Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival

Zion Harmonizers, folk artist Cynthia Ramirez named to Hall of Master Folk Artists

By Kristen P. Townsend 

NATCHITOCHES – Six gospel musicians and a multi-media folk artist were inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists Saturday at the 44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Inductees were Cynthia Ramirez and the Zion Harmonizers, whose leader, Brazella Briscoe, served as honorary festival chair. 

Director […]

Joe Suchanek of Fields wins second Louisiana State Fiddle Championship

By Kristen P. Townsend 

NATCHITOCHES – Joe Suchanek of Fields won his second Louisiana State Fiddle Championship Saturday. Suchanek overcame a tough challenge from past champions Ben Robinson (2005, 2009), Clancey Stewart (2018) and Ron Yule (2000, 2019) along with newcomers Asher Hotard and Samuel O’Kelley in the championship round. 

The Louisiana […]

Square dance lessons to be taught at Folk Festival

By Kristen P. Townsend

NATCHITOCHES – “Chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough and we didn’t do it then like we did a while ago.” This may be one of many calls heard as you swing your partner and do-si-do around the dance floor on Saturday July 20 at the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Folk […]

Folk Festival will feature Bluesman Sonny Gullage

Kristen P. Townsend

NATCHITOCHES – Following a family line of musical genius ranging from Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter to grandmother and gospel recording artist, Sister Alberta Gullage, and bassist father, Tony Gullage, who has performed with many well-known musical greats, such as Henry Butler, emerges Sonny Gullage. Sonny is taking […]

Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship to be held July 20

Story by Kristen P. Townsend 

NATCHITOCHES – The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held on July 20 in conjunction with the 44th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. The Fiddle Championship will be held at 1 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall located at 175 Sam Sibley Drive on the Northwestern State University campus. […]

Jambalaya Cook-Off returns to Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival

Story by Kristen P. Townsend 

NATCHITOCHES – The Louisiana Jambalaya Cook-Off is returning to the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on Saturday July 20 in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. Professionals and hobbyists can compete in any of three categories and demonstrate their […]

44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival to be held July 20

NATCHITOCHES – The 44th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday July 20 in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m. with […]

Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival celebrates “Louisiana’s Cultural Gumbo”

By: Shane Rasmussen 

NATCHITOCHES – The audience at the 43rd annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival held on July 22 was entertained and educated about the rich and diverse cultural offerings of the state. The Festival featured traditional Louisiana foods, Kidfest activities, music, traditional crafts, narrative sessions, musical informances, and cultural exhibits. This year’s […]

Curry Perkins of Ragley wins Louisiana State Fiddle Championship

NATCHITOCHES – Curry Perkins of Ragley was named Grand Champion of the 2023 Louisiana State Fiddle Championship held at Northwestern State University as part of the 43rd Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Second place winner was Clancey Stewart of Florien, with Joe Suchanek of Merryville placing third and Ron Pace of Alexandria placing fourth. […]

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