Balfa Toujours

 Balfa Toujours has been given the distinction of being called "the future of Cajun music." This recognition can't help but boost a young band's career. Balfa Toujours, (meaning "Balfa still and always") is led by Christine Balfa, daughter of fiddler Dewey Balfa, and member of the famous Balfa Brothers. Christine carries on the reputation her father established by playing music steeped in tradition while at the same time forming a unique sound.

Love of life is the essence of Cajun music, and the Balfa rhythm is at its heart. Even though the majority of the band's songs are in the ancient Cajun language, audiences throughout North America and Europe can't help but respond to Balfa Toujours' infectious energy, no matter what the language. The group's goal is not simply to bring Cajun music to the world, but also to inspire audiences to explore their own cultures.

In the words of the immortal Dewey Balfa, "A culture is like a whole tree. You have to water the roots to keep the tree alive, but at the same time you can't go cutting off all the branches every time it tries to grow."

Balfa Toujours has no desire to preserve its craft like a museum piece, nor does it want to completely overhaul its heritage. Dirk Powell says, "We play traditional music, not because we're thinking it has to be that way, but because it moves us"... "It's just real straight emotion."

As well as Christine on guitar and vocals, and Dirk on accordion, the group includes Kevin Wimmer on fiddle, and Mitchell Reed on bass.

  -- LG