Use www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com as your own up-to-date source  for Cajun and zydeco dance events throughout Florida. The site includes comprehensive information on major festivals throughout the United States as well in the exclusive "Festival-O-Rama" section on the home page.

You'll want to check out the radio broadcasts of Cajun and zydeco programs too. Fifteen Cajun-Zydeco programs are listed in the widget on the home page. You can now hear programs streamed to your computer "live" nearly every day of the week, or listen to the archived shows from the past weeks. 

Bookmark www.FloridaCajunZydeco.com for the latest information on dance opporltunities throughout the state of Florida. The Updater will definitely give you an idea of what to expect when you visit the site. 

Enjoy! And see you on the dance floor. 

Jim Hance
j-hance@wowpromotions.com

Don't miss the 17th Annual Crawfish Festival on April 4, 5 and 6 at the Cajun Cafe on the Bayou featuring Wayne Singleton and Same Ol Two Step, Donna Angelle and the Zydeco Posse and JB's Zydeco Zoo.

Local zydeco dance instructor Dwight Dupree says, "I sure had a good time dancing to Wayne Singleton's band at the Camp Lounge in New Iberia last Friday!"

Wayne Singleton is another in a long list of excellent Zydeco musicians who honed their skills with the late Roy Carrier at the Off Shore Lounge in Lawtell, LA.  Wayne & Same Ol 2 Step have been together for more that eight years.  Over the years, the band has become exceptionally tight, its performances laced with frequent on stage interaction.  Their music ranges from traditional zydeco, with obvious traditional Opelousas roots, to zydeco nouveau.  A typical playlist might include Wayne Singleton originals as well as traditional Beau Jocque, Keith Frank or Roy Carrier cover tunes.  No matter the style, the infectious beat has kept dance floors crowded at festivals from California, Wisconsin, and New York to Holland.  When home, the band is a staple at Saturday morning Zydeco Breakfasts at the Cafe Des Amis, in Breaux Bridge, LA, as well as many of the area clubs and at trail rides across SW LA and East Texas. Singleton takes the stage on Saturday 8-11 p.m. and Sunday 5-8 p.m.

I am looking forward to dancing to Donna Angelle again. According to blogger Dan Willging, Donna Angelle first caught the public’s eye in 1998 with “Old Man’s Sweetheart,” an ode to Boozoo Chavis that summarized the older man’s perceived desirability with the knockout punch line, “He can’t cut the mustard but he can still lick the jar.” She plays driving zydeco tunes interspersed with funky R&B. I personally like the blend, and in particular her rendition of the Temptations' "Just My Imagination."  Dancers can use their west coast swing, night club two-step, country two-step and even L.A. hustle dance stylings to Donna's music. Not everyone shares my enthusiasm with her blend of 70s R&B with zydeco, but you can decide for yourself. Donna Angelle takes the stage Saturday 5-8 p.m. and on Sunday 2-5 p.m.

Also in the lineup is the Tallahassee band JB's Zydeco Zoo, fiery accordion-driven zydeco in the vein of Beau Jocque and Clifton Chenier. The band has been playing zydeco since the 1980s, only interrupted with some musical projects in Europe where JB (John Babich) enjoyed immense popularity in France with a #2 hit in his collaboration with slide guitarist Bill Wharton with whom he recorded five albums. Current band members include Babich on accordion, Missippy James on guitar, Jiggs Walker on bass, a recent Tallahassee transplant from Lafayette Martin Guilbeau on drums, and Keith McCraw on rubboard. Missippy James brings a rich blues history playing with the likes of James Cotton, Bobby Rush, Guitar Shorty, Debbie Davies and a host of others, and adds a decidedly "Allman Brothers" sound to the band. The Zydeco Zoo is a regular at Tallahassee's Bradfordville Blues Club, a showcase of the finest bands from the blues world. You can catch JB's Zydeco Zoo on Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 2-5 p.m.

This year's Crawfish Festival at Cajun Cafe in Pinellas Park, FL offers a boat load of talent for just $10 admission ($15 on Saturday with three bands). See you there!

There are now 15 radio programs listed on the home page widget at www.floridacajunzydeco.com dedicated to Cajun and zydeco music that you can stream live on your computer, and many of those programs are also archived so you can listen to them at any time after the broadcast. There is a program broadcast every day of the week except Wednesday. One program is co-hosted by Leon Chavis of the Zydeco Flames.

On Saturdays you can enjoy eight hours of continuous broadcast from KRVS in Lafayette, LA beginning with "Zydeco Est Pas Sale" at 9:00 a.m. (EST), then "Zydeco Stomp" with host Herman Fusilier, and "Born on The Bayou" ending at 5:00 p.m. (EST) "Aaaiiii!"

Sunday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EST) check out "Zydeco Zity Radio" broadcast from Amsterdam. You may not understand the deejay, but you will recognize a lot of the tunes. They also feature music of European bands playing zydeco which you may not have heard before.

Here in Florida, John Osgood hosts "Louisiana Gumbo Show" on Sunday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (EST) over WSLR in Sarasota. John's special gumbo is a mix of zydeco, jazz, blues, roots rock Mardi Gras, Indian and funk tunes.

You'll also want to check out "Zydeco Workout" with "your zydeco lady" Lola Love, a lively program of infectious tunes broadcast at least twice a week from the west coast. Be sure to check out Lola's program at www.zydecoOnline.com.

It's all there for you "on your radio dial," as they used to say, and streaming to your computer as well.

The Festival-O-Rama widget on the www.floridacajunzydeco.com is your best source of Cajun-Zydeco festival information. The information is culled from festival and band websites, and not relying on any single source. A lot of time has gone into putting this list together, so check it.

Festivals coming up in the next month or so featuring top Cajun and zydeco bands from Festival-O-Rama include:

April 23-27 --- Festival International d'Louisiane in downtown Lafayette. Five day festival features Louisiana talent: Zachary Richard with Sonny Landreth, The Duhks, Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band, BeauSoleil, Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, and Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

April 25-27 --- Etoufee Festival in Arnaudville, La. The festival hosts Clay Cormier and the Highwaymen, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Chubby Carrier and Bayou Swamp Band. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

April 25-May 4 --- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. World-class pop, jazz, country, blues, Cajun and zydeco bands represents all of the pop culture today! Pop artists include Eric Clapton, Keb Mo, Carlos Santana, John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett and Christina Aguilera. Cajun and zydeco artists include Geno Delafose, Steve Riley, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Wayne Toups, Zachary Richard, CJ Chenier, Jeffery Broussard, Buckwheat Zydeco, Rockin Dopsie Jr., D.L. Menard, Cedric Watson…the list goes on and on! Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 2-4 --- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge, LA. This festival is a who's who of the Cajun and zydeco world: Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars, Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band, Ray Abshire, Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Family Band, D.L. Menard, Wayne Toups, Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Horace Trahan and the New Ossun Express, Travis Matte & the Kingpins. This will be a good one. Updates at in the Festival O-Rama widget on FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 8-11 --- Gator By The Bay Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival in San Diego, CA. This festival kicks off with a Thursday night concert with Louisiana blues guitarist Tab Benoit , comedian Steve Verret and Teague Taylor Trio. Headliners for the festival that follows on Friday through Mother's Day Sunday include Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Balfa Toujours traditional Cajun band, San Diego favorite Bayou Brothers, CFMA-winner San Diego Cajun Playboys, Lafayette Blues Band, the Queen of Steam Michele Lundeen, Joe Fontenot Creole Cajun Band, Theo and Zydeco Patrol, Bill Magee Blues Band, and the fabulous Sue Palmer, Queen of the Boogie Woogie. Updates in the Festival-O-Rama widget on FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 24-25 --- 25th Annual Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Music Festival in Simi Valley, CA. Bands include Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic, CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Dwayne Dopsie and Zydeco Hellraisers, Lisa Haley and the Zydekats, Nathan Williams, Nathan Williams Jr. and the Zydeco Big Timers, Feufollet, Bayou Brothers, John Mayall, Canned Heat, and Tommy Castro. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 30-June 1 --- Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fesival in Augusta, NJ. Bands include Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Ray Abshire Cajun Band, Marcia Ball, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Dumpstaphunk. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Festival-O-Rama lists festivals through October. Check out updates to Festival-O-Rama at FloridaCajunZydeco.com and make your festival plans today.

Sunday, April 6 --- Gumbo Boogie at Skippers (Tampa)
5-9 p.m. Emerging in 1995 as a primarily acoustic jug band with a Louisiana flavor, GBB band cranked up the beat and electrified in '97. They serve up a tasty musical stew with good time, street party, New Orleans-style dance music, strong on Zydeco, adding swampy rock tunes and classic rockers to keep the party moving. facebook.com/gumbo.boogie. Skippers is located at 910 Skipper Road in Tampa. Their phone number is 813-971-0666.  Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

April 5, 12, 19 --- Easy Street Duo (Englewood)
Mark Trichka and Lisa Brande will be doing their mix of rootsy zydeco, cajun, rhythm and blues, and Americana music. Mary Morella will accompany Easy Street Duo on rubboard and percussion. Zydeco Grille, 8501 Placida Rd  Englewood, FL 34224. (941) 828-1472. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com

Saturday, April 12 --- Fais Do-Do Dance Party (St. Petersburg)
Davida and Peter are hosting another fabulous dance party at their home on Saturday, April 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. I will be playing the tunes and already have a nice playlist of incredible zydeco and Cajun dance tunes prepared. Please bring an entree, salad or dessert to share. The party is at 2421 First Street South, St. Pete 33705.  (Across the street the addresses are "SE" so GPS might get confused). Call Davida if you any questions: (727) 479-2440. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Saturday, April 12 --- Beth McKee and The Sliders (Orlando)
French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando Resort. Call for performance time. Beth McKee makes frequent stops in Florida, and performs some outstanding original material. Check her out when she's in your neck of the woods. If you're attending the theme parks at Universal Studios Florida, catch Beth McKee at the park. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819. Information 888-762-0820.

