Making Music // Recording Studio
by Ashlyn Verda, staff writer Hidden in the quaint suburbs of Houma, Digital Sac-a-Lait Productions serves as an essential recording studio for musicians in the Bayou Region. Pershing Wells— a professional guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter from Bayou Black— owns Digital Sac-a-Lait Productions, where he works with local songwriters to develop their music into tunes that are ready for the radio. “I’m the guy they come to locally,” says Wells. “I’ve produced about 75 albums and more than 1200 songs.” Since the studio’s opening in 2002, Digital Sac-a-Lait Productions has helped professional musicians with producing and recording their songs. The studio also offers guidance with the mastering and arranging of songs. “When you arrange a song, you’re basically taking all the musical elements and reordering them and changing the sounds you hear in order to create a unique experience,” says John St. Marie, a musician, conductor, and educator at Nicholls State University. Wells says he enjoys the process of figuring out where he can take a song. However, he’s cautious about repeating arrangements for different clients. One of his main goals is to discover the different ways he can capture the uniqueness and originality of a song. To find that originality, Wells likes to hear clients perform their song with just an acoustic guitar and their voice. While listening, he’ll usually find a tempo that matches the song. “I think I have a very good talent for hearing what they are trying to do—the feel of the song,” says Wells. After hearing the barebones version of a song, Wells begins arranging and composing the rest of the instrumentals. Although he creates most of the instrumentals digitally, Wells sometimes brings professional musicians and session players. These musicians are usually keyboardists, guitarists, violinists, fiddle players, and steel guitar players from the Bayou Region. “My favorite thing is watching a client listen to their song after it comes to life for the first time,” says Wells. “I’ve seen some tears and I’ve seen some beautiful smiles. Nothing beats it.” Most of Wells’ clients are local. Veteran singer, songwriter, and bassist Tim Dusenbery worked with Wells on his 2004 record Kingdom Come. “It’s been a desire of mine to express myself through music,” says Dusenbery. “I heard great things and decided to team with Pershing to complete the album. The recording process went smoothly and I don’t know how I would have done it without him.” Wells began playing music at 14-years-old, when his eldest brother Bill brought home a Sears Magnatone guitar. He started playing by ear and developed the skill quickly. After jumping between a couple local bands, Wells moved to Colorado and became a full-time musician. “Like everybody else, I was hopeful that some break would happen. I took it as a five year musical sabbatical, during which I continued to hone my musicianship,” says Wells. Wells eventually moved back to Louisiana to start a family. Locals knew him at the time as a guitar player, rather than a producer. After taking a year off from playing music, he joined the Country Sunshine Band. From the 80s to the mid 90s, Wells featured as a session guitarist in dozens of local “Swamp Pop” singles and albums. He also performed multiple times at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. While working as the chief engineer at Houma’s Apple Tracks Recording Studio, Wells released his first CDs as a producer. At Apple Tracks, Wells taught himself how to professionally record and produce music. After being laid off from Apple Tracks, Wells began recording with his brother, which evolved into recording a full album. From that point forward, Wells received a steady flow of calls from clients asking for help on their albums and songs. The influx of requests made Wells realize that he didn’t have time for a day job. By 2005, he had a waiting list of clients and was able to place his recording studio next to his home. By helping local artist with their careers, Wells has contributed to keeping cajun, zydeco, and swamp-pop music styles alive in the Bayou Region. Some local favorites Wells has worked with include Don Rich, Joe Barry, Southern Cross, and Tab Benoit. The music by these musicians and other local legends can be found at Fabregas Music Store in Houma. These days, Wells, in addition to recording and producing for local artists, still finds time to tour and play live with his friends. Visitors to the Bayou Region can catch him at seasonal festivals, The Balcony Bar, and On The Canal Bar, where he regularly plays. Even though Wells has become successful enough to move away from Houma, he’s decided to stay. “A lot of people ask me how come I don’t go to Nashville,” Wells says. “I’m content here. I feel that I’m a resource that is needed in this area.” For more information regarding Digital Sac-a-Lait Productions, contact Pershing Wells at http://www.pershingwells.com/digital_sac_a_lait_productions.htm.
Local Music // Kerry Thibodaux
by Ashlyn Verda, staff videographer Photos by Hannah Grigsby The man himself, Kerry Thibodaux. Kerry Thibodaux playing his second instrument, guitar. Who is the man behind the shades? Kerry has been playing instruments most of his life, with his first guitar at 11. Frets Kerry’s Guitar. Kerry Thibodaux, downtown Thibodaux Thibodaux in Thibodaux Kerry graduated from Nicholls, so he is no stranger to the bars downtown. Kerry at his home in Chackbay, where he lives with his wife, Emily. Kerry playing on his porch, where he relaxes with his wife and pets when he’s not working or performing. Guitar isn’t his first instrument; drums are his “real instrument.” When he’s not playing guitar, his day job is IT for the Lafourche Parish Government. Kerry writing his music, inspired by his friends and family. When asked if he plans on stopping playing music, he said no- he wants to do this forever. “That’s how we used to start writing songs, drinking at the camp.” Kerry explains, talking about his friends. Down at the boat launch. He “doesn’t get down here much” anymore, but this is where it all started. Kerry’s favorite show was when he and his band opened up for the Chee Weez at House of Blues in New Orleans. Kerry Thibodaux playing guitar. A favorite hangout spot of his in high school was at the boat launch. Kerry at his childhood home, where his parents still live. Kerry and his mother, Donna. Kerry playing his first and “real” instrument. Kerry grew up playing drums and guitar with his dad and brother. Kerry and his father Dale, one of his biggest inspirations. Kerry and Dale playing their guitars. Kerry on his parents’ porch. Kerry, contemplating.
Local Moving // Cajun Dance Lessons
video by Wes Barnett, staff videographer and article by Madison Boudoin, staff writer Dance lessons are available all across southern Louisiana for locals or visitors who wish to dig deeper into the rich Cajun culture of the bayou. Tourists can easily take home a piece of the culture by learning how to dance like a local in Cajun country. A typical Saturday night in Cajun country is nothing less than a good time filled with food, music, and dancing. “I do it for the exercise and the socialization,” says Marlene Savoy of Des Allemands, who travels all over the region to dance. “I also enjoy the friendly people and the Cajun atmosphere.” Dancing has always been a big part of the Cajun culture in the Bayou Region, but according to locals, it is not as common as it used to be. “It is mostly popular among the older generation,” Marlene says. “A lot of us learned the Cajun dances from our grandparents who were French.” Others learned the traditional dances by taking dance lessons. “Everyone has a different style of the dance and those who do not know the proper form simply improvise,” says Lutie Verda, a dance instructor from Des Allemands. Lutie suggests dancing classes to anyone who is interested in learning the proper forms of Cajun dance. She says that it is important to carefully select a dance instructor – one that teaches the correct forms of the dance. Cajun dances include the Cajun Jig, the Cajun Jitterbug, the Cajun Waltz, and Zydeco dancing. Each style is a unique form of the Cajun dance that is taught in classes that are scattered throughout the Bayou Region. “Anyone can learn how to Cajun dance,” says Lutie. All it takes is a Cajun instructor, a few lessons, and a lot of practice. The Bingo Hall in Boutte is a good place to start according to Lutie. The Bingo Hall puts on music events twice a week. Live Cajun music is played frequently, and locals take this as an opportunity to show off their traditional dance moves. Juanita Landry, owner of the Bingo Hall, says that around 70 to 100 people come to each music event. People travel from all over southern Louisiana for an evening of music and dancing. A lot of the locals bring their relatives or friends that visit from out of state. Visitors end up loving the Cajun atmosphere, and usually make more frequent visits just to go to the Bingo Hall with the locals, Juanita says. “It is wonderful to see these people come to our events and have a great time,” she says. The Bingo Hall is just one of the many locations to offer Cajun music and dancing in the Bayou Region. The Cajun Country Casino in Raceland, Gina’s at the Legion in Thibodaux, and the Jolly Inn in Houma are a few places that give visitors the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind Cajun dance party.
Preserving Cajun Music // A Society
by Madison Boudoin, staff writer In the small town of Thibodaux, the Cajun Music Preservation Society is striving to keep authentic Cajun music alive throughout the bayou region of Louisiana. The society is preserving not only the music, but the rich Cajun culture as well. This non-profit organization sends a group of musicians to perform at a variety of events along the bayou, and hosts a Cajun Jam twice a month. The Cajun Jam takes place at Gina’s at the Legion – a restaurant located in downtown Thibodaux. The jam completely ecompasses the true spirit of the Cajun culture – from the lively music, to the delicious food on the menu. Top that off with a family-friendly environment, and the result is an experience like no other. Locals gather from all over the bayou to watch the performance. There are usually around 80 people that go out to the event for some fun. The jam is nothing less than a night filled with entertainment and good times. “I come to the Cajun Jam for the food and music, but nothing beats the people that are here,” says Mark Portier, a Gray native who loves attending this event with his wife, Yvonne. The couple of 54 years finds joy in dancing the night away with their friends to the sound of traditional Cajun instruments. “The atmosphere is just wonderful. Everyone is so friendly and this is why we come here,” says Yvonne Portier. The jam provides a very welcoming atmosphere – one that is a major part of the Cajun culture and can be found all over the bayou region. The Cajun Jam has the right blend of music, food, and people, which give tourists a small insight to life on the bayou. It is a life that can only be experienced by livin’ like a local. To live like a local, means to eat like a local. At the Cajun Jam, tourists get the chance to do just that. Gina’s at the Legion offers authentic Cajun food that can only be found in southern Louisiana. Authentic Cajun food pairs well with an authentic Cajun performance. According to Quenton Fontenot, co-founder of the society, you will never see the same performance twice. This is because all of the musicians are volunteers which leads to a different set of performers for every show. “I think the always changing mix of musicians at our jams is pretty cool,” says Fontenot. This means that each show provides the audience with a unique experience. The musicians have a strong passion for Cajun music that shines through each and every show. “This is my favorite thing to do, and performing is so much fun,” says David Nieland, a volunteer musician. Nieland plays the guitar, and performs at the Cajun Jam regularly to share his passion for Cajun music with others. Nieland says that it is great to share this music with the locals, but it “means even more” to share it with tourists who may be experiencing the Cajun culture for the first time. “While I am playing my guitar, I like to look around and watch everyone dance,” says Nieland. He says it is wonderful to see new people, especially tourists, learning the Cajun dances from the locals. The Cajun Jam provides visitors with the opportunity to become fully immersed into the Cajun culture. The musicians of the Cajun Music Preservation Society are working hard to make Cajun music more available to people in Southeast Louisiana by hosting the Cajun Jam and taking part in as many local events as possible. Learn more and stay up to date on all events by visiting welovecajunmusic.org.
