Cajun Music Preservation Society hon

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The work of the Cajun Music Preservation Society was honored with a Gulf Guardian Award on July 30, an award the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program gives bi-annually to those finding innovative ways to impact the quality of life of those living near the body of water.


After sharing ideas on how to preserve traditional Cajun music through involvement with Nicholls State University’s Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival, an annual gathering promoting the uniqueness of the area, society founders Dr. Quenton Fontenot, Dr. Allyse Ferrara, Misty McElroy and Tysman Charpentier decided to create a space for others passionate about preserving the music to get together.

The society now hosts Cajun music jam sessions every other week at The Venetian Food and Spirits in Thibodaux, bringing together people of all ages and skill levels to create music and discuss issues facing Louisiana’s coasts.

“When the group was formed my main goal was to get one, possibly two people who were unfamiliar with the music and language involved,” Charpentier explained. “A year later, and the support that has rallied around what we are doing is incredible.”


Jordy Allen, who travels from Sorrento, La., to play accordion with the society, said having somewhere to hang out with others enthusiastic about the cultural music is worth driving 45 minutes to be a part of.

“It’s exciting for me because it’s kind of the same thing up here. We don’t have that much Cajun music anymore, so a good 45 minute drive and I’m with other people who enjoy it,” Allen said. “It’s something that is unique in Louisiana and everything is tied together – the food, the language, the music. It’s hard to have one thing without having the other.”

Charpentier said his upbringing, which immersed him in the music and language, fueled his desire to get more people on board with preserving the Cajun culture today.


“When I was little, every Sunday my dad would make us go on a ‘Sunday drive,’ he recalled. “This consisted of traveling up and down the bayou and visiting with all my relatives…Half, if not more, of these conversations would be in French or a mix of French and English. When I started playing Cajun music, it was almost like I could feel a direct connection to all those people that I’d visit with on Sundays, but who weren’t around anymore. To me it’s more than just a fun, dance music. It is the soul of a culture.”

Being honored for the work he and the others involved are so passionate about is humbling, Charpentier added.

“We started this group to try and make a difference in our local community and help rebuild a part of our culture that was close to being lost,” Charpentier said. “Words cannot do justice to the warmth my heart feels. It’s an amazing honor.”


Dr. Quenton Fontenot, Tysman Charpentier and Misty McElroy received a Gulf Guardian Award on behalf of the Cajun Music Preservation Society for the group’s work In saving the state’s unique Cajun sound. Members of the group said the award Is a source of pride.

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