MARCH 2019
UPDATE! #74
Courir de Mardi Gras in Eunice, Louisiana Explanation of the Courir de Mardi Gras tradition, see page 6.
2
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
#74
Mar. 2019
Welcome to Mardi Gras season! There is a lot going on. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Christian Lenten season. While New Orleans is well known for traditions such as masked balls, parades, floats and throws, traditions are different in the rural Cajun and Creole communities of southwest Louisiana. The courir, described on page 6, is the tradition of colorfully costumed horseback riders and walkers going house to house begging for the ingredients for the community gumbo pot. The traditional Cajun song “Le Chanson de Mardi Gras” and “La Danse de Mardi Gras,” sung in Cajun French, are about this tradition. This issue lists dance events in the season of Mardi Gras.
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! CA JUN A ND Z Y DECO COMMUNI T Y
4 Celebrate Mardi Gras at Cajun Zydeco Dance in St. Pete
Mar. 5 @ Caddy’s — “Fat Tuesday” Mardi Gras Celebration Mar. 19 @ Caddy’s — Cajun and Zydeco Dance 6 Courir de Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana The Capitaine maintains discipline over the “Mardi Gras” 7 “La Danse de Mardi Gras” Different artists put different spin on traditional song about Mardi Gras 8 Waylon Thibodeaux and Chubby Carrier At Florida Mardi Gras March 1 and 2 at Panama City Beach Mardi Gras 9 Jerry Carrier Makes Presentation on Origins of Mardi Gras Sunday, Mar. 3 @ Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center 10 JB’s Zydeco Zoo at BBC Mardi Gras Throwdown Annual party in Tallahassee on Mar. 1, 2019 11 Dance For Plants Swing Dance in Gulfport Friday, Mar. 22 @ Gulfport Casino 12 Porchdogs Cajun Band March Performances Deland, Casselberry and Davie events.
FE AT URE S 13 2019 Mardi Gras Season Celebrations
Where to find the bands and the dancers this Mardi Gras season. 33 Festival-O-Rama Dance festivals across the United States. 38 Cycle Zydeco: April 24 through 28, 2019
3
4
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
First and Third Tuesday in Saint Petersburg, FL
Cajun Zydeco Dance at Caddy’s on Central
217 Central Ave., 33701 Tuesday, Mar. 5 (Fat Tuesday!) DANCE LESSON 6 to 6:30 p.m. OPEN DANCING 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Masks, beads and more provided!
Tuesday, Mar. 19
Dancing to great Cajun and zydeco 6 : 3 0 P. M. TO 9 :30 P.M. Twice monthly Cajun and zydeco dance at Caddy’s on Central in downtown St. Pete. No cover charge. Caddy’s is at 217 Central Ave., St. Pete 33701. Visit www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com for more information.
The St. Pete cajun & zydeco
Social Club est. 2018
5 Photo by Jim Hance
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Beginning Dance Lesson on Mar. 5, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY MAR. 5 | TUESDAY MAR. 19
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
Courir de Mardi Gras People escape from ordinary life through the roles they portray in costume. In the early morning the riders or runners or Mardi Gras (as the troop and its individual members are known) gather in a central meeting place. As they gather, Le Capitaine (the leader of the Mardi Gras) and his co-capitaines explain the rules and traditions that must be followed. The Capitaine usually rides on horseback, wears a cape and carries a small flag. After he organizes the troop, the bands begin to play and he leads them on the route. Traditions vary in each town with the way it is carried out. Some towns have people on horse back, some on trailers and some on foot, and others use a variation of all three methods. The Capitaine is the first to approach the houses along the route, to ask permission to enter onto their property. At this point, in the spirit of frivolity, individual Mardi Gras will attempt to sneak onto the property. They are held in check by the Capitaines, who sometimes brandish a plaited burlap whip. These whips are used to maintain discipline during the courir de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras run.) They are used by the captain and his subordinates [co-captains] only. — Claude Durio, Co-capitaine for the Tee Mamou courir
Photo by David Simpson, Eunice, Louisiana
6
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
“La Danse de Mardi Gras” Translation in English
The Mardi Gras come from all around, all around the center of town. They come by once per year, asking for charity. Sometimes it’s a sweet potato, a sweet potato or pork rinds. The Mardi Gras are on a great journey, all around the center of town. They come by once per year, asking for charity. Sometimes it’s a skinny chicken, or three or four corn cobs. Captain, captain, wave your flag, let’s go to another neighbor’s. Asking for charity for everyone who’ll come join us later, Everyone who’ll come join us later at the gumbo tonight!
Essential Recordings “La Danse de Mardi Gras” by The Balfa Brothers. The Balfa Brothers recorded several versions of this song, all of which are seminal. The lyrics are very similar to those written out above, and the vocal melody is the one most commonly heard on Mardi Gras runs today. “La Danse de Mardi Gras” by Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. This is an outstanding and dynamic modern recording of the Mardi Gras song, done by one of Louisiana’s most popular artists. The lyrics are almost identical to what you’ll see above, and the melody is the one most commonly heard on Mardi Gras runs today (except for the dramatized ending, which lends itself well to recording and performance; not so much to try to get a bunch of half-drunk runners to sing in tune while chasing chickens). “La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras” by Cedric Watson. This version of the Mardi Gras song is a Creole version, stylistically and structurally different than the Cajun version, but with the same roots. It’s a fun, spirited version played by Creole fiddler Cedric Watson, and worth a listen for “compare and contrast” reasons, as well as just because it’s fantastic. — Online reviews by Megan Romer
7
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
Waylon Thibodeaux and Chubby Carrier Headline Panama City Mardi Gras Photos by David Simpson
8
Waylon Thibodeaux
Chubby Carrier
Mar. 1-2 — Panama City Beach Mardi Gras featuring Chubby Carrier and Waylon Thibodeaux 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32413. Info: 337-288-8893. Mar. 1: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band; Mar. 2: 5:45 p.m. Waylon Thibodeaux. Also on Saturday: Chicks with Hits (Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss), Lonestar, Victor Wainwright and The Train. Info: https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/mardi-gras/
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
9
Sunday, March 3 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 East River Cove St., Tampa, Fl, 33604 Phone 813-935-9402. Jerry Carrier, a descendant of the original Acadians, will offer a presentation on the Cajun and Creole cultures of Louisiana, their history, their music, Jerry Carrier and how important Mardi Gras and its customs is in their lives especially in Southwest Louisiana. Jerry will also bring some samples of the music that will be heard throughout the day, and particularly to show examples of the historic development and changes from what was initially called “French music”, then “lala music” and finally to the “zydeco” music of today. Included will be a dance lesson. Free event. Website: https://www.sulphurspringsmuseum.org
Photo by Jim Hance
Mardi Gras Presentation at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center (Tampa)
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
Mardi Gras Throwdown at BBC Features JB’s Zydeco Zoo Photo by Jim Hance
10
Friday, March 1 9:00 p.m. at Bradfordville Blues Club, 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32309. Website: bradfordvilleblues.com
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Friday, Mar. 22 @ Gulfport Casino
Dance For Plants
7: 15 P.M. Swing Dance Lesson with Donna and David 8–11 P.M. Open dancing to swing, oldies, and freestyle music with DJ Jim Hance. Song requests taken. Silent raffle includes donations from local businesses & artisans. Herb and plant giveaways, expert gardening advice, and make-and-take floral maycrown craft table. Kids under 12 are free. This event is sponsored by the Enroy Foundation. Tickets $12 at the door or $10 in advance; available at the Gulfport Casino & The Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport. For more Info contact 845-242-7452.
11
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
Porchdogs March Events Photo by Jim Hance
12
Porchdogs Cajun Band Sat. Mar. 2 — Porchdogs — “A Night on Bourbon St.” in downtown Deland. See listing on page 14 for details. Sat. Mar. 9 — Porchdogs at Mardi Gras Music Festival in Casselberry near Orlando. See listing on page 15 for details. Sat. Mar. 23 — Porchdogs at Cajun Crawfish Boil in Davie near Ft. Lauderdale. See listing on page 15.
13 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Eunice downtown Mardi Gras parade
Mardi Gras Events FLORIDA Fri. Mar. 1 — JB’s Zydeco Zoo at BBC Mardi Gras Party Bradfordville Blues Club, 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32309 Website: http://www.bradfordvilleblues.com
14
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Mar. 1-2 — Panama City Beach Mardi Gras featuring Chubby Carrier and Waylon Thibodeaux 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32413. Info: 337-288-8893. Mar. 1: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band; Mar. 2: 5:45 p.m. Waylon Thibodeaux. Also on Saturday: Chicks with Hits, Lonestar, Victor Wainwright and The Train. Info: https://www. visitpanamacitybeach.com/mardi-gras/ Sat. Mar. 2 — Porchdogs — “A Night on Bourbon St.” Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala for the Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand. The dinner-dance party is at the Artisan Alley Garage (concrete dance floor). 111 W. Georgia Ave. in DeLand. In addition to the music, there’ll be a caricature artist, roving magician, psychic readings and more. Tickets: ddrotary.org or by calling (410) 349-7385. Sun. Mar. 3 — Mardi Gras Presentation and Dance Lesson 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 East River Cove St., Tampa, Fl, 33604 Phone 813-935-9402. Jerry Carrier, a descendant of the original Acadians, will offer a presentation on the Cajun and Creole cultures of Louisiana, their history, their music, and how important Mardi Gras and its customs is in their lives especially in Southwest Louisiana. Jerry will also bring some samples of the music that will be heard throughout the day, and particularly to show examples of the historic development and changes from what was initially called “French music”, then “LaLa music” and finally to the “Zydeco” music of today. Included will be a dance lesson. Website: https://www.sulphurspringsmuseum.org Tues. Mar. 5, 2019 — Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band (Miramar Beach, FL) 7 p.m. at The Village Door at Seascape (60
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Seascape Dr., Suite 101, Miramar Beach, FL 32550). Tues. Mar. 5 — Mardi Gras Dance with Dance Lesson (Downtown St. Pete) 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Caddy’s on Central Ave., 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. No cover! Masks, beads provided. This is the place to DANCE in Pinellas County on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Website: FloridaCajunZydeco.com Tues. Mar. 5 — Dunedin Mardi Gras. 4 pm. to 10 p.m. Parade at 7 p.m. Presented by Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association. Facebook: Search Mardi Gras Parade. Band not confirmed: Black Honkeys. Sat. Mar. 9 — Porchdogs at Mardi Gras Music Festival At Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Dr. in Casselberry near Orlando (pavement dance area). Music by the Porchdogs, Johnny Accordion and Elektric Voodoo from 5-9 p.m. Food trucks. There’s also a colorful Mardi Paw Dog Parade. For more information, visit casselberry.org or call (407) 262-7700 ext. 1507. Tues. Mar. 19 — Cajun Zydeco Dance (Downtown St. Pete) 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Caddy’s on Central Ave., 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. No cover! Come back on the first and third Tuesdays for dancing to great Louisiana music. Website: FloridaCajunZydeco.com Sat. Mar. 23 — Porchdogs at Cajun Crawfish Boil At Flamingo Road Nursery & Farmers Market, 1655 S, Flamingo Road in Davie near Ft. Lauderdale. This tasty event is from noon to 4 p.m. and includes crawfish, jambalaya, Cajun corn and potatoes, red beans and more at the popular 10-acre garden. Admission is free and friendly dogs are welcome. There’s ample room for dancing on pavement. Info: flamingoroadnursery.com, phone (954) 476-7878.
15
16
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Fri. Apr. 12 — Steve Riley & Mamou Playboys (Orlando) 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Veranda at Thornton Park, 707 East Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801. Website: http://www. verandaevents.com Sat. Apr. 13, 2019 — Steve Riley & Mamou Playboys (Dade City) at String Break Festival — Website: http://lindentertainment.com/ stringbreak-home/ Sun., Apr. 14 — CJ Chenier, Rosie Ledet at Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg) Louisiana talent: 1 p.m. Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys; 2:30 p.m. Mike Zito; 4:30 p.m. C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band; 6:30 p.m. Kenny Neal; 8:30 p.m. Tab Benoit. Sunday general admission: $40. Website: http://www. tampabaybluesfest.com Sun. Apr. 14 — Steve Riley & Mamou Playboys (St. Augustine) Pretty Cool Music Festival. https://www.facebook.com/ events/827931070588265/
GEORGIA Tues. Mar. 5 — Mardi Gras party with the Atlanta Crawdaddys 8:30 p.m. Blind Willie’s, 828 N Highland Ave., Atlanta, $6; doors open 7 p.m., www.blindwilliesblues.com for more info. Sun., Mar. 10 — Tardi Gras CD Party and Potluck 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association, Garden Hills Community Center, 337 Pinetree Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Info: aczadance.org
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Fri., Mar. 22 — Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band 9 p.m. at Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association, The Vista Room, 2836 Lavista Rd., Atlanta, GA 30033. Tickets $21 at door. www.aczadance.org Thurs., Mar. 28 — Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas Zydeco Dance Party 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Savannah Music Festival, Charles H Morris Center, Savannah, GA. Concert/dance $39. Tickets at www. savannahmusicfestival.org/event/zydeco-dance-party-nathan-thezydeco-cha-chas-2/ Sat., Apr. 6 — Pine Leaf Boys with Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Savannah Music Festival, Charles H Morris Center, Savannah, GA. Concert/dance $39. Tickets at www. savannahmusicfestival.org/event/cajun-dance-party-pine-leaf-boysjourdan-thibodeaux-et-les-rodailleurs-2/ Sun., Apr. 7 — Lowcountry Cajun Festival with Pine Leaf Boys and Gerard Delafose Noon to 6 p.m. at James Island County Park, Charleston, SC; $15; www.ccprc.com/137/Lowcountry-Cajun-Festival Fri., Apr. 19 — The Revelers Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA. 8 pm. $20. http:// eddieowenpresents.com
LOUISIANA Fri. Mar. 1 — Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys 8 p.m. at La Poussiere, 1301 Grand Point Hwy., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
17
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by Jim Hance
18
Pine Leaf Boys will be at Lakeview Park in Eunice, LA on Mar. 2 Fri. Mar. 1 — Horace Trahan and Ossun Express 8 p.m. at Feed & Seed, 106 Grant St., Lafayette, LA Website: feednseedlafayette.com $10 Fri. Mar. 1 — The Revelers, Daiquiri Queens 9 p.m. at Artmosphere, 902 Johnston St., Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 Fri. Mar. 2 — Kevin Naquin and Ossun Playboys 7 p.m. at Eunice Mardi Gras, Eunice, LA Sat. Mar. 2 — Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys 2 p.m. at Mamou Mardi Gras, Mamou, LA Sat. Mar. 2 — Pine Leaf Boys 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy., Eunice, LA 70553 Sat. Mar. 2 — The Revelers 8 p.m. at Feed & Seed, 106 Grant St., Lafayette, LA Website: feednseedlafayette.com $10
Sat. Mar. 2 — Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie 8 p.m. at La Poussiere, 1301 Grand Point Hwy., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 Sat. Mar. 2 — Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys 8 p.m. at Black Gold Casino, 3763 Hwy. 29, Exit 92, Duson, LA 70529 Sat. Mar. 2 — Horace Trahan and Ossun Express 10 p.m. at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy., Eunice, LA 70553 Sat./Sun. Mar. 2-3 — Ceaser’s Ranch 7th Leon Chavis is among the Annual Mardi Gras and Chicken Run with artists at Yambilee Arena Gerard Delafose, Rusty Metoyer and T in Opelousas on Mar. 3. Broussard at the Stable, 5043 Doise Rd., Elton, LA. More info: Hilton Ceaser 337-998-1669 Sun. Mar. 3 — Brandon Ledet and Creole Touch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Zydeco Dance, Lake Charles Civic Center, 2nd Floor, 900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Sun. Mar. 3 — J Paul Jr. and the Zydeco NuBreeds, Jeremy and the Zydeco Hot Boyz, Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames, Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers, Mike Broussard and Nu Edition Zydeko Noon start at Yambilee Building & Arena, 1939 W. Landry St, Opelousas, LA 70570
19 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by Jim Hance
20
Wayne Singleton and Same Ol’ 2-Step will be at Feed n’ Seed Mar. 3 Sun. Mar. 3 — Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys 1 p.m. at Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508 Sun. Mar. 3 — T Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers 3 p.m. at The Stable, 5043 Doise Rd., Elton, LA 70532 Sun. Mar. 3 — Geno Delafose or Steve Riley (both bands posted an appearance here). 4 p.m. at Pat’s Atchafalaya Club, 1008 Henderson Levee Rd., Henderson, LA 70517 Sun. Mar. 3 — Wayne Singleton & Same Ol’ 2-Step 4 p.m. at Feed N Seed, 106 N Grant St, Lafayette, LA 70501. Website: feednseedlafayette.com $10 Sun. Mar. 3 — Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band 5 p.m. at Rock N’ Bowl, 905 Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Sun. Mar. 3 — Chris Ardoin & Nustep Zydeko, Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band 8 p.m. at Opelousas Civic Center, 1638 Suite 2 Creswell Lane Ext., Opelousas, LA 70570 Sun. Mar. 3 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 8 p.m. at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy., Eunice, LA 70553 Mon. Mar. 4 — Zydeco Dance Lesson (every Monday) 6-7 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church Cafeteria, 732 N Union St, Opelousas, LA 70570 Mon. Mar. 4 — Wayne Singleton & Same Ol’ 2-Step 7 p.m. at Coushatta Casino, 777 Coushatta Dr., Kinder, LA 70648 Mon. Mar. 4 — Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers 7 p.m. at Mamou Mardi Gras, Downtown Mamou, LA 70554 Sun. Mar. 3 — Pine Leaf Boys 9 p.m. at Artmosphere, 902 Johnston St., Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 Mon. Mar. 4 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 8 p.m. at Lundi Gras Dance, O’Darby’s, 827 Hector Connoly Rd., Carencro, LA 70520 Mon. Mar. 4 — Raa-Raa & Da Zydeco Allstarz, Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys 8 p.m. at Feed N Seed, 106 N Grant St., Lafayette, LA 70501 Mon. Mar. 4 — Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboy 9 p.m. at Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veteran Memorial Hwy., Eunice, LA 70553
21
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by David Simpson
22
Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners will be in Iota, LA on Mar. 5. Mon. Mar. 4 — Chris Ardoin and Nustep Zydeko 9 p.m. at Scandals Nite Club, 1801 West Pinhook Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508 Mon. Mar. 4 — Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie 9 p.m. at Mamou Mardi Gras, Downtown Mamou, LA 70554 Mon Mar. 4 — Lundi Gras with Brass Mimosa 10 p.m. at Artmosphere, 902 Johnston St., Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 Tues. Mar. 5 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 10 a.m. at Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival & Parade, Duscon Ave., Downtown Iota, LA 70543 Tues. Mar. 5 — Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie Noon at Frank’s Poboys, 603 E. Landry St., Opelousas, LA 70570
23 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
The Mamou Playboys will perform at Eunice Mardi Gras on Mar. 5. Tues. Mar. 5 — Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys Noon at Beau’s Garage Sports Bar & Grill, 125 N. Court St., Opelousas, LA 70570 Tues. Mar. 5 — Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band Noon at Mamou Mardi Gras, Downtown Mamou, Mamou, LA 70554 Tues. Mar. 5 — Brandon Ledet and The Creole Touch 2:30 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom, 3420 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70605 Tues. Mar. 5 — Steve Riley and Mamou Playboys 4 p.m. at Eunice Mardi Gras, Eunice, LA
24
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Tues. Mar. 5 — Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie 6 p.m. at Nick’s on 2nd, 123 South 2nd St, Eunice, LA 70535 Tues. Mar. 5 — Mardi Gras Throwndown with Good Dudes 7 p.m. at Artmosphere, 902 Johnston St., Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 Tues. Mar. 5 — Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band 8 p.m. at Grant St. Dance Hall, 13 W. Grant St, Lafayette, LA 70501 Thurs. Mar. 7 — Horace Trahan and New Ossun Express 8:30 p.m. at Rock N’ Bowl, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119 Thurs. Mar. 7 — Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys 5:30 p.m. at Groovin’ at the Grove, Lake Charles, LA Fri. Mar. 8 — Horace Trahan and New Ossun Express 10 p.m. at Cowboy’s Night Club, 207 N Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Scott, LA 70583 Fri. Mar. 8 — Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers 10 p.m. at DBA, 618 Frenchmen, New Orleans, LA 70116 Sat. Mar. 9 — Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band 8:30 a.m. at Buck & Johnny’s, 100 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 Sat. Mar. 9 — Dwayne Dopsie and Zydeco Hellraisers 3 p.m. at Lagniappe Music Food Festival, 219 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales, LA Sat. Mar. 9 — Horace Trahan and New Ossun Express 5 p.m. at Heymann Performing Arts Center, 1373 S College Rd., Lafayette, LA 70503
25 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Chris Ardoin & Nustep Zydeko will perform in Opelousas on Mar. 9 Sat. Mar. 9 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 9 p.m. at Southern Pub, 208 S Adams St., Welsh, LA 70591 Sat. Mar. 9 — Chris Ardoin & Nustep Zydeko, Mike Broussard & Nu Edition Zydeko 9 p.m. at Yambilee Building & Arena, 1939 W. Landry S.t, Opelousas, LA 70570 Sat. Mar. 9 — Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames 10 p.m. at JCS Riders “March Madness III, 7499 Greenwood Springridge Rd., Greenwood, LA 71033 Sun. Mar. 10 — Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie 5 p.m. at Rock N’ Bowl, 905 Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by David Simpson
26
Zydeco Flames (of California) will be at Jazz Bash By the Bay Mar. 1-3.
CALIFORNIA Fri. Mar. 1, 2, 3 — Zydeco Flames, Tom Rigney & Flambeau Jazz Bash By the Bay. Website: jazzbashmonterey.com Fri. Mar. 1 — Mark St. Mary 6:30 p.m. at Wild Eye Pub, 535 Mill St., Grass Valley, CA 95945 Fri. Mar. 1 — Andre Thierry 8 p.m. at Theatre DeVille, 308 Main St., Vacaville Sat. Mar. 2 — Gator Nation 5 p.m. at McCloud Hotel, 408 Main St., McCloud, CA 96057 Sat. Mar. 2 — Saints & Sinners Ball featuring Mark St. Mary 7:30 p.m. at Monroe Hall, Santa Rosa, $15
27 Facebook
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
San Diego’s Bayou Brothers will perform In San Clemente on Mar. 5. Tues. Mar. 5 — Bayou Brothers 7:30 p.m. at Iva Lee’s, N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 Tues. Mar. 5 — Chef Gator’s Mardi Gras Party with Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic 5:30 p.m. Petaluma, CA. Website: AndreThierry.com Thurs. Mar. 7 — Dwight Black Cat Carrier 8 p.m. at Kesler’s: 125 Couch St., Vallejo Thurs. Mar. 8 — Andre Thierry 7 p.m. at Pier 23, San Francisco Embarcadero. Sat. Mar. 9 — Wayne and Same Ol’ 2-Step 7 p.m. at Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego, Balboa Park War Memorial Bldg., 3325 Zoo Dr., San Diego 92101. Cost: $10. Website: icajunzydeco.com Sat. Mar. 9 — Tom Rigney and Flambeau 7 p.m. at Livermore Elks Lodge:, 940 Larkspur Ave., Livermore.
28
Andre Thierry Website
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
Tom Rigney and Flambeau perform in Angels Camp on Mar. 8 Sun. Mar. 10 — Tom Rigney and Flambeau 3 p.m. at Bret Harte Performing Arts Center, Angels Camp, CA Sun. Mar. 10 — Andre Thierry 5 p.m. at Plough & Stars, 116 Clement, San Francisco
TEXAS Fri. Mar. 1 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 7 p.m. at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, One NRG Pkwy., Houston, TX 77054
29 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws will be in Port Arthur on Mar. 2. Fri. Mar. 1 — Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames, Uncle Fallay 9 p.m. at S & G Auditorium, 900 5th St, Port Arthur, TX 77640 Sat. Mar. 2 — Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners 2:30 p.m. at Mardi Gras and Town Center, Kingwood, TX Sat. Mar. 2 — Wayne Singleton & Same Ol’ 2-Step 6 p.m. at Kathy’s Korner, 9027 I-10 Frontage Rd, Sealy, TX 77474 Sat. Mar. 2 — Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws 9 p.m. at S & G Auditorium, 900 5th St, Port Arthur, TX 77640 Sun. Mar. 3 — LT & The Zydeco Mob 4 p.m. at Zydeco at The Wing Quarter Daiquiris & Creole Kitchen, 3929 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021 Tues. Mar. 5 — LT & The Zydeco Mob Noon to 4 p.m. at Fat Tuesday Celebration at BB’s Cafe, 2701 White Oak Dr. Houston, TX 77009
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Facebook
30
Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters will be in Houston on Mar. 5. Tues. Mar. 5 — Wayne & Same Ol 2 Step, Keyun & The Zydeco Masters 6 p.m. at Fat Tuesday Celebration at BB’s Cafe, 2701 White Oak Dr. Houston, TX 77009 Tues. Mar. 5 — Beau Bayou & Sabine Connection 6 p.m. at Memorial City Mall 303 Memorial City Way, Houston, TX 77024 Sat. Mar. 9 — Beau Bayou & Savine Connection 6 p.m. at Jax Bar & Grill, 1613 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007 Sat. Mar. 9 — Step Rideau, Fred Rusk, TPut, LT, Keyun 7 p.m. at Pizz’azz Bar & Grill, 3332 Dixie Dr., Houston, TX 77021
31 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
Keith Frank will be in Humble, Texas on Mar. 9. Sat. Mar. 9 — Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band 7 p.m. at Humble Civic Center & Arena, 8301 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, TX 77338
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com Photo by David Simpson
32
Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers will be in Houston on Mar. 10. Sun. Mar. 10 — Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers 4-8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church 3006 Rosedale, Houston, TX 77004. Info: http://www.LloydFamilyFoundation.org/ Fri. Mar. 15 — Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Texas Diamondz 4th Annual Dance, VLounge, 3388 Dixie Dr., Houston, TX 77021
MISSOURI Mar. 1, 2, 3 — Dwayne Dopsie & Zydeco Hellraisers at Silver Slippers Casino, 5000 S. Beach Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 39520 Mardi Gras Events listings are derived from various sources on the web, and inaccuracies can be expected (often because the year is sometimes not shown on web listings). Please check venue, band or event to verify when making your plans. Acknowledgement: Many event listings here are from zydecoevents.com.
Festival-O-Rama! COMPLETE LIST of Festivals for 2019 at FloridaCajunZydeco.com/festivals.html
March 2019 Feb. 28 – Mar. 10, 2019 — Festival of the Arts (Boca Raton, FL) Website: 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: bonitablues.com
Mar. 9 & 10, 2019 — Gasparilla Music Festival (Tampa, FL) Bands include Gary Clark Jr., Avette Brothers. Admission $30 per day (in advance for Sunday) and up. Info at gasparillamusic.com
33 Photo by David Simpson
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
34
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.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.” Website: sanfranciscoplantation.org/frisco-fest/
March 21–24, 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. 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. Families will enjoy the Kiddie Rides, Magic Shows, Pirate Fun, Super Heros & Princesses, the Clown Adventure and Interactive Drum Show. Website: lionsfestival.com/
April 5-7, 2019 — DeSoto Seafood Fest (Palmetto, FL) Bands will include The Dweebs, Craig Morgan, Rolling Stones tribute band. At Sutton and Lamb parks, 10th Ave. West at 6th St. West. Admission is $5 for the day.The website is www.desotosff.com and phone number is (941) 747-1998.
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! April 11-14, 2019 — Stringbreak Music Festival (Brooksville) Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, and other bands. Website: riverhawkmusic.com
April 11-14, 2019 — French Quarter Festival (New Orleans) Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band, Galactic, Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys, The Revealers, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Magnolia Sisters, Waylon Thibodeaux Band, Honey Island Swamp Band, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twister. The four-day weekend festival is FREE and there is no cost to attend any of the performances. French Quarter Festival is held throughout the historic French Quarter (Vieux Carre) neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. Music stages are located at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Bourbon St., Royal St., Bienville Triangle, Preservation Hall, the French Market, St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent, and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. ‘World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’ booths can be found in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Jax Brewery parking lot, and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Website: frenchquarterfest.org/
April 12, 13 and 14, 2019 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg) At Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Sunday is “Louisiana Blues Experience” featuring CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys, Mike Zito, Kenny Neal and Tab Benoit. After parties starting at 10:30 p.m. at The Ale and The Witch and Ringside Cafe on both Friday and Saturday. tampabaybluesfest.com.
35
36
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com April 12-14, 2019 — Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA) Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Venue: Memorial Park in historic and beautiful Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Website: lastrawberryfestival.com
April 19-21, 2019 — Kemah Crawfish Festival (Texas) Bands will include Wayne Toups on Sat., Apr. 20. Website: gulfcoastfestivals.com
April 20, 2019 — Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival & 5K Run (Gulfshores, AL) 10 a.m. Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush; 11:15 a.m. Excelsior; 11:30 a.m. Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers; 1 p.m. Excelsior; 1:15 p.m. -Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers; 2:30 p.m. Excelsior; 2:45 p.m. Chubby Carrier; 4:15 p.m. Excelsior; 4:30 p.m. Step Rideau. Venue: Waterway Village in Gulf Shores-Under the Intracoastal Bridge (North & South Side) 225 E. 24th Ave. Gulf Shores, AL 36542. For more information, call 251-968-1172 or visit https://www.gulfshores.com/events-calendar/ art-culture/2019-waterway-village-zydeco-crawfish-festival-5k-run/
April 24-28, 2019 — Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette) Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. Cycle 40 to 60 miles per day with numerous stops for dancing to top Louisiana bands, dining and tourist stuff. 2019 Cycle Zydeco will coincide with Festival International de Louisiane & the New Iberia Spanish Festival included with registration for Cycle Zydeco. Website: cyclezydeco.com
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update! Outside Florida Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association Dance Saturday, March 10, 2019
“Tardi Gras” CD Party 4 to 7 p.m. (45 minute dance lesson at 4 p.m.) Garden Hills Recreation Center, 339 Pine Tree Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 Website: 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.
NYC Cajun Zydeco Events letszydeco.com
Philadelphia Cajun Zydeco Events allonsdanser.org
Houston Cajun Zydeco Events zydecoevents.com/texaszydecoevents.html
Southern California Events icajunzydeco.com
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 Dr. 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.
37
38
Visit FloridaCajunZydeco.com
April 24–28, 2019
Cycle Zydeco See Update #61 for last year’s feature story on Cycle Zydeco. Here’s a link to all back issues: FloridaCajunZydeco.com/stories.html 2019 Cycle Zydeco will coincide with Festival International de Louisiane and the New Iberia Spanish Festival which are included as part of Cycle Zydeco. The following week is the Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge, LA, and the final week of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Cycle Zydeco is a four-day casual touring ride in South Louisiana that also includes food, music and lots of dancing.
cyclezydeco.org
Photos for this article courtesy of Cycle Zydeco
Florida Cajun Zydeco Update!
39