Teddy’s Juke Joint honors its owner’s 70th birthday

Over the years, Teddy’s Juke Joint has become sort of a cult favorite among blues aficionados. Any Baton Rouge travel feature worth its weight, such as the New York Times’ “36 Hours in …” series or the Lonely Planet guidebooks, will reference the longstanding dive.

Its off-the-beaten-path location on a stretch of highway between Baker and Zachary, its funky interior with Christmas lights and disco balls, and of course its great jam sessions of local and traveling blues legends make it a must for anyone wanting an authentic swamp blues experience.

But its owner is just as much of a draw. Lloyd “Teddy” Johnson Jr. likes to tell the story of how he was born in the ramshackle house that he eventually turned into a music venue and bar in the late ’70s.

On the nights when there isn’t a band on stage, Teddy is spinning records, harking back to his days as a DJ. Other nights, he’s in the kitchen helping to whip up late-night eats like his famous pork chop sandwich.

He’s a welcoming venue owner, hosting benefits for an LSU literary journal one night and a birthday party for a local blues legend the next.

This month, it’s the Juke Joint’s turn to celebrate Teddy. For his 70th birthday, the New Orleans blues musician—and frequent Jazz Fest performer—Mem Shannon will play a set honoring Teddy.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, although, according to an email, “Teddy considers every day of February a day to celebrate.” teddysjukejoint.com