The year 2015 has been particularly intense at The Old-Time Tiki Parlour and it’s not even over! Among the wonderful old-time artists who visited for recording, concerts and workshops this year, we had a special visit by the Cajuns in June! A few years ago the very first OT Tiki Parlour workshop was led by Cajun fiddle master David Greeley. Needless to say, it was exciting to have Louisiana French music back at the parlour recently! The Cajun Country Revival led two fiddle workshops, a concert and we even squeezed in some recording! This super group is comprised of accordion master and Cajun Hall of Famer Jesse Lege, Cajun fiddle virtuoso Joel Savoy and two members of the Foghorn Stringband, Sammy Lind and Nadine Landry. It was explosive to say the least.

Joel taught Jolie Blonde at his Cajun fiddle workshop and Sammy Lind taught Leake County Blues during his old-time fiddle workshop. Following the workshops, guests indulged in a potluck which featured some homemade gumbo and many desserts. Brushing formality aside, the band started playing casually throughout the party. At concert time, we all moved into the Parlour and band blasted everyone with a Cajun concussion of strings and reeds. Jesse kicked off the show with his “Acadian” accordion as the band tore the room to shreds with sonic Cajun thunder. All were dancing in their seats! As a front row spectator, I captured some of the concert from right at their feet. More like, in their faces! Two of the super classic Cajun songs from the night are featured here: Bosco Stomp and Jolie Blonde. Both were requests from the eager crowd. Enjoy!

This post is from the current issue of Folkworks. Check them out!