Fall SAGE Series Begins September 21
(Pictured left) Filmmaker and folklorist John Sharp stands outside of the Richard Sale Barn in Abbeville. This old cattle auction barn is now a venue for blues, Cajun and zydeco music and is an example of one of the many dancehalls throughout the state that he will lecture about Sept. 21 for the McNeese State University SAGE series. (September 15, 2015) The SAGE lecture series at McNeese State University will kick off its fall 2015 program with a lecture by filmmaker and folklorist John Sharp titled "Dancehalls of Louisiana" from 3-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, on the second floor of the McNeese SEED Center.
Known for its culture of live music and dancing, Louisiana was once dotted with dancehalls in nearly every parish. Dancehalls provided a social environment for live performances, meeting halls, festivals and pavilions, making them a local phenomenon. Sharp will take the audience through the history of dancehalls and their impact on Louisiana culture.
Sharp is the assistant research director for the Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has headed several field research projects and serves as the primary contact for the Archive of Cajun and Creole Folklore. He is a member of the executive committee of the Louisiana Folklore Society and is currently the treasurer.
His documentary film, "Dancehalls of South Louisiana," earned him the 2012 Louisiana Filmmakers Award from the Louisiana Economic Development. Sharp earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University and his Master of Science degree from ULL.
Cost for the series is $ $65. For more information or to register, call 337-475-5616 or visit www.mcneese.edu/leisure.
Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.