Hi Glenn,
I agree with your thoughts on language.

My home is about an hour and a half from Montreal, 50 minutes to the border. Thank goodness the French speakers in Quebec also realize this and attempt through law to stop the "englishing of quebec." American music and culture is pervasive." Language preserves culture.
Many many cultures have been opressed and it often seems that opression brings about great musical traditions

"for they that carried us away captive required of us a song, saying sing us one of the songs of Zion..."

I have often thought I wanted to be part of another culture
however, if I really think about it, it is not that I want to be part of that culture, I just want to be able to play the music..

When I hear someone wailing tarentellas on the diatonic I want to play that, when I hear great conjunto/tejano I want to play that.
Music can either be racist, as it was in the US for much of our history, or it can break down racial/cultural barriers

Anyway do I want to be a cajun, no thanks then I cound not be black, or mexican, or Italian, or Irish. I just want to be the best musician I can.
russ

As a cajun from Ville Platte responding to the guy who want to find a place to stay for the camp, email me and I can help you with this. There are a couple of little places to stay in nearby Bunkie, which is about 20 miles from "the park" as us locals call it. I can try to get you the number if you need them. I don't know how many "Cajuns" are on this forum, but I want to say that I do enjoy reading this and want you to know that you guys are all honorary cajuns in my book. Look forward to seeing and meeting some of you guys at the camp. Just look for the big guy with the Swallow accordion. Laissez les bon temps rouler!!