Gator Gazette Copyright May 14, 2008, Karen Redding, All Rights Reserved
Hi All,
Here's this week's Gator Gazette:
San Diego Gator By The Bay: W -O - W !
This Week at the Golden Sails
Willie Bushnell next Thursday night, May 22nd!
Simi Valley Festival May 24, 25th
Jeffery Broussard dance Sat Night, May 24th!
DANCE FLOOR LEVELED AT THIS YEAR'S BAYOU FEST!
Guyland Ledet on Oprah
Andre at Golden Sails June 12
3rd Annual Zydeco Dance Demo at OC Fair July 26th Sign Up TODAY!
Great Message From A Friend - Pass It Along
How to Treat dem Dancers Feet (and legs)
Louisiana Joke of the Week
San Clemente Street Festival
Video Clip of the Week
Southern California Festival Info
Zydeco Dance Instruction Available
Upcoming Dances / Events 2008 - New Dances Added!
Bands / Other Zydeco Links
Weekly Thursday Night Zydeco Info
San Diego Gator By The Bay: W-O-W!
This past weekend's Gator By The Bay festival was the best ever! As Peter Oliver said to me at the end of Brian Jack's closing set on Sunday, "WOW!" Brian was such a crowd-pleaser that Brian Jack and The Zydeco Gamblers will be the official house band for the festival next year. No wonder, as their high-energy, tight performances kept the dancers movin' long after their bodies were screaming for relief.
Heightening excitement during his set, Brian stretches out the bellows of his accordion, then moves them snake-like in a circular motion during certain songs. Lead guitarist Ben Black set the place on fire with his scorching guitar riffs, and Brian's closing set on Sunday included some blazing fiddle by Sandy Stram of San Diego's Bayou Brothers cajun band.
Keith Frank and the Soileu Zydeco Band kicked off the festival on Friday night to a packed hall at the War Memorial in Balboa Park, and played two very hot sets Saturday and Sunday. On Friday night, Keith played an incredible drum solo, as well as having the entire band lay down on their backs on the floor while continuing to play. While playing on their backs, Keith led the band in kicking their feet in time to the music, mimicking a syncopated swimmers exhibition. What a way to start a festival. Finally, The Lost Bayou Ramblers wowed even the hard-core Zyde-holics among the dancers, who kept saying, "those guys are GOOD!"
It doesn't get any better than this. I've never seen the dance floors so packed, and it is notable that many folks came out west all the way from Louisiana for this festival. When asked, they said it was the lineup that brought 'em 2,000 miles from home. The Louisiana natives were raving about what California residents were calling crummy weather, which is proof that everything's relative.
As always, the Sheraton was extremely nice. I LUB dem feather pillows...yummy! The staff were all courteous, knowledgeable and went to great lengths to be of assistance. This weekend's festival was so good, even the noise from the jets taking off and landing next door at San Diego International seemed to add to the ambience.
At the dance instructor's meeting on Sunday morning, we were asked what could be done to improve the festival. Everyone mentioned the issue of the length of the venue (too long.) Putting that aside, the only improvement I could come up with was to make the dance floors bigger next year to accommodate the huge crowds. Having both Keith Frank and Brian Jack on the bill along with the Lost Bayou Ramblers was just the ticket for a weekend of stellar Zydeco and Cajun entertainment. The only question left is: how are the promoters going to top this next year?
This Week at the Golden Sails - Groove to A New Zydeco Move!
For the second half of the lesson, after Basic Zydeco, I'll be covering a few new moves from this past weekend's Gator By The Bay. Come check it out!
Here's the basic lesson info:
Zydeco Dancing EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: (562) 596-1631
Cover: $7 (Feed the Gator!)
Basic Zydeco Lesson: 7:00 PM -7:30 PM
Intermediate / Advanced Moves: 7:30-8:00 PM
WEEKLY RAFFLE AT 8 PM!
CD Dancing 8:15-10 PM or so
Bar Happy Hour with free food! 5-7 PM
Beginners, singles, all over 21 welcome!
Group Discounts Available!
Information: Karen Redding (562) 438-1255, (562) 708-8946 or karinovations@verizon.net
Willie Bushnell Dance Workshop Next Thursday NIght, May 22nd!
