New beginnings are happening for Memorial Day weekend with a partnership between Sal's Production and Lagniappe Productions sponsoring a new Cajun and Zydeco festival in RI. The line-up promises to produce an energetic, rhythmic vibe and party atmosphere that won't quit for two full days of great dance 'til you drop music on May 24-25. The line up includes favorites:

• Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble
• Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners
• Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp
• Magnolia Cajun Band
• Li'l Anne and Hot Cayenne
• River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs

Six Bands, two full days of dancing pleasure are planned, rain or shine. Plus the promoters are hinting at more guests performers. The festival venue is perfect with an outside sheltered dance floor and an indoor dance hall that will accommodate nearly 500 people should the weather be uncooperative for outside festivities.

This festival is being organized by Chuck Wentworth and Joe. Chuck is the highly successful promoter for Rhythm and Roots and Joe has been, for many years now, sponsoring RI's local zydeco scene by bringing in Zydeco acts, regularly scheduled at the German Club in Pawtucket. Together they have organized a great festival line up to fill the gap left by the demise of the Spring Time Reunion festival in Salt Point NY.

I asked Joe – why now for a new festival? He explained that both he and Chuck had been looking for a three day weekend to hold Boogie Fest. This one is actually Boogie Fest II if you consider the highly successful 1 day event that was held in Foster RI two years ago over the 4th of July weekend. The Northeast dance community has asked repeatedly for a repeat of Boogie Fest so the timing seems right now.

The idea is to keep the festival small with a target attendance of at least 250 patrons. But, the festival is not small at its heart with all the elements of a great time including workshops, dance lessons, and a Cajun All-Star brunch on Sunday morning. There will be food vendors to include Joe and Paula's famous sausage and peppers. If vendor food is not to your liking, the festival is being held next to Box Seats, a locally owned award winning restaurant.

The festival is being held at the Smithfield Elks Lodge, 326 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI on picturesque Stump Pond. Rooms had been reserved at the Quality Inn in Smithfield RI but have sold out. Joe and Paula are working on making arrangements with another local hotel.

So put on your dancing shoes and let the music begin. And I'll see you there!

Festival Hours
Saturday 12pm -11pm
Sunday General admission 12pm-10pm

Sunday Brunch with Bayou Cajun All Stars 11am. Please note this early show is with purchase of brunch only. The Bayou Cajun Allstars will be a collaboration of Magnolia rhythm section, Dennis Stroughmatt, Michelle Kaminsky on fiddle, special guest Rose Sinclair on the steel guitar plus more to be revealed. Make your VIC reservations now for this special show!! {VIC: Very important Cajun}

Advance ticket sales:
Saturday $30, Sunday $30, 2 Day $50, Sunday Brunch $20
Deadline for advance ticket sales is May 17

At the Gate:
Saturday $35, Sunday $35, 2 Days $60 - Cash or Check only at gate!

The festival promoters are looking for a few volunteers for Memorial Day weekend to include: a set up assistant for the wooden dance floor, clean up assistance and a few parking attendants to keep it all in order. If you are interested in volunteering, e-mail Joe about your availability and help reduce your cost.

You can view the website here