April 11 – 13

Welcome to a weekend of Cajun music and dance with the very finest tradition-bearers. This year’s festival features Jesse Lége and Cameron Fontenot. We offer multiple levels of instruction in Cajun fiddle, accordion and dance, plus cultural discussions, jam sessions, parties, traditional food and more!
Schedule
The festival schedule will be posted here when available. The festival will begin with an evening dance on Friday night.. Saturday features a full day of workshops and meals, with an evening dance to end the night. The festival concludes on Sunday after lunch.
Registration
Online registration is now open for Cajun/Creole Music & Dance Weekend. Click the button below to register adults. To register teens or youth, please contact Folklore Village at (608) 924-4000 or programs@folklorevillage.org.
Full-Time Registration
Adults: $300 before noon Central Time on March 28; $320 after noon Central Time on March 28
Teens: $225 before noon Central Time on March 28; $245 after noon Central Time on March 28
Youth: $150 before noon Central Time on March 28; $170 after noon Central Time on March 28
Part-Time Registration
Adult (ages 18+)
Teen (ages 13 – 17)
Youth (ages 5 – 12)
Friday Evening Dance
Saturday All Day (breakfast – evening party)
Saturday Breakfast
Saturday AM Workshops
Saturday Lunch
Saturday PM Workshops
Saturday Supper & Evening Party
Saturday Evening Party Only (no supper)
Sunday Breakfast
Sunday AM Workshops
Sunday Lunch
$30
$220
$16
$60
$22
$60
$65
$30
$16
$56
$16
$24
$180
$16
$48
$22
$48
$50
$24
$16
$40
$16
$16
$125
$14
$32
$18
$32
$35
$16
$14
$30
$14
Scholarships

It takes a village to put on our festivals. If you sign up to help us out by washing tableware (plates, silverware, and cups) after meals, you can attend the festival for only $120. Dishwashers spend approximately 30 – 60 minutes in the kitchen per meal. Please contact Program Manager Kelli Emerson at 608-924-4000 or programs@folklorevillage.org to inquire about dishwashing scholarships.
Artistic Staff

Jesse Lége, Advanced Accordion
Jesse Lege is one of the most admired Cajun accordionists and vocalists from Southwest Louisiana. Beginning with Cajun accordion at age 16, Jesse has been playing traditional Cajun music for over 35 years with a variety of bands in various Louisiana dancehalls. He has garnered numerous Cajun French Music Association awards, known as the ‘Cajun Grammys’: Traditional Band of the Year, Accordion Player of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Band of the Year. Bring your dancing shoes as we will be removing some of the seating to create ‘Narrows Dancehall’.

Cameron Fontenot, Advanced Fiddle
Cameron Fontenot, born and raised in Eunice, LA, discovered his passion for music at the age of 16 during the Experience Louisiana Festival at LSU in Eunice. Inspired by the sound of Cajun music coming from jam sessions at the festival, he purchased his first fiddle for $150 and began a journey that has spanned nearly a decade.
Over the past nine years, Cameron has immersed himself in the rich traditions of Cajun music. His fiddle playing blends the soulful styles of the “bal de maison” era with the classic dancehall sounds that have defined generations of Cajun bands. Drawing inspiration from legendary fiddlers such as Wallace “Cheese” Read, Wade Fruge, Varise Conner, Harry Choates, Tony Thibodeaux, and Ervin “Dick” Richard, as well as modern talents like Gina Forsyth, Jason Frey, Joel Savoy, and the late Courtney Granger, Cameron has cultivated a style that honors the past while captivating today’s audiences.
Cameron’s musical repertoire extends beyond Cajun music to include Classic Country, Bluegrass, and Western Swing. His dedication to Cajun music is reflected in his recordings, including his album, *Cameron Fontenot – A Tribute to the Fiddling Greats*, focusing on honoring the great Cajun fiddlers that have passed on, and collaborations with artists like Kevin Naquin and Cory McCauley. He has performed on notable stages across the United States and Europe, including the Big Weekend Cajun and Zydeco Festival in Shropshire, England, and the Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY, with Walter Mouton and the Scott Playboys.
Cameron has played with renowned bands such as the Savoy Family Band, Walter Mouton and the Scott Playboys, Jason Frey & Lagniappe, Jesse Lege, and Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold. He currently leads his own band, Cameron Fontenot & The Rhythm Aces, while also performing with Donny Broussard & The Louisiana Stars, Jason Frey & Lagniappe, Troy LeJeune and Cajun Revue, and others who need a fiddler.
For Cameron, music is a way to tell stories and evoke emotion, whether through traditional Cajun two-steps and waltzes or his own compositions. His deep connection to the culture and his commitment to preserving its legacy make him an up-and-coming ambassador in the world of Cajun music.
Meals

Sharing meals together is an essential part of many Folklore Village events, and Folklore Village festivals feature catered meals prepared fresh in-house by the fabulous RedBarn Catering. Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available at every meal for those who register as vegetarian or gluten free. If you have additional dietary restrictions please let us know via the festival registration form. RedBarn Catering will do their best to accommodate various needs but cannot guarantee all dietary needs will be met. If you have questions or concerns please contact Folklore Village at (608) 924-4000 ahead of the festival.
Accommodations

Bunkhouse (Very rustic): $20 per person per night
Stay on-site within walking distance (about 3 blocks) of Farwell Hall (main activities building). The bunkhouses are heated, with cots provided, and camp-style toilets and handpump nearby. Showers are located in Farwell Hall. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towel, flashlight, etc. Men and woman are housed in separate buildings. Heated and air conditioned!

Tenting: $10 per tent, per night
Many sites are available No campfires allowed. Showers and bathrooms are located in Farwell Hall (main activity building). You can register for tent camping via the festival registration form.
RV Camping with Electrical Hook-up: $15 per RV, per night
*Extremely limited; reserve early!*
To register for an RV spot with electrical hook-up please email programs@folklorevillage.org.
Other Lodging:
Folklore Village is glad to partner with AmericInn Dodgeville. Use the QR code below or this link below for discounted rates!
Other hotels may offer a discount if you mention you are coming to a Folklore Village event.
Deer Valley Lodge (608)924-1600
Best Western (608)935-7739
Pine Ridge Motel (608)935-3386
Quality Inn (608)987-4747