IMPORTANT NOTE! I only check this email inbox once a week! If you have a time-sensitive comment or question, please call me at 562-708-8946 or email me at: karinovations@verizon.net. If you email me and I don't respond, CALL me, as I didn't receive the email.
Gator Gazette Copyright August 26, 2008, Karen Redding, All Rights Reserved
Hi All,
Many of you have been tensely watching the path of Hurricane Gustav these past several days, as you have family in Louisiana and nearby areas that were / are impacted by the storm. Some of you live in the path of the storm. I hope you and all your loved ones are safe and well, and that those who have endured hardship and loss will be able to get back on their feet again very soon.
It has been a blessing that the hurricane did not have the impact on New Orleans it could have and that the levees held.
Here's this week's Gazette:
This Week at the Golden Sails
Zydeco Birthdays!
Dance Etiquette Tip!
This Weekend, Sept 6, 7: Sebastapol Festival in Bay Area, Lobster Fest in Long Beach
Next Weekend: Sept 13, 14: T-Lou, Kevin Naquin! Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp
Passing of Bruce Daigrepont's Parents
Day Trippin' in Southern Cal - Road trip to Big Bear, Wrighwood
Wrightwood Mountain Music Festival
Vernon Davis
Trouble the Water
Uncle Darrow's Has the Blues
Blazin' Hog Bar-B-Que and Zydeco Festival
34th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade!
Zydeco Dance Instruction Available
Upcoming California Festivals
Upcoming Dances / Events 2008 - More New Listings!
Bands / Other Zydeco Links
Weekly Thursday Night Info
_______________________________________________
This Week at the Golden Sails
Moves this week: Inside and Outside Turns, Alternating Opens
Special Promotion: One FREE 30 Minute Private Dance Lesson to the person who has the best new idea for promoting Thursday night Zydeco at the Golden Sails! Come this Thursday night with your idea for getting more dancers into the Golden Sails. All ideas will be reviewed by me during the break, (that means you have to give me your idea in writing before the break). The winner will be announced at 8 PM.
If there's something special you want to watch on TV, remember there are THREE big flat-screen TV's in the club. You can watch your show and zydeco too!
Just a reminder: You're welcome to come after the lesson for the CD dance. Price is $7 for either or both!
As always, here's the weekly lesson info:
Here's the info:
Zydeco Dancing EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: (562) 596-1631
Cover: $7 (Pay Karen, get your name tag)
Basic Zydeco Lesson: 7:00 PM -7:30 PM
Intermediate / Advanced Moves: 7:30-8:00 PM
CD Dancing 8:00-9 PM or so
Bar Happy Hour with free food! 4-7 PM
Beginners, singles, all over 21 welcome!
Group Discounts Available!
Zydeco Birthdays!
I am just getting started with my list of birthdays, so I only have one for September. Guess who it is? Bennie Gibbs! Happy Birthday Bennie!
Send in your birthdays and other special occasions. I'll be happy to list them in the Gazette! If you like, let me know and we can have a cake for you at the Golden Sails on the Thursday night nearest your birthday.
Dance Etiquette Tip!
Let The Guy Lead
No "Spaghetti Arms"
One of our gentlemen dancers told me this past week that some of the ladies are leading the hand toss instead of allowing him to lead it. Ladies, please remember to let the gentleman lead. He also told me that some of his dance partners hands were so limp they slipped right off his hand during the hand toss. Ladies, remember to give your partners hand a little tug on the grab of the hand toss. It helps both of you maintain your balance and stop the backward momentum of the rock-step.
I'm also getting feedback that the dreaded "Spaghetti Arms" are starting to appear again. This means that you are letting your arms go limp when dancing. It's virtually impossible to lead someone who has limp arms. If your arms are limp and your partner tries to lead you in a move, all that's going to move is your arm, instead of your entire body. Sooooo....Ladies / follows: remember to keep a gentle tension in your arms to maintain your dance frame. As I sometimes say, this is one time when it's good to resist your partner!
Gentlemen, please remember that it's important that your right arm provide strong support for your partner. Use those big, brawny biceps and all those other muscles in that arm to support her behind her back. A good place for your hand is just under her shoulder blade, with your arm far enough around her back so that your fingertips are at least touching her spine. Remember to keep tension in your left arm as well. The "No Spaghetti Arms!" rule applies to you too.
This Weekend, Sept 6, 7: Sebastapol in Bay Area, Lobster Fest in Long Beach,Lisa Haley at Olivas Adobe
Here are a few choices for fun things to do this weekend.
