UPCOMING SHOWS FOR 2013
- KEVIN NAQUIN & the OSSUN PLAYBOYS - Sunday, June 2, 2013
- TERRANCE SIMIEN & the ZYDECO EXPERIENCE -- Thursday, June 20, 2013
- CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE -- Sunday, June 23, 2013
- C.J. CHENIER & the RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND -- Saturday, August 10, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
KEVIN NAQUIN & the OSSUN PLAYBOYS
"GULF COAST GROOVE"
Louisiana Cajun Band with
Multiple Award Winning Albums
If you are a fan of the Steve Riley band, you should come out any give these guys a try ..... Their music, to me, sounds reminiscent of the band that we all have grown up with and love ..... But, in their own right, Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys have won numerous awards including "Best CD" for "Cravin Cajun", and "Song of the Year" for "Les Fourdoche". They've also picked up ....
Best Accordionist — Kevin Naquin
Best Fiddler — Louis Dronet
Best Female Vocalist — Ashley Hayes
Best Recording of the Year — “Bayou Groove”
Band of the Year — Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys
Song of the Year — C’est Trop Tard (It’s Too Late)
Now, that's a lot of awards ... so ... why don't you come out and see them in person.
This is their first booking at NYC LETS ZYDECO .... let's make it memorable
Connolly's on 45th, 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) - 3rd floor
Doors Open 5:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
Dance lesson 6:15 PM
Show 7:00 - 10:30 / 11:00
Admission $22
ABOUT THE VENUE - Connolly's, at 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) – 3rd floor, has a tasty, varied, and reasonably priced dinner menu, a full bar, a beautiful sprung wooden dance floor and a recording studio quality sound system.
ABOUT THE CROWD - The popular LETS ZYDECO shows are friendly community events, set up for dancing, socializing or listening. We welcome all people who enjoy Live Louisiana Music.
ABOUT THE STEPS- Want to learn some new steps? A complimentary dance workshop is provided prior to the music for those interested in learning the basic dance steps. You do not need a partner to participate.
PARKING INFO- Connolly's is 1/2 block east of Times Square. There is 6-hour metered parking on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is an inexpensive garage - the Edison / Hippodrome Garage on 44th street between 5th and 6th Ave. Rates are $17 for the entire evening (up to 12 hours) on Fridays/Saturdays and only $12 on Sundays.
Sign up for email updates by emailing zydecolaura@hotmail.com, or for more info, call (212) 685-7597.
Thursday, June 20th, 2013
TERRANCE SIMIEN & the ZYDECO EXPERIENCE
PEACE ... LOVE ... and ZYDECO
Grammy Award for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album
A "DO NOT MISS EVENT"
TERRANCE SIMIEN ... "The Spirit of Creole Country" ... Having 7000 performances in 45 countries -- we are thrilled to welcome this musical virtuoso to our LETS ZYDECO events at Connollys in NYC.
Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience garnered the very first ever Grammy Award in the Zydeco/Cajun category at the 50th annual awards.
“Simien is a Zydeco Master: his voice yearning like Sam Cooke, he delivers soul worthy of Stax greats and shows crossover class.” .... Rolling Stone
During the past 25 years Simien has shared studio and stage with Robert Palmer, Stevie Wonder, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, the Meters, Alan Toussaint, Paul Simon and Dave Matthews Band to name a few. He has been featured in dozens of films, including the blockbuster hit “The Big Easy”, TV movies and commercials. His music has been heard on public radio, FM and NPR syndicated radio shows, Voice of American and satellite radio heard by millions worldwide. His recordings have been praised by Rolling Stone, Billboard, other notable music industry publications and major daily newspapers
Connolly's on 45th, 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) - 3rd floor
Doors Open 5:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
Dance lesson 6:15 PM
Show 7:30 - 10:30
Admission $22
Sunday, June 23, 2013
CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE
www.curleytaylor.com
"Top Live Show in NY"- TimeOut NY
"Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" - Times of Acadia
Son of the famous Jude Taylor, played as a long time drummer with Geno Delafose, Curley Taylor has generated widespread acclaim in his own right. A recent NYC show at Connolly's was arguably one of the
best shows of the year, and a previous time he played in NYC at Connollys, Taylor was featured in TimeOut New York as "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK."
Connolly's on 45th, 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) - 3rd floor
Doors Open 5:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
Dance lesson 6:15 PM
Show 7:00 - 10:30 / 11:00
Admission $22
Saturday, August 10, 2013
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco..."
C.J. CHENIER & the Red Hot Louisiana Band
C.J. Chenier's site
As the Chicago Defender aptly stated, "Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen".
The Boston Globe calls him "The Crown Prince of Zydeco."
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
Connolly's on 45th, 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway)
Doors Open 6:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
Dance lesson 7:00PM
Show 8:30 - 12:00
Admission $24
SOME OF OUR PAST SHOWS....
Friday, May 17th, 2013
L'ANGELUS
www.langelus.info
Presenting L'ANGELUS,
a "Secret Gem of a Band"
Cajun Fiddle Swing band from Louisiana.
