LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of the Arts is giving a lifetime achievement award to a Tulane University anthropology professor, documentary recording producer, film maker and radio host.
The Spark award recognizes Nick Spitzer’s work with African French Louisiana communities, Creole music and culture.
Spitzer created the Louisiana Folklife Program, which helped bring attention to Cajun music and zydeco. He hosts the weekly public radio show American Routes, about American music and culture.
A Tulane news release says the award will be presented Friday at ArTech Fusion, part of a two-week arts festival in Lafayette.
On Saturday, Spitzer will be master of ceremonies for a festival program featuring Lawrence “Black” Ardoin and Tradition Creole along with Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie. It’s called “Zydeco, La-La, Ya-Ya.”