiana audiences, they\u2019re on fire and always receptive and just fun,\u201d she said Thursday in an interview.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd when I do \u2018Lady Marmalade,\u2019 I mean, they are all into that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The music isn\u2019t the only thing she looks forward to when visiting the state. Louisiana\u2019s food scene has also left a lasting impression. Asked which dishes she seeks out, LaBelle didn\u2019t hesitate: crawfish and po\u2019boys.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
\u201cI absolutely love po\u2019boys,\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cAnd I love crawfish, the little craws as I call them. They\u2019re hard to pick because they\u2019re so little, but they\u2019re good.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is one local delicacy she\u2019ll likely skip.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t like to try oysters \u2026 raw,\u201d she said. When asked about charbroiled oysters, another Louisiana favorite, she quickly added, \u201cNot even.\u201d<\/p>\n
When talking about a legend like LaBelle, it\u2019s impossible to ignore Louisiana\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a Black woman, so I know that Southern soul comes out through my show no matter what,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen I sing, I just feel it. I feel empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
At 81, LaBelle says she\u2019s grateful to still be performing after such a long career. And after decades on stage, she says the connection with audiences keeps her going.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes people don\u2019t know each other sitting next to each other and they end up embracing each other,\u201d LaBelle said. \u201cJust seeing people enjoy the show makes me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just happy to be in this year, to be in 2026, you know, at 81,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to more greatness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concertgoers can expect a night of classics, LaBelle said, including \u201cLady Marmalade\u201d along with fan favorites \u201cYou Are My Friend\u201d and \u201cIf Only You Knew.\u201d<\/p>\n