August 20, marks what would have been Chris Stafford’s 37th birthday—a milestone now observed with both grief and hope by his loved ones. Earlier this year, the Lafayette music community was rocked by the tragic loss of Chris Stafford, a remarkable musician, studio engineer, and producer. To honor his legacy, the Christopher Stafford Memorial Foundation has been established, dedicated to sustaining the impact of his life and ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire.

Chris Stafford was a profound talent whose contributions to Cajun music and beyond were vast. As a co-founder and leader of the Grammy-nominated band Feufollet, Chris brought traditional Cajun music to a wider audience, infusing it with his innovative spirit. His studio, Staffland, became a hub for Lafayette’s vibrant music scene, offering an open door to countless musicians seeking to perfect their craft. Chris’s legacy is one of generosity and creativity, always prioritizing the needs of others in his musical endeavors. His mother, Lisa Stafford, reflects on his life’s mission: “Chris always said, ‘I don’t want to be a front guy — I just want to make people sound the best they can.’ And that he did for hundreds of artists.”

The Christopher Stafford Memorial Foundation aims to continue Chris’s mission by elevating artists’ access to music and music education, fostering inclusivity across diverse backgrounds. The foundation’s initiatives will include maintaining Staffland Studio as a resource for emerging musicians, offering scholarships for music education and creating a public memorial to sustain Chris’s memory.

The Stafford family has seeded the foundation through the Community Foundation of Acadiana, and donations are welcomed to help grow this fund, ensuring Chris’s passion for music continues to inspire future generations. Updates on programming, events, and fundraisers will be shared through the foundation’s website and social media channels, with an inaugural event currently in development.  Learn more at www.staffordfoundation.org