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| UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS | NEWS & UPDATES |
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 Sunday, July 6, 2008Leroy Thomas and the zydeco roadrunners Holiday Celebration with "The Jewel of the Bayou" Learn more about Leroy and his band... An Authentic American Patriot playing on his Patriotic Accordion.Leroy has a special red, white and blue accordion, made for him personally in Italy.This is a perfect show for the Fourth of July weekend. He also is traveling with atop level band. If you haven't seen him in a while, don't miss him now! Leroy Thomas was born in Lake Charles, LA into a very musical family. His famous father, Leo, is one of the most famous zydeco drummers. Leroy picked up the drums at age 8, and soon progressed to the accordion, and he has barely stopped since. Leroy is a real showman, and puts on a high level show. Zydeco's infectious accordion and rubboard driven-party-all-night sound that was born in the bayou and dance halls of SW Louiaiana can now be heard throughout the world. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission $22 - pay at the door  Sunday, July 20, 2008Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie go to their site! Not much to say about Geno -- who always packs the house with a top level show. Following in the footsteps of his famous father, John Delafose (John Delafose & the Zydeco Playboys) -- this is a guaranteed fantastic event. "one of the most versatile musicians in South Louisiana." - the Smithsonian/PBS Television documentary "...the young hope of traditional zydeco." - The Boston Herald Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission $22 - pay at the door  Friday, August 1, 2008dikki-du & the Zydeco krewe SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT A Hot Time in the City - Louisiana Live go to their site Dikki Du (Troy Carrier) is a 34 year old native of Church Point, Louisiana. Born into one of the great musical Louisiana families, The CARRIERS, Troy is the brother of Chubby Carrier and son of Roy Carrier, both of whom front well known bands. Troy discovered his love of music at the age of nine, and has been playing ever since, both in his brother & father's bands, and with C.J. Chenier. Dikki Du's recent "Make it Funky" shows the tremendous range of this band. His ability to take songs from classic zydeco and turn them inside out with fresh and funky sounds, and his renditions of "Iko-Iko" and Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" insure a great groove. We wish to acknowledge the unfortunate passing of 2 band members, Bobby Jackson and Brad Guilbeau in a tragic accident in Florida a few years back. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 8:00 to 12:00 MN Doors open at 6:30 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 7:00 pm Admission $22 - pay at the door Admission $22 - pay at the door  Sunday, September 21, 2008T Broussard & the zydeco Steppers Learn more about the band... T. BROUSSAND & THE ZYDECO STEPPERS hit the stage running and don't stop till the show closes down. "T" (Bryant Keith) was born to play zydeco, having an enviable pedigree which includes Bois Sec Ardoin, Carlton Frank, and Queen Ida. He has masterfully combined the traditional zydeco tunes which he learned from his mother, with the younger, more modern Beau Jocque style of zydeco, ending up with a remarkably energetic show in his own creative style. Other members of the band include the talented June Barfeld on guitar, last seen in NYC with CURLEY TAYLOR. Advance tickets not needed -- pay at the door, everyone will get in. Connolly's has a tasty and reasonably priced dinner menu, a full bar, and a beautiful sprung wooden dance floor. There is no minimum. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission $22 - pay at the door  Sunday, NOvember 16, 2008Savoy Family Band featuring Marc and Ann Savoy and their sons Joel and Wilson go to their site The Savoy Family Cajun Band plays honed down, hard core Cajun music laced with an earthy sensuality. The old tunes have been revived and returned to a new life intensity in their hands. Marc and Ann Savoy, playing as the Savoy-Doucet Cajun band, have been performing since 1977, touring worldwide, in all the most prestigious venues, and Marc Savoy ha been awarded with the highest honor in the country for traditional artists, the honorable National Heritage Fellowship Award. The couple recently appeared on the PBS series, "American Roots", and Ann wrote the chapter on Cajun music in the book that accompanied the series. Ann and Joel recently appeared in the film "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood" and they perform 3 songs on the Warner Brothers soundtrack. Ann and Linda Ronstadt have been performing together and have recently recorded a CD "Adieu False Heart" Although the Savoy Family Cajun Band insists upon maintaining a more acoustic approach to Cajun music, the and can hold its own amongst Cajun music lovers everywhere. The Savoy Family Cajun Band brings the raw energy of the dance halls of Southwest Louisiana to the stage. A complimentary dance workshop in the basic Cajun dance styles is provided prior to the music, to help newcomers learn the basic dance steps. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission $22 - pay at the door |
