WELCOME: Louisiana Folk Roots is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the unique cultural traditions, resources, and folkways that abound here in Louisiana. From refined native crafts to exhilarating traditional music, from distinct regional folkways to hot dance steps and magically intense cuisine, Louisiana offers the world a cultural cornucopia unrivaled in its depth and diversity.

Yet, these aspects of Louisiana life, which not only give strength and identity to those who reside within the state but also attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year, are, in many cases, being lost to mainstream culture.

It can be very rewarding to give back to a culture that has given so much to the world, to help it maintain its relevance in today's rapid-fire world. The rewards may appear in a number of surprising ways...in the humble smile of an older musician hearing himself applauded for the first time in years, in the eyes of a child putting on a Mardi Gras mask he made with his own hands, in the satisfaction of a Creole cook as she watches her students dig into the pot for seconds. Images such as these remain forever in our mind's eye and in our hearts.

The goal of Louisiana Folk Roots, in the words of founding director Christine Balfa Powell, is to give back to those regional traditions some of the energy and fortitude that they have given to the people of Louisiana for generations – in short, to support the traditions that support Louisiana. It is our hope that you will contribute to the realization of this goal by joining the Friends of Louisiana Folk Roots, becoming a corporate sponsor, or simply attending some of our events. Together, we can make a difference.