LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA — Louisiana’s rich musical heritage is receiving new life through an innovative web series that brings historic recordings together with contemporary performances. Titled Dry Bones, the ten-episode project celebrates the state’s diverse musical traditions while exploring the stories, people and cultural influences that have shaped its sound.
The series brings together the Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, filmmakers Abby and Jeremey Lavoi of Roots of Fire, and musician and producer Chas Justus. Through archival discoveries and fresh musical interpretations, the project reminds audiences that preserving the past can inspire creativity and strengthen connections across generations.
From a Christian faith perspective, the series also offers an opportunity to reflect on the power of music to unite communities, preserve memories and give expression to the human spirit.
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO HISTORIC SONGS
Dry Bones began during the COVID-19 pandemic as an effort to share archival recordings with local musicians while providing opportunities to support artists during a challenging period. Over time, the initiative grew into a broader creative project combining historical research, storytelling and live, in-studio performances.
Each episode examines the origins and significance of Louisiana songs before inviting musicians to reinterpret the material through their own artistic perspectives.
The series takes its name from imagery that may remind Christian audiences of Ezekiel 37, where the prophet witnesses a valley of dry bones brought back to life through God’s power. Although the project is a musical undertaking, the imagery offers a meaningful parallel: traditions that might otherwise fade can find renewed expression when people invest time, creativity and care in preserving them.
A CELEBRATION OF LOUISIANA’S MUSICAL DIVERSITY
Across ten episodes, the series explores Cajun, Creole, zydeco, folk, old-time and other roots traditions. It also examines connections with musical cultures beyond Louisiana, including Sweden and Acadia, highlighting the exchange of influences that has helped shape regional identity.
Participating artists include Grammy-nominated fiddler and accordionist Cedric Watson, Steve Riley of the Mamou Playboys, Megan Constantin of T’Monde, Kelli Jones, Swedish musician Thor Ahlgren and acclaimed old-time fiddler Nokosee Fields.
The lineup also features Acadian singer-songwriter Lisa LeBlanc, Cajun fiddlers Joel Savoy and Linzay Young, zydeco artist Nathan Williams and his sons, New Orleans singer-songwriter Sabine McCalla, and Feufollet with Acadian artist Julie Aubé.
Their varied backgrounds demonstrate how music can serve as a bridge between cultures, generations and communities.
A PREMIERE BRINGING ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES TOGETHER
The series will celebrate its premiere October 8 at the Acadiana Center for the Arts during Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. The event will include screenings, conversations with the filmmakers and live performances by participating musicians.
Afternoon and evening sessions will give audiences opportunities to experience the project. The premiere will offer the only chance to see all ten episodes together before their individual online releases.
The episodes are scheduled to debut online between October 14 and December 9, 2026. Tickets are available for a suggested donation through the Acadiana Center for the Arts website at http://www.acadianacenterforthearts.com. Additional information is available at http://www.drybones.net.
MUSIC AS A GIFT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
For Louisiana families, music often carries memories of church gatherings, family celebrations, community dances and stories shared by older generations. Preserving these traditions helps younger people understand where they come from while encouraging them to contribute their own creativity.
Psalm 96:1 calls believers to sing a new song to the Lord. This passage reflects the enduring ability of music to express gratitude, communicate emotion and bring people together.
As Dry Bones introduces historic recordings to new audiences, it celebrates not only Louisiana’s musical past but also the artists and communities keeping those traditions alive.
A PRAYER FOR LOUISIANA’S ARTISTS AND COMMUNITIES
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of music and for the musicians, historians, educators and filmmakers who preserve the stories of our communities.
Bless everyone involved in Dry Bones as they share Louisiana’s musical heritage with new generations. Give artists inspiration, provide opportunities for their work to flourish and strengthen the cultural bonds that bring our communities together.
Lord, encourage young musicians to discover their talents and honor the wisdom of those who came before them. May music bring comfort to the grieving, joy to families and understanding among people from different backgrounds.
As Colossians 3:16 encourages us to sing with gratitude in our hearts, may our songs reflect the beauty, resilience and hope You have placed within us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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