Saturday, April 19 --- Porchdogs at Apopka Bluegrass Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 15th annual Magnolia Park Bluegrass Festival will feature the Ramblin’ Rose Band, Moonlite Express, Pine Creek, Porchdogs, and the Freightliners. There will also be children's activities, craft vendors and wildlife exhibits. Bring a lawn chair. $3 for adults, free for children 11 or younger. Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703, info: 407-886-4231. Updates at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

Tuesday, April 22 --- Zydeco Dance in Clearwater
5:30-8:30 p.m. Zydeco Dance at Twisted Martini, 13563 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760. (727) 754-9800.  Allons Danser is hosting a free cajun/zydeco CD party at the Twisted Martini in Clearwater from 5:30-8:30.  Come early for happy hour specials and dance to your favorite tunes.  We will be using the room off to your left as you enter the building. It is in the Icot Center off of Ulmerton Road. There is NO COVER CHARGE, but please consider buying a drink and appetizers or dinner. We need to cover $400 in sales for the restaurant, so please come and enjoy. Please contact Sharon Stern at 727-648-7858 for more information or questions. Check FloridaCajunZydeco.com for updates on this event which has been monthly.

Sunday, April 27 --- Nathan and Zydeco Cha Chas in Panama City
Annual Cajun Festival at Schooners in Panama City April 25 through April 27 features Cajun food & Cajun fun! Crawfish Boil Saturday and Sunday with daytime band on the beach. Nathan and Zydeco Cha Chas are scheduled for Sunday. Call for time band performs: 850-235-3555. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 3 --- Porchdogs at Middleburg Cajun Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 15th annual Magnolia Park Bluegrass Festival will feature the Ramblin’ Rose Band, Moonlite Express, Pine Creek, Porchdogs, and the Freightliners. There will also be children's activities, craft vendors and wildlife exhibits. Bring a lawn chair. 3 for adults, free for children 11 or younger. Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703, info: 407-886-4231.

May 3 --- Porchdogs at RajunCajun Crawfish Festival (Orlando) This event is already sold out. They limit attendance to 500 so it is not too crowded and everyone can have a good time. For those who might want to attend next year, here is the info on this year's event. 6 p.m.-11 p.m.  Isle of Pines South Beach, 13739 South Lake Mary Jane Rd., Orlando, Fla. 32832. Box office: 407-384-9211. Gate Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight. Adults $40, kids 8-12 $20, under 8 free. Bands perform 6-10 p.m. Folks, for those of you that have never attended the Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival, you are in for one Bayou-Blast-Foot-Stompin-Good Time. We will transport you to the Bayous of Louisiana and share Cajun heritage, music and our award winning Louisiana cuisine. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 10 ---  Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience (Stuart, FL)
Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience at the Lyric Theater in Stuart, FL, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  For over two decades, Grammy Award-winning artist Terrance Simien, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, has been shattering myths about what indigenous Creole Zydeco music is – and is not.  His eclectic fusion of Zydeco will take you on a multi-cultural musical tour of the world. Simien writes from a decidedly different perspective than other Zydeco artists, drawing on a wide range of influences that include not only Zydeco pioneers, but also popular folk and soul artists, such as Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, and Simon and Garfunkel.  He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Dr. John, the Dave Matthews Band and Los Lobos, to name a few.  Simien is one of the most respected and internationally recognized artists in roots music today.  Together with his Zydeco Experience Band, he has taken Zydeco to a new level of recognition and popularity, creating a fusion of sound like no other.  Simien has continued to raise the standard for the genre by establishing himself as a formidable songwriter and an accomplished singer (frequently evoking comparisons with Aaron Neville and Sam Cooke). Get ready to become Zydeco Experienced!  Lyric Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994. Tickets $35. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 17 --- Crawfish Street Festival (Ft. Lauderdale)
Historic Downtowner Saloon at 10 South River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale 33301 is planning a Crawfish Festival which will feature Porchdogs. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.

May 23-25 --- Porchdogs at Johnny Longboats (Riviera Beach)
6 p.m.-11 p.m.  I2401 N. Ocean Drive, Singer Island, Riviera Beach, FL. (561) 249-2795. Info at FloridaCajunZydeco.com.