Join us for two outstanding Routes to Roots workshops led by Marce Lacouture of The Nouveau String Band. Marce has presented countless workshops on singing and Louisiana cultural music for festivals, music and dance camps, and the University of Louisiana Elderhostel Program. Here are Marce's own descriptions of what's in store:

1:30-3:00 p.m. "Getting to Know Your Voice"
Singer Marce Lacouture and speech pathologist Mary Lobdell will painlessly guide you through warm-up exercises, teach you resonance techniques, and help you learn how to best use and protect your voice. Whether you are a professional musician or only sing in the shower, come explore the predictability and dependability of your voice in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Mostly for grown-ups. In the second workshop, "Soul Singing," Marce will lead holiday songs, Gregorian chants, rounds and spirituals - songs that will inspire and appeal to all ages, creeds and ethnicities. Mary Lobdell, PhD., CCC-SLP, is a Lafayette speech language pathologist who specializes in voice disorders. She presents workshops on voice use by professional singers, and teaches a class on voice disorders for the University of Texas at El Paso.

3:15-4:45 p.m. "Soul Singing"
There is nothing more fun and soulful during the holidays than singing with a room full of people. Singer Marce Lacouture will lead holiday songs, Gregorian chants, rounds and spirituals -- hand-picked songs that soothe and inspire. For all ages, creeds and ethnicities. The workshops will be held at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion in downtown Lafayette. Fees for each workshop are $8 ($5 for members of Friends of Louisiana Folk Roots), or $12 for both ($8 for members).