This is Home Fest 2022

May 14

This year’s This Is Home Fest promises to be bigger and better in 2022. Lake Charles Toyota presents This is Home Festival 2022 at 1001 Ryan Street between Iris and Kirby in front of Historic 1911 City Hall. The mission of This is Home Fest is to enhance the unique quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by sharing music and culture that celebrates local and global artistry. The festival will promote our rich culture by presenting the area’s finest musicians along with national touring acts in a family-friendly outdoor setting. This Is Home Festival is free and open to the public. Event hours are from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. This year’s lineup expands to two big stages presenting South Louisiana’s finest musicians and national touring headliner acts.

The Dunham-Price Group Main Stage will bring world-class entertainment to the Lake Area with headliners Amanda Shaw and Suzanne Santo. A member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Amanda Shaw will play her unique brand of rock and Cajun fusion from New Orleans. Austin’s Suzanne Santo has graced stages across the nation supporting artists like Gary Clark Jr. with her original blend of soulful rock and blues. Also on the Main Stage, you’ll hear modern country from Red Dirt Revue; horn-driven funk from Lafayette’s Bad Bongo; and Zydeco/Carribean grooves from Deuce Jacko and Xydeflo; as well as Southwest Louisiana’s favorite son, Ron Fruge with his all-star band Basin Street; the long-awaited reunion of local rockers Snydley Whiplash; and Grammy-nominated blues-rock artist Julian Primeaux from Lafayette. 

For a taste of what the Southwest Louisiana music scene has to offer, check out The Hometown Stage. Discover local up-and-comers and area rising stars alongside SWLA fan-favorites. The day of music will begin with Young Band Nation, comprised of Students of the SWLA Music School led by teacher/guitarist Marcus Johnson, followed by area youth and community musicians. 

At the Kids’ Zone, Lake Charles Toyota’s This Is Home Fest is committed to providing a unique experience for the whole family. We have partnered with The Junior League of Lake Charles to bring GymFit Mobile Adventures of Baton Rouge, providing fitness-themed activities for children of all ages. Parents can take advantage of the fully supervised Kids’ Zone complete with face-painting and hands-on fun for everyone. 

Food, art, and vendors will also be onsite. Festival-goers can enjoy the Food Truck Court, featuring the region’s most popular mobile kitchens and food trucks offering a wide variety of local foodie-favorites and treats. Or visit one of the many downtown eateries open for the entire festival and after. Art lovers can stroll through the Vendor’s Mall and browse or purchase the works of regional artisans and crafters. 

A VIP Experience is available for those who want an exclusive experience. VIP tickets are available on the This Is Home Fest website. VIP ticket holders will have access to preferred parking, covered seating area with private bar, complimentary hors d’ouevres, luxury bathrooms, and free entry to the After Party at Panorama Music House. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and relax on the beautiful Parish Courthouse lawn to enjoy the day of music. Outside food, drink and ice chests are not permitted. 

A Pre-Festival Brunch takes place at Panorama Music House, 331 Broad Street, featuring live music from The RawDawgs. After the festival, the party moves back to Panorama Music House, with music by Louisiana Music Hall of Famer Amanda Shaw and Grammy award winner Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band.

Event sponsors: Lake Charles Toyota; Presenting Sponsor, Dunham-Price Group; Main Stage Sponsor, Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA; Beneficiary Charitable Partner, KPLC; Media Sponsor, Junior League of Lake Charles; Kid Zone Sponsor, Deep South Productions; Rikenjaks Brewing Company; Panorama Music House; Knight Media Printing; Southwest Beverage Company; Adsource; Telos Media Productions.

Proceeds from the festival benefit The SWLA Arts Council and other local non-profits. For a full lineup schedule or for more information, go to www.thisishomefest.com, email: thisishomefest@gmail.com, or email This Is Home Fest director Jay Ecker at jayecker@hotmail.com.