2014 LET'S ZYDECO EVENTS RETURN TO CURRENT CALENDAR>>

 

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys Sunday December 14, 2014

ROSIE LEDET & the ZYDECO PLAYBOYS  

www.rosieledet.net

"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.


 

L'il MoSaturday, November 22, 2014

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 big band to Connolly’s. Li’l Mo & The Monicats shows here have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker.

Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes for the current (fourth) Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”

The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. Tonight’s show is Li’l Mo’s annual birthday spectacular, so in addition to the five-member band playing guitars, pedal steel, fiddle, piano, doghouse bass, and cocktail drum, there will be a party. Don’t miss this extra-special show!


 

ZydegrooveSaturday, November 8, 2014

ZydeGroove

www.zydegroove.com

On a roll from their biggest year of gigging yet, ZydeGroove is bringing their signature country zydeco sound to Connolly's. The band led by Laren Droll on accordion has been long in the making, with roots stretching back 20 years in the Northeast Cajun/Zydeco scene. Delivering irresistible dance grooves is what this band is all about. 
www.zydegroove.com
http://facebook.com/zydegroove 
Bringing dynamic feats of fiddling to the ZydeGroove front line is Roger Weiss. Fiddle may be uncommon in zydeco, but ZydeGroove is an uncommon band. Guitarist Gary Graeff holds the distinction of having Cajun blood in his veins - he grew up playing in the Lafayette area and his deeply grooving rhythm gives witness to the fact. Maggie McManus on rubboard brings tour-de-force playing to the frontline, but it is her mesmerizing dancing that often garners the most attention. The all important backline is Alan Bradbury on bass and Doug Chapman on drums - both are well seasoned zydeco musicians who keep the band deeply in the pocket. 
"If my near half a century of being eyebrow deep into Cajun French Music gives me any qualification, I would tell you that Laren, among many great accordion players, is one of my absolute favorites. He is one of the best and most versatile musicians left playing old time, straight and true zydeco ala Boozoo, Delton Broussard, John Delafose, etc. Laren and ZydeGroove, his assembly of many of the best players in the Northeast, will definitely put you on the dance floor." Jesse Lege 

Listen to a ZydeGroove video playlist on youtube:
http://tinyurl.com/qgj2c6p 


 

Leroy Thomas Sunday, October 19, 2014

LEROY THOMAS & the ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS

www.zydecoroadrunners.com

"The Jewel of the Bayou"

Pure Louisiana Zydeco ... Great Dance Music with a Great Zydeco Beat Leroy Thomas, "the Jewel of the Bayou", is one of the most gifted, versatile, and dynamic musicians on the zydeco scene. Born in Lake Charles, LA into a very musical family, Leroy picked up the drums at age 8, soon progressed to the accordion, and he has barely stopped since. Leroy is a real showman, and puts on a high level show. With an unmatched repertoire of Zydeco, Cajun, Blues, R&B, and Country music he mixes an ideal combination of traditional zydeco with his own innovative, funky, hard-driving sound. Zydeco's infectious accordion and rubboard driven-party-all-night sound that was born in the bayou and dance halls of SW Louisiana can now be heard in NYC at Connolly's!


Leroy ThomasFriday, October 17th, 2014

LES AMIS CREOLE

featuring Cedric Watson & Ed Poullard

Authentic Louisiana Creole Music
"LIVING LEGEND OF LOUISIANA CAJUN & CREOLE MUSIC"

 A glimpse of what they sound like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUIbg3Ds7M8

Les Amis Creole -- An engaging trio featuring Grammy-nominated Cedric Watson united with his friend and mentor, multi-instrumentalist Ed Poulard, as well as Desiree Champagne on washboard will provide a unique and special evening at this recently booked LETS ZYDECO show. Les Amis Creoles bring together three musicians steeped in the sounds, language and traditions of South Louisiana, East Texas and their common Creole heritage. Embracing the acoustic purity of that tradition, these three friends perform the old songs with uncommon dexterity and grace. They take us back to an era before the advent of zydeco – to a time when this danceable folk music was played at house parties across southwest Louisiana.

