Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
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February 2019
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2018 ZBT Band of the Year
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LEON
CHAVIS
David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
NO 73
• FEBRUARY 2019
4 Cajun Zydeco Dances at St. Pete C&Z Social Club
Dances on first and third Tuesdays, Feb. 5th and 19th 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Caddy’s on Central in St. Pete (217 Central Ave.)
Feature
6 Superbly Crafted Zydeco Music by Leon Chavis
Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames’ standout album for 2018.
Cajun Zydeco Community 26 Offbeat Nominations for Zydeco Album of the Year
Sean Ardoin is also a Grammy nominee this year.
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Another band in California also goes by the name Zydeco Flames.
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Fais-Do-Do features live music by Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band.
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After party features Cedric Watson and Soul Collective at 10 p.m.
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A summary of events just added at www.FloridaCajunZydeco/Festivals
40 Outside Florida
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Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
The St. Pete cajun & zydeco
Social Club est. 2018
Tuesdays Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 6:30 P.M. TO 9:30 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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Leon Chavis at Zydeco Extravaganza in Lafayette, May 28, 2017.
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Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
★
Leon
CHAVIS
AND THE
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A F R T C ED Z Y L B YD R E EC P O U S
Zydeco F L A M E s
• since 2005 •
’m the great-great nephew of Boozoo Chavis,” Leon Chavis proudly introduced himself. Boozoo was the last of the zydeco kings, crowned in a promotional showdown with Beau Jocque
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by David Simpson
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Leon Chavis at Zydeco Extravaganza in Opelousas, May 30, 2010.
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
in the mid-1990s for the title of King of Zydeco in the “Beau vs. Boo” events promoted by John Blancher, owner of the Rock ’n’ Bowl in New Orleans. Clifton Chenier was the first to call himself King of Zydeco, and he wore a crown and cape as part of his stage act. Right after Clifton’s death, band leaders of his generation fought over the coveted mantle and being next in succession. The showdown between Boozoo Chavis and the younger artist Beau Jocque, nearly 20 years after Clifton’s passing, was mostly for show, though it seemed to mean a lot to Boozoo. There is no question that Boozoo Chavis’s influence on zydeco music was enormous and continues with us today. Boozoo is not alive today, but certainly his music is still alive, and the mantle of King of Zydeco has remained with Boozoo, partly because there isn’t much interest from younger artists to pursue it.
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Rubboard player not known to editor, Eric "Easy" Singleton on drums, Leon Chavis at Zydeco Extravaganza in Opelousas, May 26, 2013.
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
A 24-year-old Leon Chavis stood in for Jeffery Broussard on center stage at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in 2005 performing traditional Creole and zydeco music with the Creole Cowboys. As Chavis very ably demonstrated during that performance, he can sing and play the old style songs, but he also has emerged as a new leader in zydeco who is creating new music and exploring new sounds. Later in 2005, Leon released his first CD titled The Heat is On. hen it came time to record, he didn’t rush the process but took nearly a year to deliver a fresh sounding debut. Chavis’ accordion playing exhibited steady timing, accurate phrasing and a solid, buoyant tone. With Chavis and his Zydeco Flames supplying plenty of punch to the proceedings, every one
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of these dozen originals is toe-tapping and infectious enough to entice anyone within earshot to secure a spot on the dance floor and homestead it until closing time. Some of the tunes on the CD were influenced by Zydeco Force, and one of his tunes was influenced by Red Hot Chili Peppers, according to Chavis. His occasional finishing touches were intriguing, like the squelchy keyboards (“Intro”), funky bass notes (“Hot Girl”) and jazzy trumpet lines (“Casinos”) that recall the day when Warren Caesar blew a hot horn in Clifton Chenier’s band.
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ast forward to 2019, and Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames is one of the best zydeco bands in the business. In fact, the band just received the ZBT Band of the Year Award from the Houston
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Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Leon Chavis at Zydeco Extravaganza in Opelousas, May 26, 2013.
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Photo by David Simpson
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Zydeco Flames at the Washington Catfish Festival, Oct. 4, 2015; Joseph "Chopper" Chavis an
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
nd Leon’s 8-year-old son on rubboards.
organization, Zydeco Blues Trailrides. And, his latest album, This All I Know, made the list of top five albums by the editors of Offbeat Magazine for zydeco album of the year. Born and raised in Lawtell, Louisiana, Chavis began singing and playing drums when he was two years old. In high school, Chavis was involved in zydeco, R&B, and hip-hop music while he learned to play the keyboard, rubboard and accordion. He then went on to play trumpet for the
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Leon Chavis, 2017
world famous Jaguar Marching Band of Southern University in Baton Rouge while majoring in Business Management. In 2007, John Swenson writing for Offbeat Magazine gave this review of a Leon Chavis gig at the Rock ’n’ Bowl in New Orleans: “C’mon let me ride that donkey!” Leon Chavis shouted as he squeezed his
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
single row accordion in time to shouts of the donkey’s response: “Hee-haah!” Dancers whirled in Creole twostep on the parquet floor of Mid City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl and the band churned out a spirited zydeco session. The sound was in keeping with the tradition of family patriarch Boozoo Chavis, whose songs resonated with scenes from the farming lifestyle he practiced on Dog Hill when he wasn’t making music. But Leon Chavis is a different generation of zydeco musician.
