Festival International
|
|
The mission of Festival International de Louisiane 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
History
Each spring, artists from Europe, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and the Americas are invited to share their talents with their counterparts in Louisiana. Festival International de Louisiane was formed in 1986, by a non-profit arts organization dedicated to producing a visual and performing arts festival. This festival celebrates the cultural heritage of southern Louisiana – a unique combination of African, Caribbean, French, and Hispanic influences, and is the largest outdoor Francophone (french-speaking) event in the U.S. The festival places special emphasis on highlighting the connections between the south Louisiana region known as Acadiana and the Francophone world.
Popular Louisiana artists such as Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas, Allan Toussaint, Zachary Richard, Sonny Landreth, Beausoleil, Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin, D.L. Menard, Terrance Simien, C.J. Chenier, Geno Delafose, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Canray Fontenot, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, and Buddy Guy have performed.
Past international performers have included: John Mayall (England), Zap Mama (Zaire), Natalie MacMaster (Canada), Dede St. Prix (Martinique), Cubanismo (Cuba), Salif Keita (Mali), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Master Drummers of Burundi (Burundi), Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens (South Africa), Jimmy Bosch (Puerto Rico), The Poor Clares (Ireland), Sam Mangwana (Republic of Congo) La Bottine Souriante (Canada), Paris Combo (France), Sally Nyolo (Cameroon), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), The Waifs (Australia), Gigi (Ethiopia), Oliver Mtukudzi (South Africa), Ladysmith Black Mambazo, (South Africa) Yerba Buena (Cuba),,Salem Tradition (Reunion Islands), La Rue Ketanu (France), Francis Cabrel (France)