The Official 2019 Lineup Release
Carly Viator
News from Festival International
Festival International de Louisiane
315 Lee Avenue
337.232.8086/ Fax 337.233.7536
Contact: Carly Viator, Marketing Coordinator
carly@festivalinternational.org
Festival International de Louisiane Announces 2019 Lineup
Lafayette, LA – Festival International de Louisiane has released its 2019 performance lineup. This year's artists will include some of the world's most talented and influential performers, such as Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast), Moonlight Benjamin (Haiti), and the United States' very own master of funk pedal steel: Robert Randolph & the Family Band.
The 33rd-year's lineup features international performers representing 24 different countries and regions, combining new artists with some returning favorites.
"We searched high and low to find a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary sounds, so there is something for everyone this year," said Festival International Programming Director Lisa Stafford.
"Sudan will be represented at Festival for the first time ever with Alsarah and the Nubatones," Stafford added. "Mozambique-influenced artist Gato Preto will also be making waves. I can't wait to see these groups in person!"
Also new to the festival this year are El Septeto Santiaguero, of Cuba, and Doctor Nativo, of Guatemala, both of which are known to get crowds moving with their high-energy Latin rhythms. Returning this year, by popular demand, will be New Brunswick's Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire (AKA the "super-talented and hilarious Québécois man in a dress").
As always, Festival International focuses on bringing in French-speaking musicians to share their language and diverse cultures with Lafayette. This year, Festivalgoers can expect an assortment of artists from francophone countries, ranging from Haiti (Moonlight Benjamin and Boukman Eksperyans), to Niger (Mdou Moctar) to France (Bagad Plougastell and Akalé Wubé).
The bill for Louisiana's homegrown artists is also a stand-out this year – with Grammy Award winners, blues legends and rising stars galore. The Blue Monday Allstars' Living Legends Tribute will bring the talent of Carol Fran, Henry Gray and Lil' Buck Sinegal onto one stage to share the light they have cast onto music lovers for decades. Joining this once-in-a-lifetime set will be special guests: Smokehouse Porter & Miss Mamie; Marc Broussard; Lee Allen Zeno; Steve Adams; Tony Goulas; Kent August; Ron Eades and much more.
"It is a rare chance to see all of these legends in one place," said Festival International Executive Director Scott Feehan. "Lafayette's music scene is very powerful, and it is exciting to pull all of these musicians together to celebrate their success with the community."
Other local favorites to catch during Festival International are Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Lane Mack & The Balladeers and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. New Orleans will also be sharing its talent with Lafayette as we welcome Grammy Award nominees Cha Wa, as well as 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert Winner Tank & the Bangas. Festival International takes pride in showcasing Louisiana talents along with top bands from around the world.
More information will be coming soon on the full schedule, special exhibits and events. The Full Lineup and video can be found online at www.festivalinternational.org/2019-artists.