Let's Zydeco!

LET'S KEEP SUPPORTING LIVE LOUISIANA MUSIC! CHECK THIS SITE FREQUENTLY FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
To book bands for other events, or for Cajun or Zydeco Dance Lessons, contact Laura at (917) 208-2432 or [email protected]

We're Back for our 30th SEASON!

Friday, April 12th, 2024
Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Top Live Show in NYC

Saturday, May 11th, 2024
Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers

And there are more shows to come...
To stay informed about upcoming events, join our email list: e-mail [email protected], or call 917-208-2432

Upcoming shows

Friday, April 12th, 2024

CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE

"TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK" ... TIME OUT NY

"Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" —Times of Acadia
 
curleytaylor.com

Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor

Son of the famous Jude Taylor, Curley Taylor has generated widespread acclaim in his own right. A previous NYC Let's Zydeco show at Connollys was featured in TIME OUT New York as the "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK" 

What the critics are saying:

"Curley's fourth CD (Zydeco Heart and Soul) is his most groundbreaking yet. He's part of the movement ushering in a new era of zydeco."– Dan Willging, Offbeat Magazine

"Some describe Curley taylor as a rising star, but to be candid, he is a star that has already risen. His incomparable talent as a musician is a rarity. Taylor's 'skill and will' to succeed is unbelievable to those who don't know him.  If the elevator to success would break down, Taylor would take the stairs." – Rev. C.J. Bell, Alexandria News Weekly

Connolly’s Pub (Times Square)
121 W 45th Street. 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036


Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot PeppersSaturday, May 11th, 2024

COREY ARCENEAUX & THE ZYDECO HOT PEPPERS

www.zydecohotpeppers.com

Come for fantastic music, dancing and a good time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!

Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco musician ... born into a famous musical family which includes the legendary Fernest Arceneaux & Rodney Bernard. He was surrounded by the zydeco greats his whole life. Cory picked up the accordion at age 10, and in 1994 he was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Performer" in the Zydeco People's Choice Awards.

His first LETS ZYDECO NYC show in 2023 was fabulous !!!! Corey Arceneaux is what many people call a new breed of zydeco musicians. With a creative blend of R&B, enhanced with a traditional zydeco style ... and with his band "The Hot Peppers" .... it's gonna be a Hot Louisiana Night in NYC!

Connolly’s Pub (Times Square) 
121 W 45th Street. 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036 

PREVIOUS SHOWS

Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected], or for more info, call (212) 685-7597

Sunday, March 3rd, 2024

THE LUSTRE KINGS

Rockabilly at its best!
lustrekings.com

Watch their video: https://youtu.be/xYua80pUKoE

We're thrilled to be welcoming one of the top Rockabilly Dance Bands back to Connolly's. The Lustre Kings boast a devoted international fan base and they continue to tear up the road every year. Gamsjager has been a guest at prestigious venuxes ranging from the Kennedy Center to the Montreal Jazz Fest. The Lustre KIngs have accompanied Wanda Jackson, the famed "Queen of Rock" for many years, and frequently work with other seasoned artists like Bill Kirchen, Eddie Angel and Robert Gordon.

Wanda Jackson says, "I have worked with many bands around the world through the years, and none are better than Mark Gamsjager and the Lustre Kings. Their fine showmanship and musical ability make them the greatest in my book. THEY ROCK!!"


C.J. ChenierFriday, February 9th, 2024

C.J. CHENIER &
the RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND

Come to a Mardi Gras Ball! 
Free Beads! Masks & Costumes encouraged!

"The Crown Prince of Zydeco," Grammy Nominated - 2011 www.officialcjchenier.com

Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER

Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - 
Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor


Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
"Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender 

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 wild 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. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.


L'il Mo & the MonicatsSaturday, January 20, 2024

L'IL MO & THE MONICATS

A Classic Country,
Rockabilly Swing,
Honky-Tonk Good Time!
www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats  

 

 

Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.  
The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs.

We hope to have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show! Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent  Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”

(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)


Sunday, December 3, 2023

RUBEN MORENO &
ZYDECO RE-EVOLUTION

Let's Zydeco Holiday Party

"A Rising Young Star"  Peace, Love & Honky Tonk 
"Best New Band" — 2012 Zydeco Music Awards
rubenmusik.com

Returning to NYC for our momentous 30th year season, Ruben Moreno is a talented and dedicated young Houston musician, with ideals and high values. We are delighted to include him in our current Lets Zydeco roster. At the ripe old age of 31 Ruben Moreno is a veteran of the musical road, having begun playing professionally at age 13, and hitting the road at age 15, playing Rubboard with some of Zydeco's greatest performers such as CJ Chennier, Leroy Thomas and Andre Thierry. Drawing on his rich musical roots, he brings a fresh new energy and vision to the Creole Zydeco he loves. 

