Upcoming Events 

Traditional Cajun Music Workshop

An exciting and immersive workshop in partnership with the the Center for Louisiana Studies and led by the talented Jamie Lynn Fontenot, Blake Miller, Chris Segura & Elise Riley

January 12, February 9, March 9, April 20, 2026

6:00 - 8:00PM

Register Here

The goal of this workshop is to teach a group of ready to learn individuals how to sing, play, understand, and perform select traditional cajun songs.

Attendees will learn one or two songs each session. Jamie Lynn and Blake will first introduce the material by letting the group listen to the songs. They will break down the meaning of the lyrics (english translation), teach the correct pronunciation of the lyrics, then combine the melody with the lyrics to teach the group how to sing the song.

Participants will break off into groups based on their instrument of choice to dive deeper into the tunes, learning the chords and melody. At the end of sessions, there will be a jam held for participants to actively perform the songs they have learned throughout the workshops.

The workshop is open to all ages, and no previous music or French knowledge is required. It is free to all who are eager to learn! You may register for one session, or all four, but registration is required for each session you wish to attend.

What to Expect:

  • Location: All workshops will be held at Center for Louisiana Studies (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. You can register for one, two, three, or ALL!

  • 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: After we learn our songs we will have a jam at the end of each workshop. We will play newly learned pieces, revisit past favorites, and take requests.

  • Bring Your Instrument: In this series we will also learn how to play songs on your instrument of choice. Bring your guitar, fiddle, or accordion to join 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.

  • CHRIS SEGURA

    Chris Segura started at the Center for Louisiana Studies as an undergraduate intern in 2004 and became Archivist in 2011. He graduated from UL Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 2008. He co-founded the Grammy-nominated band Feufollet and is a member of the Lafayette Rhythm Devils and the Grammy-nominated Pine Leaf Boys. Chris has an extensive knowledge of the local music repertoire and musicians from years past. He has digitized thousands of hours of reel-to-reel, VHS, audio cassettes, U-matic and Beta video tapes, records, and DATs, according to IASA standards. He oversees all audio digitization projects taking place at the CLS.  He has produced five albums composed of archive material for Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, a world famous festival held in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Segura also builds and restores violins in his spare time.

  • ELISE RILEY

    Elise Riley is a Cajun musician from Lafayette, Louisiana. The daughter of Grammy-winning accordionist Steve Riley (of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys) and sister of the late Chris Stafford (of Feufollet), Elise grew up immersed in the traditions of southwest Louisiana. She is proudly carrying on the rich musical legacy of her family. A self-taught drummer with a powerful voice, she also plays guitar and accordion, blending deep-rooted Cajun rhythms with her own fresh energy and style. 

    Elise learned music the old way—passed down from family, felt rather than taught. Her performances reflect generations of heritage while pushing Cajun music forward into a new era. You can find her performing with supergroups Chère Élise and Prends Courage. Elise is fast becoming a vital force in Louisiana’s music scene and a proud torchbearer for the next generation.

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