Cajun and Zydeco Music
. 'Cajun' and 'Zydeco' are two types of lively dance music developed by the french speaking people of southern Louisiana. The accordian, or Zoot Box, is the heart of both genres. 'Cajun' is similar to the folk dance music of Europe. 3/4 time is the most common rhythm. 'Zydeco' on the other hand, is an American invention. 2/4 time is the most common rhythm.
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Zoot Alors!- Beau Jocque |
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Allez Zoot!- 'Bois Sec' |
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Zydeco dancing differs from Cajun, and other traditional folk dancing,
because weight is kept on the heels, as opposed to the toes. Zydeco
also 'loses' a step each measure. This loss of a step, called
"eating-a-beat" makes Zydeco dancing sophisticated and challenging. Zydeco (from the French word for "green beans") began in the mid 1900s. Since the 1950s Zydeco has spread throughout North America, and even Europe.. Thanks to migration of Lousiana laborors to the shipyards of Northern California in WWII, the San Franciso Bay Area has become the second home of Zydeco.
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During the summer music festival season, there are numerous Cajun and
Zydeco festivals in northern California. (There are even Cajun and
Zydeco festivals in Europe, such as the 'Zydecozity' festival in
Holland. Dutch and German Cajun and Zydeco Bands include: www.zydeco-playboys.com, www.riverzydeco.nl, and www.allezmamma.nl .
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Cajun Gumbo and Crab-etouffee |
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