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n their second CD, Holla @ Me, Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames offer smooth, polished contemporary zydeco that also draws on the energy and power of the old style music the late Boozoo Chavis. As Leon explains in an interview with Herman
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Fuselier in the liner notes, he wanted to convey his positive outlook on life in songs like “Everything Going to Be Alright” and to celebrate family values in songs like “Daddy Loves You.” His own life is centered on his wife and two children and, of course, his music. His father, Joseph ‘Chopper’ Chavis, an R&B singer from way back, is a member of the band and one of the coproducers of the CD. Leon was nurtured on music in a family setting as he grew up. He matured, gaining discipline and a strong work ethic, as a trumpet player in the Southern University Band. After founding the Zydeco Flames with his father and Russell Labbe while he was at Southern, he went on to manage businesses before deciding to devote himself full time to a career as a zydeco artist. The band now performs both locally and
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The Heat is On (2005)
Holla @ Me (2008)
Zydeco Soulchild
tours the world. On stage, Leon Chavis’ friendly, inviting smile alone could win over audiences. The title cut, “Holla @ Me,” conveys that open, receptive attitude, asking fans to “holla at me,” whether in person in a club or on a trailride or online. The closing cut is a remix with guest Chris Ardoin. “My Baby” features vocals by Chopper Chavis, who
d (2010)
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
The Champ is Here (2012)
This All I Know (2018)
plays keyboard, and most cuts offer harmony vocals that may also include rubboard player Russel Labbe and guitarist Gabriel “Pandy” (Guitar Gable Jr.) Perrodin. Other band members on the CD are Derick Woods on bass and Eric Singleton on drums. The CD has 16 cuts, all originals except two tunes Boozoo had recorded: “Tell Me What You Want” and “Play with Your Poodle.”
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an Willging reviewed the latest Leon Chavis album, This All I Know for Offbeat Magazine. On his fifth CD, Leon Chavis achieves an artistic milestone with 11 originals reflecting deeper personal feelings and more openly honest songwriting. Several originals unveil his new lease on life: falling in love, marriage and a happier state of being (“Share My Life,” “Til the Morning”). The opening two tracks are particularly creative. “Intro” features Chavis’ great-uncle Boozoo testifying about lack of money and respect over a supporting hiphop foundation. Just after Boozoo says “I quit because I wasn’t paid for what I was doing,” Chavis busts into the money-grabbing hustling title track featuring Houston rapper Baldenna Tha King, a well-documented trail ride aficionado. It’s a great juxtaposition of tracks
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Leon Chavis and his three-old son, 2010
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representing generationally removed circumstances and a reminder of how far zydeco has evolved. Initially recorded by Leon and later mix-mastered by Chris Ardoin, every track is densely layered with background vocals and effects, giving the listener tons to absorb. Keyboards play a huge role. On “Share My Life,” the keyboard’s chirping and chiming effects add to the lush, romantic ambience. “Me and My Drank” relies more on the speaking, sometimes altered voices resembling those circulating in the protagonist’s head as he slips into intoxication. The groove-bouncy “You Wouldn’t Understand” addresses how an entire culture and community exists behind a seemingly simple event like a trail ride. Of the undocumented covers, Chavis spins a doo-wop intro on Frankie Lymon’s “Goody Goody,” and sprints
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Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
through “It Wasn’t Me” at a greyhound pace. While the latter advises denial when it comes to infidelity, there’s no denying that this is Chavis’ best effort to date.
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2018 Offbeat Magazine Nominations for Zydeco Album of the Year Black Pot Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
Until The End Horace Trahan
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Return of the King Keith Frank and the Soilieu Zydeco Band
Kreole Rock and Soul Sean Ardoin Also, 2019 Grammy nominations for: Category 45 (Best Amer. Roots Performance) Category 52 (Best Regional Roots Album)
This All I Know Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames
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ON FIRE!