This is the real deal -- a chance to experience the origins of Creole music right here in NYC
Some info about the noted musicians:

Cedric Watson:
Cedric Watson is one of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco (Louisiana French) music over the last decade; a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist & songwriter with enormous talent and seemingly unlimited potential.
Michael Doucet (Beausoleil) has stated:
“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

Ed Poullard
A "living legend of authentic Cajun and Creole music"
Ed Poullard was born in Eunice, LA and raised in Southeast Texas. By the time he was in grade school, he was playing in his father’s band at house parties and parish dances. Ed started out on drums and guitar, then moved on to accordion and fiddle, studying the latter with the late, legendary Canray Fontenot, with whom he performed nationwide until Fontenot’s death in 1995. Edward Poullard is one of the few Creole fiddlers still carrying on in the tradition of the late Canray Fontenot. As he says to me "we do what nobody else does anymore" 

Desiree Champagne
Talented and youthful, playing the rubboard with great style
Desiree is a delight to have back at Let's Zydeco!


 

Jesse LegeSaturday, October 4th, 2014

JESSE LEGE & Bayou Brew
"One of the Greatest names in Contemporary Cajun Music"

http://www.jesselege.org

"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."


 

The Zydeco Revelators

Sunday, September 21, 2014


The Zydeco Revelators

A Zydeco "fais do do" 
Cajun Food specials added to
Connollys normal varied menu

www.facebook.com/ZydecoRevelators
www.ZydecoRevelators.com

An exciting, lively and talented band has arrived. They will be featured at LETS ZYDECO show at Connollys on Sunday, September 21st .... with an added Cajun Menu ... and an hour earlier start time ..  New York City's Own Cajun Zydeco Boogie! Inspired by Louisiana gumbo, then injected with East Coast spontaneity, The Zydeco Revelators bring a stomping good time to Connolly's. Their raw, rockin'  accordion riffs backed by serious R&B rhythms are sure to make any crowd dance!
In the tradition of Tipitina's -- with a very popular Sunday, early evening "fais do do" ... we will have a NYC zydeco version of the same ...
Connollys is preparing a special menu of Cajun food -- people can still order from the regular Connollys menu -- This band of talented musicians, plays mainly cover songs from many of the famous Zydeco stars ..... Geno Delafose, Keith Frank, Rosie Ledet, Brian Jack, Chris Ardoin, Roy Carrier and others.
A native Louisiana, passing by a recent show, was drawn in .... and said upon hearing the music ... " I was down the street and the heard the sounds of home" ... he "felt like he was back in Louisiana .... it was like the smell of good home cooking in the breeze" 
Start time will be an hour earlier than normal Sunday times, to accommodate people who are traveling or can't do late Sundays
This is an exciting new band -- they are getting very positive responses -- hope everyone will join us and help make their debut show at LETS ZYDECO a smashing success


 

Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-Evolution

Saturday, September 6, 2014


Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-Evolution

"A Rising Young Star"
Peace, Love & Honky Tonk
"Best New Band" -- 2012 Zydeco Music Awards

 www.rubenmusik.com

Returning to NYC to open our 2014 season  -- Ruben Moreno is a talented and dedicated young musician, with ideals and high values ..... we are delighted to have him start our 2014 Lets Zydeco season.

At the ripe old age of 23 Ruben Moreno is a veteran of the musical road, having begun playing professionally at age 13, and hitting the road at age 15, playing Rubboard with some of Zydeco's greatest performers such as CJ Chennier, Leroy Thomas and Andre Thierry. Drawing on his rich musical roots, he brings a fresh new energy and vision to the Creole Zydeco he loves. 

Ruben Moreno captures both the Louisiana and the Texas Zydeco sound ... this is only his second time
playing for a LETS ZYDECO show .... I hope everyone comes out and shows their support for this amazing performer and person. 

Watch a video of Ruben Moreno showing how it's done on accordion at Eagles Hall in Alameda CA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo0l4vZgmwU


 

Jeffery Broussard

Friday, June 20th, 2014


Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band

www.chubbycarrier.com

"Who Stole the Hot Sauce"
Grammy Winner for Best Zydeco Album
for "Zydeco Junkie"
Dancer Friendly Sets

Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history.

