Cajun Spotlight 

Cajun and Zydeco Music and Dance in the Upper Midwest 
 July 2001 

WALKER CAJUN FEST CANCELED

The Walker Cajunfest, held the last few years at Moondance Ranch a few miles from Walker, Minnesota, will not take place this year. The event organizers were unable to find enough sponsors. They are already working on getting sufficient sponsors lined up for next year, though. The Grand Portage Cajunfest over Labor Day weekend will go on as scheduled.
 

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY BLUES FESTIVAL 

The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is July 6-8 in Davenport, Iowa. Playing on Friday, July 6 is Rosie Ledet. Other headliners include Koko Taylor, Honeyboy Edwards, Roy Book Binder, Buddy Guy, The Holmes Brothers, Big Bill Morgenfield, Odetta, Charlie Musselwhite and The Campbell Brothers. Check out their Web site at mvbs.org.
 

BAYFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

The Bayfront Blues Festival is August 10-12 in Duluth-Superior. Playing Friday evening will be Terrance Simien & the Mallet Playboys. Other national acts include Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, Taj Mahal, John Hammond, the Tarbox Ramblers, John Mooney and Marcia Ball. Their Web site is bayfrontblues.com.
 

AUGUST CAJUN JAM & POTLUCK

In what has become a summer tradition, Nancy Tennessen hosts a Cajun Jam & Potluck at her backyard in Minneapolis on Sunday, August 19. Nancy lives in northeast Minneapolis at 626 4th Street NE. This is one block east of University Avenue; turn at Emily's Lebanese Deli on University at 7th Avenue NE. It's just a few minutes from downtown Minneapolis. The party starts at 2:00 pm. Bring a dish to share with the group. Plates and silverware (and ice cream!) will be provided. Bring your guitar, accordion, fiddle, triangle, harmonica, frottoir or...(?) Stop by and play a few tunes, dance or just visit with friends.
 
 

FROM THE KREWE DE WALLEYE

The Bone Tones Dinner and Dance Cruise on June 16 was a great success! The weather was superb, the band was in fine form and the food was good. The Krewe is looking at making this an annual event, perhaps with a bigger boat next time around.

The Krewe will offer a free basic zydeco dance lesson on Sunday, July 8 at the Half Time Rec. Following the lesson there will be a dance with the hot sounds of JJ's Zydeco Paydirt. The lesson is from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm; the dance is at 8 pm.

On Saturday, July 14 there will be a Second Saturday Krewe Dance with music by The Cajun Hot Soles. A dance lesson will start at 8 pm; the dance will go until 11:30 pm.

Because of the cancellation of the Walker Cajunfest, the Krewe is looking at having a Second Saturday Dance in August. Look for more information in the next issue.

Looking ahead, the Krewe is planning a Jumbo Ya Ya reunion dance and organizing a bus trip down to Red Wing in October to see Beausoleil. They are also talking to several bands about late summer/ early fall appearances.

The Krewe needs volunteers to help out at upcoming events. You don't have to be a member to volunteer, and you earn credits towards free admission to future dances. Contact a board member if you are interested.

For information on membership in the Minnesota Cajun and Zydeco Music and Dance Association (The Krewe de Walleye) and all these special events check out the web site at www.krewedewalleye.com or call CAJUN SPOTLIGHT.
 

THIS AND THAT...

  1. Beausoleil makes appearances in Wisconsin and Minnesota in August, September and October. The Krewe de Walleye is organizing a bus trip to their appearance in Red Wing on October 6. 
  2. A Zydeco Music & Dance Weekend is planned at Folklore Village September 21-23. Teaching zydeco dance will be Mona Wilson. Word has it that Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic, a hot young band from the San Francisco area, will be on staff. We'll have more information as it becomes available
  3. In June the van carrying Dikki Du & the Zydeco Crew had a serious accident in Florida. Guitarist Bobby Jackson and drummer Brad Gilbeau lost their lives; Troy Carrier (Dikki Du) and the remaining band members were injured but are expected to recover. Troy is the son of Roy Carrier.
  4. Ex-Barking Duck and Swamp Sexteter Lee Tedrow has joined Geno Delafose's band French Rockin' Boogie.

