Waylon Thibodeaux, Louisiana’s Rockin’ Fiddler – $10/13

8pm $10/13

Waylon Thibodeaux, Louisiana’s Rockin’ Fiddler Born in Louisiana’s ‘Bayou Country’ just a few miles southwest of New Orleans, Houma native Waylon Thibodeaux has been dubbed “Louisiana’s Rockin Fiddler”. Today, this talented, self-taught Cajun musician has gained a notable reputation as one of Louisiana’s best known recording artists. His talents have led him to play festivals, clubs and other special events throughout the United States, Canada, France, Central and South America. His rollicking, crowd-pleasing performance on stage is exactly what one would expect from someone who, at age 16, was Louisiana’s state fiddle champion. He never fails to serve up a good helping of spicy, high-energy Louisiana and Cajun/Zydeco music. His unique musical style is best described by Thibodeaux himself: “It’s a mixture –it’s Cajun, but not too traditional, it’s Zydeco with a pinch of New Orleans’ sound, a small pinch of South Louisiana “Swamp Pop”, a taste of Country and a little Rock n’ Roll that’s sure to get you on your feet and dancing.” Any way he plays it, Thibodeaux’s music certainly gets one’s attention. Waylon’s latest CD is “Who’s Yo’ Cher Bebe’” on Rabadash Records. This release showcases Waylon’s depth and versatility as he performs his unique brand of progressive Country/Cajun music. You’ve heard it before, but it really is true, this CD has something for everyone.  The first cut, “Sweet Colinda”, debuted at #92 in the top 100 on the European Country Music Charts. Continuing to climb the charts by leaps and bounds recently landing at #9. “Who’s Yo’ Cher Bebe’” is truly a one-of-a-kind, must have, for your Louisiana music collection. Three of Waylon’s CD’s were previously released on Rockin’ Records. Two of these, “Papa Thibodeaux” and “In Jackson Square”, are both powerful mixtures of Cajun, Country, Zydeco and New Orleans style music that Waylon sings in both English, and French. Blues guitarist Tab Benoit and harmonica virtuoso Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone join Waylon on the toe-tapping cut ”Be For Sure”. The third CD, “Tu Me Fais Crier!” is completely sung in French and contains the cut chosen as the theme song for the 1999 international reunion know as the “Congres Mondial Acadian”. All three of these recordings give listeners a real taste of good high-energy Louisiana music. His six earlier independent releases include, three of his original English compositions on a 1995 compilation album by Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville/Island Records entitled, “Margaritaville Café New Orleans – Late Night Gumbo”. Thibodeaux released an independent acoustic album with Gina Forsythe, entitled “Dans La Louisiana”. This CD, a collection of traditional Cajun French songs, won the 1996 Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Award for Best Cajun album. Thibodeaux has also performed in numerous radio and television commercials and four of his original compositions were featured in the 1993 NBC movie, “House of Secrets”. As a way of giving back to the unique culture that helps to cultivate his gifts as an entertainer, Waylon performs as a member of the Voice Of The Wetlands All-Stars. This group comprised of Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Tab Benoit, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, George Porter, Jr., Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne, Johnny Vidacovich and Waylon Thibodeaux, performs throughout the country to raise awareness of the erosion of the Gulf Coast Wetlands. Having played for years to capacity crowds on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street, Thibodeaux has entertained people from all over the world. Fiercely proud of his style of music, Thibodeaux can charm his audiences in French and English. His is always a ”must see” performance. http://www.waylont.com