NSU’s Prather Coliseum was once again transformed into the finest musical venue and restaurant in Louisiana for the 2025 Folk Life Festival on Saturday, July 19. Several thousand festivalgoers packed NSU’s Prather Coliseum to be entertained by an eclectic variety of 15 musical acts from all over Louisiana and surrounding states. In addition to the music, over 70 vendors from Louisiana and surrounding states sold books and crafts as well as educating festival goers on various Louisiana and Native American folk ways. Savory aromas filled the air courtesy of food venders serving up everything from superb gumbo to fish and meatpies. Festivalgoers who ventured outside could see a representative from the West Baton Rouge Museum in period dress demonstrating laundry day in the days before machines as well as a blacksmithing demonstration by Marty Young from LSUS’ Pioneer Heritage Center.
Traditional craftswoman Christy Benoit Castille was named as the honorary Chair of the 2025 Folklife Festival. She was joined onstage by this year’s inductees into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. These accomplished folk artists were: the Folk group Smithfield Fair, Grammy Award winning Zydeco legend Chubby Carrier, local musical mainstay John Litzenbeg, and Clementine Hunter Folk Art historian Tommy Whithead.
The Louisiana Fiddle Championship, held in conjunction with the Folk Life Festival, was hotly contested with Ron Yule, of DeRidder in Beauregard parish, earning the title as the 2025 Louisiana Fiddle Champion.
Longtime local musical favorites The Amazing Rhythm Disciples, The Lacour Trio, Thistle Dancers and Pipers, and The Snake Doctors showcased local talent.
The festival is a long-standing favorite as evidenced by its loyal following. Many of the attendees and performers have been coming for years. The loyal following and the festival’s new friends kept the dance floor moving and the concerts well attended.
The Folklife Festival, now in its 45th year, is designed to showcase, preserve, and perpetuate Louisiana’s unique culture. This year’s theme was “Crafting Louisiana”. For a modest admission fee, the NSU Folk Life Festival features a solid day of superb music, crafts, food and, above all, fun.
