Get your dance shoes laced up. We've got some great dance events coming up with a new Cajun festival in Pensacola, several opportunities to catch Marcia Ball and Terrance Simien, as well as Beth McKee at three gigs in Orlando and Live Oak, the return of Tom Rigney and Flambeau to Clearwater Beach (and St. Petersburg's Paladium!), and the announcement of CrawDebauchery II in Pompano Beach.

Be sure to make it over to Vertigo in Clearwater this Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. And don't miss JB's Zydeco Zoo at Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee on October 31st.

And there's new music from Councilman from Lafayette. That's my "Spotlight" article this month.

Quick Tip: The "Spotlight" article in this newsletter will also appear as "The Story" at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com. Find it easily as the second page link in the main navigation.

Remember, FloridaCajunZydeco.com is your source for Cajun and zydeco dances throughout Florida.

--- Jim Hance

The following bands are all playing for one great "Swing Dance @ Suncoast Jazz Classic" on November 21st at Marriott Sand Key on Clearwater Beach. 6:15- 7:15pm -- Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band (Orlando, FL); 7:30- 8:30pm -- Tom Rigney & Flambeau (San Francisco, CA); 8:45- 9:45pm -- Wally's Warehouse Waifs (Michigan); 10:00-11:00pm -- Midiri Brothers (Pennsylvania); 11:15-12:15am -- Dave Bennett & the Memphis Boys (Detroit, MI). (You also get access to Suncoast Jazz Classic performances from 6 p.m. to midnight across the street at Sheraton Sand Key.)

Get your ticket to this dance featuring the phenomenal Cajun fiddler Tom Rigney and Flambeau (and four other bands). Individual tickets to Swing Dance at Suncoast Jazz Classic are $25. Purchase your ticket with ONE CLICK RIGHT HERE.

This Tuesday, 5:30-9 p.m. Zydeco dance at Vertigo (upstairs from Yard of Ale) at 2675 Ulmerton, Clearwater, FL 33762. Arrive early to take advantage of Happy Hour-priced drinks and food until 7 p.m. DJ Jim Hance takes requests. I have insider information that he will be playing tunes by Curley Taylor, Chris Ardoin, Horace Trahan, Dr. Zog, Lil Malcolm, Nouveaux Cajun Xpress, Beau Jocque, Bayou Brothers, Geno Delafose, Gator Beat and The Revelers. Maybe even a new one from Keb Mo! Not familiar with all these players? Come on down! No cover charge, but please patronize the restaurant and bar. Find more information and a link to the Vertigo website at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

October 16-19, 2014 --- Magnolia Fest at Spirit of the Suannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL  Promoter Erin Scholze says, "We are thrilled to announce the daily schedule of music: www.magnoliafest.com/schedule/. On October 16-19, 2014 Magnolia Fest celebrates its 18th year of celebrating with some of the world’s finest performers in Americana, Roots Rock, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music. Festivalgoers will enjoy four days of camping and live music, arts and crafts, and a selection of great foods at this energetic and family friendly event." Bands include Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group, Dr. John & The Night Trippers, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Marcia Ball & Terrance Simien “Boogie on the Bayou”, Donna the Buffalo x2, New Orleans Suspects, Honey Island Swamp Band, Jason Isbell, The Indigo Girls. Keller Williams w/ More Than a Little, The Wailers, North Mississippi Allstars, The Duhks, Rodney Crowell, Anders Osborne, Tornado Rider and many more. Tickets $185 until 10/15; $200 at gate; kids under 12 are free. Student / Military Ticket $150 Advance. VIP Ticket $300: Includes dinner, discounts, VIP Lounge, festival poster, & other perks
All weekend passes include music & primitive camping Thursday - Sunday nights. Day Passes are available. More information at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist/vocalist/songwriter Marcia Ball, currently celebrating the release of her new Alligator Records CD, The Tattooed Lady and The Alligator Man, will be appearing at Magnolia Fest in Live Oak, FL on Friday, Oct. 17, and Clearwater Jazz Holiday on Saturday, October 18. At both events she will be performing with Grammy® winner Terrance Simien. The two have been taken this show across the United States.