This is a band you can fall in love with... L'ANGELUS, a secret gem of a band, is returning !! Their previous shows were HUGE HITS, delightful and entertaining.
L'Angelus just played in Madrid, Spain for 2 MILLION PEOPLE !!!!! at the World Youth Day Event.
Here's what some well known people are saying about L'Angelus:
From Michael Doucet (BeauSoleil): "L'Angelus" translates to me as "angelic voices" with the instrumental energy of a freight train that knows no boundaries . . . the magic of their music more than touches your heart . . . it pierces your heart then sweeps you away."
From Zachary Richard: "There is a new wind blowing in South Louisiana music. And it's called L'Angelus. Talented. Original. Yet tradition based. With roots in both Cajun and Country. To hear them play is a pleasure. To hear them sing is a joy. To see them smile is a wonder. I am a fan."
Dr. Michael Clark: "L'Angelus electrified audiences at this year's Oyster Ridge Music Festival with their unique high energy Cajun and swamp rock style of music. Voted the band festivalarians would most like to see again, L'Angelus has an easy southern energy that makes people want to dance and have fun."
Friday May 3, 2013
Johnny Ace & Sidewalk Zydeco
"Great Dance Grooves"
and "A Joie de Vivre Attitude"
Johnny Ace & Sidewalk Zydeco have been playing together since September 2006. The band has repeatedly received "Highly recommended" ratings from Time Out NY magazine for it's NYC Let's Zydeco shows, and has also been highlighted in The New Yorker.
A quote from Steve Riley: "Johnny Ace and Sidewalk Zydeco are one of the hottest up and coming groups in Zydeco music outside of south LA! These guys have been listening to and studying Cajun and Zydeco music for years and truly capture the essence of what Zydeco music is about. Great energy, very danceable, solid rhythm, and the laissez les bon temps roulez attitude that makes audiences feel good... These guys love Zydeco music and that comes across in their live performances and "joie de vivre" attitude! NE Zydeco at its finest!"
Saturday April 27, 2013
GIRL HOWDY
Classic Honky Tonk & Rockabilly Swing
GIRL HOWDY is high-energy, retro-twang honky-tonk music served up piping hot! Delivering tight vocal harmonies, spare yet punchy arrangements, and an infectious honk-tonk groove, the band has been a favorite at festivals, concerts and dances since 2001. Sweet harmonies, sliding steel, and sawing fiddle -- define Girl Howdy's genuine jukebox sound.
"One of the best, most fun, dance bands in existence" Jack Donahue, dancer
"My new favorite dance band!!! I can swing dance to this, jitterbug, two-step, Cajun & Zydeco steps I can do it all to this band!" Jody Rudnick, Dance instructor
"Girl Howdy rip and roar with a honky-tonk heart" Danny McCloske,. The Alternate Root
Saturday April 13, 2013
CEDRIC WATSON & BIJOU CREOLE
GRAMMY NOMINATED !!
"Enormous Talent & Seemingly Unlimited Potential"
www.cedricwatson.com
One of the most noted young talents to emerge in Cajun or Creole music in the past few years, Cedric Watson is a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist and songwriter of enormous talent and seemingly unlimited potential. Cedric has been making quite a name for himself reviving old Creole fiddling styles and injecting a healthy dose of his own personality and ingenuity. All 3 of his CD releases since going on his own have been Grammy-nominated, an indication of the excitement around his emergence as a band leader.
"To propel our Louisiana culture into the future seems to be quite a task, but if one lives for the music as Cedric does, the path seems effortless. These songs may well be early brushstrokes of a life's worth of possibilities, not only for himself, but also for the identity survival of a culture." Michael Doucet/BeauSoleil
Saturday, April 6, 2013
JESSE LÉGE AND BAYOU BREW
"Accordionist of the Year"
Authentic Louisiana Cajun Music
Inductee into the CAJUN MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Jesse Lege is one of the most admired Cajun accordionists and vocalists from Southwest Louisiana. Inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame in 1998, Jesse has also received numerous awards from the Cajun French Music Association, including: "Accordion Player of the Year","Male Vocalist of the Year," "Band of the Year,"and, for 'Memories Dans Mon Coeur' - "Song of the Year."
ROSIE LEDET & the ZYDECO PLAYBOYS
"The ZYDECO SWEETHEART returns to NYC"
Offbeats "Best of the Best"
"Today's premier female artist is Rosie Ledet, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts right out of the club"... Wall Street Journal
Rosie Ledet, "The Zydeco Sweetheart" from Church Point, Louisiana, has made quite a name for herself....having captured three of the "Best Of The Best" awards from Offbeat Magazine, including "Best Zydeco Band or Performer", "Best New Zydeco Group or Performer", and "Best Vocalist". She is one of the
few younger Zydeco musicians who still writes and sings some of her material in Creole French. One of a handful of women in Zydeco, her warm stage presence combined with the infectious Zydeco beat, makes her irresistible to audiences.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC
"A WHOLE LOT OF SOMETHING"
Long Awaited NYC Appearance --
A "Do NOT Miss this Show" Event
Andre Thierry is a phenomenal talent who has been capturing the attention of other musicians and music lovers since he was a toddler. Andre’s French Creole heritage is deeply rooted in Louisiana although he was born and reared in northern California. Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom of Zydeco, considered the definitive book on the history of Zydeco music, wrote, "In America, great migrations produce great music... Now the California scenes rival anything back home in Louisiana, and that's due to players like Andre Thierry, a standard bearer for the new generation. Thierry is among the best of both the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, and he combines youthful vigor with a mature appreciation for his inherited tradition."
