celebration of the state’s living traditions and the individuals who sustain them. Selected by local folklorists and other culture workers, five tradition bearers or groups will be honored at events throughout the month. The recipients share a record of continuing and exceptional accomplishment in perpetuating the state’s traditional cultures.
Folklife Month honors diverse people and groups from across the state who contribute to the cultural tapestry of Louisiana. Through their work, these tradition bearers express the artistry found in everyday life and show the importance of passing on traditions and art forms from one generation to the next.
“Louisiana’s culture is defined by the traditions passed down through generations – from music and foodways to craftsmanship and community celebrations. Folklife Month gives us the opportunity to recognize and honor the people who keep these traditions alive and share them with the world. These cultural treasures are the heart and soul of Louisiana, and celebrating them ensures our identity and way of life will continue to thrive for years to come,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
The following tradition bearers are the 2025 Folklife Month honorees: Monique Metrailer, Quilter, Baton Rouge, LA; Dianne Honoré, Black Masking Indian, New Orleans, LA; C.J. Chenier, Zydeco Musician, Opelousas, LA; Geraldine Robertson, Split-Oak Basketmaking, Baton Rouge, LA; Smithfield Fair, Roots Musicians, Alexandria, LA.
A project of the Louisiana Folklife Commission in collaboration with the Louisiana Folklore Society, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, 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 on Louisiana Folklife Month 2025, visit LouisianaFolklife.org.
2025 Folklife Month Tradition Bearers and Folklife Ambassadors
Honoring Monique Metrailer, Quilter; Baton Rouge, LA
Sunday, October 5, 2025
2:00 p.m.
LSU Rural Life Museum Harvest Days
Burden Museum and Gardens
4560 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA
Folklife Ambassador: Jim Hogg, CEO Jim Hogg Group LLC Advertising/Public Relations; Host of "Sunday Morning in Hogg Heaven" radio program
Monique Metrailer grew up in rural Arkansas. In her youth, she occasionally quilted with a group of ladies, though her child-sized stitches often needed to be redone. Eventually, her mother got a quilting frame allowing Monique to quilt both at home and with the community. Her quilting journey truly began after she moved to Baton Rouge 33 years ago, where she continued to quilt at the LSU Rural Life Museum. In the mid-1990s, she volunteered at the museum and led the Junior Docent program there. After an article about a quilting bee sparked interest in the community, they formed the 'Round Tuit' quilt group, named in honor of a woman who never completed her projects. Today, she primarily quilts tops made by Southern women from the past, aiming to preserve cultural history.
Honoring Dianne Honoré, Black Masking Indian; New Orleans, LA
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Dillard University
Professional Schools & Sciences Building Atrium
2601 Gentilly Blvd.
New Orleans, LA
Folklife Ambassador: Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy, Conrad Hilton Endowed Chair, Professor of English, Dillard University, Poet Laureate
Dianne Honoré, a cultural activist and seventh-generation New Orleanian, grew up in her family's legendary 6th ward Creole restaurant, Hank's. A powerful maker, she successfully utilizes multi-disciplinary art, food & music experiences and historic interpretation in her work. Ms. Honoré currently masks as Big Queen of the legendary Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Black Masking Indian tribe, and she teaches the history and beading art of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters at the Cabildo. She founded the Black Storyville Baby Dolls, celebrating the first masking Baby Dolls in Jim Crow era New Orleans, and as a three-time cancer fighter she founded the Amazons Benevolent Society. She also co-founded Unheard Voices of Louisiana, focusing on amplifying marginalized voices in LA history.
Honoring C.J. Chenier, Zydeco Musician; Opelousas, LA
Sunday, October 12, 2025
3:30 p.m.
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
Scene Ma Louisiane
Girard Park
500 Girard Park Drive
Lafayette, LA
Folklife Ambassadors: John Sharp, Assistant Director for Research at Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana-Lafayette; Herman Fuselier, Executive Director, St Landry Parish Tourist Commission
When Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco, died in December 1987, his Red Hot Louisiana Band did not die with him. His son, C.J. Chenier, picked up the baton and continued the band’s legacy. Born Clayton Joseph Chenier in 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas, C.J. was a funk and jazz musician before joining his father's band on his 21st birthday. His first gig was at Antone’s in Austin, Texas. C.J. played saxophone and learned how to run a family business. He debuted with the band on the album “My Baby Don’t Wear No Shoes” on Arhoolie Records. Paul Simon became an admirer and picked him to play on “Rhythm of the Saints,” a Grammy nominee for Album of the Year. More collaborations followed with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth, and Buckwheat Zydeco. He has performed on “The Jon Stewart Show,” “Austin City Limits,” and numerous music events.
Honoring Smithfield Fair, Roots Musicians; Alexandria, LA
Friday, October 17, 2025
7:15 p.m.
Fall ArtWalk by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana
Alexander Fulton Mini Park
1015 3rd Street
Alexandria, LA
Folklife Ambassador: Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Professor of English and Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, Northwestern State University
Smithfield Fair was founded by Alexandria singer/guitarist Dudley-Brian Smith in 1973 to focus on roots-oriented original songs in a vocal and acoustic instrument setting. He was soon joined by his brothers Bob, on acoustic bass, and Joel, on acoustic guitar. The Smith brothers’ first release, “A Place In Your Heart,” was on One Way Records in 1977. After establishing the Alexandria-based Rapides Records, the harmonizing brothers released two albums. In 1989, after more albums and concert tours and with the return of Joel Smith following his departure to travel in Europe, the group changed its name from Charmer to Smithfield Fair to celebrate its Scottish heritage. They signed with Centaur World Records and achieved international distribution and recognition. Their original songs are a melting pot of folk, swing, pop, blues, gospel, jazz, classical, Celtic and Cajun roots. They have just released their 36th album, adding to their rich collection of both vocal and instrumental recordings.
Honoring Geraldine Robertson, Split-Oak Basketmaking; Baton Rouge, LA
Sunday, October 19, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Rougarou Fest
Woodside Energy Music Stage
132 Library Drive
Houma, LA
Folklife Ambassador: Jonathan Foret, South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center
Geraldine Robertson is a master artisan and cultural steward known for her exquisite craftsmanship in split oak basket weaving. Drawing on generations of traditional techniques passed down through her family, Geraldine transforms locally harvested white oak into functional and artful baskets that honor the legacy of this tradition. A native of Washington, Louisiana, Geraldine began weaving at a young age under the guidance of her father. Over the years, she has refined her process—from selecting and splitting oak by hand to weaving intricate patterns that are both durable and beautiful. Her work has been exhibited in Europe and the United States at regional craft fairs, museums, and heritage festivals. She is frequently invited to teach workshops and demonstrations that preserve and promote traditional basketry.