Kris Wartelle

kwartelle@theadvertiser.com

When babies are born at Lafayette General Medical Center, the standard Brahms "Lullaby" plays.

Which is nice, but not exactly unique.

That's why the Lafayette General Foundation and Louisiana Folk Roots paired up to create something that better reflects the welcoming nature of Acadiana.

"Je M'endors" is a new CD of Cajun and Creole lullabies that will soon be playing for newborns as they begin their lives at Lafayette General. Featuring songs performed by local Cajun and Creole musicians, the CD will also be given as a gift to the first 1,000 babies born at Lafayette General Medical Center starting next week.

"We wanted to celebrate the miracle of childbirth with something really special," said Geoff Daily, executive director of the Lafayette General Foundation. "And this exemplifies the Cajun and Creole culture of this area."

Mos of the14 selections on the CD are sung in French and feature artists such as Zachary Richard, Steve Riley, Terrance Simien, Curley Taylor and Ann Savoy. The star-studded group of musicians perform their own interpretations of old classics, as well as original tunes - some created just for the project.

"It's an incredible mix," said Todd Mouton, executive director of Louisiana Folk Roots. "Several artists wrote songs on the spot for the project and several used old traditional lullabies. They were overwhelmingly excited to be a part of it. This is a really exciting project for Louisiana Fold Roots. It's a great way to not only support our work, but be part of our work."

The CD was released Wednesday on iTunes. The official launch will take place next week.

Funds for the project come from the Lafayette General Foundation. The foundation will host a carnival-themed gala Thursday night to help pay for the costs of the CD, as well other initiatives it has led in the community. Those include a telemedicine clinic project that provides preventative and urgent care services in schools, with nurses connected to doctors through video conferencing.

"It's about investing in innovation and creating something that can sustain itself," Daily said. "The Cajun Lullaby project it just a great way of investing in our creative community. And, showcasing part of what makes our community so great."

The LGMC gala is sure to offer something out of the ordinary. Daily said guests will experience a real working carousel, carnival games and sideshow acts from New Orleans that include a man eating fire.

"We realized people want to be able to mingle and have some fun and get a bite to eat," Daily said. "And so we thought a carnival was a perfect framework for that. It's not sitting at a table for 3 or 4 hours, its going out and having fun."

Mouton said the "Je M'endors" CD is currently on sale on the Louisiana Folk Roots website for $15. The CD will go on sale in the LGMC gift shop next week.

Je M'endors cajun and Creole Lullabies

$15

Available at: lafolkroots.org or iTunes or teh LGMC gift shop