'Voice' singer stumps for La. arts, culture

A specialty state license plate created as a fundraiser to promote the arts in Louisiana has a new fan: Dustin Dale Gaspard, a native of Cow Island, and a contestant on Season 28 of "The Voice."
Gaspard appeared in concert just one week ago at the Teche Theatre in Franklin to unofficially put his seal of approval on the project.
“I’m here because I’m Cajun,” Gaspard said to the crowd. “I love telling stories. My grandfather loved to tell stories, so did my great grandfather. I’m a part of so much story and so much culture and heritage and legacy and that’s what I love about this state.”
“Laissez Les Arts Rouler” is the specialty license plate, and Tiger Verdin, executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, said it is designed to honor and uplift the state’s unique and thriving arts and cultural communities.
“Available now through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, this specialty plate is more than just a statement. It’s a movement,” Verdin said.
He said that for a onetime fee of $60, Louisiana residents can secure lifetime ownership of the plate for every vehicle they own now and in the future. And $50 of every plate supports the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, directly benefiting statewide initiatives in arts and arts education.
“This is a powerful opportunity for residents to show their Louisiana pride while investing in the creative future of their communities. This license plate is a symbol of who we are as a state,” Verdin said.
“From music and dance to painting, writing, cuisine and storytelling — our cultural identity is rooted in creativity. With this plate, every mile driven becomes a testament to Louisiana’s artistic spirit.”
The plate is available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehciles Specialty Plate portal:
https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/SpecialPlatesPublic/SpecialPlates2...
Enter your current license plate number, select the plate you want, and follow the instructions on the “Ordering Details” page. You will then need to fill out the order form, print it, and mail it with any required documents (like a copy of your registration and proof of insurance) and a check for the fee.
Verdin said he first met Gaspard in Franklin a year ago when he performed at a private party, and they became friends.
“I caught up with him months later in Lafayette, and was working to get a date from him to perform in Franklin, and then The Voice happened.”
Nonetheless, Verdin sent him a message that was an invite to perform in Franklin and he agreed to do so.
Verdin said the arts are important in Louisiana, because tourism is based off of Louisiana Art & Culture.  “The arts has an economic impact of $7 billion dollars which is about the same economic impact as agriculture in Louisiana. Unlike every state in our union we live our art and culture each and every day.”
Verdin said the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts has sold roughly 200 plates.  The LPA Board of Directors will be deciding at the beginning of 2026 what programmatic grants will be created through license plate sales.  
Gaspard was elated to be in concert, and told the story of his initial audition for the "The Voice." He received a call “out of the blue,” and had to prop his phone on a toilet in a public bathroom.
“We as songwriters have looked for places like the Teche Theatre to tell our stories. It’s something that we offer that’s completely different,” he said, noting that he performs a number of songs in English and French.
Gaspard performed on Nov 17, but made no mention of his status on The Voice.
Instead he celebrated Cajun Culture during the night with others in the theatre.
However ,on Monday, he lost a bid on the final night of Voice Knockouts.