Wetlands restoration finds a "Voice in Benoit

Houma guitarist Tab Benoit is a man on a mission.

Playing his blend of blues 250 days of the year is the vehicle that’s driven him to the world’s stage, but his passion – the message he shares at every show – is preserving what is uniquely south Louisiana’s.

“I believe God has given me the talent and the moment in the spotlight,” Benoit said in a telephone interview. “It would be a shame if I let the opportunity pass and not tell people about our plight here at home.”

Benoit has long been a champion for Louisiana’s wetlands. In 2004, he and manager Reuben Williams helped organize the first Voice of the Wetlands Festival in Houma.

A combination of exhibits, cuisine and all-star music, the annual event continues to shed light on not only the disappearance of our coast, but the loss of the unique culture, heritage, wildlife and people associated with it.

Now in its fourth year, the VOW Festival returns to Southland Plantation in Houma Oct. 12-14 again seeking to unite supporters from around the parish, state and country for its cause, Williams said.

“The music, food, coastlines, wildlife, fish, game and everything else that make Louisiana a unique and original state is in desperate need of America’s attention and support,” Benoit explains on VOW’s Web site, HYPERLINK “http://www.voiceofthewetlands.com” www.voiceofthewetlands.com. “We ask you to join us and take the VOW to save America’s wetlands, America’s homes, America’s culture and heritage, crucial elements of the American economy and, above all, America’s people.”

Capitalizing on south Louisiana’s rich culture and cuisine, the VOW fest will again feature a menu of Cajun and Creole cuisine and sizzling talent, according to Williams.

“Every year we get a little more focused on what we want to achieve,” the VOW board member said. “It is our goal that when people leave our festival, they will want to get involved in learning and teaching others about the issues that we face here in the Tri-parish area.”

In addition to Benoit, the musical lineup includes Louisiana LeRoux, fiddler Waylon Thibodeaux and the Pershing Wells Louisiana Songwriters Showcase.

The VOW All-Stars – Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansome, LeRoux, Thibodeaux and Benoit – will close the festival Sunday evening.

In conjunction with the three-day festival, Cycle World of Houma is hosting a Voice of the Wetlands Benefit Poker Run that will start Sunday at the Park Avenue shop and end at the festival grounds. Information on the poker run is available at the VOW Web site.

Also, “Discovery Flights” over the wetlands are being offered through Hammond’s Air Service in Houma. Flights will travel in groups of three, and are being offered for $35 per person. For more information, call (985) 876-0584.

And for the second year, the “Voice of the Wetlands By Night” club hop will kick off after the festival ends on Friday and Saturday night. A pay-one-price ticket entitles patrons can go from club to club listening to about eight bands, Williams said.

VOW fest hours are Friday, Oct. 12, from 5-10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Waylon Thibodeaux, Tab Benoit and J. Johnny Vail wail at the Voice of the Wetlands Festival.