Louisiana Folk Roots will bring together an unprecedented lineup of artists and culture-bearers for its 2008 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, which will run Friday-Friday, April 18-25 at Chicot State Park near Ville Platte. "This year, we will again offer folks an unparalleled opportunity to experience Louisiana culture at the source," says LFR Executive Director Todd Mouton, "and this year we'll also place a special emphasis on the vision and artistic achievement of our camp's namesake, the late Dewey Balfa."

The 2008 DBCCHW will unite a number of Balfa's relatives, friends and students. The camp's roster of intensive class instructors announced to date includes Tony Balfa, Jeffery Broussard, Sam Broussard, Preston Frank, Jonno Frishberg, David Greely, Ginny Hawker, Christine Balfa Powell, Dirk Powell, Steve Riley, Ann Savoy, Tracy Schwarz and Kevin Wimmer. Instructor Coordinator Peter Schwarz and Culinary Director Pat Mould are also on board for the week of learning and fun.

The 2008 camp has already attracted registrants from as far away as Australia and Germany, and LFR hopes to draw a record number of Louisianians to the week of special events, which begins with a two-day festival and includes five days of intensive classes and hands-on workshops in music, cuisine, dance and other areas of study.

Dance bands announced to date for LFR's ninth immersive learning camp include Balfa Toujours, The Red Stick Ramblers, The Pine Leaf Boys, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, and Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys. The week will also feature master presentations from The Savoy Family Band, The BeauSoleil Trio and many other artists and groups yet to be announced.

Deluxe waterfront cabins, dormitory accommodations and RV and tent campsites are still available for the week. Registration information is available at www.lafolkroots.org and by calling (337) 234-8360.