Marcia Ball has earned worldwide fame for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she strolls onto the stage. Her groove-laden New Orleans boogie, deeply soulful ballads and rollicking Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music fans all over the world.


The Tattooed Lady and The Alligator Man is her sixth release for Alligator. Four of her previous five releases received Grammy® Award nominations. Ball has won a total of nine Blues Music Awards and has received a whopping 42 nominations. Ball received a 2014 Living Blues Readers' Poll Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) and now holds seven Living Blues Awards in all. She was inducted into the Gulf Coast Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2012. 
 
The New York Times says, “Marcia Ball plays two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.” Living Blues declares, “Her originals sound like timeless classics and southern soul masterpieces that no one else can imitate.”

Macia Ball will be back in Florida at Bradenton Blues Festival on December 6th. Keep up to date with Marcia Ball at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Beth McKee says, "While I am hunkered down at home in Central Florida recording my next album, I am enjoying hosting a monthly Singer/Songwriter series at The Smiling Bison, a local hotspot known for it’s gourmet food, craft beers and excellent live music. So far it’s been an amazing experience and the crowds are getting bigger and bigger."

Singing, songwriting and piano playing are Beth’s primary passions and it’s easy to see that when she performs. Beth’s songs speak a universal message and encompass the musical genres that emerged from the Southern US: Soul, New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Zydeco, Gospel, Country. Beth writes of the courageous human spirit with a gritty voice that rings true and from experience. That’s a message that — no matter who we are or where we come from – we need to hear.

Beth McKee has three gigs in Florida starting this weekend:

Saturday, October 11 --- Beth McKee opens for the Subdudes, 8 p.m. at Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Avenue, Orlando. Tickets are $30-$55.

Saturday, October 25 --- Beth McKee at Jazz Arts Blues Festival in Live Oak, FL. .m. The Festival events will include evening and daytime concerts, free outdoor performances and street events, family events, and gallery viewings. This year’s musical programming will span Jazz and Blues.

Thursday, November 6 --- Beth McKee at Smiling Bison in Orlando. 8 p.m. at Smiling Bison, 745 Bennett Road, Orlando, FL 32803. Additional information at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Vermont's Easy Street (Lisa Brande, Mark Trichka and Mary Morella) present live Cajun/Zydeco /Roots music. First four Saturdays in November: 1,8,15,22, 7-9 pm at Zydeco Grille, 8501 Placida Rd. Englewood, 941 828 1472. Note: Nov 22, special guest, Betsy Dawn Williams of Slippery Sneakers on Rubboard.

Easy Street will be playing most Saturdays from November through April at Zydeco Grille, with some exceptions. Check with the Grille or Easy Street website for month to month schedule. (www.easystreetduo.blogspot.com). Zydeco Grille Website.

Friday, October 31, 2014 --- Halloween Bash with JB's Zydeco Zoo (Tallahassee)
9 p.m. “JB” John Babich is joined by band mates Missippy James on guitar and Jiggs Walker on bass, Martin Guilbeau on drums and Keith McCraw on rubboard to form JB’s Zydeco Zoo.  Their music is high energy, rockin’, rhythmic zydeco in the vein of Beau Jocque, Clifton Chenier, C.J. Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie and Buckwheat Zydeco.  “My love is ultra groovin' music that gives music lovers no chance but to dance,” says JB. Join them for a Halloween Bash at Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee, site of the Mississippi to Florida Blues Trail Marker. Bradfordville Blues Club, 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee FL 32309, (850) 906-0766. Website

8 p.m. Cajun fiddler Tom Rigney and Flambeau. The Palladium box office is located at  253 5th Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Phone (727) 822-3590.  Tom Rigney Website.  Palladium Website.