Chubby began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father’s band. He began playing the accordion at the age of 15. By age 17, Chubby had begun to play with Terrance Siemien and toured the world for 2 1/2 years, before forming his own band in 1989.

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band have recorded five CDs over the past ten years of Chubby’s professional career. His band has traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada. North Africa and Europe. This will be their debut performance at LETS ZYDECO at Connollys, NYC -- Please come out and support Roy's eldest son, who is a legend in his own right, and who has made his father proud

PLEASE NOTE: Dancer Friendly Sets


 

Jeffery Broussard

Sunday, June 15, 2014


THE PINE LEAF BOYS


"Cajun Cool"
Father's Day Holiday Celebration

www.pineleafboys.com

Four time Grammy nominated for "Best Cajun/Zydeco Band" THE PINE LEAF BOYS, including Wilson Savoy (son or Marc & Ann Savoy) and Courtney Granger (one of the most sought-after Cajun fiddlers in the world) are making quite a name for themselves ... presenting their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance.

"The next best thing to a dance on a Saturday night in Louisiana" .... Rolling Stone Bring your fathers and families, and come celebrate with us at Connollys, NYC


 

Jeffery Broussard

Saturday, May 31st, 2014


Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys


"Accordionist of the Year" 
Zydeco Music & Creole Heritage Awards Recipient
Louisiana Division of the Arts grant recipient

http://www.jefferybroussard.com

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys features the accordion mastery and soulful vocals of front man Jeffery Broussard, from the legendary band, Zydeco Force. The band delivers great, pack-the-floor renditions of Creole classics as well as their own brand of contemporary Zydeco. Early Creole music, as played by legends Canray Fontenot on fiddle and Jeffery's father, accordion player Delton Broussard, is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence of interest in Louisiana today. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys are leading this resurgence of and presenting it with contemporary flair and expertise.
Very danceable music -- Jeffery Broussard is a hit band in the LETS ZYDECO series
"Jeffery Broussard has long been respected as one of the greatest accordion players to ever
grace our beautiful Creole culture and for that matter the world."
-- Don Cravins, Sr., Mayor of Opelousas, LA, Zydeco Capital of the World


 

Saturday, April 26th, 2014

Koray BroussardKoray Broussard & the Zydeco Unit

Funky & Soulful "pure zydeco sound"
The latest Broussard to hit the NE Zydeco Trail

https://www.facebook.com/koray.broussard

Grandson of the late and venerable Delton Broussard, and nephew of Jeffery Broussard, Koray Broussard is the youngest of this amazingly talented musical family to hit the northeast zydeco circuit. Extremely talented, with youthful enthusiasm .... Koray is ready and eager to hit NYC ..... He will not disappoint us.

Touring extensively with Curley Taylor and Andre Thierry, Koray has managed to incorporate their sounds with his own original beat. A "skilled multi-instrumentalist", with contemporary R&B and gospel influences, added to the traditional zydeco rhythms -- Koray Broussard & the Zydeco Unit will soon be heating up Times Square at Connollys in NYC. Hope everyone of you will come out and support this new and hopeful talent. He's giving us a Saturday night ... he won't disappoint us and let's not disappoint him


Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys Friday, April 4th, 2014

ROSIE LEDET & the ZYDECO PLAYBOYS  

www.rosieledet.net

"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.


Leroy Thomas Friday, February 28th, 2014

LEROY THOMAS & the ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS

www.zydecoroadrunners.com

"The Jewel of the Bayou"

Pure Louisiana Zydeco ... Great Dance Music with a Great Zydeco Beat Leroy Thomas, "the Jewel of the Bayou", is one of the most gifted, versatile, and dynamic musicians on the zydeco scene. Born in Lake Charles, LA into a very musical family, Leroy picked up the drums at age 8, soon progressed to the accordion, and he has barely stopped since. Leroy is a real showman, and puts on a high level show. With an unmatched repertoire of Zydeco, Cajun, Blues, R&B, and Country music he mixes an ideal combination of traditional zydeco with his own innovative, funky, hard-driving sound. Zydeco's infectious accordion and rubboard driven-party-all-night sound that was born in the bayou and dance halls of SW Louisiana can now be heard in NYC at Connolly's!

