Louisiana Folklife Month 2025
The Louisiana Folklife Month recognizes the rich diversity of Louisiana's living traditions of tradition bearers in order to bring attention to the individuals who sustain them. The initiative showcases an array of tradition bearers in a series of public programs taking place at venues across the state. Folklife Ambassadors from the Louisiana Folklife Commission (LFC) and Louisiana Folklore Society (LFS) have selected the following tradition bearers to be recognized at public presentations.
Monique Metrailer, Quilter, Baton Rouge, LA; Dianne Honore, Black Masking Indian, New Orleans, LA; CJ Chenier, Zydeco Music, xxx, LA; xxx, xxx, xxx, LA; Geraldine Robertson, Spilt oak basketmaking, Baton Rouge, LA; and Smithfield Fair, Roots Musicians, Alexandria, LA.
Presentations will be moderated by Folklife Ambassadors from the Louisiana Folklife Commission (LFC) and Louisiana Folklore Society (LFS).
Folklife Month is supported in part by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. EDIT? This year, 64 Parishes Magazine has produced short videos profiling the honorees. See the playlist here.
Learn about all tradition bearers recognized since 2015 here.
HONORING MONIQUE METRAILER (EDITvideo profile)
Quilter EDIT?, Baton Rouge, LA
Saturday, October EDIT , 10:30 am
LSU Rural Life Museum
Address: Burden Museum and Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Ambassador: Jim Hogg, CEO Jim Hogg Group LLC Advertising / Public Relations firm Host of "Sunday Morning in Hogg Heaven" radio program
Tradition Bearer: Monique Metrailer grew up in rural Arkansas, where her mother was the local postmaster. Occasionally, Monique quilted with a group of ladies at Mrs. Lewis's house, though her child-sized stitches often needed to be redone. Eventually, her mother got a quilting frame that allowed Monique to quilt both at home and with the community. Her quilting journey truly began after she moved to Baton Rouge 33 years ago, where she continued to quilt at the LSU Rural Life Museum and with friends at her cabin in the Ozarks. In the mid-1990s, she volunteered at the museum, demonstrating china head doll restorations and learning how to load a quilt into an antique frame.
Monique discovered bags of quilt tops and blocks from the estate of the museum's founder, Steel Burden. She led the Junior Docent program, teaching crafts from the rural 1800s, and the Junior Docents made a quilt that is now displayed in the museum. After an article about a quilting bee sparked interest in the community, they formed the 'Round Tuit' quilt group, named in honor of a woman who never completed her projects. This group greatly enhanced Monique's quilting skills. Today, Monique primarily quilts tops made by Southern women from the past, aiming to preserve cultural history. Completing these quilts helps maintain the legacy of those who have passed away.
The Event: Jim Hogg will recognize Monique Metrailer as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer in a ceremony in October during the LSU Rural Life Museum's Harvest Days in Baton Rouge..
HONORING DIANNE HONORÉ (edit video profile)
Big Queen of the Yellow Pocohantus and Queen of the Amazons, New Orleans, LA
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 2 pm
Dillard University, PSB Atrium
Address: 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126
Ambassador: Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy, Conrad Hilton Endowed Chair, Professor of English, Dillard University, Poet Laureate
Partnering Organization: Dillard University
Tradition Bearer: Dianne Honoré, a cultural activist and seventh-generation New Orleanian, grew up in her family's legendary 6th ward Creole restaurant, Hank's. She attended St. Louis Cathedral Academy in the French Quarter where creatives, historic surroundings and a daily cast of characters influenced her future. That upbringing along with concurrent careers in tourism and professional nursing honed her focus on exploring marginalized histories and creating truthful narratives that evoke social change and aid in healing historical trauma. A powerful maker, she successfully utilizes multi-disciplinary art, food and music experiences, and historic interpretation. Presentations and curated events include the only descendant-curated tour along the River Road plantation landscape at Destrehan Plantation, a talk on "Foodways in the Black Masking Traditions" at the Quai Branly Musee in Paris, Fr. "From the Shackles to the Streets" exhibit at her own shop Gumbo Marie's Creole Store on Bayou Road, Big Chief Darryl Montana’s 50th year masking exhibition and tour, annual Allison "Big Chief" Tootie Montana Day memorial, multiple curated events focused on preserving and promoting Louisiana Creole language and traditions as well as events in partnership with such organizations as the New Orleans French Market.