There are two bands that go by “Zydeco Flames.” The band not led by Leon Chavis is based in Northern California, established in 1990, and still making great zydeco music with seven albums to their credit. Their home town is San Anselmo. “You Can Dance” from West Coast Mardi Gras Party always gets the dancers to their feet. Band members include Lloyd Meadows on lead vocals and rubboard, Bruce Gordon on accordion, Frank Bohan on guitar, Timm Walker on bass and vocals, and William Allums on drums. Video: “All I Want” by the Zydeco Flames (California) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEpG3r806k8
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Zydeco Flames
Fire It Up (2006)
Fire Dance (2013)
Bank The Fire (2003)
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Memorial Dance for Gainesville Dancer Features Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band Sunday, Feb. 10 — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thelma A. Boltin Community Center 516 Northeast 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
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memorial for dancer Don Page. Hosted in part by G.O.D.S. (Gainesville Oldtime Dance Society). Everyone is welcome at this FREE event, where we will be dancing and remembering fellow dancer Don Page. Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band will provide Cajun and zydeco favorites and waltzes. Remember Don Page with photographs of his dancing days.
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Memories with Don Page. A tuck out from closed position.
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Don Page was a long-time member of the G.O.D.S. community (contra dancing). Through the G.O.D.S. community, Don went on to learn zydeco, cajun, waltz and swing dancing. Every moment that he was on the dance floor was filled with joy. He was inventive and gentle with his dance partners. He believed that dancing releases one’s true spirit, and can transport the dancer to a higher plane of existence. Many of Don’s traveling adventures included dance festivals: Vortex in Mentone, Alabama; St. Pete Crawfish Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida; and New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras and Festivals Acadien in Lafayette, Louisiana. No matter where he danced, Don was the center of attention, and loved it! And if you didn’t know Don, please come out and do some dancing in his honor. He wanted us all to enjoy the dance. Doors open at 1 p.m. to welcome out-of-town
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Don in his bliss.
visitors. Restaurants and lodging nearby in downtown Gainesville. Light refreshments provided by Don. Community Center: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Thelma-A-Boltin/170734446291329
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ArtiGras Festival in Tallahassee Features Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole and J.B.’s Zydeco Zoo ArtiGras: Sat., Feb. 16 — 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Railroad Square Art Park After Party: 10 p.m. at Signature Lounge features Cedric Watson and Soul Collective FREE ArtiGras Festival in Tallahassee on Sat. Feb. 16 at Railroad Square Art Park. 2 p.m. ArtiGras 2019 activities open in Railroad Square. Food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, and kids’ activities. 4 p.m. Costume and Float Parade 5 p.m. Bill ‘The Sauce Boss’ Wharton
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
‘Sauce Boss’ Warton
J.B.’s Zydeco Zoo
Cedric Watson
6 p.m. Common ‘Taters & Turn-Ups 7 p.m. Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole 8 p.m. JB’s ZydecoZoo 9 p.m. Just Us in Counterpoint After Party 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole and Soul Collective at the Signature Lounge. After festival dance at the Signature Lounge, 242 East Orange Ave. (advance tickets $20, or $30 VIP at www. crossculturalcoalition.org). VIP tickets get reserved seating, a free mixed drink, or a bowl of Robert Dorsey’s homemade chicken/sausage gumbo, or a bowl of shrimp etouffee. Zydeco dance lessons just before 10 p.m. at the lounge.
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Photo by David Simpson
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FESTIVAL-O-RAMA FEBRUARY 2019 Jan. 29–Feb. 2, 2019 — Mile-O-Fest (Key West) Mile-0-Fest Key West is an American music festival in its second year. Bands include The Mavericks, Turnpike Troubadours, Randy Rogers Band, Trampled by Turtles, Jack Ingram, Shinyribs, Paul Thorn, and many more. Website: www.mile0fest.com/
Feb. 7-10, 2019 — Sounds of Mardi Gras 2018 (Fresno, CA) Bands include Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Gator Nation, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, and various jazz bands. http://www.fresnodixie.com
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Feb. 23-24, 2019 — Clearwater Sea Blues Festival (Clearwater, FL) Vintage Trouble, Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts, Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band and others. Free general admission. Coachman Park in Clearwater. Reserved seating purchase: http:// www.etix.com/ticket/v/10151. General information: http://www. myclearwaterevents.com/featured-events/sea-blues-festival
Feb. 23-24, 2019 — Street Painting Festival (Lake Worth, FL) More than 100,000 art lovers attend this annual festival over the weekend. With more than 600 artists on the pavement, music on the main stage, restaurants, shops, festival food court and bistro, you’re sure to get caught up with the excitement. Website: http://www. streetpaintingfestivalinc.org
Feb. 28 to Mar. 5, 2019 — Mardi Gras in the Mountains (Red River, NM) An ever increasing number of Cajuns and Creoles have fled the overgrown chaos of other locales in order to come to this quaint community for a much more intimate celebration. But make no mistake: Red River knows how to celebrate Mardi Gras! Nothing is left out. The week is filled with costume balls, bead tossing, singing and dancing, Cajun and Creole gourmet delights, parades, kids costume contest, cajun cook-off, burning of the Loup-garu, crawfish boils, downhill gator race, and more! Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more details: Located in the Conference Center, 101 W. River St, Red River, NM 87558. Telephone: (575) 754-2366. Email: rrinfo@ redriverchamber.org. Website: http://www.redriverchamber.org
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Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Feb. 28 – Mar. 10, 2019 — Festival of the Arts (Boca Raton, FL) Established in 2007, Festival of the Arts BOCA was designed to promote the cultural arts and to enrich the quality of life of the residents of Boca Raton, North Broward and Palm Beach County. Since its inaugural year, the festival hosted Itzhak Perlman, Renee Fleming, Joshua Bell, Lang Lang, and Pat Metheny. The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, West Side Story and Raiders of the Lost Ark have been performed with live orchestra. Artists and speakers this year include Arturo Sandoval and His Band. Website: https://www. festivaloftheartsboca.org
Mar. 8-9, 2019 — Bonita Blues Festival (Bonita Springs, FL) Bands include: Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Southern Hospitality featuring Damon Fowler, JP Soars and Victor Wainwright, Albert Cummings, and other bands. Venue is Riverside Park on Old US 41 in Bonita Springs, FL. Website: http://www.bonitablues.com
Mar. 9 & 10, 2019 — Gasparilla Music Festival (Tampa, FL) Bands include Gary Clark Jr., Avette Brothers, J’Nelle, Savants of Soul, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Tank and the Bangas, The Pharcyde, the Infamous Stringdusters, New Orleans Suspects' Tribal Gold, Uncle John's Band. Two stages at Curtis Hixon Park, downtown Tampa. Admission $30 per day (in advance for Sunday) and up. Info at https://gasparillamusic.com
Mar. 16-17, 2019 — Spring Frisco Festival (Garyville, LA) Features Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie. “San Francisco Plantation House — The Most Opulent Plantation in the South.” The
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Frisco Spring Crafters & Artists Garden Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 16 & 17, 2019, from 9:00 am til 5:00 pm daily at beautiful San Francisco Plantation. The festival will feature over 100 crafters, artist, and chefs. 25 & 40-Mile Bike Tours. 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run. Website: http://www.sanfranciscoplantation.org/frisco-fest/
March 21 through 24, 2019 — Suwannee Spring Reunion (Live Oak, FL) Bands include Donna The Buffalo, Verlon Thompson, Steep Canyon Rangers, Bill Strings, Peter Rowan, Barry Keel Experience. Four days of music (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on 3 stages; 4 nights of camping; workshops; kids tent; yoga; Eclectic Vending Village; Campground stages at Slopryland and Bill Monroe Shrine; and campground jamming. https://suwanneespringreunion.com/
Mar. 22-24, 2019 — St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival (St. Augustine, FL) The festival features tons of delicious food, outstanding entertainment and affordable arts & crafts. Visit the Kid Zone, Arts & Crafts show, Spanish Landing and Pirate Village. Make a pit-stop in the Winn Dixie Tent to try some of their Seafood specialties. Friday night is Jazz night, Saturday and Sunday will feature Country and Americana music. Website: http://lionsfestival.com/
Yes! You want to plan your trips to out-of-state festivals farther in advance. This is just a sampling. More festivals listed through end of 2019 at FloridaCajunZydeco.com/ festivals.html
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Outside Florida Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association Dance Saturday, February 16, 2019
Valentine’s Concert-Dance with Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp Dorothy Benson Center, 6500 Vernon Woods Dr., Sandy Springs, 30328. Concert and Dance 8–10 pm; Free beginners dance lesson 7-8 pm. $20/$5 students/$14 active military. No partner required. All ages welcome. Authentic Cajun/Creole Food for sale from Fusions Catering.
Enjoy a real Cajun/Creole fais-do-do concert and dance with Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp. This band is a favorite of dancers and Louisiana music lovers in Atlanta and around the country. Led by renowned French-speaking Creole accordionist and fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt, the band plays everything from bluesy two-steps and waltzes to Creole tunes and zydeco, and leaves audiences breathless and wanting more. Sponsored by the Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association (ACZA), aczadance.org, orfacebook.com/aczadance. For further information contact 877-338-2420 or info@aczadance.org. Editor’s note: Members of ACZA make a tremendous financial commitment to get great bands to Atlanta, so if you’re in the area please support the cause.
Need a place to stay in the Lafayette area? Former Floridian Trish Gowl provides modestly priced “AirBnB” accommodations for visitors to Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole communities. Her place is in Breaux Bridge, walking distance to La Poussiere and Buck and Johnny’s, and about a 15-minute drive to any of the clubs in Lafayette. You can view her accommodations at https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21433064, or shoot her an email at pgowl92@gmail.com.