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
The first gathering in 2021 was held at The Whirlybird—our underground, tin-roof treasure tucked into the heart of SWLA. It was small, mighty, and unforgettable. Since then, it’s grown into a multi-day celebration of roots, rhythm, and connection, open to the community—with The Whirlybird (affectionately known as The Bird) still holding it down as the home where the magic happens.
Now in its fourth year, the Summit offers immersive instruction in harmonica, blues guitar (including slide, Piedmont, Delta, and Chicago styles), fiddle, accordion, voice, and mandolin upon request—all 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, soul-stirring performances, and late-night music-making are all part of the experience. Around here, music is the language, and joy is the goal.
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Our Mission Is Simple and True:
To enrich cultural understanding, nurture musical passion across generations, and celebrate the Blues in the Acadiana region.
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Come join us.
Play, learn, dance, eat—
and discover your authentic voice in the music.
The Folks Who’ll Blow You Away
Our Instructors | Masters of Music, Soul & Good Company
Grant Dermody
Harmonica
Chris Miller
Cajun Harmonica
Cedric Watson
Fiddle & Diatonic Accordions
Sam Broussard
Slide, Piedmont & Delta Guitar
Joe Filisko
Harmonica
Teka Briscoe
Voice & Gospel Choir Leader
Corey Ledet
Piano & Diatonic Accordians (Sat)
Jerry Devilier
Cajun Harmonica
Frank Fotusky
Fingerstyle Piedmont & Delta Blues Guitar
Ed Poullard
Fiddle & Diatonic Accordions
Trey Boudreaux
Bass (Sat only)
Marty Christian
Slide Guitar (Sat)
Oreun “Jimmy” Joubert
Piano accompaniment
Who Had This Wild Idea Anyway?
Where a honky tonk became a heartbeat.
The Whirlybird was dreamed up and hand-built by Christy Leichty and Jim Phillips—partners in mischief, music, and meaning. What started as a DIY honky tonk hidden in a weathered warehouse somewhere in the heart of Cajun and Creole SWayLA has grown into something deeper: a gathering place with soul.
Somewhere along the way, over pie and tea on the porch, Christy and Jim sat down with Grant Dermody—and the idea for Blown Away on the Bayou was born. What began as a dream between friends is now a living, breathing summit of roots, rhythm, and real connection.
Today, The Whirlybird Project—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—carries the torch. With Christy, Jim, and fellow officer Flannery Denny at the helm, the Project ensures that every event, gathering, and offering aligns with its mission: to foster creative community, celebrate culture, and keep the good stuff flowing.
Y’all, this ain’t a business. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s hosted with love.
Gallery
Check out these video segments from past years at summit.
We treasure every moment with Chris Stafford—an original member of Trouble Down Teche, and a musician whose heart, humor, and deep South Louisiana soul alway brought something special to the mix. R.I.P. Chris
“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.”
