It’s time to fiddle around in the great outdoors at the Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week. The music and culture camp at Chicot State Park, just outside of Ville Platte, commences this evening at 7:30 p.m. when Balfa Toujours takes the stage under the big Folk Roots tent. Saturday, opening ceremonies for the camp take place at noon, followed by an all day dance party featuring some of the best Cajun and Creole bands in Acadiana. Sunday morning, intensive classes begin for camp participants, followed by a Catholic mass in French at noon, and Folk Roots Family Day which features non-stop music and arts activities for the kids. Monday through Thursday, campers have busy schedules with workshops in dance, fiddling, accordion playing, singing, cooking and a lot of lagniappe, but the public is invited every evening at 7:30 to join in at the nightly dance. Thursday night, Folk Roots will raffle off a one-of-a-kind guitar created specially for the camp by Composite Acoustics.
There are a few slots still open to register for the full week, but you must register this afternoon to participate in the camp. If you’re interested in part-time registration, you can just show up at the info desk at Chicot and sign up. The details are as follows:
All five morning sessions including breakfast or lunch (your choice) Sunday through Thursday for $225.00.
A single day Sunday through Thursday from breakfast through the late-night jam session is $100 per day, but this offer is limited to a maximum of three days per person.
Half days Sunday through Thursday, from either 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or 2:45 p.m. to midnight, are available for $50 per half day.
Admission is $10 for individual Master Presentations or Lagniappe Classes.
For the complete music schedule, instructor list and daily class schedule, click here .