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Bonsoir Catin

Biography

Bonsoir Catin is a dynamic Cajun band formed in Louisiana, celebrated for their innovative approach to traditional Cajun music. The group was founded by Kristi Guillory (accordion, vocals) and Christine Balfa (acoustic guitar, vocals), both deeply rooted in the region’s musical heritage. Guillory and Balfa, along with bandmates Anya Burgess (fiddle, vocals), Maegan Berard (electric guitar, vocals), Ashley Hayes Steele (bass guitar, vocals), and Daniel Devillier (drums, percussion, vocals), have crafted a sound that honors the classic forms of Cajun music while infusing it with elements of rock, blues, funk, R&B, and even classical music. Their French lyrics and evocative storytelling often explore themes of desire, heartbreak, and empowerment, with a distinctive feminist perspective that sets them apart in the genre[1][3][4].

The band’s career began in the mid-2000s, quickly gaining recognition for their energetic live performances and original songwriting. Their debut CD was released in September 2006, and they have since performed at major festivals and venues across Louisiana and beyond, including the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and the Blackpot Festival. Bonsoir Catin’s 2014 album 'L’aurore' exemplifies their blend of tradition and innovation, featuring ten original songs and arrangements that range from dancehall-ready two-steps to impressionistic ballads inspired by experiences as far-flung as Paris and Alaska. The group’s commitment to the preservation and evolution of Cajun music has earned them a Grammy nomination and a reputation as one of the most influential contemporary Cajun ensembles[1][2][3].

Bonsoir Catin’s legacy is marked by their role in revitalizing Cajun music for new audiences, particularly through their emphasis on female perspectives and collaborative songwriting. Their work not only preserves the language and culture of Louisiana French communities but also pushes the boundaries of what Cajun music can be, ensuring its continued relevance and vitality[1][4].

Fun Facts

  • The band's name, 'Bonsoir, Catin,' means 'Good Night, Doll' in Louisiana French[1].
  • Their album 'L’aurore' was inspired in part by a night in Juneau, Alaska, where the band performed and then witnessed the northern lights, which influenced the title track’s classical fadeout[1].
  • Bonsoir Catin was Grammy-nominated, a rare honor for Cajun bands, reflecting their impact beyond regional music circles[3].
  • Christine Balfa is the daughter of Dewey Balfa, a legendary figure in Cajun music, and has performed since childhood, carrying on her family’s musical legacy[7][8].

Members

  • Christine Balfa - original
  • Danny Devillier
  • Kristi Guillory - original
  • Yvette Landry - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Dewey Balfa - Father of Christine Balfa, legendary Cajun fiddler and foundational influence on her musical upbringing and philosophy (Christine performed with her father and learned the traditions firsthand) [1970s–1992 (Dewey Balfa’s lifetime); Christine’s early life]

Key Collaborators

  • Kristi Guillory - Founding member, lead songwriter, accordionist, and vocalist (All Bonsoir Catin albums and performances) [2005–present]
  • Christine Balfa - Founding member, guitarist, vocalist, and key arranger (All Bonsoir Catin albums and performances) [2005–present]
  • Anya Burgess - Fiddler and vocalist, core member (All Bonsoir Catin albums and performances) [2005–present]
  • Maegan Berard - Electric guitarist and vocalist, core member (Bonsoir Catin albums and live shows) [2007–present]
  • Ashley Hayes Steele - Bass guitarist and vocalist, core member (Bonsoir Catin albums and live shows) [2007–present]
  • Daniel Devillier - Drummer and percussionist, core member (Bonsoir Catin albums and live shows) [2007–present]
  • Yvette Landry - Former bassist and vocalist, early collaborator (Early Bonsoir Catin performances and recordings) [2005–2007]
  • Jude Veillon - Former drummer, early collaborator (Early Bonsoir Catin performances) [2005–2007]
  • Richard Comeaux - Guest steel guitarist (Live performances with Bonsoir Catin) [2006]
  • Courtney Granger - Guest vocalist and fiddler, Christine’s second cousin (Live performances, including 'Les veuves de la coulée') [2006]
  • Sheryl Cormier - Collaborated on stage at Festivals Acadiens (Live performances) [2006]

Artists Influenced

  • Emerging female Cajun musicians - Bonsoir Catin’s feminist approach and all-women (with one male member) lineup have inspired a new generation of women in Cajun and Creole music (Influence evident in contemporary Cajun bands and solo artists) [2010s–present]

Connection Network

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Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Vive L'Amour 2009-08-18 Album
Light the Stars 2014-04-29 Album
L'aurore 2017-05-26 Album
Blues À Catin 2008-02-12 Album

Top Tracks

  1. 73 Special (Vive L'Amour)
  2. Black Cat Bones (Vive L'Amour)
  3. J'Aimerais Sentir Comme Ca Chez Moi (Vive L'Amour)
  4. Moi L'aime Une Petite Fille (Light the Stars)
  5. Freetown Breakdown (Light the Stars)
  6. Mon Aimable Brune (Vive L'Amour)
  7. Cinquante Piastres (Blues À Catin)
  8. Squirrel Song (L'aurore)
  9. C'est Pas Eux-Autres Á Dire (Light the Stars)
  10. L'amour, L'amour (L'aurore)

Heard on WWOZ

Bonsoir Catin has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 28, 202512:39Blues a catinfrom Blues a CatinCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Oct 29, 202513:19Black Cat Bonesfrom Vive L'AmourNew Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen
Oct 27, 202511:36Baby Please Dont GoNew Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves
Oct 26, 202512:32Black Cat Bonesfrom Vive L'AmourCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Sep 28, 202512:21Le Vieux Dodge a Bill Landryfrom Blues a CatinCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs