Mardi Gras Teaser | Fred's Lounge | Mamou, Louisiana
The Mardi Gras Teaser featuring Fred's Lounge in Mamou, Louisiana.
A MORNING OF CAJUN MUSIC IN FRED'S LOUNGE AND 3 OTHER PERFORMANCES
CAJUN MUSIC AT FRED’S LOUNGE, AND THREE OTHER CONCERTS
Mamou is a small town of around 3,500 inhabitants, located in the central southern part of Louisiana, the heartland of Cajun culture. The Cajuns (“Les Cadiens” or “Acadians”) are descendants of French immigrants from Canada’s east coast, who were pushed out by the English in the 18th century. Today, Cajun may refer to those who identify with certain cultural idiosyncrasies, such as the use of Cajun French (an archaic form of French), cuisine, music, and what have you. The Cajuns in this part of Louisiana are also referred to as the “Prairie Cajuns,” as opposed to the “Bayou Cajuns” who inhabit the coastal regions of the state.
Mamou bills itself as the center of Cajun music, and a visit to Fred’s Lounge gives a lot of credence to this notion. Every Saturday, a Cajun band plays from 9AM until 1PM, while visitors—encouraged by the availability of alcoholic beverages—can dance to the music. The concerts are broadcast live on radio station KVPI 1050FM. A fixture of this event is Rita, a super active, small woman in her early eighties, who dances non-stop with whoever she can persuade to share the dance floor with her. Liesbeth and I were easy game, and had a blast with her. That morning the “Cajun Tradition Band” played, a solid 5-piece ensemble who have been playing since the 1980s. I had a chance to speak with the leader, accordion player Jamie Berzas, and his wife, drummer Madeline Berzas. Jamie explained the workings of his accordion to me, while Madeline told me that these musicians are all amateurs, who don’t play from the summer until Mardi Gras, because they have to work. For many months, Jamie doesn’t touch his instrument, but come Mardi Gras, he is ready to play! Fred’s Lounge was not as packed as it sometimes is, but that gave us ample opportunity to walk around, film, and talk with some of the visitors. Suffice it to say that we had a great time, and would love to return to Fred’s Lounge when the next opportunity arises.
Next stop that day was Eunice, a larger city about 10 miles south of Mamou. Eunice is home to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, which is part of the National Park Service’s Jean Lafitte’s National Historical Park. The center features a very interesting exhibit about the history and culture of the Louisiana Cajuns, and on Saturdays they present Cajun music and a cooking class. We partook in all of the above, and now Liesbeth can cook a great étouffée! We were told that the three young men (“Les Jeunes Acadiennes” “The Young Cajuns”) who played Cajun music for us had been “groomed” by Reddell, the lady who also taught the cooking class. Many years ago she would start bringing them to their music lessons, which obviously bore fruit, since the group had been selected to travel to Canada to play for the Acadian World Congress this coming August!
Next to the Cultural Center is the very elegant Liberty Theatre, which opened in 1924 as a vaudeville and movie theatre. Like so many theaters in the US, it suffered from neglect, but was rescued and restored by a community project, organized by the city of Eunice. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been included in the Great American Movie Theaters Preservation Press Guide published by the Smithsonian. On Saturday nights, the theater presents a Cajun radio show, the “Rendez-Vous des Cajun,” which features a good Cajun band, and a host, who talks in an informal way (a “Prairie Home Companion comes to mind”) with the musicians. We had a great band that evening, Ryan Simon and Acadian Cajun Band. Ryan, who—according to their website—“only” plays accordion and guitar, also played the fiddle that evening. For one reason or another, there were very few visitors, but towards the end of the broadcast there were a bunch of couples dancing in front of the stage.
Our final event of the day was the barn dance on our campground, Lakeview Park and Beach, just outside Eunice. There is a big barn on the campground where many musical activities take place, and we were very fortunate that that evening, the band “High Performance” played its version of Cajun music. The musical energy of the band was enormous, and young and old took to the dance floor. It was great to see parents waltzing around with toddlers on their arms, in a clear effort to instill Cajun culture on their offspring.
From our brief, but action-packed visit to Cajun country we came away with the observation that Cajun culture is alive and well, and that outsiders are more than welcome to sample the wonderful food, music, and history of this group of wonderful people!
Corruption in Mamou, La
The rumor mill is alive and well as a new Chief of Police takes office jan 2015, an officer accused and proven to have tazed inmates basically for kicks. A four year old tape surfaced showing repeated cases but mysteriously vanished from the net. Lead investigator says no criminal charges warranted, is this because of her own affair with the chief? From the mayors office on down, I have the inside story!
Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras Experience -- Eunice and Mamou, Louisiana
There are few experiences as genuine today in America as a traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras. Costumed pranksters, colorful riders on horses, happy folks on floats showering the crowd with shiny beads, and Cajun and Zydeco bands fill the streets of many small towns across the Cajun Triangle, which has Lafayette roughly as its center.
This video takes you to Eunice, Louisiana, a city of just over 10,000 people north of Lafayette that knows how to host a Mardi Gras bash. There are also a few clips taken in Mamou, a smaller city a little further north, that's home to world famous Fred's Lounge, which hosts a Cajun dance party every Saturday morning -- and a few extra days leading up to Mardi Gras. Ray Abshire and his Cajun band rocked the dance hall when we were there.
The amazing sights, sounds, food -- oh the food -- and the drink combined with the locals, who welcome visitors with open arms and good humor, create a truly priceless experience.
Here's the official schedule for the five days of Mardi Gras 2019 entertainment in Eunice. Local, nationally-recognized and Grammy award-winning bands appeared on-stage in downtown Eunice. One of the reasons we absolutely love Cajun Country is we can find amazingly talented musicians playing in dance halls every night of the week. (Many of the spectacular Cajun and Zydeco bands appear in this video. Zydeco legend Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie play inside Nick's Restaurant toward the end. )
Friday, March 1st
Live music Downtown at Walnut & Second St.
7pm LaRecolte
10pm Wayne Toups
Saturday, March 2nd
Live music & events Downtown at Walnut & Second St.
12pm T-Monde
3pm Parade of Paw “Puppy Parade”
4pm Fred Charlie & the Acadiana Cajuns
6pm Jambalaya ft. Basile Mardi Gras Association @ Liberty Theatre
7pm Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys
9pm Jamie Bergeron &the Kickin Cajuns
Sunday, March 3rd
Live music & events Downtown at Walnut & Second St.
9:30 Eunice Old Time Boucherie
10am Ryan Simon & Acadien
12:30pm Kegan Navarre & Louisiana Traditions
3pm Children’s “Lil Mardi Gras” Parade
4pm Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express
Monday, March 4th
Live music & events Downtown at Walnut & Second St.
7pm Bubba Hebert & the New Morse Playboys
9pm Travis Matte & the Kingpins
Tuesday, March 5th
Live music & events Downtown at Walnut & Second St.
9:30am Wallace Trahan & Rice-N-Gravy
11am Ronnie Matthews & the Thow Down
1:30 Raul Daigle & Cajun Gold
3pm Mardi Gras Parade
4pm Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners made a surprise appearance at 6 p.m. Mardi Gras night.
I'd also like to mention it was a pleasure to meet Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot and the manager and crew at The Dugout who made us feel welcome and filled us in on the local Mardi Gras scene. Laissez les bons temps rouler! We'll be back!
This film was created by Larry Richardson -- StepByStepChef.com -- using an Apple iPhone 7 and iMovie.
Mardi Gras in Cajun Country Louisiana (Mamou, LA)
The World Famous Mamou, LA Chicken Run - The Courir de Mardi Gras
Mamou mardi gras 2010 - by HCProductions.org
Traditional Mardi Gras is a great deal different from the over commercialized Mardi Gras such as New Orleans. This is just a small sample of some of the rich Cajun culture distinct to Louisiana and one of the only cultures native to the United States. This video specifically covers the Mardis Gras of the town of Mamou, Louisiana...the home of Cajun music. Enjoy and remember, though there may be some libation involved...the TRUE Mardis Gras is NOT just about boobies and beads...look it up and learn the cultural tradition for yourself.
Video courtesy of Christopher Jordan
HCProductions.org
Mamou police investigate shooting: Multiple accounts of what happened
Mamou police investigate shooting: Multiple accounts of what happened
Mamou Louisiana Class of 2015
Enjoy:D Please like and Share!
2011 Mamou Centennial.wmv
MAMOU CENTENNIAL & MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
A two day festival was celebrated on Friday and Saturday, May 27 & 28, 2011 (Memorial Day Weekend.) Family oriented fun! It included arts and crafts, Centennial King & Queen's pageant, amateur youth fiddling and accordion exhibition, beard growing contest, Cajun-Zydeco-Rock music, various food booths, fun jumps for children, bean bag toss, donkey rides, and other activities which are still being lined up!
Mamou, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, is located on Louisiana Hwy 13 at Hwy 104 intersection.
MAY 27, 2011-Friday
5:00 P.M. Flag raising and Pledge of Allegiance.
5:02 P.M. Prayer Blessing of people and the event.
5:03 P.M. Beer booth opens.
5:04 P.M. Mayor Ricky Fontenot (Mamou's first African American Mayor was elected during the centennial year)- Appreciation Ceremony. Proclaims May 27 & 28 a two day event to pay respect for all military, past and present ,who have sacrificed to keep the United States of America a free country. A two day festival to celebrate the incorporation of Mamou 100 Years Ago.
5:10 P.M. Councilwoman at Large, Leisa Deshotels welcomed one and all, and announced schedule of events.
Crowning of MRS. Centennial (Oldest living person in Mamou).
Crowning of Centennial King and Queen.
Net proceeds collected by the Centennial Committee went for payment of the bands and other activities. No entry fee to the public. . NO Pets. NO outside ICE CHEST, GLASS CONTAINERS or LIQUOR ALLOWED in the Plaza or at the Recreation Complex. No vendors on Friday. Centennial Committee had exclusive right to sell all drinks on Plaza and Recreation area premises; i.e., alcohol, soda and water. *All Centennial Committee Profits turned over to the Town of Mamou Tourism Fund. Laissez les bon temp rouler !
Friday Events held at The Plaza de Cajun on Sixth Street.
5:15 P.M. Crowning of Mrs. Centennial. Selection of Centennial King and Queen, best beards in several catagories. Amateur Youth Fiddling and Accordion exhibition.
6:00-8:00 P.M. JASON SAVOY AND HIS BAND
8:00-10:00 P.M. FERRELL MANUEL AND WILD RICE-Mixed w/Cajun/Swamp Pop/Creole/Rock
MAY 28TH, SATURDAY MORNING
8:00 A.M. Parade participants assembled at Mamou High School at Ash and Seventh Street.
9:00 A.M. Parade kicked off at Mamou High School, proceeding to Sixth Street, turn left (south) on Sixth down to Main Street; at Main, parade turned right (west) and proceeded to the end of Main and Hwy 13, where all of Saturday activities took place. The parade from start to finish is approximately one mile.
ALIGNMENT: Mr. Bernard Daire Acting Parade Marshall. ##7-468-5664
Lead off with Chief of Police followed by two police units following side by side to clear the way.
Fire Marshall followed by Fire Truck
American Legion & VFW Float
FT. POLK HONOR GUARD followed by military vehicles.
Antique automobiles with Beauty Queens/Pageant Participants/Politicians
MHS MARCHING BAND
Children's Floats
Reunion Floats (1.) MHS Class of 1960 The Class with Class throwing Little Debbies and Eskimo Pies. OTHER FLOATS FALL IN.
Horse and buggies bring up the rear.
Sheriffs Deputies protecting the rear of the parade.
EVENTS ON MAY 28, SATURDAY
Mamou Recreational Center @ W. Main & Hwy 13
8:00 A.M. Beer, wine, and drinks booth open!
10:30 A.M. Children's fun jumps! Bean Bag Throw! Pictorial Museum=Pictures and artifacts of the past 100 years.
11:45 A.M. Boudin Eating Contest. Winner eats for free. Losers pay $5.00 each.
12:00 Noon! Strike Up The Band!
12:00-2 P.M. GINO DELAFOSE-and French Rockin Boogie-Zydeco
1:45 P.M. MAMOU TAP WATER DRINKING CONTEST. Winner: first to finish ½ quart.
2:00-4 P.M. JAMIE BERZAS-and Cajun Tradition-Cajun & Zydeco
4:00-6 P.M. EVANGELINE PLAYBOYS-Cajun
6:00-8:00 P.M. Jeffery Broussard- and the Creole Cowboys-Zydeco
8:00- Travis Matte-and the King Pins-Zydeco & Cajun
Golez kids playing Patintero under the New Year's Day Full Moon, 1 January 2010 (6)
They are RV, Mikee, Yeye and Erika the grandchildren of Roilo Golez; Nas Azores and Baby Di Azores, the children of the late Henrietta Nene Golez Azores; Jongjong and Abigail, children of Amelita Neneng Simon; and Tintin and Jerome, children of Ferdinand Toto Golez. This was in the Riverside Subdivision, Pasig, where Amy Simon & family reside.
Le Grand Hoorah On The Cajun Prairie - Louisiana Eats - It's New Orleans
Listen to the full episode here:
Louisiana Eats is on the road again, this time to Evangeline Parish, where residents show pride for their French, Cajun, and Creole heritage through their food, music, and traditions. On this week s show, we participate in the annual Le Grand Hoorah celebration, while hitting many iconic spots along the Cajun Prairie. We begin in downtown Mamou, where our gracious host Valerie Cahill gives us a grand welcome at the historic Hotel Cazan. Then, we grab breakfast down the road at the charming Krazy Cajun s Cafe. Don and Judy Secia serve up stories of Mamou s annual Mardi Gras celebration with a side of calas. Next, we cross the street to visit Mamou s world famous dancing and drinking destination, Fred s Lounge. Over spicy Bloody Mary s and cheap beer, Camille Fonteneau talks to us about the important role the local AM radio station KVPI has played in the community and in her life. On our way to La Grand Hoorah, we learn why Ville Platte holds the title of Smoked Meat Capital of the World. We make a pit stop at Paul s Meat Market and Grocery, where many locals and out of towners purchase their meat. We then meet Kermit Miller, the man behind the barbecue sauce with a Cajun accent, Jack Miller s Barbecue Sauce. Continuing a family tradition begun by his father Jack in 1955, Kermit s family recipe has found a following across the country. Finally, we arrive at Chicot State Park, where hundreds of people from around Louisiana, and the world, were gathered for Le Grand Hoorah. We hear music performances by Cajun youngsters and meet the brains behind the festival, Gilbert Winky Aucoin. Winky explains why he is dedicated to the preservation of his culture. We also eat our weight in cracklins and boudin, thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals like Toby Ryder, an expert in the art of traditional Cajun boucherie.For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.
090820 WHS Band Meet The Tigers
WHS Band Meet the Tigers night
Cajun Homes-Lifestyles 1875-1959.wmv
Louisiana Acadian (Cajuns) Homes
The Acadians (French: Acadiens, IPA: [akadjɛ̃]) are the descendants of the seventeenth-century French colonists who settled in Acadia (located in the Canadian Maritime provinces — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and in the US state of Maine). The settlers whose descendants became Acadians did not all come from the same region in France.
In the Great Expulsion of 1755-1763, mostly during the Seven Years' War, British colonial officers and New England legislators and militia deported more than 14,000 Acadians from the maritime region in what could be called an ethnic cleansing . Approximately one third perished. Gradually, some managed to make their way to Louisiana, creating the Cajun population and culture after mixing with others
When the Acadians first arrrived in Louisiana, some put up quick, temporary shelters made of wood and palmetto leaves. The Native Americans had been building such dwellings for years. Built upon a pole frame, palmettos would be uses on the roof (as was straw in France and Acadia). Many also used palmetto for walls until wood could be cut.
When they had the time to build a more substantial structure, they often built homes by putting wood vertically into the ground for walls. These 2nd generation Acadian homes (1766-1827) were either poteaux en terre (post in ground) or planche debout (upright planks). The easiest of the two, poteaux en terre, was to cut logs, strip off the bark, and place it in a hole in the ground. The gaps between the logs would be filled with a mud and straw/moss mixture (bousillage). If they had the time and manpower, they might cut planks from the logs and place the planks vertically in the ground (planche debout) to make the walls (again, filling the gaps with bousillage). Roofs were covered with shingles or wood. These homes were built directly on the ground.
The Acadians soon learned that to build a wooden home on the ground was not the way to go. The occasional flooding and insect damage was terrible to these kinds of homes. Upon arriving in Louisiana, they noted that Creole homes were often built off the ground. This kept the home from water & insects and helped provide better ventilation. The 3rd generation Acadian home (1790-1850) was built on pillars of wood or brick. It was small, averaging about fifteen by twenty-five feet in size. Many had galleries in front. The chimney - made of bousillage at first, later of brick - was on one end of a one-room home. Two-room homes often had the chimney in-between the rooms.
