NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Zydeco Foundation is excited to announce that the inaugural NOLA Zydeco Fest Poster will be released on Wednesday, May 3. Dancing with the Ancestors, an illustration by Nik Richard is the commemorative poster for the 2023 New Orleans Zydeco Festival. This is the first poster created to tell the story of the festival’s purpose tied in with the 2023 theme.
The inspiration for the poster is theme “Dancing with the Ancestors” inspired by the festive dance culture of Zydeco and New Orleans’ music culture with homage to those who bring the high energy to life. Featured in the center is Creole Music Legend and Zydeco Pioneer, Alphonse “Bois Sec” Ardoin. Ardoin is the inspiration for the Foundation and the Festival – created by his granddaughters, Gabrielle Deculus and Courtney Smith.
“This is my first illustration where I could merge my style with the New Orleans festival culture,” said Nik Richard. “The location of the NOLA Zydeco Fest this year encouraged me to tap into the history of the area and with this being the first poster we needed to capture the Ancestor of Zydeco, Mr. Alphonse ‘Bois Sec’ Ardoin.”
Nik Richard is an artist, poet, and illustrator born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Richard works primarily in pen and ink illustrations, and specializes in print and editorial work. Through his art it is his mission to make sure local New Orleanians and its impact stay illuminated and not forgotten.
The poster will be available on nolazydecofest.com on Wednesday, May 3, and will also be available for purchase at the NOLA Zydeco Fest on Saturday, June 10.
About NOLA Zydeco Fest: The 3rd Annual NOLA Zydeco Fest will take place on Saturday, June 10, at A.L. Davis Park in New Orleans. This is a FREE family-friendly event with live music from Nathan Williams, Rusty Metoyer, Koray Broussard and Alphonse Ardoin. Featuring over 20 local food vendors, experiential art, community resources and more. For more information visit nolazydecofest.com.