ABOUT THE SUMMIT
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Blown Away on the Bayou is a four-day roots music summit that brings together master musicians, educators, tradition bearers, and music lovers in the heart of South Louisiana.
Participants may attend as Full Summit students or choose from a variety of drop-in classes, workshops, performances, and special events. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, developing your skills, or have spent years performing professionally, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
The Summit features an extraordinary faculty from Louisiana and beyond, offering instruction in harmonica, blues guitar, slide guitar, fiddle, accordion, bass, vocals, songwriting, improvisation, and the rich musical traditions that shaped them. Faculty members include Grammy nominees, award-winning performers, master teachers, and cultural ambassadors whose work continues to sustain and advance the living traditions of Blues, Cajun, Creole, Zydeco, Gospel, and American roots music.
We call it a summit intentionally. More than a workshop or music camp, Blown Away on the Bayou is a gathering place where students, professionals, teachers, tradition bearers, and passionate music lovers come together to learn from one another, share ideas, build friendships, and make music.
And then there’s the Whirlybird factor. Set in a legendary underground honky tonk in the heart of Acadiana, BAOTB offers something difficult to describe but easy to recognize: great food, late-night jams, campfire conversations, unexpected collaborations, and the kind of beneficial accidents that happen when creative people gather in the right place.
Choose the participation option that’s right for you by exploring the tabs below.
$775 • Registration Required
The Full Summit Experience includes everything Blown Away on the Bayou has to offer:
- Three full days and two half days of workshops, instruction, and jamming (see Schedule)
- Admission to all seminars, concerts, dances, and evening events
- Participation in the BAOTB Gospel Choir and performance
- All gourmet, home-cooked meals and snacks prepared by our master Cajun chef
- Unlimited opportunities to learn, listen, play, connect, and be inspired
Whether you’re a curious beginner, a developing musician, or a seasoned performer, the Full Summit Experience provides unparalleled access to THE WHIRLYBIRD and our faculty, workshops, performances, jam sessions, and the unique community that makes BAOTB special.
Discounts
A $75 discount is available for:
- Louisiana residents
- SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) members
- Western New York Blues Society members
$125 • Advance Registration Required
Not an instrumentalist? Or simply love to sing? Join the BAOTB Gospel Choir & Vocal Workshop and become part of one of the Summit’s most uplifting traditions.
Under the guidance of acclaimed vocalist and choir director Teka Briscoe, participants gather each afternoon to learn and rehearse gospel songs, explore vocal techniques and harmony singing, and prepare for a special performance during the Saturday Night Concert.
Includes:
- Daily choir rehearsals and vocal workshops (Wednesday–Saturday at 4:30 PM)
- Participation in the Saturday Night Concert performance
- An opportunity to learn, sing, and connect with fellow music lovers in a welcoming and supportive environment
To ensure a successful performance, participants are asked to attend all rehearsals and the Saturday evening concert.
Meals are available for purchase separately (approximately $15 per meal).
$30 per class • On-Site Registration
Can’t attend the full Summit? No problem.
Drop-In Lessons allow participants to experience BAOTB one class at a time—or take as many as they like. Each day, Thursday through Saturday, a variety of workshops are offered throughout the morning and afternoon, giving participants the opportunity to learn from our outstanding faculty without committing to the full Summit.
Includes:
- One 75-minute workshop or lesson
- Instruction from master musicians and educators
- Classes designed for a variety of experience levels
- Opportunities to explore harmonica, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, and other roots music traditions
Whether you’re a local musician, a curious beginner, or just passing through, Drop-In Lessons offer an affordable way to experience the spirit of Blown Away on the Bayou.
Meals may be purchased separately for approximately $15 per meal.
$15 per evening • On-Site Registration
Not taking classes? Just want to enjoy the music? Our Evening Events offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the Summit through artist talks, performances, dancing, and jam sessions.
Each evening features opportunities to hear directly from master musicians, tradition bearers, and culture keepers as they share stories, insights, and perspectives on the Blues and the rich musical traditions of Louisiana. The evenings conclude with live music, dancing, and informal gatherings where students, faculty, and guests come together to celebrate the music.
2026 Evening Schedule
Thursday Evening
7:00–8:00 PM
Seminar with Horace Trahan
8:00 PM until…
Student and Faculty Jam Session
Friday Evening
7:00–7:30 PM
BAOTB Gospel Choir Performance
7:30–9:00 PM
Faculty Concert
9:00–11:00 PM
Blues Dance & Faculty Jam
Saturday Evening
7:30 PM until late
The Whirlybird Throwdown
An unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and jamming featuring students, faculty, and special guests.
Meals may be purchased separately for approximately $15 per meal.
Gourmet, home-cooked meals are provided by our Master Cajun Chef, Jolie Meaux to all who register for the FULL SUMMIT. Meals can be purchased individually, $10-15 each meal.
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
Jam
Jambalaya with Sides
Chicken Sauce Piquant with Sides
Saturday
Breakfast Strata
BBQ Chicken with Sides
Shrimp Madeline Fettuccine with Mixed Green Salad
Sunday
Nutella French Toast
*All breakfast includes fresh fruits, pastries, granola, yogurt, orange juice, and coffee.