The Scottish Rite Cajun Winterfest on December 19 and 20 will feature Nouveaux Cajun Xpress, The Emerald Coast Blues Brothers, Brooke Woods and members of the original Saw Mill Band, Exit 105, and The C and L Dance Band.  We are launching the Great Gumbo Cook off, prizes and drawings, lots of vendors and lots of dancing.  The event will be held at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway. Several nearby motels are available and even spaces for RVs. For additional information, contact Eddie Stewart at 850-293-9556. Keep up to date and add www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com to your browser favorites.

The New Orleans vibe returns to South Florida with CrawDebauchery II on March 21, 2015. Pompano Beach Amphitheater Field is the venue. Info on festival website is yet to be updated. Info to follow at www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com

The South Louisiana Black Pot Festival & Cookoff is one of the most unique festivals in Louisiana. Held annually at Lafayette’s Acadian Village, the festival celebrates its 9th year this October with two days of great music, dancing, food, camping & jamming. The festival is a cooperative of south Louisiana musicians, artists and southern culture enthusiasts, creating an unprecedented gathering of south Louisiana’s hottest roots bands, as well as a number of groups from all over the country. Live performances range from Cajun & Zydeco, to Creole, Swing, Hot Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Americana, Irish & Old-Time. Plus, an old-fashioned black pot cook-off, accordion contest, called square dancing, and ample camping space for tents & RV’s. Tickets: $20 Friday; $30 Saturday includes free tasting of all cook-off foods; children under 12 free. Camping: $10 per night for tents/vehicles ($5 for Thursday night). RV campers (38 spots available) $33 per night (3 night minimum starts Thursday, Oct. 23) with water and electrical hookups. Bands include: Bonsoir Catin, Silas Lowe and The Liabilities, Mama Rosin, Anna Lindblad, The Revelers, Mark Rubin and The Youngers of Zion, Pine Leaf Boys, Evie Ladin and Keith Terry, Tee Chaoui Social Club, Nouveau String Band, Brad Leftwich and Linda Higginbotham, Goldman Thibodeaux and The Lawtell Playboys, Paul Brown, Cajun Harmony, Kristin Andreassen, Miss Tess & The Talkbacks, Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, Preston Frank with Ed Poullard, The Carper Family, Feufollet, James Hunter Six.  For more information, check out www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com

House parties are a great way to make new friends and learn more about the people you only know on the dance floor. Let me know if you’re planning a party and would like to invite other dancers to attend by announcing it on the website. A potluck get-together with others who who enjoy Louisiana music and food is a great way to celebrate the holidays. Drop me an email at j-hance@wowpromotions.com if you would like to announce your special event in this newsletter and on www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys have a new album, No Guarantee (Jamais Garantie) featuring some very nice Cajun dance numbers and some surprising 60s pop redux.  I have played many of the tunes at dances and they are all heroes.

Pop guitar riffs and pop tunes from the 1960s and 1970s have been getting a new listen by Cajun and zydeco artists lately. Chubby Carrier made “Feel Like Making Love” by Paul Rodgers and Bad Company his own on his Grammy® winning album Zydeco Junky. Corey Ledet did his own version of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas cover Jim Croce’s “Leroy Brown” on their latest album, A New Road.  Wayne Toups has a rockin' false intro to “The Back Door” with Joe Walsh’s “Funk #49.”  On Kevin Naquin's last album, Cravin’ Cajun, he covered two pop songs from the past: “634-5789” first recorded by Wilson Pickett, and “Some Kind of Wonderful” (written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King for the Drifters, but made famous by Grand Funk Railroad).

