Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has announced that October 2023 marks Louisiana’s ninth annual Folklife Month, a celebration of the state’s living traditions and the individuals who sustain them. Selected by local folklorists and other culture workers, eight tradition bearers will be honored at six events. The recipients share a record of continuing and exceptional accomplishment in perpetuating the state’s traditional cultures.
The following tradition bearers are the 2023 Folklife Month honorees:
Honoring Laymon Godwin, Pedal Steel/Dobro Musician, West Monroe, LA Thursday, October 5, 20236 p.m.The Palace
220 Desiard Street
Monroe, LA
Honoring Chief Darryl Montana, Black Masking Indian; New Orleans, LAWednesday, October 11, 20232 p.m.The Presbytère
751 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA
Honoring Jan Collet Webre and Jill Collet Zimmerman; Breaux Bridge, LASaturday, October 14, 202312:45 p.m.Festivals Acadiens et Créoles – Food Tent
Girard Park
500 Girard Park Drive
Lafayette, LA
Honoring Nicol and FJ Delphi, Cane River Creole Traditions, Cane River, LASaturday, October 21, 20232 p.m.Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum
800 Front Street
Natchitoches, LA
Honoring Brunella Luke, Cornshuck Crafts; Chauvin, LASaturday, October 21, 20233 p.m.Rougarou Fest – Atchafalaya Narrative Stage
132 Library Drive
Houma, LA
Honoring Barry Chauvin, Songwriter/Musician; Houma, LASaturday, October 28, 202312 p.m.Bayou Arts Fest – Voice of the Wetlands Stage
7856 W. Main Street
Houma, LA
A project of the Louisiana Folklife Commission in collaboration with the Louisiana Folklore Society and numerous community partners, Louisiana Folklife Month is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. For more information, visit LouisianaFolklife.org.