Bands

Lynn August Band & spec. guest Ruben Moreno (USA)

2013-02-05T12:06:38+00:00

Ruben Moreno & Lynn August

One of zydeco's most versatile performers, Lynn August spiked his native southwestern Louisiana sound with elements of pop, gospel and R&B. Born in Lafayette on August 7, 1948, the blind August was encouraged by his mother to pursue a career in music, and he was raised on a steady diet of zydeco, New Orleans rhythm and blues and swamp-pop. After learning to play drums on an old wash basin, at the age of 12 he was recruited to play percussion with the legendary Esquerita, who convinced him to also take up the piano; a few years later, August made the switch to the Hammond B-3 organ as well. During the mid-1960s, he played with a young Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, later mounting a solo career as well as sitting in with a variety of local swamp-pop combos; he also led a big band, and even directed a church choir. In 1988, August turned to the accordion and began his zydeco career in earnest. In 2013 he did perform at the 'American CajunBlues & Zydeco Festival' and retuns in 2022 for anopther memorable performance with a five piece band with special guest Ruben Moreno on rubbaord

photo: Philip Gould

Daiquiri Queens (USA)

2015-01-16T15:56:04+00:00

Daiquiri Queens

A unique mix of musicians come together to form the Cajun power group, The Daiquiri Queens. Hailing from Lafayette area to New Orleans, this female-fronted group brings influences ranging from early-era Cajun standards performed with twin fiddles and haunting vocal harmonies sung in Louisiana French to today’s Cajun hits.

Formed out of old friendships and a love for traditional-style Cajun music, The Daiquiri Queens is Lafayette’s hottest new French Cajun band. With a deep appreciation for the music and culture, the Daiquiri Queens are here to stay.

Born out of close friendships and a mutual love of classic Cajun dance music, the Daiquiri Queens made their debut at the 2017 South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff. They have since gone on to become local Louisiana favorites for late-night dances and major festivals alike, performing at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Old Tone Roots Music Festival in upstate NY and Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette.

Fronted by guitarists Jamie Lynn Fontenot and Miriam McCracken, the Daiquiri Queens bring a fresh new take and style to traditional Louisiana French music. Their sibling-like harmonies, paired with the seasoned playing of accordionist John Dowden and fiddler Kelli Jones, infuse their music with a homespun and energizing feel. Chelsea Moosekian provides the drums in the rhythm section.

Their debut album, produced by Chris Stafford of Feufollet, was issued in 2020. The record is a perfect representation of the Daiquiri Queens’ sound — fun and upbeat interpretations of dancehall era two-steps and heartbroken waltzes featuring the Queens’ signature flair.

Jamie Lynn Fontenot - guitar/vocals

Miriam McCracken - guitar/vocals

Kelli Jones: fiddle/vocals

John Dowden - accordion/fiddle

Chelsea Moosekian - drums

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Roddie Romero & Michael Juan Nunez (USA)

2013-02-06T11:20:22+00:00

Michael Juan Nunez & Roddie Romero

Michael Juan Nunez and Roddie Romero, longtime friends from Lafayette, Louisiana will perform as a duo and play their version of Louisiana roots blues. Swamp Bluesmasters at its best.

Three times Grammy-Nominee Roddie Romero, performed in Yvette Landry's band at the ACBZF 2017. In 2018 we saw him with his trio. The audience was blown away by his guitar and accordion playing. But most of all the people liked his voice. Roddie lives and breathes the culture of South-Louisiana. From the love of his music to the dishes that simmer in his cast-iron pot.

One of his oldest friends is Michael Juan Nunez, who performed solo at the ACBZF in 2019. A native from Lafayette/Louisiana having released five CDs. His blues is fresh and wild. His songs are rooted in the tradition but he also reinvents the blues. No wonder that American filmmakers became aware of him and used his songs as soundtrack for the TV series 'True Blood'. He has performed with Henry Gray, Sonny Landreth, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Corey Harris, Doug Kershaw and the New Orleans legend Dr. John. He can often be heard in the band of Brother Dege.
In 2022 Roddie Romero and Michael Juan Nunez join the ACBZF. It will be a celebration for all blues guitarists.
"Bring on the Swamp Blues Masters!"