NEW IBERIA, La. ( KLFY ) — The 29th annual Festival of Live Oaks kicked off in New Iberia with vibrant energy. People from all across Acadiana were able to participate in barbecue cook-offs, visit home businesses and vendors, and listen to a variety of music.

One zydeco artist, originally from New Iberia, Donna Angelle, says she’s performed at the festival since it started 29 years ago.

“Every year since I’ve been playing here its just been nice, people are so friendly and have so much respect for what you do, this is my home, New Iberia,” said Angelle.

Angelle became a world-renowned artist, traveling to various countries in Africa, sharing her love of zydeco music with the world. She recalls a moment at home when she realized being a zydeco artist was her passion.

“I got me an accordion, we lived on a farm, had a lot of chickens and stuff like that. I started playing accordion and the chicken started carrying on and I’d stop they’d stop, I’d start again and they were cutting up,” Angelle explained.

Angelle says she has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. She also encourages others to follow their dreams, like she did when she first performed at the festival of Live Oaks.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because I was told that so many times I wouldn’t make it, I wouldn’t amount to nothing. Here I am today, I’m 72 years old and I’m still playing. I’ve been around the world and seen a lot of things that I think kids should see,” said Angelle.

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