I can't believe it! Willie's almost here! As always, Willie will be showing us his signature moves, which are some of the hottest in the nation!
Come move to a brand new groove for this special workshop. You'll be glad you did!
National Zydeco Dance Champion Willie Bushnell is coming out to California for the Simi Cajun / Creole festival again this year, and that means he'll be at the Golden Sails on Thursday night, May 22 to do another of his dazzling workshops! Mark your calendars! After the workshop, Stick around and dance to CD's! Get your chance to dance with Willie and Adrian Houser too!
If you didn't get to dance with Adrian last year, this is yer chance!
Willie Bushnell Zydeco Dance Workshop
Thursday night, May 22
7:00 - 8:30 PM
$15
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: 562-596-1631
Info: Karen at 562-708-8946
karinovations@verizon.net
Phone calls after 5 PM that evening may not be answered, as I'm going to be setting up the room early that night.
JEFFERY BROUSSARD: "Accordionist of the Year!"
SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE AT SIMI FEST IS BACK!
After a lapse of three years, the Saturday night Simi Valley dance returns, featuring Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys! Mark your calendars! Be there 'cuz this is goin' to be HOT!
Winner of 2007's Zydeco Music & creole Heritage Awards "Accordionist of the Year"
Check out Jeffery's MySpace site! Lots of video clips, great music, well done!
Dance to the hard-drivin' authentic sounds of:
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys
Saturday Night, May 24, 2008!
9 PM - Midnight!
Doors open at 8:30 PM
SIMI VALLEY ELKS LODGE (NOT the Gardena Elks, OK)
1561 Kuehner Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Admission: $15
Info: Karen 562-708-8946
Hall Phone Number: 805-522-2492
Driving Directions:
From the festival, go East on Los Angeles Avenue to end at Kuehner. Right on Kuehner. Just past Sandalwood on the left up the driveway, next to Old Suzanna Inn!
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=197249460
Visit Jeffery's website at:
www.jefferybroussard.com
Simi Sunrise Festival - Memorial Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 24, 25, 2008!
This year's Simi Sunrise Cajun / Zydeco festival features the hard-driving, vibrant, authentic Zydeco of Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys, paired with Zydeco Sweetheart Rosie Ledet. Broussard is one of the few Zydeco artists today who includes fiddle in his repertoire, honoring the traditions taught him by his beloved father, the late Delson Broussard. After 18 years with Zydeco Force, Broussard started the Creole Cowboys about three years ago, with critical acclaim and much success. I highly recommend this band! Guaranteed to satisfy both the Zydeco and Cajun enthusiasts out there, Broussard and his band will make everyone very happy!
As one of the few women in the professional Zydeco circuit, Rosie Ledet packs a real punch on accordion, and gets you into the groove with her deep, sexy voice. She's tiny, but what a powerhouse! Backed by a great group of musicians, Rosie was such a hit last year that they invited her back this year by popular demand.
The lineup is rounded out with Grammy Nominee Lisa Haley and her band, as well as BJ Deculus' Bonne Musique Zydeco, the Bay Area's Mark St. Mary, and San Diego's premiere Cajun band, The San Diego Cajun Playboys.
There's a great lineup of dance instruction at this year's festival. Willie Bushnell is coming out from Houston again. This year, we're also very fortunate to have Seattle instructor Lora DeMars joining the dance instruction team. Willie and Lora have both taught on the annual Zydeco Cruise, and have extensive and very impressive resumes, which I'll write about more in future editions of the Gazette.
Rounding out the dance instruction lineup are myself, Greg Benusa, AJ Gibbs, and Sandy Baker, teaching Basic and Intermediate Zydeco, MyDeco, Cajun Jig, Waltz, Line Dances and more! While he isn't slotted to teach at this year's festival, Adrian Houser will also be joining us! Adrian is one of the hottest dancers I've ever seen and is always happy to dance with you, so be sure to look for him!
This festival is a fundraiser for the Simi Sunrise Rotary Club. All proceeds go to their selected charities. The Rotary does a lot of good for a lot of folks, so be sure to put this festival on your calendar!
