week 18, post 3: celebrating a culture

A week ago last Saturday there was a Zydeco fest at Nichols State University; put on through the University to celebrate, nurture and preserve this music. Sunday night I traveled to NO to a little club called Tippitino's with Ray Kaufman to go Cajun dnacing. Last Tuesday we held a fundraiser for our Bayou Grace programs and Cajun musicians performed. Last night I went back to the Jolly Inn for the fais do-do with groups of volunteers from Vermont and New York State (Buffalo area). At all of these events I witnessed young, old and middle age people dancing to the music. Many gray-hairs have made this a real art-form and enjoy it immensely. This is not something I witness with any regularity in the Midwest. We're missing something! The name of one of the groups that performed at Nichols State and at our fundraiser is called Treater.Their named is derived from the French, "Traiteur," meaning one who treats (illnesses). Their name was carefully chosen for its roots in Cajun culture and to bear witness to the healing power of music (and dance!)