Ruben Moreno captures both the Louisiana and the Texas Zydeco sound. His shows have been energetic, amazing and inspiring. Visit his website and you will get a glimpse of "So who, exactly, is Ruben Moreno?"

Watch a video of Ruben Moreno showing how it's done on accordion at Eagles Hall in Alameda CA.


Creole StompFriday, November 17, 2023

DENNIS STROUGHMATT
& CREOLE STOMP

A Cajun Creole Honkytonk Party!

creolestomp.com

 

 

Creole Stomp has captured the ears and the feet of Louisiana music fans across North America. Led by French-speaking Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco dance tunes. 

Creole Stomp shows have become legendary for the heart and passion conveyed from the stage—music with emotion and energy that literally jumps from the band. In fact, over the years the band has become informally known as “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music,” for their well-oiled, dancer-driven, crowd-pleasing marathon jams and improvisation. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues and mazurkas.

A favorite on the Cajun-zydeco dance circuit, the band has also become a celebrated fixture at venues around the United States, ranging from park concerts and theaters to folk and blues festivals. No matter the venue, wherever they come from, and wherever they go, Creole Stomp is a band that knows how to throw a Louisiana party!


Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers

Friday, May 12, 2023

Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers

www.zydecohotpeppers.com

Come for fantastic music, dancing and a good time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!

Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco musician ... born into a famous musical family which includes the legendary Fernest Arceneaux & Rodney Bernard.He was surrounded by the zydeco greats his whole life. Cory picked up the accordion at age 10, and in 1994 he was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Performer" in the Zydeco People's Choice Awards.

Corey Arceneaux is what many people call a new breed of zydeco musicians. With a creative blend of R&B, enhanced with a traditional zydeco style ... and with his band "The Hot Peppers" .... it's gonna be a Hot Louisiana Night in NYC


C.J. ChenierWednesday, April 12, 2023

C.J. CHENIER  & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND

"The Crown Prince of Zydeco" 
Grammy Nominated - 2011
www.officialcjchenier.com

Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER: http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH

Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor

Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist." "Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender 

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 wild 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. C.J. has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.


L'il Mo & the MonicatsSaturday, April 22, 2023

L'IL MO & the MONICATS

www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats 

A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky Tonk Good Time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!

Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.  

The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. We have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show!

Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent  Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”

(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)


C.J. ChenierSaturday, April 23, 2022

C.J. CHENIER  & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND


"The Crown Prince of Zydeco" 
Grammy Nominated - 2011

www.officialcjchenier.com

Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER: http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH

Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - 
Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor

Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
"Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender 

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 wild 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. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.


Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn. photo by Misha Erwitt

Saturday, April 9, 2022

L'IL MO & the MONICATS

A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky Tonk Good Time

At Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound

www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats 

Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s on April 9th. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.  

The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. We have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show!

Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent  Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”

(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)

VIEW LISTINGS OF PAST YEARS AND SHOWS HERE!!!

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Terrance Simian & the Zydeco Experience celebrates Let's Zydeco's 25 year anniversary

Cheers to Laura Selikson & Friends for their 25th year presenting the very best in Louisiana zydeco + Cajun music!

She’s got a killer line up so far for her 25th, and we’re honored to be part of this important celebration. We’ve been in the game for 35 years and performed on some of the coolest stages in NYC: Central Park fundraiser w/Dr. John, Celebrate Brooklyn (they are really good friends of the band who still present us!), Tramps, LoneStar Cafe, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Outdoors, Midsummer Night Swing, etc. etc.

Over the years many presenters have simply stopped presenting this, dynamic + lively + joyful American black roots music genre, but Laura has kept it alive and in the hearts and heads of people who patronize her shows. Merci beaucoup to you Laura, fro TS + TZE

View photos of Let's Zydeco Events taken by Steve Harris:


View photos of...
The Pine Leaf Boys, L'Angelus, Curly Taylor, Leroy Thomas, Steve Riley, The Savoy Family Band

Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected]


NY Times Pop Music Listings , January 26, 2018 Highlights Let's Zydeco's 25 Year Anniversary (thank you Jon Pareles)

Leroy Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Let's Zydeco shows highlighted in THE NEW YORKER - October 20, 2014

http://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/lets-zydeco-6


LET'S ZYDECO and C.J. CHENIER featured prominently in the March 3rd, 2014 issue of The New Yorker...

