Willis Felecien Sevin
October 2, 2013
Not your average QB: THS star shines, despite desire to be halfback
October 9, 2013
It’s been chronicled that Tab Benoit’s hometown is under siege. He’s preached it for years, at home and abroad, between notes of his award-winning blues. And it’s been a decade since Benoit first rounded up a stable of his talented friends to deliver that message from the site, a plea for resolution to coastal erosion draped in the lifestyle it threatens.
“We’re trying to make sure that everybody understands, you’re not just losing land here, you’re losing culture and a way of life,” Benoit said.
Voice of the Wetlands, 10, returns from Oct. 11-13 to the yard in front of the pink plantation home with which it has become synonymous. As is the case every year, due to the volunteer participation, admission is free.
The nascent New Orleans funk, soul and blues guitarist/songwriter Mia Borders (profiled on page 7) sets the tone with the opening set. She’s followed by talented acts in a kaleidoscope of Louisiana-inspired genres, musicians who join one another for the unrehearsed collaborations for which the festival is renowned.
A second stage named the Red Dog Saloon is the festival’s newest addition. Here some of the artists will unplug and give intimate performances, breaking to discuss their inspiration during on-stage interviews. Jim Dandy, Waylon Thibodeaux and Michael Doucet are some of the artists scheduled to perform on the stage, which will also feature a supergroup of bassists and drummers.
Music is the lure, but the Voice of the Wetland’s offerings are not limited to sound.
South Louisiana fare – alligator sauce piquante and Cajun roast pork, included – is sold under Southdown’s pavilion, original artwork is shown and sold and presentations on coastal erosion and potential remedies are given. Races, both 5K and 10K, are waged on the festival’s second day.
Ice chests are not permitted, but beverages – both alcholic and nonalcoholic – are sold.
The festival runs from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.voiceofthewetlands.org.
Tab Benoit and the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars close down the annual three-day festival by the same name on Sunday, Oct. 13.