Sebastapol Cajun / Zydeco Festival, Sept. 6
If you are looking for a fun event in the Bay Area this weekend, this festival is worth checking out. Grammy Nominee Roddy Romero has so much talent coming out of him that when I watch him, I almost expect him to burst into flames onstage with all the heat he generates. This band alone makes this festival worth the price of admission. But wait! There's more! Mark St. Mary is one of the West Coast's finest authentic zydeco performers. The Zydeco Flames are one of my favorite Bay Area bands, and the Wild Catahoulas round out the lineup with their wild style.
Produced by the Rotary Club of Sebastapol Sunrise, this is a fundraiser for their charities, so if you're going to be in the area, stop by. You'll be supporting kids who are in need. Here's the scoop:
Sebastapol Cajun / Zydeco Festival
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008
10:30 Am - 7:00 PM
Admission: $17 in advance, $20 at the gate
Ives Park
Sebastapol, CA
Lineup:
Roddie Romero (you GOTTA see this band! There's a reason they got a Grammy nomination!)
Mark St. Mary
Zydeco Flames
The Wild Catahoulas
Lots of great food too: Crawfish, Crawfish Etoufee, Red Beans and Rice, Gumbo, Gator Sausage.
If you're going to be in southern California, you might want to check out the Lobster Festival in Long Beach. This is not a Zydeco or Cajun festival, but promises to have a lot of great lobster, which is being flown in nightly from Maine, as well as a lot of other great entertainment.
Lobster Festival Coming Up!
You can enter a drawing to win 5 pounds of Lobeter at this festival. Yum! Give it a try!
Here's the scoop:
The Original Lobster Festival
September 5-7, 2008
Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach, CA
Friday, September 5th — 5 PM - 11 PM
Saturday, September 6th — 12 NOON - 12 MIDNIGHT
Sunday, September 7th — 12 NOON - 10 PM
www.originallobsterfestival.com
Lisa Haley at Olivas Adobe
This is a fun event, outdoors under the stars at the historic Olivas Adobe in Ventura. If you're looking for a little bit of romance, this is the place to be. The adobe is quaint and beautiful, there were food vendors the last tiime I was there (it's been a while, so you might want to verify that with the venue or take a picnic), and Lisa and her band will make the evening a memorable one. Check the website for admission prices and parking information. Here are the details:
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
Saturday, September 6, 2008
7:30 PM
Olivas Adobe
Ventura, CA
www.olivasadobe.org/calendar-of-events.html
Next Weekend: Sept 13, 14:
T-Lou, Kevin Naquin! Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp - What a Weekend!
Yep! This weekend promises to be a great weekend for Zydeco in southern California!
T-Lou will be playing for the annual birthday party for Iris at her vineyard in Solvang, Kevin Naquin will be here for the first time in 5 or 6 years, and if you're going to be near the Portland area, you can attend the Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp, featuring entertainment by Brian Jack.
Kevin Naquin is one of the finest young Cajun performers coming out of Louisiana. He was 24 years old when he was out here last, and had just won "Best New Cajun Band" with his debut album. Since then, he's won many other awards. It will be great seeing him again. See below for details Kevin, T-Lou and the Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp.
September 13, Saturday
T-Lou and His Super Hot Zydeco Band
Party for Iris Vineyard Birthday Party
12 noon to 4:30 pm
1562 Alamo Pintado Road
Salvang,ca
September 14, Sunday
Kevin Naquin
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
14th Annual Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp
If you can make it, I've heard lots of great feedback about this event:
14th Annual Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp
September 12 - 14, 2008
Enjoy a whole weekend of Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers and professional dance instruction by Michael Seider and Flory Katz in the beautiful Mt Hood National Forest, only 55 miles east of Portland. This year's camp is being held at the Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp, a beautiful facility with comfortable lodges adjacent to the dining/dance hall, bathrooms in every lodge, hiking trails, ample parking, and NO clean up chores at the end of camp!
Relevant web sites:
Passing of Bruce Daigrepont's parents
Day Trippin' in Southern Cal - Road trip to Big Bear, Wrightwood
These days, high gasoline prices have kept me from making any unnecessary driving. I love road trips, so when a friend to buy the gas and take me on a road trip around the Big Bear area this past Sunday, I said "yes!" I drove to Riverside to meet my friend and we took off from there, up the "back way" to Big Bear, along highway 38.
Passing through Mentone, the road begins to follow a stream as it winds through the flood plain of a wide canyon. There are many campgrounds and tiny mountain hamlets in this section of the San Bernardino Mountains and the scenery is beautiful. After going through the plains, the area becomes mountainous, with towering pines as you make your way to Onyx Summit, with an elevation of 8,443 feet above sea level. Soon after reaching the summit, the road drops down into a beautiful valley and the vegetation changes back to sage and scrub, with clusters of huge old oaks scattered across the landscape.
Big Bear City is just past gleaming Baldwin Lake. From there you can choose to turn right and cross the bridge onto Highway 18 and proceed along the north side of Big Bear Lake, or continue along 38 until it rejoins 18 at the western end of the lake. This route takes you through Big Bear Village, which is a bustling metropolis compared to the last time I was there 30 years ago. The Village is as cute and charming as it sounds, and is designed for tourists. If you want to do some shopping, here's your chance.
From here you can mosey down to Green Valley Lake and take the 138 turnoff again to get to Crestline and Silverwood Lake. This is a very scenic drive and will please all nature lovers. Fishermen also love this area, as the many lakes are stocked with trout, so if that's your pleasure, take your rod and reel. You can sit along the shore or rent a boat on many of the lakes. Cost to fish at Green Valley Lake was $16 per day, as they stock that lake with the larger fish.
There was a music festival in Wrightwood that I wanted to visit, so we took 138 past I-15. We turned off onto the 2 and into Wrightwood. The vegetation is much different once you pass Silverwood Lake and drop down out of the hills onto the flat plain below. Here you will find a open, high desert environment, with joshua trees mixed in with the scrub sage. The road climbs in elevation again as you reach Wrightwood, which is nestled in the pines.
We stopped for the festival and drove home through the night, able to clearly see the billions of stars, the constellations and the Milky Way. We had traveled through chaparral flood plain with a rushing stream, wooded forests of towering pines, past half a dozen lakes, and through the high desert. I had gone from sea level to over 8,000 feet and back again. That's quite a day! I forgot to look at my odometer to see how many miles my car went, but it was about half a tank, so I'm guessing it was about 150 miles.
Wrightwood Mounatin Music Festival
Wrightwood was a wonderful surprise. It's short, wide main street is lined with attractive, well-kept businesses. The Wrightwood Music Festival was nearing the end of the second and final day when we arrived at around 6 PM on Sunday evening. It had been hot there earlier in the day but was cooling and quite pleasant. Admission to the festival was only $10, with 10 bands performing each day.
The main reason for wanting to attend this festival was to see a Louisiana band out of Lafayette, The Cypress Bottom Boys. Unfortunately, we missed them, as they had had to take a red-eye back to Louisiana the night before to help their families evacuate due to Hurricane Gustav. While disappointed, I was still very glad to have made the trip!
This little festival has a LOT of potential. Set among towering pines, there were two stages. While a band was finishing it's set on one stage, the next band was setting up on the other, for nearly seamless nonstop entertainment. Man, what great entertainment it was! When we arrived, a band called Tracks Like Trains was finishing it's set. Featuring a harp, bass guitar, lead guitar, and drums, this band's music was hauntingly beautiful, soulful, and stirring. While it wasn't what I went there for, the musicians made a permanent impression.
In place of the Cypress Bottom Boys, the next band was put together at the last minute, but you'd never know it. These guys could really play the blues! Several of the musicians hailed from New Orleans, and they'd been told some zydeco dancers were there. They pumped up the pace on a few tunes to make them danceable. Dance we did. The amazing thing is that several of these incredible musicians live right there in Wrightwood.
We had to leave shortly after Chickenbone started their set, as it was a long drive home. I'm sorry I didn't get to hear more of them. I believe I heard that Dan Campbell, the organizer of this festival, was not too sure he was going to do this festival again next year. Dan, I sure hope you do. It was wonderful. I want to come back next year!
Just a note: Dan's wife, Gail, used to make the drive from Wrightwood to Long Beach on Wednesday nights with daughter Christy when I first started teaching Zydeco dancing at Joe's Crab Shack the summer of 2004. Daughter Danielle, who lives in Huntington Beach, would join them. What a pleasure to have been able to meet this family!
Vernon Davis
I received this email from Linda Longserre, a friend of Vernon Davis, who asked me to put the word out to you folks:
"I thought you might want to know that our Zydeco dancing friend Vernon Davis had a bad fall recently and fractured his hip. He has been spending lots of time at home. I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing from any of his Zydeco friends. I've included his address below (with his permission of course) in case anyone would like to send a card or note to wish him a speedy recovery.
I'm happy to say that the most recent report is that he is doing a little better now, but it looks like it will be a long time before he's back dancing with us. Maybe we can encourage him to come sit on the sidelines when he feels up to it. Anyway, just thought people would like to know as Vernon is such a steady supporter of many of our Zydeco events.
