www.myspace.com/tomryancompany
- Tom's solo myspace site - hear his
solo work - he plays all the instruments and does all
the vocals (with one backup by Maggie).
Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole
Heritage Week, 2007
Report from John Phillips
For more pictures of this event, see the
Photo Album page here and on Johnny's personal website
www.portugie.com/photo.htm
I just returned from a trip to
Louisiana, where I enrolled at the "DEWEY BALFA CAJUN AND CREOLE
HERITAGE WEEK" and attended music classes to study Cajun
Accordion, at Chicot State Park, located in Ville Platte LA.
Rarely in my life have I had such a magical experience, with
great performers teachers, and students. The Park is beautiful,
and the camp is sponsored by,
"LOUISIANA FOLK ROOTS."
It was expertly organized with a laid back comfortable pace.
Very authentic, and freshly prepared Cajun food was served daily
by the fine kitchen staff headed by "Chef Pat." The day's
activities were orchestrated by a very competent and friendly
executive director, TODD MOUTON and assistant director VICKI L.
CHRISMAN, who created an atmosphere of home away from home, with
no request being overlooked, and a smile that became customary
attire for almost everyone.
The Instructors were a WHO'S WHO of Cajun and old time music,
including, but not limited to, the Balfa Family, Dirk Powell,
and the Savoy Family (pronounced Savoir).
I was able to Purchase a "BON CAJUN" Accordion, handmade by
LARRY MILLER, and I haven't been able to put it down since I got
back. I am so Inspired by the week's experience.
There were stage shows and dancing every night to the best
Cajun and Xydeco musicians in the world, and special
accommodations were available for entire bands that wished to
attend the Camp,
Copper Rose
will be
including some of the rhythms and music I brought back with me
in our summer performance lineup. Let us know what you think.
Dewey Balfa
Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, 2008
We all attended the
festival this year as a band and it was amazing! Just as
Johnny described it above. You can see lots of pictures and
a full description in the blog if you go to our myspace site
at www.myspace.com/copperrosemusic