THE NEW YORKER highlights LETS ZYDECO holiday event with
Li'l Mo & the Monicats in the "On the Horizon" section. Read all about it here. Journalist Valerie Gladstone wrote an article on Cajun & Zydeco dancing and our LET'S ZYDECO events. Big Easy Parties Find Refuge Up North Arts Around Town By VALERIE GLADSTONE The New York Sun September 8, 2006 Valerie attended several events, and at the July 23rd show with Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, she interviewed many participants. A professional photographer, Rachel Papo, was sent by the NEW YORK SUN To the August 20th Steve Riley & the Manou Playboys event. Download the article as a PDF Sunday's 5/20/07 New York Times, Metro section, p 26, acknowledges LETS ZYDECO, and Laura stars in the photo! Link to NYTimes article In the past year, since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, LET'S ZYDECO has held one fundraiser with proceeds sent to The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc., and 2 benefits with proceeds going directly to The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, a band from New Orleans who was hit hard by the hurricane. Numerous items were graciously donated for the auctions: The events were supported by contributions from Carnegie Hall, Starbucks Coffee, Rounder Records, The French Institute - Alliance Francaise, New York Sports, and the support of the fine people who attend the LET'S ZYDECO music and dance events -- donating therapuetic body work, private dance lessons, tempting rugalah from Erica's Rugaleh, a week vacation home in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Painter Girl Chocolates by Monica, photographs of Louisiana Musicians pre-Katrina by Photographer John Neely, herbal-nutritional consultation and accupuncture treatment by C. Trahan, O.M.D., fine jewelry, etc, etc. Our thanks to all who helped make these events a success. LET'S ZYDECO helps publicize POGO & EVIE, a new Zydeco Musical by Aaron Latham. Aaron Latham is best known for his novels and screenplays, including URBAN COWBOY. He has been a regular contributor to such publications as Esquire, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and New York Magazine. After an initial run at Jacques-Imo's Restaurant, the play might be opening at Connolly's in the fall – stay tuned! Read this New York Times article about The Pine Leaf Boys who appeared at LETS ZYDECO March 4th show at Connollys in NYC Download the NY Times article as a PDF GETTING TO CONNOLLY'S Times Square (N,Q,R,S,W,1,2,3,7,9) or B,D,F,D to 42nd St, easily accessible by mass transit and METRO NORTH Just a few blocks from Grand Central Station, and 1 block from Times Square. PARKING NEAR CONNOLLY'S Saturday: 6 hour meters, easily available, use credit cards or quarters; Free at all metered parking on Sunday. |
| ABOUT LET'S ZYDECO | |
| The LET'S ZYDECO music and dance shows (which have previously been held at TRAMPS, LOUISIANA COMMUNITY BAR & GRILL, LA BELLE EPOQUE & SATALLA (all of which have closed), will now be mainly produced at CONNOLLY'S, a wonderful space, with a great wooden dance floor, a full bar, and tasty dinner menu. The popular LET'S ZYDECO shows are set up for listening or dancing. A complimentary dance workshop in the basic zydeco dance styles is provided prior to the musi to help newcomers learn the basic dance steps. You do not need a partner to participate and enjoy. To be notified of future events, e-mail zydecolaura@hotmail.com or check this site for updates. CONTACT NUMBERS Contact phone: 212-685-7597 or 917-208-2432 or 212-597-5126 |
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| PAST LET'S ZYDECO EVENTS | |
 Friday, June 20, 2008
The BlueRunners go to the Bluerunners web site "Rave Reviews" for this Lafayette, Louisiana Band "Six Stars out of a Possible Five" .. A Lafayette favorite and staple.. The Bluerunners take Cajun music to a new level. While very grounded in tradition, they incorporate other Americana influences and some techniques that must be heard to be believed. Michael Doucet of Beausoleil states: "The Bluerunners are an affirmation of the power of collective creativity in the center of a conservative culture. Like racehorses connected to a wagon, they pull the essential qualities of time honed themes into a new musical field with great abandon. It's always refreshing to hear music created by a group that goes beyond sanctioned standards to bring forth their own ideas. This kind of musical journey takes courage, insight and talent; qualities quite apparent in the Bluerunners.ˇ¨ ... And for those of us who haven't heard them yet "you'll never know unless you go" .... Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 8:00 to 12:00 MN Doors open at 6:30 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 7:00 pm Admission $22 - pay at the door Advance tickets not needed -- pay at the door, everyone will get in. Connolly's has a tasty and reasonably priced dinner menu, a full bar, and a beautiful sprung wooden dance floor. There is no minimum. The LETS ZYDECO shows are friendly community events, set up for dancing, socializing or listening. We welcome your attendance.  