Three-part docuseries serves as a visual companion to Barnes’ debut album, bringing her journey of rediscovering nine-generations of Louisiana heritage to life on screen
Premieres Sunday, October 4, 8:30 PM CT on WLAE-TV
VIEW DISCOVERING HOME TRAILER HERE
NEW ORLEANS — Following a landmark year that has seen Robin Barnes release her debut album Louisiana Love, earn a coveted 2027 Folk Alliance International Showcase selection and prepare to represent her home state on Louisiana’s 2027 Rose Parade Float on New Year’s Day, the New Orleans-born artist known as “The Songbird of New Orleans” is thrilled to take her journey of cultural discovery to television screens with her newest endeavor, Discovering Home with Robin Barnes. Created and hosted by Barnes (who serves as Executive Producer), the three-part docuseries follows Barnes as she explores the many places where her family’s roots run deep, getting an inside look into each destinations’ cultural traditions woven into daily life.
“Working to create Louisiana Love has been such a blessing in helping me better understand where I come from, and Discovering Home is a beautiful continuation of documenting these lived experiences,” said Barnes. “This series will give viewers a closer look into real Louisiana communities, the people and traditions that make each part of our state special…all through my personal lens. It’s another piece of my family’s history that I can share with my children and future generations to come.”
Serving as a cultural guide in the series, Barnes introduces viewers to the people and places keeping Louisiana’s traditions alive for future generations. From exploring Louisiana’s Black Creole cowboy tradition with Lafayette artist and musician Drake Leblanc, to in-depth conversations on embracing your culture with James Beard Award-winning Chef Nina Compton, to uncovering unknown pieces of family history along the way, Discovering Home is Barnes’ love letter to Louisiana — one that only someone who lives it, and is it, can deliver.
WHEN: Watch the series premiere on Sunday, October 4 at 8:30 PM CT on WLAE -TV in New Orleans and stream live on Barnes’ YouTube Channel.
- Episode One (Lafayette): Sunday, October 4, 8:30 PM CT. Robin’s journey begins in Acadiana, where she experiences the traditions that continue to define Cajun and Creole culture. Guided by Grammy-winning musician Jourdan Thibodeaux, Robin steps inside a Louisiana kitchen to prepare a traditional meal, learns the importance of preserving the Louisiana French language and experiences the rich musical traditions of the region. Along the way, she also discovers an unexpected side of Acadiana through Louisiana’s Black Creole cowboy tradition, revealing a history many have never heard.
- Episode Two (Lake Charles): Sunday, October 11, 8:30 PM CT. In Southwest Louisiana, Robin explores the deep Creole roots of Lake Charles through the families, musicians, and community leaders preserving its unique cultural legacy. Featuring Rusty Metoyer, and the legendary Ball family, the episode uncovers the stories behind historic gathering places, music, language, and food while revealing how generations have worked to protect these traditions through both triumph and hardship.
- Episode Three (New Orleans): Sunday, October 18, 8:30 PM CT. Returning to the city that shaped her, Robin explores the traditions that continue to define New Orleans through its music, food, and family history. From the multigenerational legacy of Lil Dizzy’s Cafe to an unforgettable culinary experience with James Beard Award-winning Chef Nina Compton, Robin reconnects with the culture that raised her. The journey also takes an unexpected personal turn as her search for a long-lost ancestor leads to a discovery that deepens her understanding of what home truly means.
Multi–award-winning vocalist and songwriter Robin Barnes continues her journey to document her family’s culture and history through Discovering Home and invites the world to see the magic of the unique places that make Louisiana a cultural destination. Born in the Crescent City, but rooted across Louisiana — Barnes has carried the rhythm of nine generations of Louisiana musicians in her blood. Her family’s sound echoes through zydeco, Cajun, Creole and jazz.
After a health scare forced Barnes to confront her own mortality, she began asking a question that generations before her had faced in different ways: what do we leave behind, and how do we pass it on? Louisiana Love was her answer; and Discovering Home serves as the visual companion to the album, bringing its stories and inspirations to life on screen. This series will take viewers beyond the music to explore the people, places, traditions and cultural history that shaped her understanding of home.
A special thanks to our docuseries partners: Explore Louisiana, New Orleans & Company, Visit Lake Charles and Slap Ya Mama.
For more information on Discovering Home with Robin Barnes, visit www.robinmariebarnes.com, follow Robin on social media @NewOrleansSongbird and subscribe to Robin’s YouTube Channel @RobinBarnes.
Discovering Home with Robin Barnes: Credits
Created and produced by Robin Barnes.
Co-created by Brandon Guichard.
Filmed by Brandon Guichard Digital Group.
Camera and lighting: Zenske.
Edited by:
Episode 1 — Brandon Guichard.
Episodes 2 & 3 — Drake LeBlanc.
Additional footage provided by Red Feather Films and David Robichaux of Robichaux Reels.
About Robin Barnes:
Robin Barnes, affectionately known as the “Songbird of New Orleans,” is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter and Louisiana State Music Ambassador whose music celebrates the rich traditions and evolving sounds of her hometown. Raised in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward in a family of musicians, she grew up surrounded by gospel, jazz, funk, R&B, second-line traditions and Creole culture—musical influences that continue to shape her signature sound.
A Billboard-charting artist, Robin has performed across the world, from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival in her hometown to stages across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Known for her captivating performances and heartfelt storytelling, she blends jazz, soul, funk, zydeco, bounce, Cajun and Creole influences while honoring the culture and community that inspire her.
Her debut full-length album, Louisiana Love (May 2026), is a love letter to her home state, celebrating the people, traditions and stories that have shaped her life. The album features collaborations with New Orleans greats Ivan Neville, The Soul Rebels and Big Freedia, plus Grammy-award winning Cajun artist Louis Michot, Creole musician and fiddler Cedric Watson, Zydeco legends Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Dwayne Dopsie and Rusty Metoyer and more, reflecting Louisiana’s vibrant musical tapestry.
Beyond the stage, Robin is the founder of Move Ya Brass, a New Orleans nonprofit that brings people together through music, movement, and wellness. Whether performing worldwide or investing in her local community, Robin remains committed to preserving Louisiana’s cultural legacy while inspiring the next generation through music, service and storytelling.