On No Guarantee, one number which took me completely by surprise is “Judy in Disguise (With Glasses),” a pop hit in 1968 by John Fred & His Playboy Band. I never made the connection between that tune and Louisiana, but with a band called “Playboys” — of course it’s from Louisiana. As I recall, the Beatles had just released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band which features a Lennon song, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” inspiring the Baton Rouge native to create a parody play on the title. John Fred loved the Beatles. Ironically, “Judy in Disguise” replaced the Beatle’s “Hello Goodbye” as #1 in the pop charts and stayed there for a couple of weeks. Kevin Naquin does this song justice, and the dancers have approved. According to Naquin, “It took us a long time to figure it out. Everybody in the band was aggravated with that song because nobody had ever played it before. The steel [guitar player] had to learn its part. I had to learn the accordion. It was a very challenging song. But when we were done with it, everybody was extremely happy with the way it turned out."

“One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer” has new lyrics from the John Lee Hooker and George Thorogood versions, and to make it a little more interesting Naquin has a false intro riff from JJ Cale’s “Cocaine.” A third pop song on this album is Lee Michaels’ “Do You Know What I Mean” which at 108 beats per minute is hardly a C-Z tune at all but good for west coast swing. For those of us of a certain age, these rebuilt pop tunes bring back good memories and good times.

Naquin’s gives a nod to his accordion mentors Don Montoucet and his great-grandfather Hadley Fontenot (latter of the Balfa Brothers) with “Mamou Two-Step.” And the album includes Sheryl Cormier’s “La Bouteille” and Paul Daigle’s “La Petite Robe Courte” which have not been overly recorded. The album is a very danceable mix of traditional Cajun standards, upbeat pop tunes and an original waltz. The album’s title tune, “La Vie est Jamais Garantie” (or "Life is Never Guaranteed") is a reverent waltz dedicated to two individuals important in Kevin’s life who passed away recently: band mate Seth Guidry who passed away last December at age 24 of flu and complications) and his grandfather Bee Naquin. "Seth and I were supposed to get together throughout the process and write a song," said Naquin. “He passed away in December, and that's when my dad, myself and Barry Ancelet got together with the words. I came up with the music and Barry did the translation. Seth played on that track, but he never got to hear it. He never heard the final mix before it was done."

Kevin Naquin’s heart is in music since he picked up the accordion at age 14 and started his own band at age 16. At age 35 with ten albums under his belt, he’s playing better than ever, though he makes a living as a medical supplies salesman, and since January 2012 serves as District 1 Councilman in Lafayette city government.

As councilman, Naquin’s top priorities have been improving government efficiency for constituents and local business. But he found himself in a position of opposing the local chamber of commerce on the issue of tax rebates to businesses. Local government has had the same tax structure since the 1960s, contends Naquin. “Something’s got to give.” (That’s a good title for a new Cajun tune, Kevin.) Fixing storm water flooding in his district has been a high priority for Naquin, and he has sought outside funding to help. A local flap over flying a gay pride flag on a government flag pole caught Naquin off-guard while he as on vacation with his family. There is another Lafayette councilman with the last name Naquin, and it didn’t take long before his phone messages and email filled with impassioned messages intended for the other Naquin. Regarding the flap, Naquin commended, “let’s talk about what Lafayette needs: roads, bridges. We need money for police and fire. Let’s talk about stuff that’s important.”

Let's talk, indeed. A lot of people are talking about the new album, and it’s worth a listen. As you can see, it’s not only good music…but it's politically correct too.

Marie's Not Around

A long time ago, Boudreaux, believe it or not, was known among his friends to be very brief and to the point. He really never said too much. One day, an Avon lady knocked his door and asked to see his wife, so Boudreaux told her that Marie wasn't home. "Well," the woman said, "could I please wait for her?" Boudreaux directed her to the kitchen and left her sitting there for more than three hours. Starting to worry, she called out for him an asked, "May I ask where your wife is?" "She went to the cemetery," Boudreaux replied. "And when is she coming back?" "Mais, I really don't know," he said. "She's been der eleven years now!"

If you liked this one, check out other Boudreaux & Thibodeaux Jokes at this link.