Band / Dance Lesson Schedule is as follows: (Dance Lessons are in blue)
PLEASE NOTE THAT DANCE LESSONS / INSTRUCTORS ARE STILL BEING DETERMINED AND MAY CHANGE IN THE NEXT WEEK! (TIME SLOTS WILL REMAIN THE SAME, INSTRUCTORS MAY CHANGE.)
MAIN STAGE
SATURDAY MAY 24, MAIN STAGE:
11:15-11:50 Sandy Baker - Cajun Jig
12:00 - 1:10 SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS
1:10 - 1:30 AJ Gibbs - MyDeco (Zydeco AJ Style)
1:30 - 2:45 MARK ST. MARY
2:45 - 3:05 National Zydeco Dance Champion Willie Bushnell / Basic Houston Style Zydeco
3:05 - 4:20 JEFFERY BROUSSARD AND THE CREOLE COWBOYS
4:20 - 4:50 MARDI GRAS PARADE
4:50 - 6:05 ROSIE LEDET, THE ZYDECO SWEETHEART
6:05 - 6:25 Set Change
6:25 - 7:30 LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECO KREWE
SUNDAY, MAY 25, MAIN STAGE:
11:15-11:50 TBD
12:00 - 1:00 JT & THE ZYDECO ZIPPERS
1:00 - 1:20 TBD
1:20 - 2:30 LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECO KREWE
2:30 - 2:50 National Zydeco Dance Champion Willie Bushnell / Basic Houston Style Zydeco
2:50 - 4:00 ROSIE LEDET, THE ZYDECO SWEETHEART
4:00 - 4:30 MARDI GRAS PARADE
4:30 - 5:40 JEFFERY BROUSSARD AND THE CREOLE COWBOYS
6:05 - 6:25 Set Change
6:25 - 7:30 BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO
CAJUN UNPLUGGED TENT
SATURDAY MAY 24, CAJUN UNPLUGGED TENT
12:00-12:30 MARK ST. MARY
12:30 - 1:00 Willie Bushnell: Intermediate / Advanced Zydeco
1:00 - 1:30 JEFFERY BROUSSARD AND THE CREOLE COWBOYS workshop
1:30 - 2:00 Zydeco Stylin' With Lora DeMars
2:30 - 3:00 SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS workshop
3:15 - 4:15 COOKING DEMO
4:20 - 4:50 MARDI GRAS PARADE
5:00 - 5:30 LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECO KREWE
5:50 - 6:20 Greg Benusa - Line Dances
SUNDAY MAY 25, CAJUN UNPLUGGED TENT
12:00-12:30 Lora DeMars "THE GROOVE LINE" Hot Line Dances
12:30 - 1:00 LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECO KREWE
1:00 - 1:45 Willie Bushnell: Intermediate / Advanced Zydeco
2:00 - 2:30 COOKING DEMO
2:30 - 3:00 TBD
3:00 - 3:30 JEFFERY BROUSSARD AND THE CREOLE COWBOYS workshop
3:30 - 4:00 BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO
4:00 - 4:30 MARDI GRAS PARADE
4:30 - 5:30 ROSIE LEDET, THE ZYDECO SWEETHEART workshop
For more information on this festival, check it out at: http://simicajun.org/
DANCE FLOOR LEVELED AT THIS YEAR'S BAYOU FEST!
After getting a lot of comments and questions from the dancers, I've confirmed that the dance floor will be LEVEL at this year's Long Beach Bayou Festival! Please make sure to add the Bayou Festival to your festival list, as this festival is a fundraiser for Comprehensive Child Development, which provides day care for needy families.
Festival promoter Connie Arizmendi also wrote me asking me to let everyone know that there is ALL RESERVED parking at the Marina Green Lot across the street from the festival. More festival info to come in future issues of the Gazette!
GUYLAND LEDET ON OPRAH!
On Monday, May 12, Guyland Ledet appeared on the Oprah Show! While he only got about 2 minutes, compared to the much longer times alotted to some of the other children on the show that day, it's still fantastic that Zydeco was recognized and Guyland was the one to do it!
Congratulations Guyland! While you may not know most of us, we're all very proud, grateful to have you, and wish you the very best! Thank you for being the one to bring zydeco to Oprah. We love you!
Andre Thierry Thursday Night, June 12 at Golden Sails
Andre is unarguably the West Coast's best zydeco performer, and in demand around the US. Having started his career at age 10, Andre has had almost 20 years to hone his sound, and what a sound it is!
