Mamou- Cajun Music Capital

[ballinameen]

Been up half the night and most of the day listening to this Beautiful Music. I love it.

[ballinameen]

Been up half the night and most of the day listening to this Beautiful Music. I love it.

[ballinameen]

Just an Irishman from New York who loves this Music.

[Rdezo]

@ballinameen = Happy St Patrick's Day ! Like you, I love folk music also.

[mamoubean]

@MrPierremiller

The Balfa brothers are from Mamou, I grew up in the same neighborhood about 5miles west of Mamou.

I went to school with Tony (Mr. Rodneys son)

[davidcrco]

THANKS FOR THE POST......

[MrPierremiller]

IT WAS THE GREEN LANTERN IN LAWTELL, AND BORQUE'S IN LEWISBURG...SO MANY PEOPLE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THESE TWO PLACES

[Rdezo]

@MrPierremiller That is correct. As I stated, they were from the surrounding area around Mamou and , during the 50's and 60's, played in MAMOU more than in Eunice, Basile, Church Point, etc.

[MrPierremiller]

ARE ALL THOSE MUCISIANS FROM MAMOU ,LOUISIANA ?

[Rdezo]

@MrPierremiller No, some are from the surrounding area. They all performed regularly in Mamou. Many were actually born and lived in Mamou.

[mistergato23]

Hohner makes a cheap cajun accordian in C to get started.

Call Marc Savoy and order a real one .Hope this helps.

Dave Doyle

Pasadena,Calif

[palfab962]

Does anyone out there know who to contact to perhaps obtain a small cajun music style accordian, I heard some swiss guys on the radio saying how they got one from a maker in louisiana, can anyone help ??

[Rdezo]

@palfab962 : Bryan LaFleur, a cajun from the Mamou La. area builds and sell them. Here is his email address: blafleur@hotmail.com

Also, Marc Savoy, the most famous accordian maker in Louisiana ( Eunice La.) sells them but I'm sure there is a waitng period. Here is his email address: ann@annsavoy.com

[palfab962]

whooa superb, made in down to louisiana in 1992 ish i think on a harley rented in virginia, saw DL play, wonderful memories, a cajun fan from across the pond

lovely mix of pace and styles - sweet

[Rdezo]

@palfab962 : by virtue of the fact that you rode a hog all the way down to Louisiana for a dose of cajun culture/music , and DL Menard left a positive & lasting impression on you, tells me "you get it." For that, I annoint you a certified Born Again Cajun ! lol Come back soon. Next year is Mamou's ( Cajun Music Capitol of the world) 100 year birthday celebration. A good time to visit.

[FuNkYRoOsTeR69]

I was Born and raised not far from Big Mamou. This post brings back Many memories of spending time with my grandma who is now gone and I miss her very much. Thanks for posting this

[Rdezo]

Aorkc: thanks. Yep, listened to some Irish clips and our music is similar. I enjoyed it.

[aorkc]

am from cork, ireland. this fantastic music is very similar to traditional irish music. check out "galway girl" by moby. be happy and love xxx

[theDutchbandSomS]

we love it.

[theDutchbandSomS]

love it.

[muisire]

In 1956 I was 18 and living in Dublin, ireland. By then i had already come to expect to hear some cajun music on Ireland's national radio - Radio Éireann where I had first heard cajun a year or so previously.

I am still enchanted and would love to visit Louisiana but like 'Shantyman47' I have left it too late but the miracle of Youtube allows me to let's pretend whenever I like.

You video montage is absolutely wonderful - thanks very much for posting it for all faraway friends and admirers.

[clunday202813]

Out of curiosity... What is the name of the song @ 5:30 and who sings it ?(very beautiful) And also at 7:00 another great tune. Or if you know where to go to purchase an album of the artist(s) I would definitely purchase. Thank you

[Rdezo]

@clunday202813 : "La Valse de Kaplan" by THE BALFA BROTHERS and "EUNICE WALTZ" by STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS.

These musicians are giants in the Louisiana cajun music genre. You can purchase their music from FLOYDS RECORD SHOP out of Ville Platte La. Google them.

[DBRielly]

What a lovely walk through your memory. Thank you.

- D.B.

[Rdezo]

@DBRielly , I enjoy your stuff also.

[Melora84]

Another great video, Richard.

It is like a trip home.

Kathy Bihm

[Rdezo]

Hello Kathy.

Happy you enjoyed the old pics and music. I enjoy hearing from Mamouians so thanks for the nice words. Happy Mardi Gras RD

[petedako]

Merci & Thank you kindly Mr. Rdezo, and greetings from Toronto, Canada! I have watched this video so many times now I've decided to come down to the Mardi Gras at Mamou! It'll be my first time there and I'm really looking forward to it! :)

[Rdezo]

@petedako, if you enjoy our culture and Mamou Mardi Gras, you should attend the : 2010 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week coming up Friday-Friday, April 16-23 at beautiful Chicot State Park. I can assure you, you will be impressed. Bring your musical instrument and play music with the Cajuns. 1

[slb928]

My dad was born in Mamou in 1934. I remember him taking us to Fred's Lounge back in the 60's. I really don't remember too much about that trip.

[MrJerry1949]

I remember all to well.  Still live the lifestyle.

[Shantyman47]

I wish I had known about this stuff when I was young. I'd have saved up my pennies and moved out to La.

I been 3 times, but now I am retired can no longer afford the trip from UK.

Thanks so much for putting this on and for the text with it.

[meloderon]

Awesome photos.

Thanks for sharing

[pomea]

Fantastic! Lots of photos I have never seen before. Thanks so much for this video!

[txstoryteller]

Great vid; wonderful music! Laissez les bon temps rouler, chere'! FIVE stars!