No matter what your political persuasion, this is great music by some of our best friends. The person who owns this establishment says it was 3.5 days "from idea to internet."

Enjoy.

What a dirty sneaky way to post a political add on this forum.
I for one will no longer read any of your post, Mr. Gene, and in reality, think you should be ostracized from posting again.

JB

JB,

I'm not sure why you are having such an extreme negative reaction. There was a certain amount of warning that it was political, but that it was being brought forward for its musical value.

The ad was not negative in any way - there was no attack of the opposing side. It was a positive expression of one point of view. Oh, and Gene never said that he endorsed that point of view - you could be making a huge assumption and/or knee jerk reaction and/or jumping to conclusions. My advice is to just calm down a little.

Gene,

I suppose any discussion of politics can be dangerous, especially now that opposing side is falling behind. I think I get where you are coming from and I am glad you brought it to our attention. I see from some of the comments on youtube that it has gotten national exposure. Regardless of anyone's political opinion, I think it is noteworthy that "our" music has been used this way as a contemporary expression the freedom of expression and participation in the political process.

-David

Brilliant vid. Thanks for sharing!

I voted from abroad this month.. between registration and voting.. I did over $100 in postage fees !

Worth every penny.

G.

Great music, political or not; looks like Mrs & Mr P. are in it? - Nout

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Replying to:

No matter what your political persuasion, this is great music by some of our best friends. The person who owns this establishment says it was 3.5 days

Some music forums have a section called:

Great video, great music, thanks Gene!

How can that be great music? It sounds just like every other 3 note zydeco song out there. The history behind this video is quite interesting. Dirk Powell tried to sell it as a way of showing the world that the french speaking community was showing their unity for this socialist. Well, that fired me up as well as many others. For a list of whom I am referring to you may contact me at jerrylmoody@yahoo.com or 9858597646. I agree this forum should not be used for politcal purposes but, as we know only conservatives have to follow a moral ethical and legal structure.

Le Piquant

Thanks for sharing.
First time I see high profile Cajun musicians getting involved that way. Based on the "tip of the iceberg" principle, that suggests a significant landslide in the works...
There was my "unbiaised" two cents' worth...

All I can say is this election is producing strong emotions from all sides. Yes, this forum isn't for political discussions, but I think we are all mature enough to take it occasionally. I also believe this country's greatest strength lies in the diversity of its people. We are stronger together than we are divided. When we stop listening to each other we are the poorer for it.

Like my good friend Danny Roy Young said (he passed a short while ago):
"Love 'em all
Let God sort 'em out"

Capt.

And J.B. I'm sure you have noticed the bumper sticker on the back of my car. Love you fella.

I never said who I was voting for or against and/or which political party I belong to;
That Crap does not belong on this forum.
So to assume I had a

Well, I guess censorship has begun already, either that or my computer is kaput.
JB

My posting at 8:55 was also cut off. So I don't think there's any thing wrong with your computer.

My posting used the word proctology. And only talked about the another forum that has a way for people to talk about controversial issues, see link #1, on Off Topic discussion

My mistake J.B. Yes, political talk doesn't belong here and Censorship is bad. I think I'll leave this alone from here on.

Cpt.

Maz, Dirk Powell is not a high profile Cajun musician. And that is not Cajun music. Further more I did not recognize any local Cajun people in the video. But, I did see the liberal socialist from California. And one other thing I will not purchase any more Cajun muisic from the Cajun musicians I did see. This is pathetic to see these out of state people trying to buy or steal my Cajun culture.

Le Piquant

dude
you weren;t looking
steve riley and david greeley were in the dance crowd!
wle.

steve riley and david greeley were in the dance crowd!
wle.

I looked again and I didn't see them. I did turn the sound down though.

I don't see David Greely, but I think about Steve, he's talking about the dude with the brown hair and sideburns, and if I recall is wearing a white shirt.

Its Not Tony Davoren?

Check that link. Michael Doucet is wearing an Obama shirt at a CD release party.

Yes, not everybody likes zydeco. I've heard the same complaint about cajun music by people who don't like it...it all sounds the same. By my way of listening, Jeffrey Broussard is a monster player who can put more music in a 2 chord song than many can put in a symphony. Yep, zydeco is more about the groove than the "tune", & that might not be for everyone. I enjoyed the amount of feeling that went into this music and the movie.
I understand that some might not feel so positive about the message. IMHO it would be nice to see something as positive from those others about their point of view.

Gene, At least we know whom you're voting for.

Mr.McCain isn't?.

Claude.

The person that owns that establishment is from California and it is called an underground cafe. And isn't just like them to have to hide their cause and not go out in the public with it. I for one am done with Balfa camp!