It's been quite a while since Andre played the Golden Sails and it's good to have him back! As I mentioned above, Andre is playing for the door, so be sure to come out and support him. Playing at his new venue in the Bay area, Thierry has been bringing in more than $2,500 per performance, so you guys are really in for a treat. This dance is a great deal!
We got a taste of Andre's got great new additions to his playlist this past Sunday. If you're new to the Gazette or missed Sunday's dance, this is just one more reason to be at the Golden Sails on Thursday night, June 12th. If we're really lucky, he'll also be bringing copies of the new CD he's been working on these past several months. It promises to be a good one!
Here are a few clips of Andre to whet your whistle:
Andre at Ardenwood Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J3jgSQPXSU
While you can't see him, it's Andre that Edward and Iona are dancing to in this clip from Simi Valley festival a couple of years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr62F_9yDWk
Here are the details for this event:
Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic
Thursday Night, June 12, 2008!
8 - 11 PM
Admission: $17
Following dance lesson from 7:30-8 PM (included with admission)
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: 562-596-1631
Info: Karen at 562-708-8946
karinovations@verizon.net
3rd Annual Zydeco Dance Demo at Orange County Fair, Saturday July 26th, 2008!
Sign up TODAY! Great news! I found the photos and videos from last year's demo. If you want a CD with them, please email me and I'll find a way to get them to you. (Of course, if you come this year, you can pick them up then.)
This event is turning out to be very popular! We had 47 dancers onstage last year, and the stage was full. This year we're back on the Plaza Arts Stage, which is even better. More room, more visibility. PLEASE LET ME KNOW NOW THAT YOU'LL BE PARTICIPATING!
I'm going to be more organized this year for a better onstage presentation. Will have more info to come.
You get free admission to the fair, as well as free parking, and everyone had loads of fun last year. We dance for 40 minutes to recorded music. Help grow Zydeco! Here's the Fair's website address: http://www.ocfair.com/2008/index.asp
Here are the details for the demo:
3rd Annual Zydeco Dance Demo at Orange County Fair!
Plaza Arts Stage
Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:00 NOON
Orange County Fair, 2008!
Orange County Fair and Events Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Info: Karen 562-708-8946
karinovations@verizon.net
GREAT MESSAGE FROM A FRIEND - PASS IT ALONG!
Raymond Gordon sent me this great animated message. Thanks Raymond. I loved it! It was so cool I want all you Gazette readers to have it so you can pass it along to your friends and family. Enjoy!
http://www.terrisfunny.com/movies/afriend.swf
HOW TO TREAT DEM DANCERS FEET! (And legs!)
I spent a bit of time Googling "Foot Care," and "Yoga" looking on YouTube for clips and articles for this section of the newsletter. I was concerned that the yoga clips I found could lead to folks to pushing their bodies too quickly into the postures, resulting in injury, so I'm recommending you take classes. The foot care items on YouTube were pretty weird or too focused on the beauty aspect. As a result, I'm giving you tips from my own experience. If any of you readers have tips you want to share, please do! In the meantime, here's my personal input:
Several folks talked to me this past weekend about sore legs and painful feet. People who've seen me at festivals over the years will tell you I've had more than my share of trouble with my tootsies, so I'm always on the lookout for goodies to take the pain away.
My feet fared much better this year than ever, thank goodness! I wear cowboy boots almost exclusively, so these tips are really more for the boot wearers among you. If you have recommendations on dance shoes or other shoes, please let me know, and I'll be sure to put the word out. As I did last year before the festivals, I went to my local runners store for foot care tips. I took my boots with me. Here are a few of the things I've found work for me:
1. Spenco Comfort Insoles. At $9.99 per pair, I think this is an exceptional value. These insoles absorb a lot of the impact of the constant pounding dancers feet are subjected to, while also keeping the foot cooler due to reduced friction. While I was skeptical that inexpensive insoles would really work, I bought a pair of these last year and had great luck with them. I'd recommend getting new ones more often than once a year, though! I won't wait so long next time. Having the new ones in my boots this weekend showed me how worn out the old ones were.
