Mary Tutwiler

Sign up for summer music camp for kids

by Mary Tutwiler

Louisiana Folk Roots, the organization behind the Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, is reaching out to the next generation of musicians and ambassadors of local culture. A June day camp for kids ages 6-12 offers summer fun combined with intensive learning. The two independent one-week sessions, June 16-20 and June 23-27, will present some of Acadiana’s young-adult musicians to serve as instructors and role models. Feufollet fiddler Chris Segura, who started playing professionally at age 11; Courtney Granger, grand-nephew of Dewey Balfa and member of Balfa Tourjours , who released his first album at 16; and accordion player Kristi Guillory of Bonsoir, Catin, who formed her first band at 12 comprise the stellar team of music teachers. Campers will bring their own instruments, and study intensively with the instructors, as well as playing in a camp band. Other activities include French singing and dance classes, cooking, Louisiana cultural history, and a field trip. The camp will be held at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, in downtown Lafayette. Tuition for each one week session is $175. The time to sign-up is now, while there’s still space for campers. To sign up, call Folk Roots at 234-8360.