It’s a Party // Mardi Gras Like a Local
by Madison Boudoin, staff writer Down on the bayou, locals know exactly how to have a good time. Even the smallest of gatherings can turn into a celebration and for no particular reason at all. People on the bayou know how to throw a great party, and Mardi Gras is no exception. Mardi Gras is a season filled with beads, food, traditions, and good times. Communities join together in celebration to live up to the saying laissez les bons temps rouler, which is French for “let the good times roll.” During Mardi Gras, visitors have the opportunity to party like a local at one of the biggest celebrations in the Bayou Region. To truly party like a local, there are traditions that must be followed. Before the celebration can begin, it is important to claim a spot along the parade route. Front row seats are taken quickly, so it is best to show up to the route a few hours early. Spots can be claimed by using portable-folding chairs, tents, or even trash cans – it all works! On Mardi Gras Day, or “Fat Tuesday,” the celebration starts in the early hours of the morning. The locals – dressed in purple, green, and gold – waste no time and begin tailgating long before the parades are scheduled to run. Barbecue pits are fired up, food is served, and families spend quality time with one another as they wait for the parades to begin. “I really do enjoy Mardi Gras. I grew up around it and used to go to parades when I was little with my family that always came in from out of town,” says Kameryn Rome, a Houma native. Rome says that her family used to spend the whole day of Mardi Gras on the Houma parade route. According to Rome, parades on the bayou have a more family-oriented atmosphere compared to the parades in New Orleans, and because of this, it is the perfect location for traveling families to experience Mardi Gras. Parades in both Houma and Thibodaux are very laid-back. “They are very similar in that way,” says Ryan Dubina of Houma. He said that the main difference has to do with size. Thibodaux parades are much shorter, and the floats are smaller. Despite these differences, the celebration is just as big. When the parades start rolling, the competition for colorful beads begins. Everyone stands, waves their hands in the air, and shouts the traditional phrase, “throw me something, mister!” For many locals, this is the most exciting part of the celebration. “Riders throw beads, stuffed animals, toys, homemade trinkets, and a variety of other items. It is fun to see what you will end up catching,” says Bernadette Lanata of Boutte. She watches the parades with her family until the very last float passes. However, the celebration is not complete without a delicious piece of king cake. “It is a tradition in my family to share king cake together after the parades are over,” says Bernadette. It is a sweet treat that should not be passed up. This tasty dessert is easily found at bakeries and local grocery stores all over the bayou during the season of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras on the bayou is a family event that is filled with many special traditions that the locals appreciate. Locals on the bayou sure know how to, as the French say, “let the good times roll.”
Local Art // Chauvin Sculpture Garden
A sculpture depicting Christ and his follower carrying a cross symbolizing the meaning of cross carrying in the bible, which is carrying your own burdens. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture of an angel blowing a horn, similar to a revelation in the Bible when the seventh angel will blow the trumpet to announce the second-coming of Jesus Christ. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture made by a local artist with the sculpture garden and art studio labels embedded. This is a part of the art studio donated by the Kohler Foundation. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley An overall view of most of the angels in the sculpture garden. This work of Kenny Hill tell the story of his spiritual journey and the need for locals to connect with art more often. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture built on the tower depicting the story of Native Americans. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley The main attraction of the garden, the tower, shows a combination of historical stories told throughout history. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley Chauvin Sculpture Garden sign outside of the garden, on the right side of the entrance. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley