Just back home after spending my vacation in SW Louisiana. Had a good time seeing some of the sights, and doing a lot of driving through the parishes. It has been quite a few (19) years since my last trip to SW Louisiana, so there were some perceived differences from that time. Did the typical tourist traps: Swamp tour at Lake Martin, etc.. Dinners at Randol's, Pont Breaux and Prejeans. It seemed wherever I went, Drew Simon was there playing the accordion with one band or another. he probably thought I was stalking. Visited Breaux Bridge, Crowley, Rayne, Eunice, Ville Platte, Mamou, New Iberia and Lafayette of course. Since I went mostly for the music and eating (duh), my favorite eating spots were D.I.'s in Basile and the Mom and Pop spots. I LOVE boudin, so The Best Stop and Don's in Scott plus Charlie-T's in Breaux Bridge saw plenty of business from this Yankee. Music spots I stopped at included the Friday night jam at the Begnaud House in Scott. An elderly gentleman sat down beside me, handing me a business card. He looked familiar, and I recognized him by his CD cover: Don Montoucet. I asked him if he indeed was Mr. Montoucet the accordion player, which he confirmed. We spoke for a few minutes before the jam started. He later played a few tunes, but stated "the arthritis was catching up to him." Saturday morning, I drove up to Eunice for the Savoy jam. I must say (just my opinion) that the Begnaud House jam was a little bit better. Maybe because it seemed less formal, friendlier and the kids played also. I then drove up to Ville Platte to Floyd's. Ville Platte was deserted, and so was Mamou. I didn't go to Fred's for the Saturday morning show, but I did say 'hi' to Tante Sue as she was peaking her head out the door after the show. I walked across the very quiet street to the Hotel Cazan. Bradley Venable was playing and the band had a packed house up and dancing the whole time. He had them moving! After the band finished, I talked to some gentleman on the street for about an hour, then back to Eunice to the CFMA Hall of Fame. I met Larry Miller after their committee meeting. We talked about his accordion business and Cajun music in general. Larry stated he was still building a few accordions, mostly overseeing some apprentices. Pleasant man. Next up was the Liberty Theatre, were I saw Cameron Dupuy and The Cajun Troubadours. That young man can play the accordion, and Mike's vocals have that lonesome wailing sound! (I also saw them the next day at Vermilionville, were they had the dancer's tearing up the dance floor). The Liberty was smaller that I recalled from my previous visit. I always remembered it as a larger theater. Randy Falcon was in the audience. Wish I could have talked to him about his accordions, but he was up by the stage talking with Cameron and Mike after the show, and I did not want to bother them. Then it was off to D.I's in Basile, waaayyy out in the middle of nowhere! I did remember that from my last trip. The food was great and the band was letting the kids play. Very informal, which was good. Sunday I spent at Vermilionville as previously mentioned.
The last couple of days, I puttered around New Iberia (had some delicious Red beans and rice at Victor's Cafeteria) and back to Lafayette for shopping, etc.. Before leaving for the airport, I stopped at the Old Tyme Shoppe for a shrimp po boy. Mmm....mmm...Good! All in all, had a good time. My next trip down may be to Lake Charles, and over to the Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Groves areas to see how they do Cajun music and food there in Texas.

Hey Don, I'm pretty sure I was at the Begnaud House that same night. Was it last Friday? And were you the guy from Ohio?

Yes, I was. Which one were you?

And you are right it is a friendly and less formal atmosphere. We always try and give the young children some playing time. Yes, they often struggle as they pick through the songs they are learning but its good for them to play in front of others and get their feet wet. It builds confidence and keeps them motivated to continue playing. They are the future.

Sounds awesome and similar like our adventures in LA.
We had such good times at the Begnaud House.
Last year with the band and a year earlier with my wife.
See link#2

Don, thanks for sharing your LA vacation with us. sounds like a great time, wish I was there!

Okay, yes I was seated next to you. You were telling me how the Duson Waltz and the Big Boy Waltz were similar but different keys. By the way what are the most popular keys played for those two in SW Louisiana? I play the basic version of the Duson Waltz like Briggs Brown does on his CD. I did notice you stating that about two accordions at the same time sounding a little 'off' or chaotic. It is nice to see some of the local youth getting involved in Cajun Music, rather than Rap, Pop, etc.. The young girl playing the accordion was getting a little frustrated with herself, but if she hangs in there, she will get it. I am a relative beginner to the accordion myself, so I know how she feels. Who was the man playing the accordion at the end? Glad to meet you in person, although I didn't know who you were. lol

Jon: Yep, I googled 'Robert Doucet - Cajun' and sure enough, he popped up. Plays with Fricassee Cajun Band.

Thank you Don for sharing your experience. You are a good writer. Reading about your trip was enjoyable.