Grammy Award-winning musician Steve Riley is one of many South Louisiana artists  influenced by Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. He began attending the event at age 14,  watching and learning from the greats who performed in the early years, including his  "hero and mentor" Dewey Balfa.

 Riley performed with Balfa at Festivals Acadiens for the first time in 1987 at the young  age of 17 and later with his band, the Mamou Playboys, in 1989 and every year since.

 "Dewey Balfa influenced me more than any other Cajun/Creole musician, especially in  my early, formative years," Riley said. "I loved the music of the Balfa Brothers more  than any other growing up. Meeting Dewey at age 15 and becoming his accordionist  shortly afterward was the equivalent of meeting and playing with John Lennon for me.  He wasn't only a great musician; he was a great spokesman and ambassador for our  music and culture. And his role as such was sparked, in large part, by his performance  in Newport 50 years ago."

 "I've definitely modeled my career and approach to performing after what I learned  from my time spent with him," Riley concluded.

 Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys recently celebrated their silver anniversary, 25  years of a widely successful career that includes 13 recordings and four Grammy  nominations. Performing at Festivals Acadiens et Créoles was always a highlight for the  band, Riley said.

 "I was always so nervous to play that festival with the Playboys," he said. "I always felt  like a lot of attention and expectation was placed on us back then since we were one of  the few of the new generation playing traditional Cajun music. We always wanted to be  at our best there and showcase any new, cool material we'd been recording and  playing."

 Click here to read more from Steve Riley as he recounts some of his favorite    Festival Acadiens memories featuring archival images courtesy of Philip Gould  and Kevin Ste. Marie. You can also subscribe to our blog for the latest feature  stories, events and more.