The Photo Pit-Festival International

June 18, 2024 by Kyra Kverno

Editor’s Note: Contributing Photographer Kyra Kverno shares some of her images and observations from 2024’s Festival International in Lafayette, Louisiana :

Festival International is a small festival with a big feel and Lafayette, Louisiana is a great place to enjoy incredible music, food and art. From April 24 to April 28 in 2024, people came from all over the world to perform and enjoy this diverse musical experience.

In fact, folks living in New Orleans often escape the madness that is Jazz Fest and make their way to Lafayette, to discover new artists and sounds. There was music from most of the lower 48 and all across the globe . These were some of the acts I had the opportunity to enjoy: Riyaaz Qawwali, Cheikh Ibra Fam,La Dame Blanche, Jackie Venson,The Weary Boys,Rancho Aparte and the queen herself Oumou Sangare.

: Riyaaz Qawwali

: Dragon Knights Stilt Walkers

: Cheikh Ibra Fam

: La Dame Blanche

: On The Fai Da Do Stage

: Rancho Aparte

: The Weary Boys

: Jackie Venson

: Oumou Sangare

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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