TECHE SCENE — La Recolte on stage

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

La Louisiane Banquet Hall — New Iberia

The traditions of the older generations are fading away, and for locals in New Iberia, it’s important to continue those ways so they’re not forgotten. Lovers of French music and members of the Cajun French Music Association held a monthly dinner dance this past Wednesday at La Louisiane Banquet Hall aimed at preserving those traditions.

“We’re trying to promote this and encourage it with the younger generations to come,” said Fred Romero, President of the Acadiana Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association.

Romero said the group is trying to preserve Cajun French music throughout Louisiana with funds raised at the event.

As locals were provided with a meal, courtesy of the Acadiana Chapter of the CFMA, they danced to music by local band La Recolte.

With both the music and the dance floor full with old traditions, Romero said having people enjoy themselves and remember their youth is what it’s all about.

“They’re going to do the two-step, people are going to waltz and have a good time,” Romero said.

Romero, who has been part of the Acadiana Chapter of the CFMA for 15 years, said the traditions he grew up with are going away.

“It’s going downhill because none of the young people want to hear Cajun French and they don’t know what they’re saying,” Romero said.

Romero said Cajun French is second nature to him, adding that he spoke French first before he spoke English, something the younger generations today don’t understand.

“And most of the younger generation don’t understand the French language so they have no idea what the music means,” Romero said. “They like the beat and they can go along to the beat, but they have no idea what the music means.”

Romero said he loves to listen to Cajun French music every day.

“I mean, it’s something you just grew up with,” Romero said.