I got the flat style that doesn't have the arch support. There are other styles that also have built-in arch supports, but those styles also have heels that are built up, and that puts my heels up too high in my boots causing my heels to pop out of the boot. The flat style seems to work very well for my purposes, as my Ariat boots already have arch supports.
2. WrightSock Coolmesh Double Layer socks: I bought a pair of these socks to try, as I know from my hiking experience that good foot care includes making sure to wick the moisture away from the foot. (Price: $7.49 per pair. While this may sound expensive, I think it's a great deal.)
In those distant days when I first learned about this, we wore two pairs of socks: a liner pair that wicked the moisture away from the foot, and an outer pair over the liners. The friction of the foot moving inside the shoe was absorbed by the two pairs of socks moving against each other, rather than the foot moving against the sock. This reduces the incidence of blisters, keeps the foot drier, cooler and therefore more comfortable. The trouble was that often one pair or the other seemed to get bunched up, causing blisters, which made it counter-productive.
The WrightSock Double Layer socks are just that: two layers in one sock. Very convenient! One layer wicks the moisture away from the foot while the other reduces friction. No bunching, either. Both layers are thin and lightweight so the socks are still relatively thin. I've stretched my boots out over time by wearing thicker socks, so these were too light for me wearing my favorite dance boots. However, I think they would have worked very well had my boots fit snugly as they did when I first bought them. If you try them, let me know what happens, so I can tell others!
3. Ariat Boots: While Ariats aren't made for dancing, I've found they really work well for me on most dance floors. They have a wide toe box, which makes them exceptionally comfortable for my foot. They come in many different shapes and amount of roundness or point to the front of the boot, so there's something for everyone. The insole with the arch support is removable and replaceable and gives excellent support. Combined with the Spenco Insoles, my feet are far more comfortable than they've ever been.
Ariats used to be made only with man-made outer soles. Now you can find some styles that are made with leather soles. The pair I'm wearing these days has man-made soles which had a beautiful rose pattern on the bottoms for traction. Too much traction for a dance floor. My solution was to wear them and walk on a lot of asphalt until the pattern wore down. Now they're perfect for most dance floors!
By the way, if you have a Boot Barn near you, their staff has always been well-trained with good information about finding the right boot to fit my foot.
4. Boot Socks: I get boot socks at Boot Barn. They're thick on the foot itself, a little thinner above the heel, and a lot thinner at the top. I do have some trouble with the toe of the sock bunching on my left foot, and haven't figured out what to do about that. Overall, they are much more comfortable than any other sock I've worn, and I've tried MANY.
5. Arch Supports: If you don't have arch supports in your shoes or boots, this will help a LOT. I just thought I'd mention it, in case your shoes don't already have them. The runner's store in your area would be a good place to start looking, as their staff are trained to help you find the right solutions for you.
6. Two pairs of boots / shoes: Some dance floors are sticky, so I have a pair of boots that have very slick soles. Some floors are very slick, so I have a pair of boots with a sole that grips more. Since my Mom was a Girl Scout leader, she taught me to "Be Prepared," and I end up toting extra shoes with me, but they sure have come in handy! My second pair of boots is a pair of dance boots. I almost never wear them anymore, as my Ariats with the Spenco insoles work so well.
If you're one of those folks who dances every dance all day during a two day festival, there's another reason to bring two pairs of shoes: Wearing one pair of shoes or boots all day places pressure on the same spots of your feet all day long. Switching boots or shoes to another pair once or twice during the day will redistribute your weight on the foot, allowing fatigued spots to get some rest. The other advantage to this is that your legs get relief too!
7. Tennis shoe tip: Gary Hayman was one of the folks who recommended having your local shoe repair shop glue leather to the bottoms of your tennis shoes. This is very popular alternative to boots. If you haven't done so already, give it a try. You can also glue leather to the bottoms of regular shoes that have a rubber sole.
8. Leg Relief: Keeping your weight back on your heels and dancing with your foot as flat as possible will help minimize sore calves. Just in case there are some new dancers out there who don't already know: be sure to stretch, too!
9. Low Back Relief - Yoga: My recommendation is that you take a yoga class and have supervision, so you learn how to do the postures safely. The Butterfly posture stretches out all the muscles in the hips and groin. This has helped me reduce low back pain more than almost any other move. Postures that stretch the hamstrings are also very helpful for me. Heck, yoga is just plain great, so give it a try!
