Life just doesn't get any better than this; 6 hours of the best Louisiana bands playing here in the northeast. New Orleans isn't the only place that parties hardy for Mardi Gras. Complete with its own Mardi Gras parade of costumes, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet hosted Lapagniappe Production's 14th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration. The Mardi Gras Ball at Rhodes has become one of the biggest annual events celebrating Cajun, Creole and Zydeco traditions in New England, drawing more the 1200 revelers primarily from New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many thanks to Chuck Wentworth and crew for yet again another wonderful party.

Kicking the evening off, Balfa Toujours with Christine Balfa, Dirk Powell, Kevin Wimmer and Courtney Granger, got the crowd on its feet with their style of traditional Cajun music. Christine is the youngest daughter of Dewey Balfa who is credited for taking Cajun music outside of SWLA and whose dream has been to keep the Cajun culture alive. Dirk Powell's, Christine's husband, talent is legendary inside and outside the Cajun music scene and is particularly steeped in the Cajun, Appalachian Mountain and Bluegrass traditions. Kevin Wimmer studied under Dewey Balfa and is considered one of the best Cajun fiddlers. Courtney Granger, grand nephew of Dewey, at 18yo, represents the future of Cajun music. Courtney's smile and energy was quite engaging. Rounding out the band during their Rhode's Mardi Gras set was a surprise guest with Geno Delafose on drums. It didn't take long for the dancers to catch this unusual but memorable twist. Geno commented that if he keeps it up he might just get good at it.

Following Balfa Toujours, Geno picked up his accordion and was joined by his band, the French Rockin' Boogie. Geno and his band play to the dancers while staying true to the Creole tradition in which Geno was schooled at his dad's, John Delafose, side. Geno delivered a mix of traditional Creole standards and contemporary Zydeco mixed with a few waltzs and slow bluesy tunes. The dance floor was a swaying mass of Zydeco dancers. When an exceptional Zydeco band, such as Geno, gets cranking there is a very distinctive bounce of energy that can be felt across the dance floor. For an hour and ½ that dance floor rocked in a steady rhythm.

Throughout the evening, the feel of the true Mardi Gras party permeated the atmosphere in the hall. Sparkles and confetti floated down from the upper balconies and beads were in the air to be captured. Smiling faces and hugs galore were passed around as old and new friends danced and chatted together. The much anticipated costume parade took front and center in the hall following Geno's set. Everyone was anticipating the spectacular crew efforts and wondering whether the Crewe de Glue would be overturned this year in their crowned glory. But as great as the palm trees were and as authentic as the brass band looked, the Crewe de Glue once again executed a traditional extravaganza with a float of people carrying the Mardi Gras King and Queen on a papier-mâché face and butt end. Congratulations Crewe de Glue!

After the costume parade, Steve Reiley and the Mamou Playboys took the stage. Steve and his band are no strangers to the northeast dance community and the dance crowd was already on a high. A versatile band, Steve is loved for his highly energetic and danceable progressive Cajun music. Steve along with founding band member David Greeley (a wonderful fiddler) have quite successfully taken the Mamou Playboys beyond the traditional Cajun two step and waltz to stretch the possibilities of a new sound within an old tradition. The dance floor continued to pulsate with people grooving to a wonderful dance beat.

The closing jam session brought Geno Delafose, Dirk Powell, Kevin Wimmer, and Courtney Granger back on stage with Steve and his band. Steve switched off to the fiddle, while Geno led with the accordion for a few tunes. The music then broke to a few fiddle tunes while Geno took to the drums once again. It was wonderful to hear this incredible group of talented musicians all playing together. The collaboration of traditional Cajun, progressive Cajun and Geno's Creole influences made for an impromptu set that will never be repeated exactly the same again. It was a magical experience to witness the fusion of music from these two diverse French cultures of SWLA, each rich in its history yet with contemporary appeal when melded together in the dance hall. Keep jamming guys!

You might like the following CDs:
Dominos - Steve Reiley and the Mamou Playboys

La Chanson Perdue - Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie

Live at Wiskey River Landing - Balfa Toujours