Our History

We were established in October 1955 by the late Ovey J. Patin and Mary L. Patin. Our original location was on Grand Point across from our current location. The original building was built in the 1920s and served as a country store and bar. It featured low ceilings and a hardwood dance floor - the same one you dance on today.

We are currently in our second and third generation. Lawrence, Ovey & Mary’s first son, has been running the club since the tender age of 18. Judy joined the ranks when she and Lawrence married. And, Nicole has been a part of the team since she was old enough to be. It’s been our life’s work to share our heritage and culture with all who walk through our doors.

We were home of  “Walter Mouton and the Scott Playboys” for more than 40 years. Known as the Godfather of Cajun music, Mouton kept the music HOT and the dance floor packed. 

The original signage read “’Patin’s Bar’ Dance Every Saturday Night at La Poussiere.” We earned the name La Poussiere (French word for “The Dust”) by our patrons who frequented our establishment. After a night of foot stomping fun - that, yes, went on into the early morning hours - the constant vibration from dancing on the hardwood dance floor that sat directly on top of the dirt would create a noticeable accumulation of dust within the place. In 1975, a major road construction project forced the demolition of the original dancehall and facilitated it’s move to our current location. 

We’ve been labeled “La Petite Cathedrale de Musique Cajun” (The Little Cathedral of Cajun Music) because we have served as a cultural icon for more than half a century. But, it’s more than that. You might walk in a stranger, but you will leave part of the family. You’ll make friends, enjoy the finest in Cajun Dancehall entertainment and the coldest beer in South Louisiana, and you’ll dance on the best dance floor in the world, after all, it’s original to 1955.

These days you’ll hear music that pays tribute to the olden days, with new life and energy. You’ll hear music that pays tribute to some of the greatest Cajun musicians to come out of Cajun country... and, well, you’ll hear music by some of the greatest Cajun musicians in Cajun country. We are proud that such notable musicians such as Walter Mouton, Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas, Wayne Toups, Steve Riley, and Geno Delafose grace our band stand. 

We offer to the public an authentic Cajun Dancehall experience that showcases our Cajun music, language and heritage. Numerous magazine and television documentaries have been done throughout the years on La Poussiere by both the national and international media. 

To this date, La Poussiere offers only traditional Cajun dancehall music and has changed very little since it’s beginning in 1955. We strive to preserve a little of what is important, not every aspect of our culture, but what is important - our Cajun music, language and heritage. 

On Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, we open our doors to all for a unique Cajun experience. 

- Lawrence, Judy & Nicole Patin