The 4th generation Acadian home (1790-1920) was often larger that previous versions. By the mid-1800s, it was the common type of Acadian house. It has a gallery (porche on the front (and sometimes the back). This served two purposes. It gave them a place to sit to cool off and to socialize. It also allowed for a taller roof to provide room for storage and sleeping quarters. There were stairs to the atttic, usually located on the inside of homes in east Acadiana and outside the homes in west Acadiana. The upstairs sleeping area for the boys was called the garçonniere. The roof was covered with wood shingles at the beginning of this time period, but these were often replaced by corrugated tin roofing later in the 1800s. As the family grew, a separate but connected building was often built to the rear for kitchenspace or a bedroom. The windows had no glass, but were covered by wooden shutters. Some had two rooms side-by-side, with a front door opening up to each. One room was the common family room and kitchen, while the other room was a bedroom for the parents and daughters. As some Acadian families grew in size and wealth, larger homes with multiple rooms would be built.
As the 20th century progressed, most Cajuns began occupying contemporary housing styles, though some still have similar features to the old Acadian homes. Though there are a few 18th century Acadian homes scattered around south Louisiana, they are disappearing. This video of still pics represents only a portion of the snapshots I have collected of old Cajun homes. If you have old pics your are willing to share, please email them to rdezo@aol.com
Thanks, Richard DesHotels
Leaked Video Shows Police Sadistically Tasering Non-Combative Inmates.
Local Cops Tase Inmate Has Been Optimized An anonymous source recently sent some disturbing videos to a Lafayette, La., TV news station. The videos (below) show police officers in Mamou, La., tasing unarmed inmates in jail cells from July to October in 2010.
Mamou Boxing
Brandon vs Thomas round 2
Mamou - Mardi Gras - Newlyweds riding cross country at T-Boy's
We stopped at T-Boy's Slaughter House, Meat Market, and Grocery for some boudin and cracklins. Before we went in, we met some newlyweds from Florida who were riding a tandem bicycle to California. Quite a honeymoon.
Mardi Gras 2015
Mardi Gras in Mamou, Louisiana. Then some Frisbee afterwards!
Anthony Bourdain Shows Us Cajun Mardi Gras On Second-To-Last ‘Parts Unknown’ World Today
Anthony Bourdain Shows Us Cajun Mardi Gras On Second-To-Last ‘Parts Unknown’ World Today
World Today
MG Campbell farewell
Maj. Gen. Donald Campbell says farewell to the United States Army Recruiting Command Feb 16, 2011 the day before the change of command between him and Maj. Gen. David Mann.
2009 Steve Riley - Mamou CMF Honoree
The 38th Annual Mamou Cajun Music Festival was held this past weekend (Aug. 15,2009) and Mamous' own legend ,Steve Riley, was this years honoree. He performed for the large crowd at the Mamou Recreational Complex shortly after he was presented with his festival poster as a token of appreciation. He thanked many people who influenced his passion and love for Cajun culture, music and performing, including TJ Landreneau, Jamie Berzas and especially his family and friends. He said when he and his band, The Mamou Playboys, perform, it is so much more than just playing good music, its about proudly representing his hometown of Mamou.
This is a short pictorial dedicated to Steve Riley (and the Mamou Playboys). It does not cover the entire festival,only the honoring of Steve. All pictures were snapped by Mamou CMF staff members. The intent of this video is to honor and promote Steve as well as the Mamou Cajun Music Festival ( one of the BEST in the state). The following is what this impressive organization is all about :
The Mamou Cajun Music Festival began as a one-day festival presenting some of the local Cajun musicians to the citizens of Mamou and Evangeline Parish. It has since become what it is today, a two-day music festival, presenting traditional Cajun musicians, dancing, food, and contests. In the early 1970's, some of the citizens of Mamou grew concerned that our culture was dying. These people felt that there was a need to renew the communities interest in our culture, thus was born the Mamou Cajun Day. In its beginning, some 20 or so volunteers presented this festival, which was then sponsored by the Mamou Area Jaycees. In the early 1980's, this group officially became the Mamou Cajun Music Festival. On February 11, 1985, this organization gained its non-profit status as a corporation based on the premise that we would dedicate ourselves to the preservation of our Cajun culture and heritage through our traditional Cajun music. Our organization takes pride in the fact that we have been able to continue the traditions of our culture and have been able to provide a platform for the many traditional Cajun musicians in our area, in which they can gain exposure and compensation for their art. At the same time, this event promotes the preservation of our culture by gaining the interest of our children, the citizens of Mamou, and the many tourists who visit our festival from all over the world. All proceeds received are used to prepare and present the next annual festival to ensure our Cajun Culture lives on.......... Our Special Thanks to all who attend and support our festival......... ....Mamou Cajun Music Festival Staff