Cajun French Lyric Workshop

Join us for an exciting and immersive workshop hosted by the Center for Louisiana Studies and led by the talented Jamie Lynn Fontenot and Blake Miller

January 13, 27 & February 10, 24, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00PM

In these workshops you'll explore the rich tradition of singing Cajun music. The Cajun French Lyric Workshop series is open to students of all skill levels, providing you with the tools to sing up to eight traditional Cajun songs.

What to Expect:

  • Location: All workshops will be held at Roy House, located at 1204 Johnston St. 

  • Learn French and Sing French: Each week, you’ll dive into a world of Cajun two-steps and waltzes, gaining a deeper understanding of the music and culture. Two new songs will be taught each week. We’ll also explore direct English translations to help strengthen your French vocabulary.

  • No Cost, No Experience Required: Sign up for as many classes as you like at no charge! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome. 

  • Material Provided in Advance: By registering and providing your email, you'll receive song materials in advance, allowing for optional preparation. We hope this option boosts confidence and gives students a sense of preparedness. 

  • Jam Sessions: The first hour and 15 minutes will focus on learning new songs, followed by a 45-minute practice jam where we will play newly learned pieces, revisit past favorites, and take requests.

  • Bring Your Instrument: Participants are encouraged to bring their instrument of choice to join in the fun! 

  • Have fun! We want to create a nurturing, safe learning environment for our community to come together. CSMF workshops are a judgment-free zone. Let’s all have a blast and embrace our culture! 

We hope to see you soon for a series of educational, fun evenings celebrating Cajun music, language, & culture.

Come ready to sing, learn, & connect!

  • JAMIE LYNN FONTENOT

    Jamie Lynn Fontenot, born in Louisiana, holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in French. With over ten years of experience teaching French to a diverse range of students, she is currently a certified French Immersion teacher in Lafayette Parish. She also teaches traditional Cajun French song and dance at festivals and music camps. A passionate Cajun musician, Jamie plays Cajun guitar and sings, performing across the U.S. with her band, The Daiquiri Queens. In addition, she performs with the bands Chère Elise and Prends Courage, sharing her love for Cajun culture.

  • BLAKE MILLER

    Blake Miller, grandson of musician and accordion builder Larry Miller, grew up in Iota, Louisiana. He's been surrounded by Cajun culture and music his whole life. A fluent French speaker and songwriter, he earned a degree in Francophone Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Blake founded the popular band The Pine Leaf Boys and has played with many notable groups, such as The Red Stick Ramblers, Balfa Toujours, and Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole. He is a professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he leads the traditional music program's Cajun ensemble, sharing his deep cultural knowledge and musicianship with students.

More to Know:

  • All participants 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult and included in their registration form.

  • Please be aware that this is a learning environment. We would appreciate it if everyone remained respectful and mindful of this. 

  • Drop-ins will be welcomed only if space allows.

  • There is no alcohol allowed at workshops. 

  • For participants needing disability accommodations, please reach out to Elise at the email below

For any questions, comments, suggestions, etc., reach out to Elise Riley at elise@staffordfoundation.org