The contracts are signed and we are pleased to announce this year’s bands.
Lil’ Brian & The Travelers Lil’ Brian & The Travelers have developed a reputation as the most innovative and musically accomplished zydeco band on the scene. Brilliantly drawing upon contemporary urban black sounds while remaining respectful and true to their zydeco roots, Lil’ Brian and The Travelers have created an incredibly exciting modern form of zydeco music that is both rhythmically and lyrically sophisticated and just plain unbelievably funky! They have dubbed their music Z-Funk.
The Crawdaddies The Crawdaddies infuse Cajun, zydeco, blues, ska, roots, rock ,and reggae into an incomparable, groove-laden sound that is unquestionably its own. The Crawdaddies have blend some of the hottest, accordion – driven, feel – good styles to create a sound that defies you to sit still! Consummate headliners, the eclectic, good-time spirit of their set has allowed The Crawdaddies to share the stage with a wide range of artists including: Etta James, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, and more.
Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars When you’re raised on the zydeco and Cajun sounds of Southwest Louisiana and the groove of New Orleans, you can’t go wrong. Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars are sure to pack the dance floor with their unmatched blend of South Louisiana rhythm and soul. Roddie’s passionate vocals, pumping accordian and mastery of the slide guitar leads the funkified groove of his talented band, the Hub City All-Stars. You will not only experience great, original music at a Hub City All Stars’ concert, but you’ll witness the tightest band from the swamps of Louisiana put on an electrifying show.
Goin’ Back to the Big Easy
Based out of New Orleans since 1990, Rockin’ Jake relocated briefly to Ft. Worth, TX after being flooded out by Hurricane Katrina, then settled in St. Louis where he now makes his home. Rockin’ Jake has been hailed by many as one of the premier harmonica players in the country. His original sound is a hybrid of second line, swamp funk, blues and zydeco.
Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp Every now and again a band comes along that redefines a genre of music and carries it even further. That group is Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp. Always leaving audiences wondering “who are they?,” and “where do they come from?,” Dennis and CS are based in southern Illinois and happily tell audiences “we are from upper Louisiana.” While this may bring chuckles from many and nodding heads from others “in the know,” this is the group that does represent “old upper Louisiana.” Dennis learned to speak French and play French Creole music in a southeast Missouri French Creole community before moving to the state of Louisiana.
Backwater Bayou Band
5 musicians, 15 instruments – blending Cajun, Zydeco, Dixieland jazz, rhythm & blues, the band’s own originals, and that’s New Orleans street music. If you’ve never been down Bourbon Street, this band will take you there!
River City 6
A versatile ensemble dedicated to great entertainment and professional excellence. As educators, band members are especially proud of their role in bringing the history of jazz and improvisation. Originally formed in 2001, they have quickly grown to be one of the most popular groups in the Quad City area.
River City Dixie, Racing, Marching Society Goodtime Brass BandBringing the charm and excitement of the spontaneous parades of New Orleans, this exceptional 10-piece band will march through the streets in authentic “second-line” parade fashion. Be sure to get in line and floow along to the great brass band sounds.
