Mar 20-22 More Company

Last week my daughter came to Cajun country and this weekend, my brother (Neal) & son (Alex) are visiting. I am really hoping they will understand the pull that this area has on me, but, if nothing else, I know they will enjoy the music!!

Mar. 20 -- Teche Theater: The Berard Family Band is recording a live CD and DVD tonight in a newly renovated movie house in St. Martinville. The DVD will be a pilot for a possible TV series - sort of Austin City Limits meets Rendez-vous des Cajuns (Liberty Theater). When we finally get into the theater from the sweltering lobby, there is a ton of equipment and a few chairs. We are lucky enough to snag some - it's gonna be a long night!! Due to the recording plans, we wait for sound check(s), camera check(s), light check(s), etc. Finally the music starts so we can get on our feet dancing - but watch out for the camera dolly. The filmmaker is right up front, sitting on a chair with a camera tripod in front of him, being pushed, then pulled, back and forth in front of the stage. It's a good night, great music, fun people - but the interior of the Teche Theater needs some re-decorating!!

Mar. 21 -- McGee's Landing: We are having our fill of swamps today!! After a pirogue tour of Lake Martin followed by boudin and cracklins, we head to the Atchafalaya Basin. McGee's is a large restaurant right on the edge of the water with a spectacular view, especially from the open air deck. The deck, dance floor & eating area have been completely re-done, thanks to Hurricane Gustaf. Tonight I can check one of my trip goals off my list!! BEAUSOLEIL --- ahhhh .... finally, in person and outstanding. I recognized many songs from the CD I own, but when they started playing "new" stuff, I knew I had to buy their latest CD, Alligator Purse. There were only a few dancers and a moderate number of watchers - a disappointing crowd considering the musicianship offered and the chance to celebrate McGee's 25 years in business. But I wasn't disappointed. They were playing just for me, celebrating my 44th day of Life In Louisiana.

Mar 22 -- Nunu's (again): Today we are in for a special treat. Cajun Mandolins, another musical conglomerate, consists of Al Berard (yes, the same one from Friday night, but this time on mandolin instead of fiddle) with Lisa and Mark from Connecticut. They are all playing mandolin, but Lisa has a larger, more rounded version called a mandocello (a lower tone, as in cello). Fingers are flying and music is twinkling in the morning light. I could not find them on You Tube (yet), but close your eyes & listen to the mandolin (not the drums or piano) on this link and you will get a sorta idea --- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn17xsKqt1s --- X 3 :):) Fiddles and guitars and traded around with the mandolins creating magical memories.