2009 Steve Riley - Mamou CMF Honoree

The 38th Annual Mamou Cajun Music Festival was held this past weekend (Aug. 15,2009) and Mamous' own legend ,Steve Riley, was this years honoree. He performed for the large crowd at the Mamou Recreational Complex shortly after he was presented with his festival poster as a token of appreciation. He thanked many people who influenced his passion and love for Cajun culture, music and performing, including TJ Landreneau, Jamie Berzas and especially his family and friends. He said when he and his band, The Mamou Playboys, perform, it is so much more than just playing good music, its about proudly representing his hometown of Mamou.
This is a short pictorial dedicated to Steve Riley (and the Mamou Playboys). It does not cover the entire festival,only the honoring of Steve. All pictures were snapped by Mamou CMF staff members. The intent of this video is to honor and promote Steve as well as the Mamou Cajun Music Festival ( one of the BEST in the state). The following is what this impressive organization is all about :
The Mamou Cajun Music Festival began as a one-day festival presenting some of the local Cajun musicians to the citizens of Mamou and Evangeline Parish. It has since become what it is today, a two-day music festival, presenting traditional Cajun musicians, dancing, food, and contests. In the early 1970's, some of the citizens of Mamou grew concerned that our culture was dying. These people felt that there was a need to renew the communities interest in our culture, thus was born the Mamou Cajun Day. In its beginning, some 20 or so volunteers presented this festival, which was then sponsored by the Mamou Area Jaycees. In the early 1980's, this group officially became the Mamou Cajun Music Festival. On February 11, 1985, this organization gained its non-profit status as a corporation based on the premise that we would dedicate ourselves to the "preservation of our Cajun culture and heritage through our traditional Cajun music". Our organization takes pride in the fact that we have been able to continue the traditions of our culture and have been able to provide a platform for the many traditional Cajun musicians in our area, in which they can gain exposure and compensation for their art. At the same time, this event promotes the preservation of our culture by gaining the interest of our children, the citizens of Mamou, and the many tourists who visit our festival from all over the world. All proceeds received are used to prepare and present the next annual festival to ensure our Cajun Culture lives on.......... Our "Special Thanks" to all who attend and support our festival......... ....Mamou Cajun Music Festival Staff

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[MsHedgewitch]

Steve Riley is the best....we see him every year at the Dewey Balfa Creole and cajun heritage festival.....he and his band are the highlight of the week long event....wouldnt miss it~

[Rdezo]

@MsHedgewitch : I'll pass your kind words on to Steve . Thanks

[kdm0769]

My Photos look GREAT on this slide show!! Kimberly Manuel

[jlm12b]

What a great day! 12 hours of traditional Cajun music, and not one zydeco song. That's living in Louisiana

Le Piquant

[bobspanner]

If anyone deserves it its him. Wonderful player lots of soul.

[txstoryteller]

Steve Riley is the REAL DEAL!! I have seen him in concert 2x (in Louisiana and in Ohio, my former home state); he is AWESOME!! GREAT vid, and congrats to Steve! He deserves it!! :D  FIVE stars!! AAIIEEE!!