Ben and Debbie's Zydeco Dance Lessons
see where we're teaching in the DC metro area and beyond!

New in 2012:

We teach at Blob's Park in Jessup MD the 2nd friday each month. Although its usually does not include zydeco, it is Honkey Tonk Night! We are typically doing a survival lesson at the first break (around 8:30) the band starts at 8:00. It moves quickly, but we give you the basics of country swing, Texas 2-Step, Waltz, and Cha Cha. Come on out, order a chilled shot of apple schnapps from Max, and hit the floor for a fun-filled night! Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys is the anchor band with periodic guest appearances from other bands. Zydeco is featured irrecgularly at Blob's but that may change.....

June 2012: Blast From the Bayou. Strawberry Park, 42 Pierce Rd, Peston, CT 06365. Great lineup, lessons all weekend.

March 2012(?):
St. Petersburg Crawfish Festival. This festival may change locations in 2012. Stay tuned.

We've got some more festival teaching gigs in the works. Please check back soon.

Best source for updated information?
Go to:
http://www.wherewegotozydeco.com/index.html

Also it's always good to listen to Texas Fred the Zydeco Cowboy on WPFW 89.3 FM
on Sat from 2-4 PM for the latest happenings in DC, including local area dance lessons.

Music:

Often people new to zydeco dance ask for advice on what are good disks to buy specifically for dancing. As is the case with all genres of music, recorded zydeco music can come in differing styles, rhythms, tempos, melodies, and fidelity, all which ultimately determine its dancability. It can be frustrating trying to buy zydeco music when you are not familiar with artists' names or if faced with several disks of a particular artist, determining which one is best. My current personal favorite artists who provide a decent share of, in my opinion, dancable zydeco selections include (but are not limited to): Clifton Chenier, C.J. Chenier, Boo Zoo Chavis, John Delafose, Curley Taylor, Rosie Ledet, Chris Ardoin, Lynn August, Willis Prudhomme, Roy Carrier, Nathan Williams, Jude Taylor, Brian "Little Brian" Terry, Paul "J. Paul" Lawrence Grant, Stanley "Buckwheat Zydeco" Dural, Joe Walker, Lawrence "Black" Ardoin, Leo Thomas, Rockin Sidney, and Queen Ida, to only name a few.

Check out the book entitled "Kingdom of Zydeco" by talented music writer Michael Tisserand. The book examines zydeco music and those who have created it. Revealing interviews with important zydeco musicians are scholarly presented....with heart. The companion CD is now out. Has a great selection of artists and songs, some very obscure. Careful thought went into the selections.

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Information current as of 13 January 2012
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