- Linda Longserre
Vernon J Davis
537 N El Molino Ave, #16
Pasadena, CA 91101-1141"
"Trouble the Water" - New Award-Winning Katrina Documentary
I received two emails about this film, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Festival. It's currently playing in Los Angeles and will be in Irvine and San Diego soon.
While I haven't had the chance to see it yet, word is that it's extremely powerful and moving. I've only seen the trailer and I want to see it as soon as possible. If anyone would like to join me in seeing this film, perhaps we can make it a group outing.
There is a page on the film's website for downloading printable flyers to take into your community, as well as a lot of other vital information. Check out the other links on the website for dozens of organizations where you can volunteer. I invite you to take the time to thoroughly check out this website.
Here's the link:
If you see the film before I can, please send me your responses and I'll be happy to post them.
Uncle Darrow's Has the Blues (for Lunch, that is!)
Uncle Darrow's has got the blues. Yep. Listen to soulful tunes provided by Joe Banks and Friends while eating your tasty lunch on the back porch of Uncle Darrow's every Thursday from Noon till 2 PM! Enjoy a taste of the Bayou...and bring your friends!
Blues Lunch Thursdays with Joe Banks and Friends
Uncle Darrows Creole Eatery
Noon - 2 PM
2560 S. Lincoln Blvd.
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-306-4662
By the way, Uncle Darrow's caters, so if you're having a special event, give Norwood a call! The food is great, Norwood will fix you up. You'll be glad you chose Uncle Darrow's.
Blazin' Hog Bar-B-Que and Zydeco Festival
While up in the Bay Area this past weekend, someone I know handed me a postcard for this festival. I had it in the Gazette back in early June, and somehow it got dropped. I was told that the food is REALLY GOOD at this festival. Cleo Lloyd is teaching zydeco dance lessons there as well.
Cleo is a wonderful dancer. She's smooth and fluid and I am sure all who attend will greatly enjoy her instruction. If you're not sure where Mariposa is, it's not far from Yosemite. Might be a good time to so, since summer visitation will have dropped off. I'm a sucker for events that are fundraisers for good causes, and this festival is a fundraiser for John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation.
September 20, Saturday
Blazin' Hog Bar B-Que and Zydeco Festival!
12:00 Noon - 8 PM
Benefit for John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation
Lineup:
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
Mark St. Mary and His Louisiana Band
The BluesBox Bayou Band
Here are some clips from last year's festival:
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
Hwy 49 South at Farigrounds Road
Admission: $10, Seniors: $7.50, Ages 5-17: $5.00, Under 5: Free!
34th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade!
This is a Bay Area event. Someone was passing out the flyers at the 23 Club on Sunday night. I know some of you live in that area, so here's the information:
Sat Oct 4, 2008
34th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade
DeFermery Park, Downtown Oakland
11:00 AM
(Festival in DeFermery Park after parade)
Live Zydeco Band at 5 PM
Food available for purchase
www.blackcowboyassociation.org
Info: Wilbert F. McAlister: 510-541-2763
All cowboys and Cowgirls are welcome!
All horse-riders - No fee to ride in parade
Prizes, Trophies, ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners
Zydeco Dance Instruction Available!
If You Find It, I Wil Come
The second line of this weekly announcement means that I'm willing to go almost anywhere in reasonable driving distance to "spread the gospel of Zydeco." So if you want me to come to you, just find a venue, gather some of your friends and we'll make it work!
Most recently I taught at the Los Angeles Music Center's Zydeco Dance Evening. I teach at corporate events, private parties, and also give personalized private lessons, focusing in on the individual needs of each student. I teach much more than just the moves, assisting my students in learning how to identify which muscles are used to make each move and work on honing styling, building strength and increasing flexibility. I will travel to spread the Gospel of Zydeco! Please contact me for more information: www.LouisianaDanceLA.com
UPCOMING FESTIVALS IN CALIFORNIA:
The Original Lobster Festival
September 5-7, 2008
Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach, CA
Sebastapol Cajun / Zydeco Festival
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008
Blazin' Hog Bar B-Que and Zydeco Festival, Sat. Sept. 20
www.blazinhog.com
Sat Oct 4, 2008
34th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade
DeFermery Park, Downtown Oakland
11:00 AM
OUT OF STATE / OTHER FESTIVALS / DANCE CAMPS:
14th Annual Cascade Zydeco Dance Camp
September 12 - 14, 2008
Enjoy a whole weekend of Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers and professional dance instruction by Michael Seider and Flory Katz in the beautiful Mt Hood National Forest, only 55 miles east of Portland. This year's camp is being held at the Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp, a beautiful facility with comfortable lodges adjacent to the dining/dance hall, bathrooms in every lodge, hiking trails, ample parking, and NO clean up chores at the end of camp!
