2022 CANCELLED

 

                 

The 'American Cajun, Blues & Zydeco Festival' will NOT go on tour in 2022.

 

 

 With a heavy heart I need to cancel the 'American, Cajun Blues & Zydeco Festival 2022'.

After 2 years of Corona, it is unfortunately no longer feasible due to economic reasons.

 

It was a tough decision. I am emotionally attached to the music and the

tour, which I have been organizing for 20 years. Many jobs are attached to such a festival.

 

 

The cooperation with Petr Pandula and his agency Magnetic Music since 2013 has lifted the festival to

a much higher level with great venues and great concerts.

In 2023 we would celebrate the 20th anniversary.

 

The 'Lafayette Travel Commission' has supported us for 10 years. Thanks to Ben Berthelot.

 

As recently as July, I met the band 'Daiquiri Queens' in New York.

They were highly motivated and happy to finally come to Germany after 3 years.

Lynn August, Roddie Romero and Michael Juan Nunez were truly looking forward to return to

Germany. Ruben Moreno would have come for the fourth time.

 

But a shortfall in the low five figures is not a good start for a tour:

Nine of the festival's musicians are traveling from the United States.

Airfares have recently nearly doubled in just under 3 years.

In 2019 a ticket was between € 550 - € 650, in 2022 it is between € 900 and € 1200.

Luggage (and musicians need a lot due to their job)

must be paid piece by piece additionally.

 
 The dollar/Euro exchange rate has dropped in recent weeks almost to 1:1 to the Euro.

That is nice for the US tourists in Europe.

But the musicians' fees are always negotiated in dollars and not in Euro

and therefore the fees increase by 10% - 20% because of the exchange rate compared to the

negotiated fees in the previous years.

 Diesel price for band vans is about a 1/3 higher than 2019. Commuters know the extent.

 

  I would like to express my gratitude for almost 20 years of work, effort, patience, emotions, devotion and excitement to all musicians, fans, friends,

organizers, sponsors, sound technicians, crews, hotels, catering

and everyone for great concerts.      

               

  Michael Bentele (aka the suit)

 

 (Tour leader, founder of the festival, Cajun & Zydeco fan,

Cajun Roosters bassist until 2019)

 

 

 

                                              

                         

The Daiquiri Queens (USA)

 

First time in Europe 

           

 

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

 

                      Zydeco from Mr. Creole Cruiser 

                   

                                              

         Roddie Romero & Michael Juan Nunez (USA)

                                                 

                                        Swampblues Masters from Louisiana                            
                                                

                                                                          

 

 

                                                              

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

                                                                   

                                                                                               

                                                                                         

              

 

 

                                                                                

                                         

                                                      FESTIVAL HISTORY 2001 - 2018

 

Since 2001 the festival is on the road and 2020 it will tour again throughout Germany to bring authentic music from Louisiana to the fans and friends of Cajun, Blues and Zydeco. The festival honors these particular genres from Louisiana with artists from USA and Europe.

Over the last few years a new sound has been gaining momentum here in Europe. More and more bands have been visiting these shores bringing a new sound from over the atlantic ocean. This music is using familiar instruments like guitars, accordions and fiddles played in a way that is fresh and vibrant. Its home is in swamps and prairies of Southwest Louisiana but bands from over the seas are finding a warm welcome in clubs and festivals 3000 miles away from their roots. The music isn’t new of course, its traditions are centuries old but to many people here in Europe it comes like a breath of fresh air. With its driving beat, hearfelt emotions, and trance like melodies it strikes a chord with 21st century ears.

Dozens of artists from Europe and USA have been performing at the annual American Cajun Blues & Zydeco Festival:
Magnolia Sisters, Lil Buck Sinegal, Steve Riley & Racines Trio, T'Monde, Jeffery Broussard, Cedric Watson, Leon Chavis, Corey Ledet, Bobby Michot, Randy Vidrine, Mitch Reed, Cajun Roosters, Downtown Cajun Band, River Zydeco Band, Blue Bayou, Pain d’Mais, Mousse Espagnole, Zydecomotion, Zyderythmics, Cajun Pioneers, Des Fais Do-Do, ZigaZag, Zydeco Alligators, Zydeco Fever, Ludwig Seuss Band, Cajun Company, Breaux, Lil Jim and Deepzone Zydeco, Pete Contino Band, Sarah Savoy and The Francadians, ZydeGoNutz, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Mama Rosin, Lynn August, Brother Dege, Buddy Flett, Papa Mali Bluesconnection, Yvette Landry & Friends, Dwight Carrier, Ruben Moreno

 

                     

             

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