Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
No.69 October 2018
Curley Taylor Zydeco Hipster
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Curley Taylor
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
No.69 | October 2018 4 St. Pete Cajun and Zydeco Social Club Dance
Oct. 2 and 16 (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) — Caddy’s on Central
Features 6 Two Reviews of Curley Taylor CDs by Dan Willging
“Though Taylor sees himself as a hipster in today’s contemporary music scene, another part of him is a soul throwback more akin to Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack.”
16 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles Oct. 11 – 14
Now celebrating its forty-fourth anniversary, the free Festivals Acadiens et Créoles offers a tantalizing array of Cajun and Creole music spread across six stages.
Cajun Zydeco Community 22 Festival-O-Rama
Some listings from floridacajunzydeco.com/festivals
27 Halloween Party at BBC Features JB’s Zydeco Zoo
Annual Tallahassee party starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26.
28 Outside Florida Cover photo by David Simpson
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The St. Pete cajun & zydeco
Social Club est. 2018
Tuesday, Oct. 2 Tuesday, Oct. 16 6 :30 P.M. TO 9 :3 0 P.M . Twice monthly Cajun and zydeco dance at Caddy’s on Central in downtown St. Pete on the first and third Tuesdays. Good mix of danceable music by Cajun and zydeco artists singing about death, divorce, drinking and dancing. No cover charge. No membership dues. Caddy’s is at 217 Central Ave., St. Pete 33701. Go to www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com for more information.
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Curley Taylor’s latest release, Rise Up, available at CDBaby.com
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
“Rise Up” Offbeat Magazine, February 28, 2018 By Dan Willging
If some of these tunes sound vaguely familiar, there’s good reason. Only five tracks on Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble’s fifth CD are new; the rest (“Country Boy,” “Zydeco Cutie,” “Curley 2 Step”) are legacy staples re-recorded to match their hard-hitting live show intensity since they’ve evolved substantially since the band’s 2003 inception. The new songs dovetail perfectly with the revamped material. “Everybody’s Goin (To the Trailride)” is the most rollicking, especially given Shelby “Get Money” Johnson’s zealous
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rapping performance about the much anticipated event. The keyboard-crunchy title track is the most socially significant since it deviates from the prevailing love-party atmosphere with a message of rising above the haters of the world. Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” is the only cover of this baker’s dozen affair and its arrangement is somewhat surprising. It’s not full-on dreadlockskankin’ zydeco, though Ray Mouton’s guitar riffs do add a Caribbean flavor. Instead it blossoms into a beautiful, lush zyde-soul ballad. For the uninitiated, Rise Up is the perfect portal into Taylor’s signature brand of hipster zydeco. For long-time listeners and dancers, he’s never sounded better.
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“Zydeco Heart and Soul” Offbeat Magazine, November 1, 2009 By Dan Willging
Ever since he stepped out from behind the traps and emerged as a frontman, Curley Taylor has been a zydeco modernist. Despite his envelopepushing strategies and progressive recordings, his fourth CD is his most groundbreaking yet. He’s part of the movement ushering in a new era of zydeco that, in essence, nudges it closer to the music of mainstream America and today’s R&B/hip-hop stable of artists. Unlike previous recordings where the accordion dominates loud
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and clear, on many tracks it’s not obvious that it’s present amidst the synthesized keyboards, digitized vocals and heavy backbeats. There’s also more emphasis on melody and lyrics, resulting in songs that express sentiments of love, hope and desire rather than slogans to party by. And instead of each song being sung by a sole, single voice, Taylor supplements his vocals with lushly layered background vocals that, along with the prettier melodies, emanate mild feelings of euphoria. There’s a lot of creativity here. Two hip-hop versions of “Take It 2 the Club” find alternating rappers Taylor, Antonio Jackson and Sir Polo taking it over the top, crunk-style. The original is built upon an unfaltering zydeco beat; the remix sequel is slower with earthquaking
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house beats. Though Taylor sees himself as a hipster in today’s contemporary music scene, another part of him is a soul throwback more akin to Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack. On the infectious “Baby Dontcha Go,” his vocals abound with a Pentecostal-like charisma while resounding background vocals hit the last word of every line in fervent fashion. Yet, even with all this, he never forgets where he came from. Some tracks (“Zydeco Cutie,” “Curley’s 2 Step”) are more zydeco-oriented with Taylor’s single-row accordion prominent in the mix. It’s not even close to your father’s zydeco, but Taylor aims to be your zydeco daddy.
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Festivals Acadiens et Créoles October 11-14, 2018 Girard Park, Lafayette, Louisiana Lafayette, LA’s annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, held the second full weekend in October, provides the ideal opportunity to discover Lafayette, LA’s blend of food, music and culture that makes the city so unique. For over 40 years this free festival has offered locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience three days of nonstop music, dancing, food as well as crafts and a genuine Cajun and Creole experience like no other.
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History of Festival Acadiens et Creole Lafayettetravel.com
In the 1930s folklorists John and Alan Lomax visited South Louisiana to record Cajun and Creole songs to be added to the Library of Congress Archive of American Folk Song, now the Archive of Folk Culture. It was the first time Cajun and Creole songs were captured on tape for archival purposes. In 1964, Dewey Balfa, Gladdie Thibodeaux and Louis “Vinesse” Lejeune were invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island — the first Cajun musicians ever accorded that
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honor. Balfa didn’t know how the South Louisiana music would be received and was surprised that audience members sat and listened, as opposed to dancing like they did back home. At the end of Dewey Balfa’s set, the audience responded with a standing ovation. Buoyed by Lomax and inspired by Newport, Balfa was determined to ignite that same respect and adoration in his home state. He came back to Louisiana with a purpose to bring home the echo of that Newport applause back to Louisiana. The result was “A Tribute to Cajun Music” on March 26, 1974, in Lafayette, LA’s Blackham Coliseum, a culturally significant event that would evolve into today’s Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, a culturally rich, multi-layered free festival.
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More than 40 years later Festivals Acadiens et Creoles continues to evolve and celebrate the cultures of South Louisiana in Lafayette, LA, the heart of Cajun & Creole Country, with a combination of food, music and cultural demonstrations.
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FESTIVAL-O-RAMA OCTOBER 2018 October 4-7, 2018 — Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance (N. Carolina) Donna The Buffalo, Preston Frank, Lipbone Redding, Lettuce, Locos Por Juana. https://shakorihillsgrassroots.org/
October 12-14, 2018 — Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette) Many bands at different stages within Lafayette’s Girard Park include Chubby Carrier, Steve Riley, Kevin Naquin, Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys, Pine Leaf Boys, Jesse Lege, Jeffery Broussard, Wayne Toups, and many more. List of bands: http://www.festivalsacadiens.com/ music. Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette, LA. Celebrate the rhythm of Cajun and Creole life at Festivals Acadiens et Créoles Dance
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! to a traditional waltz. Two-step to the upbeat rhythms of accordions, fiddles and ti fers (triangles). Step back in time as traditional crafters demonstrate their artistry. Festivals Acadiens et Créoles pays tribute to the Cajun and Creole cultures with a combination of FREE festivals. Held the second weekend in October http://www.festivalsacadiens.com
October 11-14, 2018 — Suwannee Roots Revival (Live Oak, FL) Keller Williams' PettyGrass Featuring The HillBenders, Donna the Buffalo, The Seldom Scene, Samantha Fish, Peter Rowan Free Mexican Airforce, Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, Rev. Jeff Mosier. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Suwannee Roots Revival featuring some of the finest in Americana, Bluegrass, Newgrass, Zydeco, Blues, and more! The event takes place Thursday, October 11 - Sunday, October 14 at the magical Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, FL. With multiple stages (Amphitheater Stage, Porch Stage, Dance Tent, Music Hall, and Music Farmer’s Stage) Suwannee Roots Revival is jam-packed with stellar music and dance! A handful of bands will perform multiple sets and some artists will be participating in workshops throughout the weekend. This family-friendly festival includes four days of music, camping, yoga, a Kids Tent, as well as campground pickin’ sessions hosted by Sloppy Joe at Slopryland and Quartermoon at Bill Monroe Shrine as well as throughout SOSMP! Set in the midst of 800 acres of Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River, the venue is a playground for endless activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf, and biking. Tickets: www.suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets/
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Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com October 26-27, 2018 — South Louisiana Blackpot Festival and Cookoff (Lafayette, LA) Bands include Lost Bayou Ramblers, Pine Leaf Boys, Preston Frank, Revelers, Ed Poullard, Horace Trahan, Goldman Thibodeaux, Courtney Granger, Cedric Watson, Jesse Lege, and many others. South Louisiana Blackpot Festival and Cookoff in Acadian Village, Lafayette, LA. The South Louisiana Black Pot Festival & Cookoff is one of the most unique festivals in Louisiana. Held annually at Lafayette’s Acadian Village, the festival celebrates its 5th year this October with two days of great music, dancing, food, camping & jamming. The festival is a cooperative of south Louisiana musicians, artists and southern culture enthusiasts, creating an unprecedented gathering of south Louisiana’s hottest roots bands, as well as a number of groups from all over the country. Live performances range from Cajun & Zydeco, to Creole, Swing, Hot Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Americana, Irish & Old-Time. Plus, an old-fashioned black pot cook-off, accordion contest, called square dancing, and ample camping space for tents & RVs. Confirm the dates and location at http://blackpotfestival.com
November 2-4, 2018 — Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (Pensacola) Nov. 3 Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #30 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida. Website: http://www.ggaf.org
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! November 3-4, 2018 — Halifax Art Festival (Daytona Beach) 2nd oldest continual art festival in the state of Florida and attracts well over 30,000 visitors annually. This free festival, open to the public, on historic downtown Beach Street from Orange Avenue to Bay Street n front of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The Festival will have over 200 juried artists and artisans exhibiting original two-dimensional art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass pieces for purchase. The Festival has expanded to celebrate seasoned as well as emerging artists and craftsmen. There will be two distinct exhibit areas. International street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival food will be featured for the hungry festival attendees. Beach Street cafes and restaurants will be open and featuring festival specials. There will, also, be live entertainment with musicians playing a variety of popular music. Website: http://halifaxartfestival.com/
Nov. 8-11, 2018 — Riverhawk Music Festival (Brooksville, FL) Elizabeth Cook, Reckless Kelly, Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand, Shiny Ribs, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Frank Vignola Trio, Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s. Website: http://www.riverhawkmusic.com/
November 8-11, 2018 — Cracklin Festival (Port Barre, LA) Bands include Lance Dubroc, Clay Cormier & The Highway Boys, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin Cajuns, JC Melancon and Bayou Rock Band, Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys, Dustin Sonnier and The Wanted, Delta Badhand, Johnnie Sonnier and Cajun Heritage, High Performance, Warren Storm and Willie T with Cypress. Website: http:// www.portbarrecracklinfestival.com/
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Tom Rigney PR Photo
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Tom Rigney & Flambeau will perform at Suncoast Jazz Festival.
November 16-18, 2018 — Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL) Featuring Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Cajun band from San Francisco. Tom Rigney frequently performs in fiddle duets with Michael Doucet on the west coast. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a dance lesson at 6:15 p.m., followed by a swing dance band at 7:30 p.m., Tom Rigney and Flambeau at 8:45 p.m., Professor Cunningham at 10 p.m., and Dave Bennett Quartet closing the evening from 11:15 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Tickets to Fright Night Swing Dance are now available online for $22.50 in advance, as well as other ticket packages. https://www.suncoastjazzfestival.com/
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ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY AT BBC
Fri., Oct. 26, 2018 — JB's Zydeco Zoo (Tallahassee)
6:00 p.m. at Bradfordville Blues Club, 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, FL. Phone 850-906-0766. Website: bradfordvilleblues.com. The Zoo’s music is high energy, rockin’, rhythmic zydeco in the vein of Beau Jocque, Clifton Chenier, C.J. Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie and Buckwheat Zydeco.
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Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Outside Florida Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association Dance Sunday, October 7, 2018
Carolina Gator Gumbo CAROLINA GATOR GUMBO, based in Charlotte NC, is a well seasoned Cajun & Creole band bringing festive music from southwest Louisiana to the Carolinas since the early 90s. General admission: $18 non-members. Info: http://aczadance.org/
Carolina Gator Gumbo
NYC Cajun Zydeco Events http://www.letszydeco.com/
Philadelphia Cajun Zydeco Events http://www.allonsdanser.org
Houston Cajun Zydeco Events http://www.zydecoevents.com/texaszydecoevents.html
Southern California Events http://www.icajunzydeco.com
Portland Events http://www.cascadezydeco.com/
Seattle Events http://gatorboyproductions.com/