Louisiana Joke of the Week from Lisha Chesson - Boudreaux wants to sell hees new encyclapeedeirs:
Boudreaux called de trat'hing pos' show on de radio. He say dat he wanted to sell hees new set of encyclapeedeirs for eider a t'ousand dollars or de bes' offer. He say he don't need dem anymore. He jus' got married las'weekend an' hees new wife knows evert'ing.
SAN CLEMENTE FIESTA STREET FESTIVAL
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and participating sponsors present the 54th Annual San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival. It is a unique family-orientated event, held on Sunday, August 10, 2008.
The Fiesta Street Festival Block Party represents a variety of activities that attract numerous families and visitors to the Southern California Coast year after year, approximately 25,000 people will attend this party.
The San Clemente Street Festival is held on picturesque Ave. Del Mar, where the two main blocks of downtown San Clemente are dedicated to an entire day of FUN.
This exciting Street Festival presents fun and activities for the whole family, including, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day – Featuring: Bennie & the Swampgators Zydeco Band, Cash’d Out-A Tribute to Johnny Cash and more. In addition the Festival highlights Food and Game booths sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, Contests for all ages, a Salsa Challenge, Arts & Crafts Show, Kiddy Rides, a Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Exhibits, Clowns, Jugglers, Face Painters and much more.
Visit our website at www.scchamber.com <http://www.scchamber.com/> or call (949) 492-1131 for more information.
Southern California Festival Info
1. Simi Sunrise Festival - Memorial Weekend, May 24, 25, 2008!
This year's Simi Sunrise Cajun / Zydeco festival features the hard-driving, vibrant, authentic Zydeco of Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys, paired with Zydeco Sweetheart Rosie Ledet. Broussard is one of the few Zydeco artists today who includes fiddle in his repertoire, honoring the traditions taught him by his beloved father, the late Delson Broussard. After 18 years with Zydeco Force, Broussard started the Creole Cowboys about three years ago, with critical acclaim and much success. I highly recommend this band! Guaranteed to satisfy both the Zydeco and Cajun enthusiasts out there, Broussard and his band will make everyone very happy!
As one of the few women in the professional Zydeco circuit, Rosie Ledet packs a real punch on accordion, and gets you into the groove with her deep, sexy voice. She's tiny, but what a powerhouse! Backed by a great group of musicians, Rosie was such a hit last year that they invited her back this year by popular demand.
The lineup is rounded out with Grammy Nominee Lisa Haley and her band, as well as BJ Deculus' Bonne Musique Zydeco, the Bay Area's Mark St. Mary, and San Diego's premiere Cajun band, The San Diego Cajun Playboys.
There's a great lineup of dance instruction at this year's festival. Willie Bushnell is coming out from Houston again. This year, we're also very fortunate to have Seattle instructor Lora DeMars joining the dance instruction team. Willie and Lora have both taught on the annual Zydeco Cruise, and have extensive and very impressive resumes, which I'll write about more in future editions of the Gazette.
Rounding out the dance instruction lineup are myself, Greg Benusa, AJ Gibbs, and Sandy Baker, teaching Basic and Intermediate Zydeco, MyDeco, Cajun Jig, Waltz, Line Dances and more! While he isn't slotted to teach at this year's festival, Adrian Houser will also be joining us! Adrian is one of the hottest dancers I've ever seen and is always happy to dance with you, so be sure to look for him!
This festival is a fundraiser for the Simi Sunrise Rotary Club. All proceeds go to their selected charities. The Rotary does a lot of good for a lot of folks, so be sure to put this festival on your calendar!
For more information on this festival, check it out at: http://simicajun.org/
SPECIAL NOTE: Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys play at Simi Valley Elks Lodge Saturday night! See listing below!
