Cajun, Louisiana Creole and zydeco music

An article in the Christian Science Monitor talks about the threat to Cajun culture from the Macondo well oil spill.   No news to those who’ve been through it.  Musician and writer Ann Savoy is quoted on the Cajun desire to stay put and continue their way of life.  There’s not much that’s new in the article, but it’s good to hear from someone who is living the life.  She’s about halfway down the first page.  Read it soon before it’s sequestered behind a pay wall.

Here’s Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys with Riley on accordion and vocals, David Greely on fiddle, Brazos Huval on bass, Chris Stafford from Feufollet on guitar, instead of the usual Sam Broussard, and probably Kevin Dugas on drums – though he can’t be seen.  They’re playing the Chanson de Mardi Gras or Mardi Gras song.  And as a special bonus, they’re doing it from the postage-stamp sized stage at the Blue Moon Saloon and Guest House in Lafayette, Louisiana.  The Blue Moon is a great place for music, though the audience area is rather small.  And you can stay there is you get too drunk!  Just listen!

Yes, the Beatles’ own label, Apple Records, is re-releasing a vast amount of material Oct. 26, 2010.  Among the folk and rock are the Sundown Playboys.  I’ve never seen or heard any of this material, so it’s really exciting to have it back.  My own database of Cajun music has releases by the Sundown Playboys on La Louisianne, Swallow, Kajun and Bee labels.  Don’t know who’s in this band, whether it’s the same as Lesa Cormier & the Sundown Playboys.  And, for the first time, the material will also be available for download.

The Apple web site says: “‘Saturday Nite Special’ is a lover’s lament sung in Cajun French by this cross-generational collective from Louisiana, USA, who came to Apple when their teenage accordionist sent in the song on a whim. ”  The song is part of a collection entitled Come and Get It:  The Best of Apple Records.

The Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) annual Le Cajun Awards are spread over four days:  Thursday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 21.   The organization is comprised of 12 local chapters in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, New Iberia, Lake Charles and some outside of Louisiana, such as San Antonio and Chicago.  The ‘Le Cajun’ awards are given annually in 20 areas, such as Fiddler of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Best CD.  There’s even an award for best Cajun band from outside of Louisiana, Prix DeHors de Nous.

Thursday night’s events are at Vermilionville, in Lafayette, LA.  Friday’s start at 5:30 at the Cade Community Center, in Cade, LA, southeast of Lafayette.  The excellent Jackie Caillier and Ivy Dugas with the Cajun Cousins will perform.  Dugas has one of the best voices in Cajun music.  Saturday is the big performance day, also at the Cade Community Center, beginning at 8:30am.  Geno Delafose plays the morning, Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys early afternoon, and a big finish with Kevin Dugas and High Performance.  All events except Thursday by admission.  See you there!