DANNY POULLARD MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

For members of The California Friends of Louisiana French Music, the late Danny Poullard was a friend, mentor and inspiration. He not only played at many dances, but held informal music sessions in his garage every Wednesday. The last one was just a few days before his death in April. Danny suggested a few years back scholarships to help young musicians develop their talent. This year he had been hoping to arrange to send two young people to Augusta Heritage Center. If you would like to honor his memory and help in this effort you can send a donation to:

CFLFM Danny Poullard Music Scholarship Fund
P. O. Box 26192 
San Francisco, CA 94126
 

MBOTMA FESTIVAL

The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association presents its 22nd Annual Music Festival August 3-5 at Camp in the Woods Resort in Zimmerman, Minnesota. As is usually the case the list of performers is long and impressive: The Bluegrass Cardinals Reunion, Eddie Adcock, The Ill-Mo Boys, The Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Bluegrass Patriots, Robin & Linda Williams, The Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, Bill Hinkley & July Larson, The Volo Bogtrotters, Monroe Crossing and many more. The Bone Tones will play for a Cajun dance on Friday evening. Tickets are available at many locations, including Homestead Pickin' Parlor, Ginkgo Coffeehouse, The Podium and Cadenza Music. For more information or to order tickets call 612-885-9133 or 1-800-635-3037.
 

JOHN HARTFORD

The multi-talented John Hartford, who was as at home on a stage as at the helm of a riverboat on the Mississippi, passed away in June following a long bout with cancer. He was 63 years of age. He first became known as a songwriter when his "Gentle on My Mind' became a hit for Glen Campbell; he appeared frequently on both the Glen Campbell Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the 1960's. He recorded many great albums and his appearances included traditional and original tunes, story-telling and dancing, featuring John on banjo and fiddle. He also took the time to earn his license as a riverboat pilot; his home in Tennessee overlooked the river he loved. 
 

JOHN LEE HOOKER

Bluesman John Lee Hooker, whose unique driving style of music inspired young musicians on both sides of the Atlantic for decades, died in June of natural causes at the age of 83. His signature tunes included "Boom, Boom", "Boogie Chillun" and "I'm in the Mood". A remake of this last song with Bonnie Raitt won him a Grammy, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. 
 

BLUES JAM AT HOMESTEAD

Regular acoustic blues jams have been added to the calendar at Homestead Pickin Parlor. The jams are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Monday each month from 7 to 9 pm; in July that's on the 2nd and 16th. Homestead is located at 6625 Penn Avenue South.
 

MINNESOTA FOLK FESTIVAL 2001

The 2001 Minnesota Folk Festival will be September 15 and 16 at Mounds Park in Saint Paul. This free event will feature national and local performers, including James Keelaghan, Vance Gilbert, Pat Donahue, Monroe Crossing, The Deadly Nightshade Family Singers, Peter Ostroushko and Lojo Russo & Funks Grove. There will also be the 3rd Annual New Folk Songwriting Contest. For information on volunteering, the songwriting contest or being a food or craft vendor call 651-292-4900 or email Mnfolkfestival@aol.com.
 

SQUARE DANCE WEEKEND

The 20th Annual Square Dance Weekend will be August 24-26. Once more it will be held at the Head of the Rapids group camp site in St. Croix State Park. Special guest this year is Will Mentor, a caller from Iowa City who specializes in squares and Kentucky running sets. Music and dance workshops will be offered by some outstanding dancers, callers and musicians. Enrollment is limited so act quickly to secure your spot. To get a brochure call Lee Guthrie at 715-386-7790 or email him at guthriel@spacestar.com. Brochures are also available at the "First Monday" Monday Night Square Dance.
 