Le Piquant

Le Piquant,

Even if it isn't

Le Piquant,

Even if it isn't great music (a term that is defies definition)
and perhaps these aren't our best friends (I mean, they've always been
cordial & helpful to me, but they really don't know me from Adam)
and some of the players aren't Cajun, I'd hate to see you cut
off your nose to spite your face.

I could understand how opportunistic the video could seem to
someone who was born in Louisiana.

Point being, it would be a shame for you to get irritated
and deny yourself the experiences that an event such as Balfa
camp has to offer because of a video that someone posted.

Heck, you have a voice & validity too! Make your own video &
post it back!

Also, (and this is not directed to Le Piquant) FWIW: I have censored
nothing in this thread. If parts of a message were deleted, it was
not done by me.

--Big

I don't really get what you're saying...

The person who runs the Whirlybird is from California, ok, but what's the deal with their "cause" and an "underground cafe"?

Cleverly done video, great music and playing... I wonder how popular it will be 4 years from now...

~R!CK

I reckon there's Cajuns, Creoles, Hillbillies, Rednecks, and every other group, even bible-thumpers, on both sides of the presidential race. And most all of them think they know the truth with a capital "T". I know I do.

So I don't think you can say anybody is hijacking anybody's culture with a video. Like somebody said, if you don't like it, go make your own video. And be of good cheer. FOX "news" will likely run it.

Having said that, though, I know how you feel. I'd hate to see the music I love being used for a candidate I despised, and I'd hate to have the rest of the world identifying "my" music with an abominable political philosophy. I know. They've done it to me time and again with country music.

But I've learned to get over it. Maybe you will, too. I hate you to miss Balfa Camp, whoever you are. Everybody there seems like just plain folks to me.

Sigh. I miss the 70's, when nobody gave much of a d*mn who you voted for, and we all knew politicians were liars. We got along a lot better than nowadays, when we are hair-trigger ready to get offended.

My message to everyone: turn off the d*mn TV and radio, make music, and don't let some jerk with a microphone do your thinking for you. Quit listening to the cheerleaders and take a look at the scoreboard. The working man is losing, big-time.

This political rant brought to you by Registered Independent (and d*mn proud of it), Jamey Hall

Lots of Good Ideas.
Leave it to Rick to add a great touch of satire.
Hope we can put this subject to bed, now.
John Fine, no need for an apology.
You're my friend, no matter how you vote.
I'll just be glad when this thing is over.
The only sure things are Death, Taxes, and Music.
Let's concentrate on the latter, with a touch of humor.
And no politics.
JB

"My message to everyone: turn off the d*mn TV and radio, make music, and don't let some jerk with a microphone do your thinking for you. Quit listening to the cheerleaders and take a look at the scoreboard. The working man is losing, big-time"

Now that's a quote worth keeping, mon ami.

The problem here is that Dirk Powell sent an e-mail out on another site stating that they were going to film this video to show the everybody that the french speaking people of Louisiana is supporting Obama for president. He does not have the authority to speak for me probably for no one else. Support whom ever you want but don't use Cajun culture to do it. I will not support an organization that causes me to loose my voice or have to adopt theirs to belong. If it means cutting off my nose to spite my face then so be it. It is better to look deformed than to sell my soul and my heart to be a part.
The point is that the people behind this video are mostly out of state people. Yet they claim to be local. The term underground is what Dirk used to describe the cafe where the video was shot. I've always had a problem with that term. It was real popular in 60's and 70's. I was spit at and made fun of by people when I wore my Marine Corps uniform in public back then. So my dislike for the left goes beyond Oui, on peut.

Sending this link was totally "ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC", I happen to know
all of those folks and they are wonderful musicians and great people. Anyone every had a class with Dirk? It's even better than his video. Corey Ledet is a
great guy, And on and on. It was fun to see some people many of us know.

I agree that politics doesn't belong here and I'm sorry if anyone felt it was out of bounds. ( I won't post any videos again unless they are something like
Diggy Liggy Lo - that is, totally devoid of anything that could offend.)

BTW, I believe that California fellow also runs a good school in Sunset (LA).

Gene

Ok, let's say that this link will be classfied under "lagniappe"

Really, it's all about music. I son't see why people should be offended to post this video on this blog regardless of what colour you're gonna vote for. Come on!
By the way, most of the musicians are from LA. We can see Corey Ledet on the drums, Christine Balfa on the guitare, Jeffrey Broussard on the box, I don't recognize the fiddler and frattoir player, and Dirk, well... He's been in LA for so long and is married to Christine and has been such a big contributor to Cajun music... He's Cajun in the heart at least....

