I was inspired to start a blog about musical happenings in cities around the US after a media tour of Southwestern Louisiana, birthplace to both Cajun and zydeco music and a super place to hear those genres live. It seemed like everywhere we went there was live music and dancing!

Our tour was focused around Lafayette’s annual Festival International de Louisiane held in late April. The festival hosts performances of fantastic world musicians and local acts on four stages right in downtown Lafayette. This festival has a great feel to it—it’s friendly, free, and safe, and people of all ages were enjoying the music.

Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys

Some of the memorable acts that I saw were local bands Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys and Lil’ Nathan & the Zydeco Experience.

Plus there were international and national acts like Red Baraat, Umalali, Toubab Krewe, and the MarchFourth Marching Band, performing on four different stages.

MarchFourth Marching Band

To celebrate the festival, cyclists from around the country gather each year for the zydeco tour, which circles Lafayette through some of the finest music making land and the birthplace of Cajun and zydeco music. Of course there are great local food stops and live music along the way. We watched the tour begin and then caught up with the bikers at the famous Evangeline Oak and St. Martinsville for food and live zydeco music.

Cycle zydeco riders from Kansas City.

I saw many live music venues during my visit. At Café Des Amis in Breaux Bridge patrons line up as early as 7:00 am for a place at the Zydeco Breakfast. Once the music starts to play people start dancing on the floor until it is literally shaking.

Lil' Pookie & the Zydeco Sensations at Café Des Amis.

Nearly every venue we visited from Randol’s Cajun Restaurant to the Blue Dog Café featured live zydeco or Cajun music. I enjoyed talking to and photographing all the musicians who were both passionate about their music and friendly.

Cajun musicians at Blue Dog Café.