Wow, did we have a great time over New Year’s in Lafayette. To begin,
Geno played at the Rock ‘n’ Bowl in N.O. on Wednesday. Thursday there were
numerous zydeco events in the Lafayette area. Friday, Geno was great for
NYE at Vermilionville. Keith Frank played to a smaller crowd at the Zydeco
Hall of Fame in Lawtell. Saturday was the Tribute to Roy Carrier at Slims Y
Ki Ki in Opelousas. It was a packed house success with 10-11 bands
beginning at 2 PM. Troy “Dikki Du” Carrier put on a fabulous event to honor
his father, and collet funds to begin refurbishment of the Off Shore Lounge
in Lawtell. Deb Waldman’s house party was a great success.
Sunday, a small group danced to Gerard Delafose at Vermilionville. Later, a
packed house danced to Geno at Whiskey River Landing, and still later to
Curley Taylor at Wranglers.
My highlight of the weekend was the blues jam Sunday afternoon at
Somewhere’s Else at 1506 Surrey. The musicians were awesome. It was being
filmed as a future documentary. Jude Taylor (Curley’s father) has a
wonderful voice, & his sideman guitar player was fabulous. Curley played
drums. Chubby Carrier got me a commemorative poster of the event which I
intend to frame. Unfortunately, the club was tiny & packed shoulder to
shoulder, plus it was not widely advertised. But, what a treat!
Everyone said the Holiday Inn is a huge step up for accommodations. We will
have a block of rooms there for Mardi Gras in March, Festivals Acadiens in
October, and next New Year’s weekend.
Thanks to all who came and shared the great time. It is the best New Year’s
party in the country!!!
Dick Brainard
Dancing Gator logo created by Patty Kadel