For more information on job descriptions, shifts, and how you can be a Festival Volunteer, please visit https://festivalinternational.org/volunteer or email volunteer@festivalinternational.org.

Lafayette, LA – Festival International de Louisiane has released its 2019 performance lineup. This year’s artists will include some of the world’s most talented and influential performers, such as Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast), Moonlight Benjamin (Haiti), and the United States’ very own master of funk pedal steel: Robert Randolph & the Family Band.

The 33rd-year’s lineup features international performers representing 24 different countries and regions, combining new artists with some returning favorites.

“We searched high and low to find a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary sounds, so there is something for everyone this year,” said Festival International Programming Director Lisa Stafford.

“Sudan will be represented at Festival for the first time ever with Alsarah and the Nubatones,” Stafford added.  “Mozambique-influenced artist Gato Preto will also be making waves. I can’t wait to see these groups in person!”

Also new to the festival this year are El Septeto Santiaguero, of Cuba, and Doctor Nativo, of Guatemala, both of which are known to get crowds moving with their high-energy Latin rhythms. Returning this year, by popular demand, will be New Brunswick’s Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire (AKA the “super-talented and hilarious Québécois man in a dress”).

As always, Festival International focuses on bringing in French-speaking musicians to share their language and diverse cultures with Lafayette. This year, Festivalgoers can expect an assortment of artists from francophone countries, ranging from Haiti (Moonlight Benjamin and Boukman Eksperyans), to Niger (Mdou Moctar) to France (Bagad Plougastell and Akalé Wubé).

The bill for Louisiana’s homegrown artists is also a stand-out this year –  with Grammy Award winners, blues legends and rising stars galore. The Blue Monday Allstars’ Living Legends Tribute will bring the talent of Carol Fran, Henry Gray and Lil’ Buck Sinegal onto one stage to share the light they have cast onto music lovers for decades. Joining this once-in-a-lifetime set will be special guests: Smokehouse Porter & Miss Mamie; Marc Broussard; Lee Allen Zeno; Steve Adams; Tony Goulas; Kent August; Ron Eades and much more.

“It is a rare chance to see all of these legends in one place,” said Festival International Executive Director Scott Feehan. “Lafayette’s music scene is very powerful, and it is exciting to pull all of these musicians together to celebrate their success with the community.”

Other local favorites to catch during Festival International are Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Lane Mack & The Balladeers and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. New Orleans will also be sharing its talent with Lafayette as we welcome Grammy Award nominees Cha Wa, as well as 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert Winner Tank & the Bangas.  Festival International takes pride in showcasing Louisiana talents along with top bands from around the world.

More information will be coming soon on the full schedule, special exhibits and events. The Full Lineup and video can be found online at www.festivalinternational.org/2019-artists.

Festival International Leaks 2019 Artist for First Time Ever

Festival International Announces 2019 Pin & Poster Party to be Held During January Artwalk

Lafayette, LA – Festival International proudly invites guests to the 2019 Pin & Poster Party on January 12th. In collaboration with Bubbles & Blues – Blue Monday All-Stars, the event will be held at Rock ‘n’ Bowl de Lafayette during Artwalk. This is a chance for the public to be among the first to see the Official cloisonné pin and poster by local artist Kody Chamberlain and to purchase the collectibles in advance.

This party welcomes the public to check out the pin and poster while grooving to the sounds of the Blue Monday All-Stars with special guests including Roddie Romero, Ray Boudreaux, Lane Mack, Lance Dubroc, Michael Juan Nunez and The American Electric, Keith Blair, Marty Christian, Collective Jazz Project and more.

“There is no better way to celebrate the new pin and poster than with our community and great music. We rely on pin and poster sales to keep Festival alive and well, plus the proceeds from this event go even further than just to Festival, which we are thrilled about.” says Carly Viator, Marketing Coordinator for Festival International. This year, 50¢ of each pin sale will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, plus the event supports the Blue Monday All-Stars.

Come experience this special event and “party with a purpose” while celebrating the highly anticipated 2019 pin and poster. The party is January 12th from 7-9 PM, with music continuing into the night. Tickets are $12 in advance and at the door.

Festival International Announces Official 2019 Visual Artist

Lafayette, LA – Festival International de Louisiane is proud to announce Kody Chamberlain as the Official 2019 Visual Artist. Chamberlain was born and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana and relocated to Lafayette in 1993. He is currently in the process of creating the artwork for the 33rd annual Festival International de Louisiane, presented by LUS Fiber.

Since moving to Lafayette, Chamberlain has only missed one Festival International and has been involved with the festival on various levels over the years, including as a performer.  “In fact, I first learned of Festival from a poster hanging in the percussion room of Angelle Hall at UL when I drove in for an audition.”  Kody is an accomplished local artist that is known for creating original and groundbreaking work in comics and graphic novels for companies like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, IDW, and Image Comics. He has also earned an impressive list of credits as a professional story artist.

“We are fortunate to have Chamberlain here in our creative community,” says Virgil “Buz” Reid, Festival International’s Board President. “His work is edgy and unique, and we’re excited to see his vision unfold.” The final design will serve as the inspiration for the official Festival poster and cloisonné pin.

“To say it’s an honor and a thrill to have this opportunity is an understatement,” says Chamberlain. “I’m very much looking forward to bringing a little of what I love back into the Festival.”

Stay tuned as we await the final piece from Kody Chamberlain. “We have no idea what to expect, but know that someone with immense creativity like Kody will definitely bring something great to the table,” says Scott Feehan, Executive Director of Festival International.

See Kody’s work by visiting his portfolio website at
www.kodychamberlain.com.