2. Long Beach Bayou Festival - June 21, 22, 2008!
OK, Connie's sent me the info for the lineup for this festival. Here goes:
Cajun & Zydeco Bands:
Saturday:
San Diego Cajun Playboys
Bonne Musique Zydeco
Doucet-Savoy Cajun Band
(Michael Doucet, Mark and Ann Savoy)
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band
Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience
(Grammy Winner)
Sunday:
T-Lou & His Super Hot Zydeco Band
Pine Leaf Boys
New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band
Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie
(Grammy Nominee)
Blues Bands:
Saturday:
Bernie Pearl
Sherry Pruitt
Cash McCall
Guitar Shorty
Barbara Morrison
Sunday:
Tribute to Motown by Seville
Linda Hopkins
Debbie Davies
Michael Ward
Plus more to be announced!
www.longbeachfestival.com
Zydeco Dance Instruction Available!
If you or anyone else you know is interested in learning to dance the Zydeco, I teach at corporate events, private parties, and also give personalized private lessons, focusing in on the individual needs of each student. I teach much more than just the moves, assisting my students in learning how to identify which muscles are used to make each move and work on honing styling, building strength and increasing flexibility. I will travel to spread the Gospel of Zydeco! Please contact me for more information: www.LouisianaDanceLA.com <http://www.LouisianaDanceLA.com>
Karen Redding (562) 708-8946 or email: karinovations@verizon.net
Upcoming Dances/Events 2008:
If you have an event you would like listed, please send me the info and I'll be happy to post it here. Please include admission and contact information, as well as all the other pertinent info.
MAY - FESTIVALS and More!
May 9, 10, 11th, Gator by the Bay!
Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival
Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island
(Right next to San Diego International Airport)
Admission: $20 per day
Evening Dances: $15 per person
Parking: See festival Website for more info
Bonne Musique Zydeco
May 10, Saturday
2-4 PM
The Prime Cut's Annual Marketing Festival
Stramier Picnic Area
3801 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA
Directly behind Kern County Museum
Willie Bushnell Zydeco Dance Workshop
Thursday night, May 22
7:00 - 8:30 PM
$15
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: 562-596-1631
Info: Karen at 562-708-8946
karinovations@verizon.net
May 24, 25, 2008 - Simi Sunrise Cajun/ Creole Festival!
Rancho Santa Susana Community Park
5005 Los Angeles Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Hours
Saturday, May 24, 2008: 11 AM - 8 PM
Sunday, May 25, 2008: 11 AM - 7 PM
Admission: $15 per day!
Check out festival website for driving and parking directions!
http://simicajun.org
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys
Simi Valley Elks Lodge!
Saturday Night, May 24, 2008!
9 PM - Midnight!
Doors open at 8:30 PM
SIMI VALLEY ELKS LODGE (NOT the Gardena Elks, OK)
1561 Kuehner Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Admission: $15
Info: Karen 562-708-8946
Hall Phone Number: 805-522-2492
Driving Directions:
From the festival, go East on Los Angeles Avenue to end at Kuehner. Right on Kuehner. Just past Sandalwood on the left up the driveway, next to Old Suzanna Inn!
JUNE
Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic
Thursday Night, June 12, 2008!
8 - 11 PM
Admission: $17
Following dance lesson from 7:30-8 PM (included with admission)
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: 562-596-1631
Info: Karen at 562-708-8946
karinovations@verizon.net
June 21, 22, 2008 Long Beach Bayou Festival
Rainbow Lagoon
Next to the Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach, CA
www.longbeachfestival.com
JULY
July 13, Sunday
Theo and Zydeco Patrol
1-3 PM
Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Huntington Beach, CA
FREE
July 13, Sunday
T-Lou and His Super Hot Zydeco Band
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
$20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
July 23, Wednesday
Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners
11:45 AM - !:15 PM
Torino Plaza
3300 City Center Drive
Torrance, CA
FREE
July 24, Thursday
Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners
7-9 PM
Culver City Hall
9770 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
FREE
(Arrive early to get parking and seating!)
AUGUST
August 10, Sunday
Zydeco Dance and BBQ Extravaganza!
Featuring Andre Thierry, Dexter Ardoin, and Darius Jacobs!
1-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
B.B.Q. by Santa Maria
2-5 PM
$23
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
August 10, Sunday
54th Annual San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival
Bennie and the Swamp Gators
Cash'd Out - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
More!
Avenida Del Mar, at the two main blocks of downtown San Clemente
8 AM - 9 PM
Info: (949) 492-1131
www.scchamber.com
http://www.scchamber.com/HTML/calendar/08-aug.htm
FREE!
