A new model for supporting Louisiana French language and music is taking root in the eclectic Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans.  The community center Beanlandia, headquarters for the socially-conscious krewe of Red Beans, recently completed a set of 10 weekly French nights consisting of discussion tables followed by a music show in French.  

Beanlandia and Red Beans founder Devin DeWulf received funding via a New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund grant for that set of shows, and he is now pursuing monthly donors to sustain future French nights.  “There is money outside of our state that we want to bring into the cultural economy of our state and into the French-language preservation efforts,” said DeWulf. “Having a French table for an hour and then music in French goes a long way toward that.”

Beanlandia hopes to register enough donors to eventually organize French nights at schools or community centers throughout the state. As of June donors were contributing a total of $400 per month, enough to cover one French night every two months. “That’s a starting point,” said DeWulf.  “Hopefully we continue to grow it and get it to a point where it is every month and then twice a month, and then every week, and then multiple locations.  The thing really could take on a life of its own.”  

Tennessee resident Krystal Jensen is one such donor. A Red Beans member and lover of Mardi Gras, Jensen and friends sought out Cajun and Zydeco music with each visit to New Orleans. “I don’t know that I would have known Cajun music without going to New Orleans,” said Jensen. “I think it would be a very sad life without it.” Jensen has supported Beanlandia’s prior fundraising efforts which helped out-of-work musicians during the pandemic.  When the chance to support the preservation of Cajun and Zydeco music arose, Jensen acted.  She pays $50 per month to support French preservation and other Beanlandia efforts.  “This is all really about community-driven support, and I love that.  We want to make sure that we don’t lose the culture that is here, and we want to spread that joy.”

Beanlandia’s efforts equate to paid gigs for the artists singing in French. One of those is acclaimed musician Louis Michot, who helped to organize the set of shows. “I was very happy that they asked me to help because we need more opportunities for people to speak in French, to live in French, and to support the language,” said Michot, who is optimistic about the subscription model.  “It is important for people who live elsewhere, whether in another state or in another country, to have the chance to be part of the French movement through membership in the organization. Whether they come to visit or they see the importance of French in Louisiana, they have the chance to help. Funding goes directly to the artists and the culture bearers who will continue to practice the language here in Louisiana.”

Michot envisions a future that could include music lessons, language lessons, and a space to encourage more people to speak French in a city where francophone visitors are often confounded by the lack of French spoken in the city.  “There are many people who come to Louisiana and look for French.  It is easier to find towards Lafayette because they have changed the street signs and there are more visible opportunities.  In New Orleans it is harder to find, though there are many people looking for that link.”

One participant who has taken advantage of several of Beanlandia’s French nights is Mandeville resident Ellen Winchell. “I come to practice my fading French,” said Winchell.  “I don’t want to lose it. I used to be able to dream in French and translate into English, and now it’s so far lost.” Winchell is a fan of Beanlandia’s overall programming and, specifically, its goal to preserve French and Creole culture in Louisiana. She sees an opportunity for growth, and she is encouraged by the family-oriented nature of the events. “I noticed that there were a large number of families here.  I’ve seen the place full of kids, and I think that’s important, too.”

DeWulf has been reaching out to local francophone organizations to explore partnership opportunities. He believes that the first set of shows and the initial donors prove that there is real interest from the public to support French nights. “We can coalesce the various people that want to support this.  I’m excited about it. There is a growth potential and a realistic pathway to success.”