 


 

CJ ChenierMARDI GRAS PARTY, COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!
Sunday, March 2nd, 2014

MARDI GRAS PARTY featuring C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band

http://concertedefforts.com/roster/cj-chenier-and-the-red-hot-louisiana-band/

Recent Press: http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH

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.


Jesse LegeFriday, February 7th, 2014

JESSE LEGE & Bayou Brew
"One of the Greatest names in Contemporary Cajun Music"

http://www.jesselege.org

"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."


 

L'il MoSaturday, January 25th, 2014

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 big band to Connolly’s. Li’l Mo & The Monicats shows here have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker.

Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes for the current (fourth) Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”

The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. Tonight’s show is Li’l Mo’s annual birthday spectacular, so in addition to the five-member band playing guitars, pedal steel, fiddle, piano, doghouse bass, and cocktail drum, there will be 12 fantastic girl singers joining the band to sing back-up on two of Li’l Mo’s original tunes. Don’t miss this extra-special show!


dikki

Friday, January 17th, 2014


Dikki-du & the Zydeco krewe
"Pure Louisiana Zydeco" -- "Make it Funky"

http://dikkidu.webs.com  
https://www.facebook.com/dikki.du.5?fref=ts

Dikki Du (Troy Carrier) is a native of Church Point, Louisiana. Born into one of the great musical Louisiana families, The CARRIERS, Troy is the brother of Chubby Carrier and son of Roy Carrier. Dikki Du's recent "Make it Funky" shows the tremendous range of this band. His ability to take songs from classic zydeco and turn them inside out with fresh and funky sounds, and his renditions of "Iko-Iko" and Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" insure a great groove. The popular LETS ZYDECO shows are set up for listening or dancing. A complimentary dance workshop in the basic zydeco styles is provided prior to the music, to help newcomers learn the basic zydeco dance steps. 

For this special event, members of the band will be assisting with the dance lesson.

The night will feature:
A ZYDECO DANCE CONTEST 
Bring your best dance partner, or meet them at Connollys

A WELCOMING INVITATION To Katrina & Rita transplants, & also former attendees


 

Saturday, January 11th 2014

The Pine Leaf Boys

Four-time Grammy Nominated 

"Best Cajun/Zydeco Band"

"The next best thing to a dance on a Saturday night in Louisiana!" - ROLLING STONE

www.pineleafboys.com

THE PINE LEAF BOYS, including Wilson Savoy (son of Marc & Ann Savoy),and Courtney Granger, (one of the most sought-after Cajun fiddlers in the world) are making quite a name for themselves... presenting their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance.

Hailing from Southwest Louisiana, The Pine Leaf Boys have breathed new life into Cajun music, reviving ancient songs and bringing them to the bandstand. All 5 members are in their early 20's, have been steeped in music since childhood, and are now representing the U.S. around the world. They present their music on twin fiddles, accordion, bass and drum.

 


 

Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected], or for more info, call (212) 685-7597.

ABOUT LET'S ZYDECO
The LET'S ZYDECO music and dance shows (which have previously been held at TRAMPS, LOUISIANA COMMUNITY BAR & GRILL, LA BELLE EPOQUE & SATALLA (all of which have closed), will now be mainly produced at CONNOLLY'S, a wonderful space, with a great wooden dance floor, a full bar, and tasty dinner menu. The popular LET'S ZYDECO shows are set up for listening or dancing. A complimentary dance workshop in the basic zydeco dance styles is provided prior to the musi to help newcomers learn the basic dance steps. You do not need a partner to participate and enjoy.

To be notified of future events, e-mail [email protected] or check this site for updates.

CONTACT NUMBERS
Contact phone: 212-685-7597 or 917-208-2432 or 212-597-5126