45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival - Crafting Louisiana

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.

Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions as showcased through music, crafts, food, and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the role of the Jefferson Highway in regional heritage, the healing power of the arts, and the importance of folk culture in education.

Festival Highlights: - Three stages of music, including performances by: * Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (zydeco) * Amis du Teche (Cajun) * D.K. Harrell (blues) * Kristyn Harris Band (western swing/yodeling) * Smithfield Fair (roots) * Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (gospel) * The Has Beans (swamp pop) - 80+ traditional crafts vendors showcasing beadwork, quilts, soap, pottery, brooms, folk art, and more. - Red Beans & Rice Cookoff   - Louisiana State Fiddle Championship   - Free dance lessons and interactive sessions with the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe, Thistle Dancers, Classy Steppers, Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, and more. - Workshops & Presentations: yodeling, son jarocho dancing, musical spoons, Creole architecture, folk dolls, and artist Clementine Hunter. - KidFest & Outdoor Heritage Demos including Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, and a 19th-century wash day.

More info: https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/folkfest/  Jefferson Highway info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/  Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/  Big Blend Radio Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork