La Marque, Texas, December 20, 2025
Houston-raised country artist Rodell Duff will headline the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown, a celebration of Louisiana culture in La Marque, Texas. This annual festival features local cuisine, music genres including Zydeco and Cajun, and serves as a platform for community engagement and economic growth. Organized by the BTR Caring for Kids Foundation, the event highlights the role of community-driven initiatives in enhancing local culture while supporting children and veterans in need. The festival promises a unique blend of music and culinary delights for all attendees.
Houston, TX
Cajun Rhythms and Texas Spirit: Rodell Duff Headlines Bon Temps Rouler Throwdown
Houston-raised country artist Rodell Duff is set to bring his unique blend of soulful country-rock to the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown in La Marque, a testament to individual initiative and community-driven cultural celebration. This signature event, organized by the BTR Caring for Kids Foundation, exemplifies how local leadership and private partnerships can foster vibrant gatherings that boost regional economies and strengthen community bonds.
The annual festival, known for its lively celebration of Louisiana culture right here in Texas, not only provides entertainment but also serves as a significant force for civic good. It highlights the power of dedicated local organizers and volunteers, who, with streamlined coordination, create platforms for artistic expression and economic vitality. Such events underscore the benefits of community-led efforts in enriching the local landscape without the need for excessive bureaucratic oversight.
The Journey of Rodell Duff: A Houston Success Story
Rodell Duff, a celebrated country music artist, embodies the spirit of personal initiative and artistic dedication. Born in Trinidad & Tobago, he moved to Houston, Texas, as a child, establishing his roots in the vibrant Gulf Coast region. His musical journey began early, singing in church and later joining his school choir, which ignited a lifelong passion for music. It was not until 2017, at the age of 27, that Duff picked up a guitar and taught himself to play, a decision that marked a pivotal turn in his career. This self-taught approach reflects a deep personal commitment to his craft, transforming a challenge into an opportunity for growth and achievement.
Duff’s distinctive sound is often described as soulful country-rock, blending the raw authenticity of artists like Chris Stapleton with the warmth of Brett Eldredge and the edginess of Nickelback or 3 Doors Down, all while retaining a storytelling quality reminiscent of John Mayer. His breakthrough single, “Wrecked,” released in 2021, achieved remarkable success, garnering over 5.7 million streams on Spotify. By the fall of 2022, his Spotify profile boasted over 190,000 monthly listeners, and his music had accumulated over 7 million streams with just five releases. His debut EP, “Red Dirt Cursed,” followed in September 2022. Rodell Duff’s success has been recognized widely, including a performance at the 2022 CMA in Nashville, Tennessee, and being highlighted by the Houston Chronicle in August 2022 as a rising star. His single “Good Days” also made it to the cover of Amazon Music’s Love & Country playlist. His commitment to continuous improvement, through songwriting, guitar lessons, vocal practice, and studio work, underscores a dedication to self-sufficiency that resonates with the values of individual excellence.
The Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown: A Celebration of Culture and Community
The Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown is more than just a music festival; it is a vibrant two-day celebration of Louisiana culture held annually in La Marque, Texas. Scheduled for Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, the event will take place at the expansive Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park. This family-friendly gathering is a signature event of the BTR (Bon Temps Rouler) Caring for Kids Foundation (BTR CFK), a Texas-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization established in 2024 by Daniel “Tiny” Guidry.
Attendees can look forward to an “All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off,” featuring over 40 competing teams, with a BBQ cook-off added for the 2026 event. The “Louisiana Cuisine Night” has garnered international attention, drawing visitors from as far as Canada and Germany. The musical lineup for the 2026 event includes an impressive roster of artists alongside Rodell Duff, such as the Randy Rogers Band, Don Louis, Wayne Toups, Dyllan Culp, Love and Chaos, and Geno Delafose. These performers will showcase a variety of genres including Zydeco, Texas Swing, Cajun Traditional, and Red Dirt [cite: provided text, 27, 35]. Past headliners have featured notable acts like Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke, Shenandoah, Gary Allan, Uncle Lucius, Shane Smith and the Saints, Frank Foster, Wayne Toups, and Keith Frank.
Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park: A Community Asset
The choice of Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park in La Marque as the venue for the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown highlights the critical role of accessible public spaces in fostering community engagement. This 230-acre park offers a variety of facilities, including pavilions, numerous picnic tables, BBQ pits, fishing docks, playgrounds, baseball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts, making it an ideal location for large-scale family-friendly events. The park’s comprehensive amenities provide an inviting atmosphere for social gatherings and recreational activities, demonstrating how well-maintained public infrastructure can serve as a valuable resource for local initiatives. The City of La Marque’s commitment to its parks and recreational facilities further supports community-driven events, contributing to a vibrant civic life.
Economic and Social Impact: Boosting Local Growth
Music festivals like the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown play a significant role in stimulating local economies and promoting civic innovation, not just in La Marque but across the state. The Texas music industry as a whole is a powerful economic engine. In 2024, it generated nearly $4.9 billion in annual earnings and over $12.5 billion in annual economic activity, creating more than 86,000 permanent jobs (State-level). Such events attract visitors who spend on accommodations, dining, and local services, injecting crucial revenue into small communities. This direct economic benefit supports local businesses and creates employment opportunities, both temporary and permanent, across various sectors like hospitality, security, and retail.
Beyond the financial aspects, these gatherings foster a stronger sense of community and connection among attendees, promoting cultural preservation by celebrating traditions and diverse expressions. The BTR Caring for Kids Foundation’s mission extends beyond entertainment, as it raises funds to support children and families receiving treatment at UTMB-Galveston and local veterans in need. To date, the foundation has distributed over $112,000 to these causes, illustrating the profound impact of private charitable initiatives working to address community needs. The collaboration between the BTR CFK and the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 event further exemplifies effective private partnerships and local leadership in driving beneficial community outcomes. This partnership streamlines event coordination and maximizes its positive reach, demonstrating how cooperation between private entities and local civic organizations can yield substantial benefits, often with greater efficiency than more centralized, bureaucratic approaches.
A Testament to Texas Initiative
The Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown, featuring artists like Rodell Duff, is a prime example of how local initiative and community spirit can flourish in Texas. These events, driven by passionate individuals and dedicated organizations, not only provide enjoyable experiences but also contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy and economic health of regions like Houston and La Marque. The dedication of individuals like Rodell Duff to their craft, combined with the organizational prowess of foundations like BTR Caring for Kids, showcases the enduring power of personal endeavor and civic engagement to enrich lives and build stronger communities. Such initiatives, free from excessive bureaucratic hurdles, demonstrate how local choice and leadership are paramount in boosting engagement and participation across Houston TX events and Texas TX gatherings, fostering genuine La Marque community growth and celebrating the rich tapestry of Cajun music festival culture.
Conclusion
The Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown, with its blend of musical talent, culinary delights, and philanthropic spirit, stands as a beacon of community achievement in the Houston area. It underscores the value of individual drive and the collective power of local organizations to create events that entertain, unite, and uplift. As Rodell Duff and other artists take the stage, they represent the vibrant cultural landscape that thrives on personal initiative and robust community support. We encourage all residents to support local events, engage with community development, and witness firsthand the positive impact when local leadership and private partnerships work in harmony to build a flourishing society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown?
- The Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown is a two-day celebration of Louisiana culture, featuring an All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off, a BBQ cook-off, and live music, held annually in La Marque, Texas. It is a signature event of the BTR (Bon Temps Rouler) Caring for Kids Foundation.
- When and where will the 2026 Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown take place?
- The 2026 Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown will take place on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park in La Marque, Texas.
- Who is Rodell Duff?
- Rodell Duff is a country music artist born in Trinidad & Tobago and raised in Houston, Texas. He is known for his soulful country-rock style and successful singles like “Wrecked” and “Good Days”. He is performing at the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown [cite: provided text].
- What kind of music can be expected at the festival?
- The festival features various genres including Zydeco, Texas Swing, Cajun Traditional, Red Dirt, and other regional genres. Performers include Rodell Duff, Randy Rogers Band, Don Louis, Wayne Toups, Dyllan Culp, Love and Chaos, and Geno Delafose [cite: provided text, 27, 35].
- What is the purpose of the BTR Caring for Kids Foundation?
- The BTR Caring for Kids Foundation is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that hosts the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown. It raises funds to support children and families receiving treatment at UTMB-Galveston and local veterans in need, having distributed over $112,000 to date.
- What amenities does Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park offer?
- Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park is a 230-acre park featuring pavilions, picnic tables, BBQ pits, fishing docks, playgrounds, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and hiking trails, providing an inviting atmosphere for events.
- How does the music industry impact Texas’s economy?
- The music industry in Texas creates significant economic activity (State-level). In 2024, it generated nearly $4.9 billion in annual earnings and over $12.5 billion in annual economic activity, creating more than 86,000 permanent jobs.
Key Features of the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown |
| Dates | Friday, April 10 to Saturday, April 11, 2026 |
| Location | Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park, La Marque, TX |
| Headlining Artist (featured) | Rodell Duff [cite: provided text] |
| Additional Artists | Randy Rogers Band, Don Louis, Wayne Toups, Dyllan Culp, Love and Chaos, Geno Delafose [cite: provided text] |
| Cuisine | All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off, BBQ Cook-off, Louisiana Cuisine Night |
| Music Genres | Zydeco, Texas Swing, Cajun Traditional, Red Dirt, and other regional genres |
| Organizing Foundation | BTR Caring for Kids Foundation (Texas-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization) |
| Community Impact | Raises funds for children at UTMB-Galveston and local veterans; distributed over $112,000 |
| Park Amenities | 230 acres, pavilions, picnic tables, BBQ pits, fishing docks, playgrounds, sports courts |
| Partnership | Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce |
| Family-Friendly | Yes, described as a GREAT FAMILY FUN event [cite: provided text, 27] |