Fant-Ewing Coliseum will be home to the 22nd marker placed by the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail.
The coliseum is mostly known now for being the setting of ULM basketball and volleyball games, however, it has been a musical hub as well for over 50 years. The coliseum has hosted artists and bands such as Ray Charles, the Bangles, Todd Rundgren, Kool & The Gang, the Temptations, and so many more. Local talent also performed at Fant-Ewing including Cowboy Mouth and Better Than Ezra.
Music Trail Founder Doyle Jeter said "There was always the intention to do a marker here on ULM campus at Fant-Ewing Coliseum." Jeter explains that "A lot of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Country Music Hall of Famers, Grammy Award winners" have graced the stage at the coliseum.
Student labor allowed for these events to take place, as students were the backbone of establishing the experience. Charles McDonald was the former coordinator of student activities and dean of student affairs before retiring from ULM in 2002. He says that the Union Board and Campus Activities Board would survey the student body, and "decide what type of music did the students request and then try to meet that request."
According to McDonald, the University's Union Board and Campus Activities Board provided students with a learning environment, so they could learn about hospitality, contract negotiations, setup and teardown, and the box office. "That was the attraction for the students, they got to meet and know the performers... they got to be around them for the entire day."
The Northeast Louisiana Music Trail provides the public with a new way to explore the past and present of Louisiana music. The Music Trail aims to give a trail to honor and recognize the historic contributions to music in northeast Louisiana. The historical markers celebrate musicians such as Bobby Bridger, Hoss Logan, Webb Pierce, and Mabel John. The group believes that the musical legacy in northeast Louisiana is unique and deserves to receive the proper recognition.
The unveiling of the marker will take place on April 3, 2025, in front of Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Social time will begin at 5 p.m. and the unveiling ceremony will commence at 5 p.m. More information on the unveiling ceremony is available on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail Facebook page.
