Zydeco bands

RedLineZydeco web
RedLine Zydeco, a powerhouse band from the North Coast, delivers deep zydeco grooves guaranteed to fire you up. Playing festivals, dances, and clubs for their fans everywhere, RedLine has earned respect from the many Louisiana artists with whom they've shared the stage. Ranging from traditional zydeco to modern funk, RedLine's urgent rhythms and raw intensity move listeners and dancers alike, pumping non-stop energy onto the dance floor. It's always a zydeco party with RedLine in the house.

All Night Ramblers Cajun Band web
The All Night Ramblers Cajun Band (Rochester, NY): The All Night Ramblers play traditional Cajun dance hall music: hard-driving two steps and waltzes guaranteed to fire up your feet and warm your soul. The Ramblers feature Bill Henrie on fiddle & vocals; Russ Roberts, accordion; Betsy Fuller, guitar & vocals, and Joe Haberstro on triangle, with local guest stars from time to time on bass and/or drums. This high energy, good-time band will keep you dancing all night.

Back Porch Rockers with Jesse Lege web
The Back Porch Rockers have earned respect throughout New England for dynamically preserving the vitality and unique flavor of Cajun Music, fired up by THREE fiddlers, accordion, guitar, bass, triangle, and drums. As a testament to the Rocker's abilities, they are regularly joined Jesse Lege from Lake Charles, LA.. Lege's command of the accordion and lilting vocals have landed him in the Cajun Music Hall of Fame. The Rockers & Lege will show Rochester the passion and grit of Cajun Music.

Li'l Anne and the Hot Cayennes web pictures
A hot Zydeco Dance Band in the North East. Why? Style, Experience, and Raw Talent. STYLE - They blend their own spice of rock n' roll, blues, funk and country to the up tempo Zydeco beat creating a dance groove that just won't quit. EXPERIENCE - Phil Sanguedolce for years fronted Chanka Chank, with dynamic lead vocals and rubboard; RAW TALENT - Anne Stork took up accordion 5 years ago and hasn't put it down since, captivates crowds with her intensity and creativity. Lil Anne and Hot Cayenne - Musically tight, classic Zydeco groove, with a hot spicy touch all their own.

River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs web pictures
One hot band. From the Hartford CT area they bring the exuberant sounds of the steamy bayous of southwest Louisiana to the hills of New England and beyond. The Zydeco Hogs cook up a spicy musical gumbo that combines the traditional sounds of the button accordion and washboard with a driving syncopated beat. The Hogs' infectious brand of Zydeco will delight dancers and listeners alike. The Zydeco Hogs have Zydeco magnetism. Hogs with magnetism; scary concept. They'll draw you onto the dance floor and you won't be able to sit down. You'll be Hog tied to the Zydeco Beat, dancing deep into the night.

Alligator Zydeco Band web pictures
Basic Yankee Urban Zydeco (from Philadephia, PA)
Since its inception Alligator Zydeco Band has been on a mission, to spread the gospel of Zydeco and to get people on their feet dancing. With almost religious fervor, the band's leader, Greg "Snakeman" Troiano, is only fulfilled when a crowd is moving - Zydeco Grooves, Waltzes, and Cajun Two Steps His first convert, daughter Laura Troiano, "The Zydeco Girl", began playing rubboard with the band at age 7. Eight years later at 15, Laura steals the show. Through research and careful attention to detail, the band pays tribute to Zydeo's creators and current artists, faithfully replicating the music. Throw in some original B.Y.U.Z. and Alligator Zydeco Band is "Gah-rone-teed to set ya' feet in motion"

Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie web
The" Premier Zydeco Band in the World
Living Blues magazine praised La Chanson Perdue , the latest Geno CD, as "...one of the most remarkable releases in the new era of zydeco." Hailing from the small town of Eunice, deep in Southwest Louisiana's bayou country, Geno cut his musical teeth at the age of seven in his father's legendary John Delafose & the Eunice Playboys ensemble. Now 29, he and his house-rocking band, French Rockin' Boogie, have tapped the wealth of inspiration found in the traditional Cajun and Creole repertoires and created their own rich gumbo of Cajun, zydeco, r&b, country and blues. By taking his explosive live show to nearly 200 arts centers, festivals and nightclubs each year, Geno Delafose has undeniably earned his place as "...the young hope of traditional zydeco."
(The Boston Herald)

Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic web
Everyone else plays Zydeco, come see this musical genius perform Zydeco Magic
Andre is a rapidly rising star on the National Zydeco Stage. Raised in the Creole diaspora of San Francisco, as a kid Andre was immersed in the same community music and dance tradition as his family in SW Louisiana. What has catapulted Andre from the Bay to the top? His shear musical wizardry.
Described again and again by Zydeco aficionados as a musical genius, as a song writer and accordion player Andre brings an intensity and creativity that is barely matched by any other Zydeco performer in the country. From a review of a NYC show "The band having fun, kind of hangs around waiting to jump in as Andre begins playing riffs which turn into terrific songs. Real songs, great dancing, musically great songs. The band of good seasoned musicians obviously realize what the audience realizes...this kid is a genius."
You better be careful, who knows what will happen when a genius performs magic?

Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Road Runners web pictures
Jewel of the Bayou from Elton LA www.Zydecoroadrunners.com
The Zydeco Road Runners have that name for a reason; Leroy Thomas and his band are on the road touring across the country more than any other Zydeco band on the planet.. No one works harder, wins over a crowd faster, causes sweat to pour quicker than Leroy Thomas, the "Creole Cowboy"; all the while with his signature smile and Stetson.
Born in Elton Louisiana, Leroy was constantly surrounded by Zydeco Music, as son of Leo "The Bull" Thomas and cousin of Geno Delafose and Keith Frank. Been playing drums since 8, fronting his Fathers's band on accordion by 18, Leroy is seeped in roots Zydeco. While other younger Zydeco musicians of have incorporated many modern influences, from funk to hip-hop, Leroy has always stayed much closer to the traditional Zydeco roots. Leroy is a throwback to the first generation of Zydeco that knew when to mix a waltz into the proceedings. He has an encyclopedic repertoire of Zydeco, Cajun, R&B, Blues, and any other form of Louisiana music that will make you move your hips and stomp your feet.
When Leroy Thomas and the Road Runners hit the stage one thing is gonna happen,
people gonna have a happy good time.

Li'l Malcolm & The House Rockers web
Lil' Malcolm & The House Rockers personify two closely related terms: family and tradition. This five-man band centers on guitarist Percy Walker and his two sons, drummer Percy Walker, Jr. and accordionist Lil' Malcolm Walker. Inspired by Zydeco legends like Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin' Dopsie, the band's steady focus on tradition sets them apart from the newest wave of "pop Zydeco" bands. Percy Walker, Sr. began his musical career at an early age, learning to play the drums from his older brother Joe Walker. He soon moved to guitar, then bass, then accordion. Percy began playing in bands at the age of ten, even playing with the legendary Rockin' Dopsie during his musical career. Eventually he formed a band of his own, Percy Walker & The House Rockers. Percy taught his children to play, much like his older brother taught him. The children shared Percy's devotion and love of the music, and Percy was pleased to have young Zydeco devotees following in his footsteps. Even in their youth, Percy's sons were anxious to start a band with their talented father. Soon the boys starting playing house parties and garnering great crowd reactions. When the diminutive Malcolm started a group, he chose the name of his father's band. Lil' Malcolm & The House Rockers was a name that instantly reflected the group's emphasis on family ties, and on great music. Lil' Malcolm & The House Rockers place a strong emphasis on creating live shows that are exciting and fun. "We let the crowd enjoy (the music) with us," remarks Percy Walker, Sr., adding that he likes to pull audience members onto the stage to dance and play with the band. The House Rockers note that keeping tradition in Zydeco is the best way to make the music enjoyable. By honoring the musical styles that were successfully established by legendary Zydeco figures, the House Rockers are a band that is sure to please.

Li'l Pookie and the Zydeco Heartbreakers web pictures
FOR A TASTE OF Lil Pookie and the Zydeco Heartbreakers here is an excerpt from an article written by Andrea Rubinstein, October 8, 2000, San Francisco.

"I just got home from seeing Lil Pookie and the Zydeco Heartbreakers play the closing night's dance for Bay Area Dance Camp. My feet hurt from dancing, my voice is hoarse from screaming and I can't go to sleep. Pookie and the band played their hearts out, and in doing so, just blew away the dance crowd. If you stayed home you really missed an outstanding night of high-energy, non-stop, KILLER Zydeco.
Twenty-four year old Jimmy, "Lil Pookie" Seraile Jr. was a winner of the Zydeco Extravaganza's annual accordion contest at age 16, Pookie comes from a family of Zydeco musicians. His grandfather, on his mother's side, is the late Delton Broussard, who was leader of the Lawtell Playboys. His uncle is Jeffrey Broussard of Zydeco Force. He has in total six uncles and five aunts who either sing or play instruments.
He's got a great reputation in Louisiana and on Sunday night he demonstrated in spades how he earned it. Both nights, Pookie played 3+ hour sets without a break and in fact, on Sunday, Walter had to turn on the lights to make him stop!!!"

CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band web
When zydeco superstar C.J. Chenier stepped onto the main stage at the 2001 Chicago Blues Festival and looked over the crowd of 60,000 eager fans, he had one thing in mind: get them on their feet and make them dance. Almost immediately after launching into their first song, C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band had people young and old shaking their hips and cheering in unison. With a solo career dating back to 1987 and five previous albums under his belt, C.J. Chenier is widely and wildly regarded as one of the genre's best singers, musicians and live performers. According to The Boston Globe, "C.J. Chenier attacks the accordion with the tension and drive of James Brown...creating contemporary, turbo-charged dance music." Living Blues magazine named C.J. Chenier the best living zydeco singer and accordionist," and Billboard called him "the heir to the zydeco throne."

T Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers web
Bryant Keith "T" Broussard is another standout artist in the field of young Creole-Zydeco performers that include the likes of Chris Ardoin, Keith Frank, Leroy Thomas, Sean Ardoin and a handful of others. Zydeco music runs through his veins and he counts among his lineage such talented icons as his mother Mary Jane Ardoin Broussard, cousin Keith Frank, and the Creole music pioneer Bois Sec Ardoin. But T Broussard does not just rest on his lineage laurels. He has risen to prominence because his stage presence exudes a remarkable energy and his musical sound is fresh and driving, drawing a great deal from his Creole heritage.

Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys web
Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys have arrived! This time, the swamps of Southwest Louisiana have given birth to a young, Cajun band that's definitely the "Real Deal". These guys play Cajun music the way it's supposed to be played, keeping true to their traditional heritage, yet pushing the limits of the groove with a mature experimentation that's guaranteed to keep you dancing. Kevin Naquin packs the dance floor every time with his pumping accordion rising like steam from the hot gumbo he calls the Ossun Playboys.

Roy Carrier & the Night Rockers web
Roy Carrier is one of Zydeco's true living legends
"Some of my best memories are seeing and hearing Roy Carrier work the crowd at Slim's Y Ki Ki. He's the owner of a dance club and the father of a family of well-toured players, but his greatest contributions to the world are his own funky, funny songs and warm, soulful performances. It's always a good sign when Roy's in town."
Michael Tisserand - author of the definitive book Zydeco Kingdom
Roy Carrier is one of Zydeco's living legends - What makes a legend?
CHILDHOOD - Born on the bayou in Lawtell, LA in 1947. Started playing music with his father on the rubboard at age 6, moved to drums at age 8. First learned to play accordion sometime after his father bought an accordion from Cajun musician Nathan Abshire. Legend has it he took a lickin from his dad when he stole away the accordion to practice out back in the barnyard. Formed the Night Rockers band at age 14. Lost half of his index finger in a farm machinery accident leading Roy to develop a unique accordion technique of "crossing" chords.
ADULTHOOD - Supported his family for 15 years by working as a offshore roughneck in the oil industry. His seven-on, seven-off schedule allowed him to find time to perform Zydeco. Of these formative years Roy recalls, he felt he was being laughed at for playing music only old timers played. Roy nevertheless continued, often getting together with Boozoo Chavis, Chris Johnson and Delton Broussard to play for the horses in the barnyard because they wouldn't be allowed to make so much "noise"in the house. Of his children, his two sons Troy and Chubby add to his legend, each fronting their own hotly in demand Zydeco band (Dikki Du & the Zydeco Crew; Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band).
ZYDECOHOOD - In 1981 bought the Offshore Lounge in Lawtell, a legendary Zydeco club, which he still owns. The Offshore developed a wide reputation as a hot bed of Zydeco that has helped a generation of young Zydeco musicians hone their chops and learn from the masters. Whenever Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco, was in the area, he made it a point to come out to see Roy, often sitting in with him. Roy remembers what Clifton told him: "Roy, don't ever let nobody beat you. You're the best. Whether you're in the mud or the water or wherever, be a hog." In 1987 Roy quit the oil rig, hit the Zydeco Road and has been touring ever since.

The MacGillicuddies web
A seven-piece band from the Ithaca area exploring new and old zydeco stylings along with electric old-time and roots-rock originals. Accordion player and occasional vocalist Thor Oeschner drives the zydeco melodies accompanied by scrubber-vocalist-trombonist Emelie Peine. Kai Schafft leads the way on old-time stylings with his smoking claw-hammer banjo and baritone voice, and lead guitarist and singer Eric Yettru turns the old-time numbers into something unexpected yet delectable. Rhythm guitarist and singer Albert Capista, bass player Amy Guptill, and drummer Andreas Hernandez round out the ensemble with the decadent rhythmic architecture that ties the whole sound together. From the four-part harmonies to the tightly woven instrumentals, the music of the MacGillicuddies is exceedingly danceable and pleasing to the music-lovers ear.

Swamp Padres web pictures
Rochester's own Roots-Zydeco band. The Swamp Padres have successfully captured both the Zydeco spirit & rhythm, yet infuse it with many tastey touches of Americana. The Swamp Padres have developed a unique sound, with a driving core that will grab any passerby and land them shaking on the dance floor. The Swamp Padres have earned the Zydeco dance community's respect, one show, one dancer at a time. The Swamp Padres Rock. The Swamp Padres Roll. The Swamp Padres Zydeco.

The Henrie Brothers
Billy, Bobby, John and Doug - are Western NY's most repected "alien" cajun musicians, with celebrated roots going back to their teen days in 1976 capturing first place in the Galax Old Time Band Competition in the hills of Virgina. From a musical family steeped in tradition capturing the fiery essence of every musical form they touch, in the 1980's and 1990's they formed the core of the New Alien String Band, one of the first cajun/zydeco bands to emerge outside of Louisiana. They took the area by storm and vanished into the night. Bobbie (Fiddle) is most well know for being the area's most astounding Rockabilly Guitarists with his band the "Goners". Doug (Bass) has played with countless BlueGrass and Old Time bands, even recording a CD with Woody Guthrie. Bill (fiddle & accordian) is known for his vibrant unique interpretations of absolutely everything.