Andre continually raises the bar for Zydeco musicians worldwide. At only 32 years old, he is already a legend. There is widespread agreement that he is an exceptional multi-dimensional musician who has a finely-honed ability to merge traditional Zydeco music with hip-hop, blues, jazz and rock. Building from his love and respect for traditional Zydeco, his original music is a blend of old and new. His musical mastery enables him to create a unique sound for his and future generations while staying true to the past.
STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS
GRAMMY NOMINEES - Cajun Icons
"Best Cajun Band of the Year"
STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS are a phenomenon in the age of progressive Cajun music.Their dynamic music has awarded
them much recognition, including 3 Grammy nominations, selection by the Smithsonian for their Folk Masters Series, and winners of many CFMA awards for "Best Cajun Band of the Year,". With their uncompromising respect for tradition and a forward-looking vision, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys have set the standard for modern Cajun music.
‘…One of the finest Cajun bands in history’ – WASHINGTON POST
‘Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys are kind of like a Cajun Beatles.’ – THE INDEPENDENT WEEKLY
MARDI GRAS PARTY, COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco..."
C.J. CHENIER & the Red Hot Louisiana Band
C.J. Chenier's site
As the Chicago Defender aptly stated, "Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen".
The Boston Globe calls him "The Crown Prince of Zydeco."
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
20 Year Anniversary Party of LETS ZYDECO / CAJUN CONNECTION
JESSE LÉGE AND BAYOU BREW
"Accordionist of the Year"
Authentic Louisiana Cajun Music
Inductee into the CAJUN MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Jesse Lege is one of the most admired Cajun accordionists and vocalists from Southwest Louisiana. Inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame in 1998, Jesse has also received numerous awards from the Cajun French Music Association, including: "Accordion Player of the Year","Male Vocalist of the Year," "Band of the Year,"and, for 'Memories Dans Mon Coeur' - "Song of the Year."
This winter of 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of LETS ZYDECO (AKA Cajun Connection)
We plan for a lot of festivities. If you met at one of LETS ZYDECO'S events, please bring a picture for our connections board.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
L'IL MO & the MONICATS
A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky Tonk Good Time
www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats
Monica Passin (Li'l Mo), a regular attendee at Lets Zydeco events, brings her Li'l Mo & the Monicats to Connolly's for our opening event of the Year. A previous show was highlighted in The New Yorker.
"Monica Passin, whose stage name is Li'l Mo, is one of New York's most committed and undiluted country singer-songwriters..her second albumboasts superior writing in a variety of country sub-genres, great taste in cover songs, inspired playing, and vocals that are skilled, sincere, and transporting. Her talent deserves national recognition."- Jim Steinblatt, ASCAP News, Performing Songwriter Magazine
On her latest album, as well as the rockabilly and country influenced songs there are now hints of jazz, Cajun, soul, pop and R&B. Guests include Louisiana musician and Mamou Playboy Steve Riley who adds some accordion and fiddle to the song "Dance Crazed", while Bones delivers some bluesy cornet to the old time tone of "Why Don't You Live With Me?"
Holiday Party, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012
CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE
www.curleytaylor.com"Top Live Show in NY"- TimeOut NY
"Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" - Times of Acadia
Son of the famous Jude Taylor, played as a long time drummer with Geno Delafose, Curley Taylor has generated widespread acclaim in his own right. A recent NYC show at Connolly's was arguably one of the best shows of the year, and a previous time he played in NYC at Connollys, Taylor was featured in TimeOut New York as "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK."
Sign up for email updates by emailing zydecolaura@hotmail.com, or for more info, call (212) 685-7597.
Bye bye hurricane season!!
FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS
Friday, November 30, 2012
featuring ROSIE LEDET & the ZYDECO PLAYBOYS Plus... Actor Michael Cerveris and his band, Loose Cattle
Plus... a Skype-cast with a New Orleans Benefit, shared champagne toast at 10:30 pm EST to connect 2 hurricane-ravaged, resilient, and musical cities: NYC & NOLA.
Proceeds go to The Siller Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Foundation
Rosie Ledet, www.rosieledet.net "The Zydeco Sweetheart" from Church Point, Louisiana, has made quite a name for herself....having captured three of the "Best Of The Best" awards from Offbeat Magazine, including "Best Zydeco Band or Performer", "Best New Zydeco Group or Performer", and "Best Vocalist". She is one of the few younger Zydeco musicians who still writes and sings some of her material in Creole French. One of a handful of women in Zydeco, her warm stage presence combined with the infectious Zydeco beat, makes her irresistible to audiences.
Sign up for email updates by emailing zydecolaura@hotmail.com, or for more info, call (212) 685-7597.
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