SEPTEMBER
September 14, Sunday
Kevin Naquin
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
OCTOBER
October 12, Sunday
J.J. Callier
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
NOVEMBER
November 9, Sunday
Dexter Adoin
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
DECEMBER
December 27, Saturday NIght
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS DANCE
Andre Thierry
8 PM - Midnight
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
Check back for even more listings next week!
Bands / Other Zydeco Links
For more information on what's happening in our world of Zydeco, here are links to local and even international Zydeco websites. Want to know where our local bands are playing or what's going on elsewhere? Here are some links to help you find out:
BJ Deculus' newsletter for the Bonne Musique Zydeco Band's schedule at: www.bonnemusiquezydeco.com <http://www.bonnemusiquezydeco.com/>
LouisianaDanceLA - Karen Redding's new website for Zydeco and Cajun events in Southern California: www.LouisianaDanceLA.com <http://www.louisianadancela.com/>
Doug Legacy and the Zydeco Party Band: http://www.myspace.com/douglegacyandthezydecopartyband <http://www.myspace.com/douglegacyandthezydecopartyband>
Lisa Haley: fanclub@bluefiddle.com www.lisahaley.com <http://www.lisahaley.com/>
Zydeco Brad's website with all Cajun and Zydeco events in southern California: www.zydecobrad.com <http://www.zydecobrad.com/>
San Diego Zydeco: www.zydecoach.com <http://www.zydecoach.com/> or http://dances.com/casd/bonstemps/index1.htm <http://dances.com/casd/bonstemps/index1.htm>
San Francisco Zydeco Schedules: www.sfbayou.com <http://www.sfbayou.com/> or http://calendar10.tripod.com <http://calendar10.tripod.com/>
Gary Hayman's NEW ZydE-Magic website: http://snipurl.com/zydemagic <http://snipurl.com/zydemagic> and his new email address: ghayman3@comcast.net
Floyd's Record Shop can be found online at: www.floydsrecordsop.com <http://www.floydsrecordsop.com/>
Zydeco Radio in LA and Orange County: Buffalo Bayou with Jake Bacon on KUCI: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/buffalobayou <http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/buffalobayou>
Weekly Thursday Night Zydeco Info
Come Dance to The Happiest Music on Earth!
Every Thursday Night!
Bring: You, your friends, co-workers, family, !
Why? Because it's Soooo Much Fun! (Great exercise, too!)
Zydeco Dancing EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: (562) 596-1631
Cover: $7 (Feed the Gator!) plus two drink minimum-Bottled Water, juices available
Basic Zydeco Lesson: 7:00 PM -7:30 PM
Intermediate / Advanced Moves: 7:30-8:00 PM
CD Dancing 8:15-10 PM or so
Bar Happy Hour with free food! 5-7 PM
Beginners, singles, all ages welcome!
Group Discounts Available!
Information: Karen Redding (562) 438-1255, (562) 708-8946 or karinovations@verizon.net
Come for just the lesson, come just to dance, come just to hang out with your friends, Come for all the above! Cost is $7 for any or all of the above.
NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES, PLEASE.
Total cost for the evening is only $12 if you buy two bottled waters.
FEED THE GATOR
Whether you come for the lesson or come later just to dance, please FEED THE GATOR! (The one that looks like an Alligator Cookie Jar)
That means put yer $ in the Green Alligator Cookie jar on the table. Thanks for keeping 'dat Gator fed!
That's it for this edition of the Gazette! See you on the dance floor!
Karen
Karen Redding
Gator Graphics Print Solutions
www.LouisianaDanceLA.com <http://www.louisianadancela.com/>
Quantum Biofeedback Practitioner
562-438-1255 Office
562-708-8946 Cell
562-439-9018 FAX
karinovations@verizon.net
________________________________________________________
Gator Gazette Copyright 2008 Karen Redding All Rights Reserved
If you or anyone you know would like to be pulled from this list, please email me and I will take care of your request immediately. If you know anyone who would like to be added, please send them the Gazette and tell them to contact me and I will have them added to the distribution list.
SPECIAL NOTE: Please remember that announcements for dances and other events are sent to me by many sources. All I do is copy the information sent to me. There may be errors in this information, so please double-check the information in advance of the event!