Boutin’s kicks into Zydeco high gear

Starting this month, Lynn Boutin will be staying up later on Saturday nights. The longtime Boutin’s owner is launching Bon Temps Till Midnight to transform his restaurant into a true concert venue after dinner on Saturdays.

Like Boutin’s cuisine and the area Zydeco bands that have pulled Boutin’s diners out on the dance floor for years, Bon Temps will focus on Louisiana’s indigenous music.

“What I hear from people is that they don’t go out for music because they don’t like smoke-filled rooms, or it’s too loud, or it’s uncomfortable,” Boutin says. “I want to bring to Baton Rouge what I like about [my hometown] Lafayette: authentic Louisiana music in the best atmosphere I can [create].”

Bon Temps Till Midnight runs from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. most Saturdays with cover charges ranging from $8 to $15, depending on the band. A limited menu will be available from 10 to 11 p.m. Eventually, Boutin hopes to renovate the stage with new lighting and sound equipment and host late-night concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“We’re going to turn the lights down and the music up,” he says. boutins.com

Bon Temps Till Midnight

Oct. 30 Johnny Allen & Louisiana Express

Nov. 6 Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys

Nov. 13 Warren Storm with Willie Tee

Nov. 20 Feufollet

Nov. 27 Corey Ledet

Dec. 4 Pine Leaf Boys

Dec. 11 Cedric Watson

Dec. 18 Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys