Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras ball returns to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet for 24th year

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Lagniappe Productions, producers of the annual Labor Day weekend Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, bring back their authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration held annually in southern New England. The Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball returns for its 24th year at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet on Saturday, February 13 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.  Featured bands include CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, and Cajun Hall of Famer, Jesse Lége & his band, Bayou Brew.

Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door; Table of 10 is $325 (advance only)and may be purchased online at www.rhythmandroots.com or by mail with SASE to Lagniappe Productions, 51 White Oak Ct., Wakefield, RI 02879. Postal mail must be sent by Feb. 21. The ball features a costume contest with cash prizes in a variety of categories including best group, best couple, best individual and a Grand Prize of $250 for best overall costume. There will be a cash bar and Cajun & Creole cuisine by Rhode Island’s renowned Chili Brothers Food Company – arguably the most popular food vendor at the Rhythm & Roots Festival every year, serving up their famous jambalaya, blackened scallops, and shrimp etouffee among other dishes.

Dubbed the “crown prince of zydeco” by the Boston Globe, Grammy nominated CJ. Chenier’s musical style ranges from the traditional Zydeco of his father, Clifton Chenier, right on up to modern funk, with healthy doses of blues, R&B, swamp pop and even country.  C.J.’s total mastery of the accordion combined with his rich, smooth vocals are the driving forces behind this power-house zydeco band.

Last year, Williams was awarded the 2015 Clifton Chenier Lifetime Achievement Award from the ZBT Awards – for zydeco, blues and trail ride – and was inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folklife Artists.  With a tour schedule that has included up to 100 shows a year and a list of original songs, Nathan’s dynamic energy makes for a “show you don’t want to miss.”

A member of the Cajun Hall of Fame, Jesse Lége & his band Bayou Brew play music that is deeply rooted in traditional Cajun styles but with a rhythm and beat demanded by patrons in dance halls in Louisiana and Texas. They provide their own unique interpretation of Cajun and Creole classics.

Visit www.rhythmandroots.com or call 783-3926.

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