Biography

The legacy of late Cajun fiddler Dewey Balfa continues through the music of his daughters, Nelda and Christine, and their band, Balfa Toujours. Performing in the traditional acoustic style of Cajun music, the group combines the bayou sound with enthusiasm and front porch intimacy. Although the Balfa sisters played guitar as youngsters and often jammed with their father and uncles, they didn't dream of a musical career until their father's death in 1992. In the aftermath of his passing, they began writing songs to express their sorrow. After they had written nine tunes, they recorded a tape to pass along to family members. The project proved so successful that they agreed to form a more permanent band. Their debut album, Pop, Tu Me Parles Toujours, was produced by Al Tharpe of Beausoleil and released in 1993. Following the release of their second album, A Vielle Terre Haute, in 1994, Nelda Balfa left the group to focus on her career as a hairdresser. Although she occasionally plays local gigs with the band, she continues to limit her involvement since. La Pointe followed in 1998, and the live album Live At Whiskey River Landing arrived two years later. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi