Ninth National Cajun and Zydeco Festival

Cover

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2, 3 & 4 October 1998

Ninth National

Cajun & Zydeco Festival at

The Met Bury, Lancashire S p o n s o r e d

b y

Ticket Office 0161 761 2216 Great Music Great Dancing Great Food A Great Time!

Intro

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From the south east of the USA to the north west of England… he National Cajun and T Zydeco Festival is back

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for its ninth year for three days and nights of infectious, irresistible music with a great party atmosphere.

ritain’s most lavish annual celebration of the culture of Louisiana in the southern USA, the festival combines top American artists with some of the best Cajun and zydeco performers from Britain and Europe. Nowhere else in the UK provides so complete an infusion from the bayou in just one weekend.

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he guiding principle of Louisiana culture is Laissez les bon temps rouler, “let the good times roll” – and in the true spirit of southern hospitality, that is exactly what we try to do.

During the festival you can dance, drink, eat, almost breathe, Cajun and zydeco. All you need is an ear for good music and the desire to have a really good time.

o bring your friends, bring your family, bring your kids – the festival is for everyone!

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We are extremely grateful to Manchester Airport for their generous sponsorship of the festival.

Many thanks to Frank Warren of Matters Musical for helping to make this festival happen.

Introduction to Cajun and Zydeco Music he word Cajun is applied to the people of south west Louisiana, and is a corruption of the word Acadie, the name of the area in Canada settled by the French in the 17th century. Acadie later became Nova Scotia when the British acquired the area in the early 1700s.

Since the French inhabitants refused to swear allegiance to the British crown, they were either deported or forced into exile. By around 1750 many Acadians began to settle in Louisiana, making the inhospitable bayous of Acadiana their new home.

Since that time the

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descendants of the Acadian people have lived in relative isolation, and a distinctive culture has both been preserved and developed, away from the mainstream American influence, well into the present century. ajun music is influenced by the music of the German, Spanish, Scots, Irish, Anglo-American, African and Native American musical traditions, which have assimilated onto a base of French traditional music. The music features strongly the sound of the fiddle and accordion, with the triangle keeping the rhythm, and,

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more recently, drums. This regional music flourishes amongst the bayous, and is an expression of the hardship and oppression the people have endured. The lyrics are usually sung in French, yet the music is sensual, joyful and invigorating. ajun music is the music of the white French speaking people of south west Louisiana. Zydeco on the other hand is the music of the black French speaking population. Zydeco is heavily influenced by blues and African rhythms. It is believed that zydeco is a corruption of the French les haricots.

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National Cajun and Zydeco Festival, The Met, Market St, Bury, Lancs BL9 0BW Admin 0161 761 7107 • Ticket Office 0161 761 2216 • Fax 0161 763 5056 email cajunfest@metarts.demon.co.uk • http://www.metarts.demon.co.uk/cajun/ The National Cajun and Zydeco Festival is run by Bury Metropolitan Arts Association, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (Nº 701879).

Map copy

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Friday 2 October

US & UK

Courtney Granger Fifteen year old Cajun prodigy Courtney Granger is a third generation member of the Balfas, the most famous Cajun musical family of all time, which has already spawned the Balfa Brothers and Balfa Toujours. Courtney’s demon fiddling has already marked him out as a name to watch for in the future and, even at his tender age, he is already an assured singer and guitarist. This is a unique opportunity to see the next generation of Louisiana’s first musical family in action.

& The Bearcats He is joined on stage by The Bearcats – one of the few bands outside Louisiana who capture the elusive essence of traditional Cajun music. With Chris Hall on Cajun accordion, Jock Tyldesley on fiddle, Mitch Proctor on fiddle and steel guitar, John Elliot on guitar and Sam Murray on drums, The Bearcats combine some of the best Cajun musicians in the country to achieve their authentic sound.

“Infectious dance music as the best Cajun musicians in Britain come together” The Independent

Festival !

Exclusive

On Stage 8pm

Saturday 3 October

Tickets £9.50

UK

The Hackney Ramblers The perfect band for a Saturday afternoon, The Hackney Ramblers serve up a rich sauce of classic Cajun.

“Infectious dance music” City Limits

Formed of ex-members of the Crayfish 5, the band have years of experience playing every venue from public bar to public hall, village hop to international festival.

With the irrepressible Andy Lockwood on fiddle, Charlie Collinson on rock solid rhythm guitar, Pete Towler on drums and fronted by top accordion player Tony Weatherall, expect some solid Cajun dance grooves – and a few surprises!

On Stage 2pm

Tickets £5.50

Lisa Haley/Le Rue

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Saturday 3 October

Lisa Haley and the Zydekats Lisa Haley is a fourth generation fiddler who has studied with Joe Simien and Canray Fontenot and performed with artists such as Randy Newman, Lyle Lovett and, of course, Queen Ida. She has a list of recording, film and TV credits too long to list here, but the ultimate compliment, perhaps, came from Clifton Chenier who said “That girl plays as good as a man!”. Lisa Haley and the Zydekats recently featured in a BBC documentary series, the Rhythm of Life, created by Sir George Martin.

Lisa Haley and the Zydekats are a true swamp roots phenomenon, devoting themselves to joyful, dance-on-the-table original and traditional zydeco/Cajun/Mardi Gras rhythms.

US & UK

British Premiere!

“Such energy that the rosin was floating off her bow like snow” Pa Scenen Lund, Sweden

Lisa Haley and the Zydekats are Lisa Haley (fiddle and vocals), David Jackson (accordion), Michael Jochum (drums and washboard), Randy Mitchell (guitar) and Jim Hanson (bass).

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Le Rue

Pierre LeRue is a phenomenal fiddler, recognised in his native America as one of the really great talents of his generation following his debut with Queen Ida at the age of nineteen.

Now resident in Britain. he has gathered some of the best players in UK Cajun to complement his amazing violin playing, and formed his own band, Le Rue. “Blisteringly exciting, at once celebrating and reinventing their chosen genre” Folk Roots

“Enormous fun… makes people want to get up and enjoy themselves” George Martin

Expect a bit of a surprise tonight as, for the first time in several years, both of Queen Ida’s mainstay fiddlers are on the same programme!

Le Rue are Pierre LeRue (fiddle and vocals), Paul Hookham (drums), Mike Raeder (Accordion, Guitar), Richard Studholme (Bass), Tony Rico (Saxophone) and Chris Lewis (Rubboard).

On Stage 8pm

Tickets £11.50

Zydecomotion, etc

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Sunday 4 October

Zydecomotion Zydecomotion are a modern zydeco dance band who stun audiences wherever they go with their hardcore zydeco funk. Influenced by the new wave of US zydeco bands who combine traditional influences with modern dance, hip hop, rave and reggae sounds, Zydecomotion have the perfect musical recipe to spice up a lazy Sunday afternoon!

With Sam Murray (The Bearcats) on drums, Mitch Proctor (R Cajun, The Bearcats) on guitar, Bryn Davies (Mad Dog) on rub-board, newcomer Rob Hill on bass, and fronted by

Festival Finale

UK accordionist Chris Hall (founder of R Cajun and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster), the band create an awesome powerhouse groove that’s ready to rock the nation!

On Stage 2pm

Sunday 4 October

Tickets £5.50

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Acadian Ramblers

plus very special guests Although only founded in the spring of 1997, the Acadian Ramblers already have a remarkably mature sound, reflecting the expertise and experience of the Dutch and Belgian musicians who make up the group.

The band have a deep respect for the traditional music of Louisiana. However, the swamps of the American south are not their only inspiration – they also travel new roads, listening to the music of other cultures, but never leaving the Acadians far behind. The new blood they add to the

historic roots of Cajun quickens your pulse and has your feet swirling around the dance floor!

The Acadian Ramblers are Rene van Tilburg (formerly of the Cajun Company) on bass; Wim Nagtegall accordion; David Boyle fiddle; Steven Hollanders guitar and Stephen van Haestregt drums.

Bringing the festival to a close with a whoop and a bang, the Acadian Ramblers will be joined on stage by many of the individual stars of the festival for a grand finale, guaranteed to raise the roof and have everyone dancing!

On Stage 7.30pm

Tickets £10.50

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Workshops Saturday 3 October

Sunday 4 October

10.30am Advanced Old Time

10.30am Advanced Jitterbug Dance Tickets £4.50

Cajun Dance Tickets £4.50

The Jitterbug has been adopted by Cajun dance culture. Tutors: Phil and Barbara.

A laid back and gentle dance workshop.

Tutors: Phil and Barbara Hodson.

12noon Beginners Old Time 12noon Beginners Jitterbug Dance Tickets £3.00

Cajun Dance Tickets £3.00

An energetic and fun beginners dance workshop. Tutors: Phil and Barbara.

A gentle laid-back dance workshop introducing you to popular waltzes and two-steps.

Tutors: Phil and Barbara.

4.30pm Nouveau Zydeco Dance Tickets £4.50 A basic introduction to the latest Louisiana dance craze. Tutors: Phil and Barbara.

Instrumental Workshop

Cajun Fiddle Masterclass

Tickets £3.00

Tickets £4.50

With members of The Bearcats and Zydecomotion.

With Courtney Granger and Jock Tyldesley.

6pm

6.30pm Cajun and Zydeco

Festival Saver Ticket Offer Save money on your festival seats, and take the hassle out of booking, with our special Weekend Saver, Saturday Saver and Sunday Saver tickets.

Ticket Weekend Saver Saturday Saver Sunday Saver

Gets you entry to

For just Saving All festival concerts £35 £7.50 Both concerts on Saturday £15 £2.00 Both concerts on Sunday £14 £2.00

Please Note: Saver tickets do not include admission to workshops.

Festival CD Stall Looking for that rare Louisiana album?

The Swamp Trading Company will be in the upstairs foyer throughout the festival selling a wide selection of Cajun and zydeco CDs and merchandise.

Cajun Kitchen Have a delicious Louisiana meal!

The Met Café Bar’s Cajun Kitchen will be open throughout the festival offering a mouth watering selection of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes, all cooked in authentic fashion. Bottled beers and mineral waters will be on sale all weekend.

Cajun Kitchen Opening Hours Friday 2 Saturday 3 Sunday 4

9.30am - 8pm 9am - 8.30pm 10am - 8pm

Booking Info

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Booking Information In Person Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm and one hour before each show from The Met Ticket Office, situated alongside Bury Tourist Information Centre.

By Phone Ticket Office: 0161 761 2216 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm and one hour before each show.

Book now, pay later: You can reserve tickets outside Ticket Office hours with our answer phone reservation service. Tickets can be reserved but must be paid for within five working days or 30 mins prior to show, whichever is sooner, or they may be sold.

Cards accepted:

Group Booking Discount Buy ten, get an additional one free.

Ticket & Escort Service If you are disabled or a senior citizen and would like someone to book your tickets, help arrange accessible transport or find a companion to accompany you to The Met or any other venue in Greater Manchester, contact the Ticket and Escort Service. Details from: Ticket and Escort Service, Arts About Manchester, 23 New Mount Street, Manchester, M4 4DE. Tel 0161 953 4035.

Fax 0161 953 4001.

Minicom 0161 953 4065.

Easy Access Full ramped access, with a lift to the Theatre and adjusted toilet facilities. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help.

If you need to bring an able-bodied escort we will give them a free ticket, call The Met Ticket Office on 0161 761 2216 for details.

Guide dogs are welcome.

Water can be provided on request.

Ticket Exchange & Resale

By Freepost (no stamp required!)

The Met, FREEPOST BL 5162F, Market Street, Bury, Lancs BL9 0YZ. Cheques or postal orders payable to BMAA. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope, otherwise your tickets will be held for you to collect at the Ticket Office.

Ticket money cannot be refunded. Depending on availability, you may be able to exchange tickets in advance from one show to another for a fee of ÂŁ1 per ticket.

Seating Because of the large dance area needed throughout the Festival there is only a limited amount of seating for all events. If you would like a seat, please arrive early.

Changes to Programme

By Fax 24 hour fax booking facility on 0161 763 5056

Whilst details of the programme are correct at time of going to press, The Met reserves the right to change or alter information if circumstances dictate.

Map

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How to find us... Bury is very easy to get to!

FIRE STATION PARISH CHURCH

MARKET

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BUS & TRAM INTERCHANGE

CASTLE LEISURE CENTRE

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EAST LANCS RAILWAY

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TOWN HALL

BY CAR Bury is just off the M60/62. Leave the M62 at J18 and head north to J2. Follow the signs for Bury town centre, then the map above. When in Bury, follow the signs for Tourist Information and watch out for The Met.

BY TRAIN AND METROLINK

Local services call at Bury Interchange.

Take any train to Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria, and hop on to the Metrolink to Bury from either station. The Met is one minute’s walk from Bury Interchange – follow the signs for Tourist Information.

Bus enquiries 0161 228 7811.

Metrolink enquiries 0161 205 2000.

BY BUS

Accommodation If you’re travelling to the festival and need somewhere to stay, Bury Tourist Information Centre will be happy to help you – call 0161 253 5111 and ask for an accommodation guide. It is advisable to book early as most local hotels fill up.

For details of accommodation immediately outside the borough of Bury, call: ● Bolton TIC 01204 364333 ● Manchester TIC 0161 234 3157/3158 ● Rawtenstall TIC 01706 226590 or ● Rochdale TIC 01706 356592