(the entire page 7 "Goings on About Town" with commissioned photograph by Dan Winters)
http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH


LET'S ZYDECO featured in Sunday, May 26th, 2013 New York Times,

with feature article by Bryan Miller & photographs by Bryan Thomas ..."Amid the Din, Les Bons Temps Rouler"
http://nyti.ms/13Nr58h


Celebrated Pine Leaf Boys Cajun band comes to Connolly's (Video)
http://exm.nr/13gLnLy


LET’S ZYDECO: New York Woman Brings Southern Culture to the Big Apple
http://bit.ly/12rvzSB


LETS ZYDECO'S shows featured in The Sunday New York Times,2/17/13, Arts and Leisure Section, with article "MARDI GRAS FLAVOR FOR NEW YORK" by Jon Pareles http://ow.ly/hLrsa

Follow up to Benefit for the Siller Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Fund:

Last month's event with Rosie Ledet, Actor Michael Cerveris and his band Loose Cattle, and Evacuteer.org was an amazing success. We were able to donate approx $3,000 to The Siller Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Foundation. And also make connections with New Orleans, and also NOLA transplants in NYC. Thanks to all of you who participated.

Let's Zydeco was in the news again for the special Bye Bye Hurricane Season event.

Two Hurricane Sandy benefit dance parties one in New York City, one in New Orleans – linked live in real time this Friday, via Skype and big screen TVs. The Big Apple and the Big Easy have always shared a love of good music, good food and good times. Now, of course, NYC and NOLA share hurricane survival and recovery."

Read the article by Evelyn Kanter, here:
NY On The Cheap


Everyone's talking about Let's Zydeco

In an Examiner article entitled Laura Selikson's Let's Zydeco still strong in New York after 17 years, Jim Bessman wrote:

"It's another Louisiana Saturday – night except it's at Connolly's Irish pub/restaurant just off Times Square, where it's packed tighter than crawfish in a trap at another Laura Selikson-hosted Let's Zydeco dance party. She's been bringing top South Louisiana dance bands - including BeauSoleil, The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, The Pine Leaf Boys, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, along with newer groups like L'Angelus, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble--once or twice monthly ever since January, 1993.

Read the full text of Jim Bessman's article at examiner.com


The New Yorker features Let's Zydeco, and Rosie Ledet, again!

View a fabulous illustration of Rosie Ledet that appeared in print and online at newyorker.com.


Let's Zydeco is on Youtube.com

Check out this awesome video of Cajun fiddle band L'Angelus, shot at a Let's Zydeco event at Connolly's, NYC, October 2009

 

In the News:

The Saturday, March 6, 2010 LETS ZYDECO show with Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys was chosen by THE NEW YORK POST's "Weekend Calendar: Hot Picks in Entertainment" They only choose 2 film, one news event, one art event, and one music event, and this show was the one Music Event chosen for the weekend (NY Post, 3/5/10) Thanks to the Post!

In addition, the show was in The New Yorker & Time Out. Our Mardi Gras event with C.J. Chenier was featured in Newsday, The New York Times, The New Yorker and Time Out NY, also on WFDU & WFUV.

Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected]


Born on the Bayou, Let's Zydeco and Cajun with Laura Selikson at Connolly's an article by Bonnie Rosenstock on exploredance.com March 8, 2009

This article gives a great description of our events, and at the bottom are some wonderful photos View Explore Dance article


ABC/Disney uses band Sidewalk Zydeco
in their new TV series, CUPID. Stay tuned for broadcast dates!


September 8, 2006 - 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
in The New York Sun

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


September 19, 2008 - Highlighting our new season, WFUV.FM 90.7 does a set featuring Zydeco stars from our line-up.


August 1, 2008 - Radio interview with Dikki-Du on WFDU.FM 89.1 explaining zydeco music, highlighting our show tonight, and extending a special invitation to Katrina and Rita transplants.


August 1, 2008 - New York Sun, highlights LETS ZYDECO in the MUSIC section, under the heading "Let's Go Out This Weekend: Zydeco Whim X August 1, 2008," written by Neil Gluckman.


May 20, 2007 - The New York Times, Metro section, p 26, acknowledges LETS ZYDECO, and Laura stars in the top photo!
Link to NYTimes article


March 4, 2007 - Read this New York Times article about The Pine Leaf Boys who appeared at LETS ZYDECO March 4th show at Connolly's in NYC. Download the NY Times article as a PDF


December 3, 2008 -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.


Since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, LET'S ZYDECO held a 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.

Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected]


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!