Christine Balfa


Christine Balfa is a Cajun musician and founder of the group Balfa Toujours known for performing vocals, guitar, and the triangle. She is the youngest daughter of Dewey Balfa.
Balfa created the Cajun band Balfa Toujours in 1992; and her husband, Dirk Powell, was a long time member of the group.
Christine Balfa is a founding member of the Cajun band Bonsoir Catin, started along with the musicians Kristi Guillory and Yvette Landry in 2005. Bonsoir Catin was nominated for a Best Regional Roots Album Grammy in 2014.

Biography

Balfa was born on June 28, 1968. Her father, the Cajun musician Dewey Balfa, gave her a triangle to play when she was still a toddler. Throughout childhood, Balfa spent time playing music along with The Balfa Brothers in the family home near Basile, Louisiana.
She is the founder of the nonprofit organization Louisiana Folk Roots which has a mission to preserve and promote Cajun and Creole culture. Balfa has taught classes at Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's Conservatory of Music.
In 1998, as Balfa Tourjours, Balfa recorded the album Allons Danser with the Creole musician Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin.

Discography

  • ''Christine Balfa Plays the Triangle''

With Balfa Toujours

Pop tu me parles toujours À vieille Terre Haute New Cajun Tradition Deux Voyages Allons danser – Bois Sec Ardoin with Balfa Toujours La Pointe

Compilations (partial list)

Alligator Stomp, Vol. 5: Cajun & Zydeco - The Next Generation Bayou Hot Sauce Cajun Music: The Essential Collection

With Bonsoir Catin

Blues à Catin Vive L'Amour Light the Stars
  • ''L'Aurore''

Compilations (partial list)

The Rough Guide To Cajun & Zydeco En Français - Cajun 'N' Creole Rock 'N' Roll Best of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles 2002 The Best of Valcour Records: Volume I, 2006-2011
  • ''The Balfa Family: A Retrospective - Festivals Acadiens et Créoles 1977-2010''