Relevant web sites:
Upcoming Dances/Events 2008:
If you have an event you would like listed, please send me the info and I'll be happy to post it here. Please include admission and contact information, as well as all the other pertinent info.
SEPTEMBER
The Original Lobster Festival
September 5-7, 2008
Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach, CA
Friday, September 5th — 5 PM - 11 PM
Saturday, September 6th — 12 NOON - 12 MIDNIGHT
Sunday, September 7th — 12 NOON - 10 PM
www.originallobsterfestival.com
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
Saturday, September 6, 2008
7:30 PM
Olivas Adobe
Ventura, CA
www.olivasadobe.org/calendar-of-events.html
Sebastapol Cajun / Zydeco Festival
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008
10:30 Am - 7:00 PM
Admission: $17 in advance, $20 at the gate
Ives Park
Sebastapol, CA
September 13, Saturday
T-Lou and His Super Hot Zydeco Band
Party for Iris Vineyard Birthday Party
12 noon to 4:30 pm
1562 Alamo Pintado Road
Salvang,ca
September 14, Sunday
Kevin Naquin
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
September 20, Saturday
Blazin' Hog Bar B-Que and Zydeco Festival!
12:00 Noon - 8 PM
Benefit for John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation
Lineup:
Tom Rigney & Flambeau
Mark St. Mary and His Louisiana Band
The BluesBox Bayou Band
Here are some clips from last year's festival:
Mariposa County Fairgrounds
Hwy 49 South at Farigrounds Road
Admission: $10, Seniors: $7.50, Ages 5-17: $5.00, Under 5: Free!
September 27, Saturday
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
5 PM
Santa Monica Fall Festival
OCTOBER
October 12, Sunday
Mark St. Mary
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
October 17, Friday
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
7:30 PM
Silverado Days Mardi Gras
Buena Park, CA
NOVEMBER
November 9, Sunday
Dexter Adoin
5-9 PM
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
DECEMBER
December 27, Saturday NIght
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS DANCE
Andre Thierry
8 PM - Midnight
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd
Gardena, CA 90247
Dance: $20
Info: Sidney at (323) 401-8859
December 31, Wednesday
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
Disneyland New Year's Celebration
Anaheim, CA
Check back for even more listings next week!
Bands / Other Zydeco Links
For more information on what's happening in our world of Zydeco, here are links to local and even international Zydeco websites. Want to know where our local bands are playing or what's going on elsewhere? Here are some links to help you find out:
LouisianaDanceLA - Karen Redding's new website for Zydeco and Cajun events in Southern California: www.LouisianaDanceLA.com
Zydeco Brad's website with all Cajun and Zydeco events in southern California: www.zydecobrad.com
Weekly Thursday Night Zydeco Info
Come Dance to The Happiest Music on Earth!
Every Thursday Night!
Bring: You, your friends, co-workers, family, !
Why? Because it's Soooo Much Fun! (Great exercise, too!)
Zydeco Dancing EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!
Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club
6285 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA
Hotel Phone: (562) 596-1631
Cover: $7 (Pay Karen, Get Yer Name Tag!) Bottled Water, juices available
Basic Zydeco Lesson: 7:00 PM -7:30 PM
Intermediate / Advanced Moves: 7:30-8:00 PM
CD Dancing 8:00-9 PM or so
Bar Happy Hour with free food! 4-7 PM
Beginners, singles, all ages welcome!
Group Discounts Available!
NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES, PLEASE.
Pay Karen, Get Your Name Tag!
Whether you come for the lesson or come later just to dance, see Karen for your name tag.
That's it for this edition of the Gazette! See you on the dance floor!
Karen
Karen Redding
Gator Graphics Print Solutions
www.LouisianaDanceLA.com
Quantum Biofeedback Practitioner
562-438-1255 Office
562-708-8946 Cell
562-439-9018 FAX
________________________________________________________
Gator Gazette Copyright 2008 Karen Redding All Rights Reserved
If you or anyone you know would like to be pulled from this list, please email me and I will take care of your request immediately. If you know anyone who would like to be added, please send them the Gazette and tell them to contact me and I will have them added to the distribution list.
SPECIAL NOTE: Please remember that announcements for dances and other events are sent to me by many sources. All I do is copy the information sent to me. There may be errors in this information, so please double-check the information in advance of the event!