Something New... " A Film in the making"... The West Coast Cajun/Zydeco Music & Dance Association which has been the front runner in recognition of accomplishments for Zydeco music on the West Coast since 1980's is undertaking the documentation of the History of Zydeco Music and Dance out West. We have a booklet in publication since 1994 "He, La- Bas! A History of Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco Music" in California by Freida Fusilier. If you would like to purchase a copy you can contact Freida at FreidaFusilier@aol.com.
Along with this booklet we have hosted all the Zydeco and Cajun Greats. We are now filming in Alameda at the Eagles Hall for a documentary. The film will include interviews with musicians, dancers, producers and supporters of the music and dance with file footage I have collected over the years of performances, award dances and events. This is a work in progress but promises to be as HOT as the Zydeco music we have at the Eagles hall today.
You Can Hear the Future of Zydeco Music TODAY! And it is ALL IN THE FAMILIES...............
The Zydeco music legacy more than any other form of music passes from generation to generation sharing it's unique beat with dancers since the 1930's. It began with the Ardoin Family, Amede, Bois Sec, Morris, Bud, Lawrence, Alphonse, Sean, Chris and Dexter just to list accordion players. Sean, Chris and Dexter are all in main stream Zydeco venues today with their own Zydeco bands.
The Zydeco beat was carried on with the Delafose family from John, Geno, Tony and young Gerard ( John's grandson ) this family is another sharing and keeping Zydeco alive and well. We all know of Geno's fame and Tony is working with young Gerard in the New Orleans area.
I believe the family with the most members carrying Zydeco into the future is the Carrier family. Starting with BeBe then Roy, Chubby, Troy (Diki)and nephew Dwight the Carrier Zydeco Beat will be around forever. Thank God! There is a film forthcoming on the Carrier Family and their Zydeco Music.
Other families making sure we keep our Zydeco beat: the Walkers, Percy Sr. Percy Jr. and Lil Malcolm tour all over the world. The late great Clifton Chenier's legacy continues with his son C.J., Rockin Dopsie passed his sounds to his sons David, Alton and Dewayne and Buckwheat Zydeco proudly introduces his son on washboard at his performances.
The "YOUNG HOT" numbers right now on the Zydeco dance scene are Andre Thierry (although from the West Coast his family and roots are directly from Louisiana) and Brian Jack out of Houston, Texas with his family roots also from Louisiana. They are both in their twenties carrying on the tradition and making us jump to their Zydeco tunes.
The Zydeco "newborns" to our scene are Cedryl Ballou and Nathan Williams Jr. Cedryl is 18 years old with his first CD out and is the grandson of the late Rockin Sidney ( Toot Toot ) and Classie Ballou. Cedryl is blessed with these two world famous grandfathers and numerous talented family members including his father Cedric Ballou giving Cedryl and the Zydeco Trendsetters Zydeco Family talent that will keep us dancing for many years to come.
Nathan Williams Jr. "Lil Nat" son of Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas is 15 years old with his first CD. Supported by his super proud father his uncles Sid and Dennis and Buckwheat Zydeco on keyboard Lil Nat has arrived with the talent of a seasoned Zydeco Veteran. Look for Sid, Nat and Lil Nat on Nightline with Ted Kopple soon.
The Zydeco dance scene is filled with dedicated almost fanatic
supporters all over the world although our numbers are not tremendous
we make up for that in our continuing quest for the best Zydeco
music and dance we can find. We travel and meet all over the country
and our numbers remain as steady as the Zydeco Beat we seek.
This has been a quick NOT complete history of our Zydeco future.
For support you can do the following:
1. Request Zydeco music on radio stations (not public stations,
commercial stations)
2. Make calls to your local festivals and request Zydeco bands
(not a particular band just Zydeco)
3. If you book bands give the new young ones a break, you will not
regret it.
I have been promoting, supporting and producing Zydeco music
dance the 1980's. I have been fortunate to have a close relationship
with most the the families mentioned in the article. They continue
to amaze and delight me as the families pass their Zydeco legacy form
generation to generation.
"And The Zydeco Beat Goes On"
Sue
For a complete list of events I produce and support
check out the web site: www.cal.net/louisianasue/
All about Sue:
Louisiana Sue Ramon, was born with a crawfish in her mouth
and Mardi Gras in her heart. Sue was transplanted from
Louisiana (Chalmette) New Orleans area to Northern California in the
mid 1980's. Sue is an author of a cook book, produces
Cajun/Zydeco events, founded the West Coast Cajun/Zydeco
Music & Dance Association, and has been instrumental
in bringing Zydeco music west. Sue can be found most every
Friday night at the Eagles hall in Alameda, Ca. "The Hottest Zydeco
Dance Scene Out Side of Louisiana" where she
co produces Zydeco dances and events.
My Zydeco Future includes:
Alameda Eagles Hall-
Geno Delafose June 21
Willis Prudhomme with Bonne Musique June 28
Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers July 19
Thomas "Big Hat" Fields July 26
Sean Ardoin & ZydeKool August 2
Nooney & the Zydeco Floaters August 16
Chris Ardoin & Double Cluchin September 20
Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers October 4
Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic TBA and December 31 New Years Eve
Kenny Menard Zydeco TBA
Mark St. Mary Zydeco TBA
I will be in Oceanside Ca. at Rancho Del Oro Park:
June 29 Willis Prudhomme with Kenny Menard & Bonne Musique 4-7
July 20 Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers 4-7
August 3 Sean Ardoin & ZydeKool 4-7
Kenny Menard Zydeco
NorthStar at Tahoe Brew Fest 2:30-6:30 June 22 530/652-2288
August 3 Clark County Amphitheatre
sponsored by Parks and Community Services
Bayou Boogie 702/455-8206
Bonne Musique Zydeco
Kenny Menard, the Cajun Crooner
C. J. Chenier
Dance lessons with Dana DeSimone
cooking demo with Louisiana Sue
Louisiana Sue Enterprises West Coast Cajun/Zydeco Music & Dance Association Booking, and producing authentic Zydeco Events since 1980 916/962-6415