|
|
 |
Concert Preview
|
| Click Here to go back. |
Standard Times , Concert Preview >>
Mardi Gras Ball returns to Rhodes Ballroom
The 14th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball takes place Saturday, February 25, at the Rhodes-On-The-Pawtuxet Ballroom, 60 Rhodes Place., Cranston, at 7 p.m. to midnight.
The ball features Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie and Balfa Toujours. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tables of 10 (sold in advance only) are $325. The ball features a costume contest, Cajun & Creole cuisine for purchase and a cash bar. To purchase tickets, send a check or money order and SASE to Lagniappe Productions, 255 Holly Rd., Wakefield, RI 02879. For more information call 783- 3926 or go to www.mardigrasri.com. Part of the proceeds will benefit Very Special Arts Rhode Island.
On hand for the ball will be three bands all of the same generation who grew up immersed in the music of Louisiana. Steve Riley grew up in Cajun fiddle ambassador, Dewey Balfa's band and studied Dewey's style. His new CD with the
Mamou Playboys is sung in his native French, creating a chain reaction of tradition, innovation and beauty and presents the music of south Louisiana at the level of the finest in folk and world music. In Steve's own words the title Dominos, reflects "the domino effect people have on one .particularly the effect the older generation of musicians has had on us, and the effect we are now having on the younger generation." The band's previous CD, Bon Reve, was nominated for Grammy.
Dewey's daughter, Christine Balfa, heads up Balfa Touiours (translated Balfa Always) carrying on her late father's Cajun music traditions. Christine's husband, Dirk Powell, renowned for his accordion and fiddle playing, has played with Sting and Jewel. He adds his talents along with Kevin Wimmer, who learned directly from Dewey and is considered to be one of the finest fiddlers in Cajun music today, and Courtney Granger, Christine's younger cousin, who represents the next generation.
Geno Delafose, who started in his father John Delafose's band at age 8, has risen to be come one of the most popular artists in Zydeco music. He has shared the stage many times with both Christine and Steve, who have brought him into places in Louisiana where previously black musicians were not allowed to play, doing so at the risk of their own careers. Geno has been called a "Keith Richards kind of player" with "killer licks" on the accordion. He received the Best Zydeco Artist Award at the 2003 Big Easy Awards in New Orleans.
The annual Mardi Gras celebration takes place each February in New Orleans over a 2V - period ending with Fat Tuesday and the beginning of Lent. All across the state traditions are celebrated differently in the various regions. Rhode Island's annual Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball brings a sampling of these traditions together, with many attendees turning out for the costume contest dressed in lavish costumes, some with small floats. Others get into the spirit just by wearing masks or Mardi Gras accessories. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes, Cajun and Creole food is available for purchase by the Chili Brothers.
02/23/06
|
| Click Here to go back. |
|
 |
|
|
|
