A Break From The Heat of The Day

It's with much appreciation that festival fans get the opportunity to find shade while cooling off after dancing at the Zydeco.

Festivals Aren't Immune From Political Opportunity

This year is one of election campaigning, the local politicos buy advertisements from the promoters as well.

Zydeco Band Performance

This band is also local, from Plaisance in fact. They kept the beat moving and there was always someone willing to brave the heat of the day to dance The Zydeco.

Zydeco Band Performance

The Lost Bayou Ramblers is a local band from Lafayette, La. Lafayette is 22 miles south of the festival down I-49. This is known as the heart of Acadiana.

Zydeco Band Performance

You can't have a successful Zydeco Festival without a good band. These musicians are local. No need to import festival talent in Acadiana.

We Learn To Dance At A Young Age In Acadiana

This mother is introducing her daughter to the dancing lifestyle of Acadiana at an early age. As we say, "dancing is a lifetyle, not an artform."

"Coupe' Le Zydeco"

Zydeco is the Creole term for snap beans. In our culture, that demonstrates our fondness for dancing. I really don't know anyone from Acadiana that doesn't dance. The beat has a manner of moving anyone within earshot to a desire to move their feet. As these images show, we love to dance at the Zydeco.

Santilla Sending Text Messages To Her Friends

Santilla and I travel to the festivals of Louisiana. While we are on the festival grounds, she engages her friends desire to stay in the know via text messaging.

The History of Zydeco

Southern Louisiana is generally known as Acadiana to people that are familiar with it's culture and lifestyle. The lifestyle is defined by the way people live daily and most importantly the way we enjoy life. Or, as we say in Acadiana, our "joire de vivre."

The culture of our lifestyle is reflected in our music, our food and our faith in God. This festival was a celebration of music and food. A brief sampling of the available menu is posted here.

The Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival 2008

On a calm Saturday morning, 30 Aug. 2008, Santilla and I drove to Acadiana to witness a very unique and honest representation of Louisiana Culture. We attended the 26th annual Zydeco Music Festival in Plaisance, Louisiana. Plaisance in located in south central Louisiana, just north of Opelousas, La. This part of the state lives by the heartbeat of Creole Culture, Zyedeco.

Getting Ready For The Treme Second Line

The second line forms in front of the church. It proceeds to Armstrong Park.

Michael Gurriere Interviews Musicians

This is only one of the many seminars held during Satchmo Summerfest. Mike Gurriere interviews musicians as they discuss travelling and working with Jon Brunius. Mr. Brunius passed on recently, however, his legacy is survived by the work he was noted for. He was another of N.O. premier horn players.

The US Mint on Esplanade

Satchmo Summerfest is centered around activities located at the old US Mint.

Treme Second Line

When the mass celebration is complete, the second line forms in front of the church. These images show several of the second liners preparing to strut their stuff.

Jazz mass 2008

The faithful have filled the church for this annual celebration. There is not a vacancy within 10 minutes of the entry of the priest and the servers.

Satchmo Summerfest 2008

The historic St. Augustine Catholic in The Treme Neighboorhood plays a vital role in the celebration. As an integral part of this celebration, St. Augustine conducts a Jazz Mass during Satchmo Summerfest.