About Blown Away on the Bayou
Where the blues meets the bayou—and everybody’s invited.
Whether you’re a full-time jammer or just dipping a toe in for a day, Blown Away on the Bayou is your chance to step into a sweet, soul-soaked weekend of classes, jams, live music, and dance—led by world-class instructors from Louisiana and beyond. This summit is for everyone: total beginners, road-worn pros, folks who just want to be near the good stuff—and some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Jerry Devillier, our 87-year-old Cajun harmonica hero, offering rare, soul-deep instruction straight from the heart of Acadiana. That alone is worth the trip.
Workshops include harmonica, guitar, fiddle, vocals, bass, and accordion, with flexible options for part-time folks or session drop-ins. Whether you’re here for the full ride or just passin’ through, there’s a rhythm here with your name on it.
Live Music Lives Here!
Live music isn’t just a feature of BAOTB—it’s part of who we are. And this year, we’re passing the torch. Saturday’s concert will feature performances from local youth groups, including harmonica bands from St. Landry School and Basin Arts, small blues ensembles from School of Rock, and student-led bands made up of middle school, high school, and college musicians from across Lafayette.
We want this music to live on. And for that to happen, the kids have to join the family. Come cheer them on, welcome them in, and witness the next generation keeping the blues alive.
Want the flavor? Head to the Front Page for the vibe… Or Check out the Instructors Page for the soul.
And when you’re ready to roll, the tabs below have everything you need for registration and payment.
And hey—each person is eligible for one $50 discount, so be sure to check the details and claim yours when you sign up.
Come get blown away…
Full-time participation for the Summit is $750. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This includes (everything in all the tabs):
- Three and a half days of instruction and jamming (See full Schedule).
- Admission to all seminars, events and parties (Click on the Evening Events tab for more info).
- Gospel choir participation and performance (Click Gospel Choir tab for more info)
- All gourmet, home-cooked meals and snacks, by our master Cajun chef (Click on Meals tab)
$50 Discount offered to:
- Louisiana Residents
- SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) members
- Bring-a-Friend Bonus – Get $50 off when you and a friend both sign up full-time. (Just let us know who you’re bringing along for the ride.)
cDon’t play, or don’t want to take instrument lessons? No problem! We have a gospel choir, meeting Wed-Friday at 4 PM.
Performance is Friday evening.
Participation for the Gospel Choir is $100. ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This includes:
- Rehearsal Wed-Friday at 4 PM
- Friday evening concert performance
Please plan to attend all rehearsals and the Friday Night performance. Meals can be purchased individually, $10-15 each day.
Not able to participate in the full summit? No problem! All our lessons are available for drop-ins. All three days – all instruments and voice.
Participation in each drop-in lesson is $30. ON-SITE REGISTRATION
This includes:
- 75-minute lesson
- Lessons offered at all levels of experience and ability
- Harmonica, Guitar, Fiddle, Voice and Accordion
Meals can be purchased individually, $10-15 each day.
Don’t play, or don’t want to take instrument lessons? No problem! We offer live music events Friday and Saturday. Updated schedule is in the works.
Attendance each evening is $15. ON-SITE REGISTRATION
2025 Live Music Events Open to the Public
Friday evening
7:00-7:30pm
Gospel Choir performance
7:30-9:00pm
Faculty Concert
9:00-11:00
Blues Dance with Lee Allen Zeno, Gerard St. Julien and Faculty
Jamming
Saturday Afternoon and Evening
7:30-late
Whirlybird Throwdown
Jamming
Meals can be purchased individually, $10-15 each day.
Feed Your Soul
Full-time summit folks get treated right—with gourmet, home-cooked meals crafted by our very own Master Cajun Chef, Jolie Meaux. Jolie brings the heat, the heart, and the heritage to every plate.
Not joining for the whole ride? No worries—individual meals are available for $10–$15 each, so you can still get a taste of the goodness.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
Wednesday
Cooking Class 3:00-4:30
Dinner: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo with Potato Salad
Thursday
Breakfast Taco Bar
Red Beans & Rice with smoked Sausage and Side
Smothered Pork Rice & Gravy with Sides
Friday
Breakfast Quiche
Jambalaya with Sides
Chicken Sauce Piquant with Sides
Saturday
Breakfast Strata
BBQ Chicken with Sides
Shrimp Madeline Fettuccine with Mixed Green Salad
*All breakfast includes fresh fruits, pastries, granola, yogurt, orange juice, and coffee.