She teaches the history and beading art of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters at the Louisiana State Museum's Cabildo along with Big Chief Darryl Montana. She curates tours annually in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, hosts private crafting workshops and is a Chef on staff at the New Orleans School of Cooking where she combines a live cooking demonstration with the history of Louisiana's foodways, presenting to thousands of visitors annually. She has appeared in numerous television ads and interviews promoting Louisiana history. A traditionalist and solid believer in active participation as a form of preservation, Ms. Honoré currently masks as Big Queen of the legendary Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Black Masking Indian tribe. The tribe in which her family member, Eugene Honoré masked as Chief in the early 1900s. He is also credited, by oral history, for rearranging the Creole song "M'alle couri dans deser," known today as the prayer song "Indian Red." She founded the Black Storyville Baby Dolls, celebrating the first masking Baby Dolls in Jim Crow era New Orleans, ca.1912, and as a three-time cancer fighter she founded the Amazons Benevolent Society, whose community service work is grounded in cancer advocacy, environmental racism and healthcare disparities. She also co-founded Unheard Voices of Louisiana, focusing on amplifying marginalized voices in Louisiana history. Programs include Healing Through History, the Honoré-Destrehan legacy experience, descendant-led Unheard Voices of the German Coast tour, and the Black Storyville tour.
Ms. Honoré was awarded the 2013 Recognition Award by the Louisiana Creole Research Association for Truthful Historical Storytelling and Contributions to Society, the 2018 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Capturing the Spirit award for her work in the community and preservation efforts. Recently, her custom-created 2018 Mardi Gras Baby Doll regalia was purchased by the Quai Branly Musee in Paris, France and is on permanent exhibit. Ms. Honoré recently completed a year-long Creative Assembly residency focused on the neighborhoods of New Orleans at the New Orleans Museum of Art. She is on the Board of Alliance Francaise New Orleans, OperaCreole and serves as President of the Tour Guides Association of Greater New Orleans.
The Event: Mona Lisa Saloy will recognize Dianne Honoré as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer in a ceremony at Dillard University.
HONORING CJ CHENIER (EDITvideo profile)
Zydeco musician, Opelousas, LA
Saturday, October 11 or 12, 2025. Time TBD
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles; Atelier Stage
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles; Atelier Stage
Address: 500 Girard Park Drive, Lafayette, LA 70503
Ambassadors: John Sharp, Assistant Director for Research at Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Louisiana-Lafayette; Herman Fuselier, Executive Director, St Landry Parish Tourist Commission
Partnering Organization: University of Louisiana at Lafayette Center for Louisiana Studies
Tradition Bearer: When Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco, died Dec. 12, 1987, his Red Hot Louisiana Band did not die with him. C. J. Chenier, Clifton’s son, picked up the baton and continued the band’s legacy across the globe. Clifton’s iconic zydeco music is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, Library of Congress and winner of the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. C. J. Chenier was part of that legacy, Born Clayton Joseph Chenier in 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas, C. J. was a funk and jazz musician before joining his father’s band on his 21st birthday. His first gig was at the world-renowned Antone’s in Austin, TX. C. J. played saxophone and learned how to run a family business and world-class band. When his dad died, C. J. adopted his legendary accordion and kept the worldwide Chenier legacy alive.
C.J. and band debuted with the album “My Baby Don’t Wear No Shoes” on Arhoolie Records. Paul Simon became an admirer and picked him to play on “Rhythm of the Saints,” a Grammy nominee for Album of the Year and Producer of the Year. He was invited to perform on Simon’s sold-out, “Born at the Right Time Tour.” More collaborations followed with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. He has performed on “The Jon Stewart Show,” “Austin City Limits” and CNN, along with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and numerous music events. C. J.’s 2011 album, “Can’t Sit Down,” was nominated for a Best Regional Roots Grammy. June 25, 2025 marks 100 years since his father’s birth, an occasion being celebrated with tribute albums, special performances and recognition honors. C. J. has led a parade of centennial tributes at Gator by the Bay in San Diego, Warren, Ohio, Houston, TX, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, La., Savannah (Ga.) Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Clifton’s hometown of Opelousas, La.
The Event: John Pudd Sharp and Herman Fuselier will recognize CJ Chenier as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer in a ceremony at the 2025 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles Atelier Stage in Lafayette.
HONORING EDIT
Saturday, October ??, 2025, TIME? p.m.
Address:
Ambassador: Rachel Ornelas
Partnering Organization:
Tradition Bearers:
The Event:
HONORING GERALDINE ROBERTSON (EDIT video profile)
Split oak basketmaker, Baton Rouge, LA
October 2025 at TIME? PM
Rougarou Fest, Woodside Energy Music Stage
Address: 132 Library Drive, Houma LA 70360
Ambassadors: Jonathan Foret, Executive Director, South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center
Partnering Organizations: South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center
Tradition Bearer:
The Event: Jonathan Foret will recognize Geraldine Robertson as a Tradition Bearer in a ceremony during the Rougarou Fest.
HONORING SMITHFIELD FAIR (EDIT? video profile)
Roots Musicians, Alexandria, LA
October, 2025, in Alexandria,
Address:
Ambassador: Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Professor of English and Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, Northwestern State University.
Partnering Organizations: Cenla Arts Council, Louisiana Folklife Center, and Northwestern State University
Tradition Bearers: Founded by Alexandria singer/guitarist Dudley-Brian Smith in 1973 to focus on roots-oriented original songs in a vocal and acoustic instrument setting, he was soon joined by his brothers Bob on acoustic bass and Joel on acoustic guitar. The Smith brothers’ first release, “A Place In Your Heart,” was on Floyd Soileau’s One Way Records in 1977. After establishing the Alexandria-based independent Rapides the harmonizing brothers released two albums. Upon Joel’s temporary departure in 1983 to travel in Europe, singer/songwriter Jan Dedon Smith of a Baton Rouge musical family joined on vocals, accordion, guitar, and piano. In 1989 after more albums and concert tours (including with Louisiana’s LeRoux and Zachary Richard), and with the return of Joel Smith, the group changed its name from Charmer to Smithfield Fair to celebrate its mutual Scottish heritage. They signed with Centaur World Records and achieved international distribution and recognition. Joel Smith departed again in 1990 and over the following 20+ years, the group continued to release more albums and perform 40-45 weekends a year throughout North America and Scotland. Performing with a who’s who of Scottish and Celtic luminaries, they became known as one of North America’s foremost presenters of Scottish traditional music and original songs written in traditional styles. They have now returned to a broader roots-based genre.
As the Smith brothers had come up through the "Folk Boom" of the 1960s and early 70s, they shared a love of traditional forms of music. Their father was a noted CENLA swing and church musician, their mother a radio standards singer, and both grandmothers were music and voice teachers. Therefore, the broad variety of music in Louisiana’s "Crossroads" resonated strongly with them. Their original songs are a melting pot of folk, swing, pop, blues, gospel, jazz, classical, Celtic and Cajun roots. They have just released their 36th album, adding to their rich collection of both vocal and instrumental recordings. Among the many venues at which Smithfield Fair has performed are the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, North Texas Irish Festival, and Pensacola’s RadioLive. They continue to receive international radio airplay, and their music has been featured in film, television, web programs and short-form documentaries. They are pleased to present workshops on a variety of subjects at festivals and other events.
Their song "Sweet Sugar Cane" has been used for many years as the theme for the American Sugar Cane League. The current and longest-standing line-up is Dudley-Brian Smith (vocals, acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonica, recorder), Jan Smith (vocals, accordion, piano, acoustic guitars) and Bob Smith (vocals, acoustic bass, percussion), and the group takes pride in being Louisiana's longest continuously performing roots-oriented singer/songwriter ensemble.
The Event: Shane Rasmussen will recognize Dudley-Brian Smith, Jan Smith, and Bob Smith, the ensemble Smithfield Fair, at a ceremony in Alexandria.
