Since coming together after Dewey’s passing in 1992, they’ve grown from a band known for its youth and passion into pillars of the traditional music community not only in Louisiana but throughout the folk music world. They’ve recorded six CDs, appeared in numerous films and television shows, toured North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, enjoyed front cover features in magazines like Dirty Linen and Offbeat, and taught classes in Cajun culture internationally, in both French and English. Balfa Toujours cross many boundaries and perform in a wide array of styles, from rocking dancehalls to crowded festivals to informative concerts, without ever losing the “joie de vivre” that epitomizes their culture. It is for this ability to unite it all and keep the soul intact that the preeminent expert on Louisiana culture, Barry Ancelet, calls the band “the future of Cajun Music.”
Christine Balfa may be recognizable to some from her appearance in the film The Big Easy. She grew up playing triangle with her father Dewey and absorbed music and language from the thriving culture around Basile, Louisiana. Her singing is full of the raw emotion that enables the best Cajun singers to communicate powerful feelings directly to the heart. She collaborates on many of the group’s heartfelt original songs and is the founder and director of Louisiana Folk Roots, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Louisiana traditions.
Dirk Powell, Christine’s husband, plays accordion and fiddle in Balfa Toujours. He’s a winner of the prestigious Mulate’s accordion contest, and his instruction video for the instrument has become a classic. Dirk has recorded with musicians such as Sting and Jewel and has collaborated with producers such as T-Bone Burnett and Jerry Douglas. He is a founder of the Louisiana Renegades, a coming-together of Creole and Cajun musicians which stands in defiance of racism. Among numerous other creative endeavors, Dirk also leads his own Appalachian stringband and performs with Tim O’Brien.
Kevin Wimmer has been playing fiddle since the tender age of three. He performed frequently with Dewey Balfa and learned the essence of the tradition directly from him. Kevin also brings a Creole influence to the band, as exhibited by his unique fiddle repertoire and his powerful vocals. He performs frequently with Zydeco legend Keith Frank and has numerous other musical credits under his belt, including membership in the bluegrass band The Good Ol’ Persons and the swing combo Double Scotch.
Courtney Granger, the youngest member of the band, is proof of the tradition’s solid footing. As Christine’s cousin, he is the next generation of the Balfa Family and his soulful fiddling and singing are testament to the power of that bloodline. He recorded his debut CD for Rounder Records at the age of 15. Now in his early twenties, he has matured into one of the most passionate singers and fiddlers in Louisiana. Together with Kevin he excels at the bluesy twin fiddle style that was the hallmark of the Balfa Brothers in times past. His music is expressive and timeless, yet still full of the drive of youth.
Video
Live in Penang, Malaysia (May 2008)
Photos
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