 

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS

Here are some additional festivals in August and September worth noting. Contact NOTES & STEPS if you need more information.
  1. The Northland Bluegrass Festival in Rosholt, Wisconsin is August 24 and 25. Appearing are Art Stevenson & High Water, Mary Henderson & Geoff Shannon, Becky Schlegel, Sloppy Joe and more.
  2. The Great River Folk Festival is August 24-26 at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. This event features John Gorka, Vance Gilbert, Steve Young, Mustard's Retreat and more.
  3. The Fargo Blues Festival is August 25 and 26. On the bill are The Jeff Healey Band, The Sam Lay Blues Band, R. J. Mischo, Roomful of Blues, Chubby Carrier and others.
  4. The Madison (Wisconsin) Blues Festival in August 31 and September 1. There's plenty of big names on hand for this event: Taj Mahal, Bo Diddley, Marcia Ball, George Thorogood, Little Richard, Otis Rush, Jonny Lang and more. 
  5. The Central Iowa Traditional Dance & music festival is September 14-16 at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

FIRST MONDAY SQUARE DANCE

Monday, July 2, is the day for another great square dance at the Half Time Rec in Saint Paul. The dance starts at 7:30 pm. This month music will be by The Barn Cats: Teresa Neby-Lind, Pam Longtine, John Heine and Eric Lind.
 
 

THIRD TUESDAY OLD TIME DANCE

The next Third Tuesday Old Time Dance is July 17 starting at 7:30 pm. If you're interested in playing or calling contact Teresa at 651-644-9549 or tanby@aol.com. A small donation is asked to cover expenses. The Oddfellows Lodge is at Raymond and Hampden in Saint Paul.
 

UPCOMING CAJUN AND ZYDECO EVENTS

  • July 01 - NO Sunday Night Dance: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • July 03 - The Midway Ramblers: CONCERT IN THE PARK, NORTHBROOK. IL (6 PM)
  • July 08 - JJ's Zydeco Paydirt: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • July 08 - The Midway Ramblers: CONCERT ON THE VILLAGE GREEN, LAKE BLUFF, IL (6 PM)
  • July 10 - Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys: RAINBOW SUMMER, MILWAUKEE, WI
  • July 11 - Cajun Jam: HOMESTEAD PICKIN' PARLOR, RICHFIELD, MN (7-9 PM)
  • July 14 - The Cajun Hot Soles: ODDFELLOWS HALL, ST. PAUL (A KREWE EVENT)
  • July 14 - The Chicago Cajun Aces: FOLK AND ROOTS FESTIVAL, CHICAGO, IL
  • July 14 - Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas: BASTILLE DAYS, MILWAUKEE, WI
  • July 14 - The Midway Ramblers: MARTIN PLAZA CONCERT, WHEATON. IL (1 PM)
  • July 15 - NO Sunday Night Dance: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • July 20,21 - The New Riverside Ramblers: HIAWATHA FOLK FESTIVAL, MARQUETTE, MI
  • July 20-22 - The Midway Ramblers: BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, IL (12-3 PM)
  • July 22 - NO Sunday Night Dance: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • July 26 - The New Riverside Ramblers: RAILROAD PARK, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN (6-9 PM)
  • July 27-29 - The Midway Ramblers: BROOKFIELD ZOO, BROOKFIELD, IL (12-3 PM)
  • July 28 - Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band: JULY JAM, LINCOLN, NE
  • July 28 - The Chicago Cajun Aces (lessons and dance): FOLKLORE VILLAGE, DODGEVILLE, WI
  • July 28 - The Midway Ramblers: FOOD COURT, DUPAGE COUNTY FAIR (7-9 PM)
  • July 29 - The Cajun Hot Soles: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • August 03 - The Bone Tones: MBOTMA FESTIVAL. ZIMMERMAN, MN
  • August 08 - Cajun Jam: HOMESTEAD PICKIN' PARLOR, RICHFIELD, MN (7-9 PM)
  • August 08 - Brian Terry & the Zydeco Travellers: ZOO BAR, LINCOLN, NE
  • August 09 - The New Riverside Ramblers: COON RAPIDS DAM PARK, COON RAPIDS, MN (7-9 PM)
  • August 10 - Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie: SUMMERDANCE, CHICAGO, IL
  • August 10 - Terrance Simien & the Mallet Playboys: BAYFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL. DULUTH
  • August 14 - The New Riverside Ramblers: MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER, ST, PAUL (6:30-8 PM)
  • August 17 - Beausoleil: BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA, BAYFIELD, WI
  • August 19 - JJ's Zydeco Paydirt: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • August 21 - The Cajun Hot Soles: ST. PAUL SAINTS PREGAME, MIDWAY STADIUM (5:30 PM) 
  • August 25- Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band: FAMOUS DAVE'S BBQ, MINNEAPOLIS
  • August 26 - Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band: FARGO (ND) BLUES FESTIVAL
  • September 07 - The Buffalo Gals: CEDAR CULTURAL CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS
  • September 08 - The Cajun Hot Soles: HOUSE CONCERT/DANCE, MPLS (CALL 952-927-8968)
  • September 09 - JJ's Zydeco Paydirt: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • September 21-23 - Zydeco Music/Dance Weekend: FOLKLORE VILLAGE, DODGEVILLE, WI
  • September 23 - The New Riverside Ramblers: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • September 29 - Donna Angelle & the Zydeco Posse: DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED (A KREWE EVENT) 
  • September 30 - The Cajun Hot Soles: HALF TIME REC, ST. PAUL
  • October 06 - Beausoleil: SHELDON THEATRE, RED WING, MN
  • October 13 - The New Riverside Ramblers: CEDAR CULTURAL CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS
  • November 24 - The Buffalo Gals: CEDAR CULTURAL CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS
NOTE: Please call to confirm events more than six weeks from first item on calendar. 
 

EPITHETS, ASPERSIONS AND THE LIKE

Our last production meeting to get this issue wrapped up ended on rather a sour note. A "failure to communicate" among our Research Staff resulted in no theme for the Music Quiz. The shifting of the tectonic plates was nothing compared to the blame-shifting at the meeting. "Well, nobody told me about it...!" "Somebody should have called me and let me know!!" "Everybody hears about these things but me!" The use of these impersonal pronouns quickly learn to some very personal remarks. Our Solomon-like Editor calmed the waters and declared that Somebody and Nobody was the theme for the quiz this month; case closed; meeting adjourned. Can you match the performer with the song?
 
 
01) SOMEBODY TO LOVE a) Dean Martin
02) NOBODY'S LONESOME FOR ME b) Frank Zappa
03) TO LOVE SOMEBODY c) Billie Holiday
04) NOBODY 'CEPT YOU d) Gov. Jimmie Davis
05) EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY TO LOVE e) Hank Williams
06) NOBODY BUT ME f) Lil Bob and the Lollipops
07) GO CRY ON SOMEBODY ELSE'S SHOULDER g) Solomon Burke
08) NOBODY I KNOW h) Peter & Gordon
09) EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY SOMETIME i) Bob Dylan
10) NOBODY'S DARLING BUT MINE j) The Human Beinz
*11) NOBODY BUT YOU k) The Bee Gees
*12) AIN'T NOBODY'S BUSINESS l) Jefferson Airplane

  * - Special internet bonus questions.

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NOTES & STEPS/CAJUN SPOTLIGHT is an independent newsletter about Cajun, zydeco and other traditional music & dance events and news in the upper Midwest and beyond. A one year subscription is $10.00. E-mail: Notessteps@aol.com or NOTES & STEPS/CAJUN SPOTLIGHT, John Tallaksen, P. O. Box 582192, Minneapolis, MN 55458-2192