Festival International
The Festival International de Louisiane is an annual music and arts festival held in Lafayette, Louisiana celebrating the French heritage of the region. The festival was first held in 1987 and has become very popular, attracting musicians, artists, and craftsmen from around the world. The festival is held outdoors, usually in the third week of April, and is free to the public. Estimates for attendance include 375,000 for 2011.[1] The festival was voted the "Best World Music Festival" by About.com readers in their 2012 Readers' Choice Awards.[2]
The stated mission of the festival is to:
“ | Enrich the community by celebrating its native culture; Educate the public to the historical achievements and artistic expressions of related global cultures; Encourage an appreciation for the arts; Enhance the economic development of the Acadiana region through the presentation of an internationally recognized arts event; Promote cultural exchange on a national and international level. | ” |
—-[3] |
Participating artists
The festival draws musicians from around the world. Past performers include:
- Balkan Beat Box — United States
- Bonerama - United States
- Ceux Qui Marchent Debout — France
- Cyro Baptista — Brazil
- Maria de Barros — Cape Verde
- BeauSoleil — United States
- Bomba Estéreo - Colombia
- La Bottine Souriante — Quebec
- Boukman Eksperyans - Haiti
- Buckwheat Zydeco — United States
- Dominique Dupuis — New Brunswick
- The Duhks - Canada
- Gangbé Brass Band — Benin
- Henry Gray and the Cats — United States
- Dr. John — United States
- Keb' Mo' — United States
- Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble — Toronto
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo — South Africa
- Locos Por Juana — United States
- The Lost Bayou Ramblers — United States
- MarchFourth Marching Band — United States
- Mousta Largo — Belgium
- Robert Randolph and the Family Band - United States
- Sargent Garcia - France
- Seun Kuti - Nigeria
- Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys — United States
- Skatalites — Jamaica
- Suroît — Magdalen Islands, Quebec
- Tinariwen — Mali
- Toubab Krewe — United States
- Le Trou Normand — France
- Väsen — Sweden
- Yerba Buena — Cuba
- Les Yeux Noirs — France
Details of the Event
Festival International de Louisiane has a variety of music, performers and vendors from all over the world. It is free to attend the Festival, which is supported by donors, volunteers and by the attendees when they purchase a pin. There are over 4 stages and a children's area to celebrate International culture. Festival International de Louisiane happens the last weekend on April with opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening. The Festival closes out Sunday evening with an all artist music jam. The Festival is maintained 90% by volunteers.
See also
Cultures
- Acadian
- Cajun
- Louisiana Creole people
Music
References
- ↑ Diana K. Schwam (2012). Frommer's New Orleans. John Wiley & Sons. p. 32. ISBN 9781118074060.
- ↑ Romer, Megan. "Must-See World Music at Festival International 2012:Don't Miss These Fabulous Bands From Around the World". about.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
- ↑ "Mission of Festival International". Retrieved 2010-03-25.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Festival International. |
- Official website
- KRVS 88.7 public radio; KRVS broadcasts the festival
- 2011 Lineup for the Festival
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