Blown Away on the Bayou
October 15-18, 2025 | Southwest Louisiana
A Harmonica & Blues Summit in the Heart of Acadiana
Now proudly part of The Whirlybird Project 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Blown Away on the Bayou was born over slices of pie and cups of tea—dreamed up by Jim Phillips, Christy Leichty, and Grant Dermody as a way to celebrate the deep roots and living legacy of the harmonica and blues in South Louisiana. What began in 2021 as an intimate harmonica and blues summit at the Whirlybird—our beloved underground honky-tonk in Sunset, LA—has grown into a dynamic multi-day gathering for lovers of the Blues and traditional roots music.
Now in its fourth year, the Summit offers immersive instruction in harmonica, acoustic Blues guitar, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, and voice—led by world-class musicians from Louisiana and beyond. Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, a full-time student or a curious drop-in, you’ll find a rhythm and a place here.
But this isn’t just about lessons—it’s about connection. Shared meals, spontaneous jams, live performances, and late-night jams are woven into the experience, creating a community where music is the language and joy is the goal.
Our mission is simple and true:
To enrich cultural understanding, nurture musical passion, and celebrate the Blues in the Acadiana region.
Come join us—play, learn, dance, eat, and discover your authentic voice in the music.
About the Whirlybird Compound and your hosts for the Summit
On the day Bo Diddley died, the blues seeped out of a weathered tin building, hidden from view as the sun set. Up the wooden stairs, across the screened-in porch, slide open the heavy wooden door of the old Texaco warehouse and step inside—an old fiberglass coin-operated kid’s ride resembling a helicopter stands—the building’s namesake. Welcome to The Whirlybird.
While The Whirlybird has an intriguing history and even earned a feature in Southern Living Magazine, Christy Leichty and Jim Phillips, purveyors of fun, have chosen to keep it a private, non-commercial space – an underground honky tonk. The Whirlybird lives on as more than just a place—it represents an underground movement driven by a passion for fun and an unwavering commitment to celebrating with friends. The perfect location for Blown Away on The Bayou … (as described by – Reese Fuller, journalist/author)
The Whirlybird Project is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community, fostering cultural exchange through immersive experiences, and providing an environment where individuals can come together, have fun, and contribute to the celebration of diversity and creativity.
World Class Instructors
Grant Dermody
Harmonica
Chris Miller
Cajun Harmonica
Cedric Watson
Fiddle & Diatonic Accordions
Rich Del Grosso
Slide Guitar & Mandolin
Joe Filisko
Harmonica
Teka Briscoe
Gospel Choir Leader
Corey Ledet
Piano and Diatonic Accordians
Jerry Devilier
Harmonica
Frank Fotusky
Guitar
Ed Poullard
Fiddle
Gallery
Check out these video segments from past years at summit.
“Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment of the Arts.”
