Esteemed composer, banjo and bass player Don Vappie will take the stage at the Marigny Opera House on September 16 during the annual La Fête Creole festival. The festival spans September 15 to 17 and offers a weekend of Creole culture, music, and celebration.

Vappie, a recognized musician many will remember from his involvement with Preservation Hall, the Danny Barker Festival and previous collaboration with The Hot Springs Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, will headline a performance at La Fête Creole. He was previously featured on the cover of OffBeat Magazine‘s November 2008 issue for his contributions to the music scene.

During his performance at the Marigny Opera House, Don Vappie will pay tribute to Sybil Kein. Sybil Kein, also known as Consuela Provost, is a Louisiana Creole poet, playwright, scholar, and musician. Her early publications and presentations have contributed significantly to Creole studies, preserving and celebrating Creole heritage. She was also the sister of “Deacon John” Moore.

Born on September 29, 1939, Sybil Kein’s influence on American letters is notable, with her poetry archived in the National Archives and Library of Congress. In 1981, she published Gombo People, a volume of poetry in the Louisiana Creole language, representing a significant contribution to American literature.

In addition to Don Vappie’s tribute, the festival’s program will also include a homage to Mahalia Jackson, presented by Danielle Edinburgh Wilson. Additionally, there will be a tribute to William Grant Still, featuring renditions of songs and arias from his operas, including A Bayou Legend, Troubled Island and Minette Fontaine.

La Fête Creole offers an opportunity to enjoy cultural experiences, with performances starting at 7:00 p.m. each evening and doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at varying prices, including general admission and student options for full festival access and individual events.