Friday, May 30, 2008 Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars Grammy nominated 2008! Great band from Lafayette, Louisiana! visit the Roddie Romero & Hub City web site When you're raised on the Zydeco and Cajun sounds of Southwest Louisiana and the groove of New Orleans, you can't go wrong. Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars are sure to pack the dance floor with their unmatched blend of South Louisiana rhythm and soul. Official Nominee 50th Annual Grammy Awards, and recent CD chosen into OFFBEAT'S "Top 10 Louisiana Recordings", this exciting and eclectic band plays a mixture of Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop. Highly recommended by David Gaar (Geno Delafose's and this band's agent) ... "Your crowd is gonna LOVE this band" ... and for those of uswho haven't heard them yet "you'll never know unless you go" ....either to this LETS ZYDECO event, or the main stage at Jazz Fest, where they will also be playing. Sunday, May 18, 2008Leroy Thomas & The zydeco Roadrunners Leroy Thomas was born in Lake Charles, LA into a very musical family. His famous father, Leo, is one of the most famous zydeco drummers. Leroy picked up the drums at age 8, and soon progressed to the accordion, and he has barely stopped since. Leroy is a real showman, and puts on a high level show. Zydeco's infectious accordion and rubboard driven-party-all-night sound that was born in the bayou and dance halls of SW Louiaiana can now be heard throughout the world. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door Advance tickets not needed -- pay at the door, everyone will get in. Connolly's has a tasty and reasonably priced dinner menu, a full bar, and a beautiful sprung wooden dance floor. There is no minimum. The LETS ZYDECO shows are friendly community events, set up for dancing, socializing or listening. We welcome your attendance.  Sunday, May 4, 2008LI'L MO & the MONICATS go to Li'l Mo's CD Baby website A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky-Tonk Good time! Monica Passin (Li'l Mo), a regular attendee at Lets Zydeco events, brings her L'il Mo & the Monicats to Connollys for the second time. Her previous show was highlighted in The New Yorker, On The Horizon. Read all about it here. "Monica Passin, whose stage name is Li'l Mo, is one of New York's most committed and undiluted country singer-songwriters.... her second album, ... boasts superior writing in a variety of country sub-genres, great taste in cover songs, inspired playing, and vocals that are skilled, sincere, and transporting. Her talent deserves national recognition."- Jim Steinblatt, ASCAP News, Performing Songwriter Magazine Monica also has a burgeoning chocolate company called Painter Girl Chocolates with a portion of the profits going to benefit students of art and music in New Orleans. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $20 - pay at door Advance tickets not needed -- pay at the door, everyone will get in. Connolly's has a tasty and reasonably priced dinner menu, a full bar, and a beautiful sprung wooden dance floor. There is no minimum. The LETS ZYDECO shows are friendly community events, set up for dancing, socializing or listening. We welcome your attendance.  Sunday, April 20th, 2008Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys go to their site Rosie Ledet, "The Zydeco Sweetheart" from Church Point, Louisiana, has made quite a name for herself....having captured three of the "Best Of The Best" awards from Offbeat Magazine, including "Best Zydeco Band or Performer", "Best New Zydeco Group or Performer", and "Best Vocalist". She is one of the few younger Zydeco musicians who still writes and sings some of her material in Creole French. One of a handful of women in Zydeco, her warm stage presence combined with the infectious Zydeco beat, makes her irresistible to audiences. "Today's premier female artist is Rosie Ledet, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts right out of the club"... Wall Street Journal Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door  Sunday, April 13, 2008C.J. CHENIER & the RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND www.concertedefforts.com The Boston Globe calls him "The Crown Prince of Zydeco". Living Blues Magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist". To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier. Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of the Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie award. As the Chicago Defender aptly states, "Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen". Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door  Sunday, March 30, 2008 Johnny ace & sidewalk zydeco see their MySpace page here Johnny Ace & Sidewalk Zydeco are on a sacred mission to bring the Zydeco sounds of SW La. and East Texas to NYC and beyond. Like Johnny says in their show, ˇ§we put a NY edge to that Creole sound and when we hit the stage we donˇ¦t fool around. ˇ¨ Ferocious dance grooves are what the band is all about. Serious students of music and Zydeco, the band brings together their myriad influences including Salsa (Rey Rey on bass), Afro Beat (Turbo on drums), Ska and R&R, (Super Dave the Rock God on guitar), and Zydeco dancing (Mary from Tokyo on frattoir). Johnny Ace on single and triple row accordions has studied with Steve Riley, Step Rideau and Jeffrey Broussard and has been spotted on stage with Liˇ¦l Anne, Dexter Ardoin, T. Broussard, Big Red and Curley Taylor. Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $20 - pay at door  Sunday, March 9, 2008
Jesse Lege and Bayou Brew go to Jesse's Web site to learn more Acclaimed Cajun Musician Jesse Lege is one of the most admired Cajun accordionists and vocalists from Southwest Louisiana. Conducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame in 1998, Jesse has also received numerous awards from the Cajun French Music Association, including "Accordion Player of the Year", "Male Vocalist of the Year", "Band of the Year", and for 'Memories Dans Mon Coeur', "Song of the Year". "Lege's soaring voice resonates with ... piercing, yet beautiful heartache ... (he) possesses one of the truly great voices in contemporary Cajun Music." - LSU "His penetrating style and emotion-laden lyrics can make veteran festival producers such as this one weep backstage." - Barry Ancelet, Liberty Theatre Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary Cajun dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $20 - pay at door  Sunday, February 17, 2008STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS go to their site STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS are a phenomenon in the age of progressive Cajun music. Following in the footsteps of Dewey Balfa and BeauSoleil, they play the traditional dance music of Southwest Louisiana, recharging the songs of the past with the vitality of the present. Their dynamic music has awarded them much recognition, including 2 Grammy nominations, selection by the Smithsonian for their Folk Master Series, and winners of many CFMA awards for "Best Cajun Band of the Year", "Best Album of the Year", and "Best Accordion Lead". Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door  MARDI GRAS PARTY & SUPERBOWL SUNDAY PARTY with 50" FLAT SCREEN High Definition TV !!! Sunday, February 3, 2008 Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble go to their site: www.curleytaylor.com We have the APEX event: a TOP OF THE LINE BAND plus SUPER BOWL VIEWING!! "TOP LIVE SHOW" in TimeOut NY "Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" (Times of Acadia). Son of the famous Jude Taylor and long time drummer with Geno Delafose, Curley Taylor is generating widespread acclaim in his own right. The last NYC show at Connolly's was arguably one of the best shows of the year, and the previous time he played in NYC, Taylor was featured in TIMEOUT New York as "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK." Costumes are optional, Having fun is mandatory! Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door  Sunday, January 20, 2008 Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas Learn more at this site Nathan Williams' blend of zydeco follows the bluesy tradition started by Clifton Chenier. His R & B infected grooves reflect an easy going danceability that has made his versions of "Steady Rock" and "Your Mama Don't Know" hits in South Louisiana. Nathan & his band are simply one of the best zydeco groups playing today, matching superb musicianship and clever songs with a knack for keeping dancers on the floor. Nathan's compositions offer a rich experience for listeners as well as dancers, often incorporating touches of reggae, R & B, and rock. WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING "Williams pushes the simple, R&B-infected music into near pop perfection by placing strong melodies over the classic syncopated rhythms. As a songwriter Williams cannot be beat." Boston Globe, Clea Simon "One of the nation's premier dance bands. Where younger zydeco stars‚ music pumps his swings." - Blues Rag, Joan Keenan "Tooting saxophones, chicken scratch on the rubboard and zesty guitar licks that would make Snooks Eaglin proud. Hotter than Tobasco sauce on a crawdad."- Syracuse New Times, Allen Czelusniak "A dance king equipped with a gripping groove - a motorin' joy ride that cruises all the way through a happy fest for happy feet." - Off Beat, Dan Williging Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door Sunday, January 13, 2008GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE go to their site! We're happy to announce that "Le Cowboy Creole" the new CD by Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie has been honored with a nomination for the 50th Grammy Awards in the new Folk Music field category - Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album. Geno and the band are thrilled to be included in this chase and would like to congratulate thier fellow nominees Terrence Simien, Roddie Romero, The Pine Leaf Boys, The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Racines and Lisa Haley. Louisiana will definately be well represented at the Awards in Los Angeles on February 10th - Best of luck to all of the nominees! "one of the most versatile musicians in South Louisiana." - the Smithsonian/PBS Television documentary "...the young hope of traditional zydeco." - The Boston Herald Connolly's on 45th 121 West 45th (between 6th & Broadway) Music 7:30 to 11:00 pm Doors open at 6:00 for dining, drinks or socializing Complimentary dance lesson 6:30 Admission: $22 - pay at door |
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