Corey Ledet is from Houston.

The fiddler is Linzay Young, from the Red Stick Ramblers - he's from Eunice je crois... and the frottoir player is Zydeco Joe?

Zydeco Joe (I think his real name was Joe Mouton)
is no more ..

So, if that's the rubboard player, it's a very
special video indeed

(I was a big Zydeco Joe fan for sure!)

--Big

There were two Zydeco Joes. I've seen this one as a special guest in a number of bands.

Zydeco a deux Joes? That sounds like a song

In the info on youtube it says the guy is Zydeco Joe Citizen...

I'm certain that Darryl from Australia can give the last name.

Zydeco Joe the Dancer has to be THE BEST Zydeco dancer I have ever seen!

Yeah..he's a guy calling himself Dancin' Zydeco Joe....he's a real character and as Joanie says...the BEST Zydeco dancer you'll ever see.

DZJ..or Joe Citizen..is a good friend....and we communicate with each other quite a bit. He plays Rubboard with great Creole Accordion player Mr. Goldman Thibodeaux and The Lawtell Playboys, but he also freelances with almost every other Louisiana Zydeco, Creole and Cajun band that's worth mentioning.....Pine Leaf Boys, Joe Hall, Jeffrey Broussard, and so on.

Joe is a LEGEND in the area bounded by Opelousas, Lafayette, Eunice and more.
He also assistson air on a radio show with John Broussard on KRVS out of Lafayette ( LSU )..show is called Zydeco Sont Pas Sale...can be heard on line....

A gentle, warm human being with a GREAT sense of rhythm...and when it comes to Zydeco dancing he's able to put it ALL together in a space about 3 feet square..it's just SO good to watch and his lady partners better be good ..and they almost always are.
A great lesson in Zydeco dancin' where economy of motion is the thing....you don't have to flail your arms about or jump about..just coooool !

Darryl, Australia.

The best rubboard player I ever witnessed was "Zydeco Mike" Mike Chiasson from Chubby Carrier's Zydeco Swamp Band -- I met him back in the mid 90's and he showed me some basic rhythms that got me started playing the board. Louisiana has some amazingly gifted musicians at every turn; taking their talents for something like just another natural everyday occurrence. Big up, LA.

R!CK

Yeah Rick..if it's the same guy you're talking about...we saw him at a gig in Ft Lauderdale with Chubby and the band..Joanie was there too.

..he also has a party trick...during the gig he comes to stage front while Chubby gets him to down a full bottle of Tabasco sauce..like slammin' down a beer....hoooey!...the man can play rubboard and the Tabasco didn't slow him down, that's for sure!!...must have a throat and stomach made of cast iron!

BTW..I've NEVER seen a bigger impact band than Chubby and The Bayou Boogie Band..hooey..seemed like they had about 1000 in the huge tent and twice as many outside trying to get in.....LOUD...ear plugs...all that...but it was fantastic...and can Chubby play that 3 row or what?..a real throaty growl to it.
Pity his records are unable to reproduce that LIVE magic!

D.

Right on Darryl! Well you ARE in luck -- if you like Chubby Carrier's live show, he just released a live CD -- "Live at Knucklehead's" in Kansas City. Chubby sent me a copy earlier this month and it clearly captures that element which you speak of. It's a total party disc and every tune on it pops like a can of Foster's. Without a doubt, when it comes to zydeco, there is no tighter band on the planet than Chubby's... and Chubby's prowess on the 3-row is unmatched. The CD is available at Louisiana Music Factory and Amazon.

R!CK

Andrew Cormier talked about Zydeco Joe this last Sunday when we were visiting. Must be Dancin' Joe, cause Andre' said he played rub-board. Andre' is from Eunice originally.

Gene,
Thank for sharing that. I'm glad I had a chance to see it. Whether or not I agree with it is a different matter. You can't please everybody on this board. If somebody wants to get offended because you disagree with them, that's their problem, and not your fault. I don't think you need to apologize.
Warm regards,
Claude

LOL...frankly, I don't give a 'rats' about the lyrics or the event..

BUT......just get a load of that GREAT music and that GROOOOVE....man, I'm just gonna go get my accordion and work on it...make a gittar and drum beat backing track on the mini disc player, play it back thru my amp, then play with myself !!!!

Great Youtube post Gene!!

Darryl., Australia.

Ah ok I see what you're getting at. Yeah Dirk can't speak on behalf of the French population because for one, isn't he from Virginia, or West Virginia, Kentucky, somewhere in that area? For two, the Balfas are from the praries around Eunice and Mamou, and that's only a portion of the French speaking people. So yeah I understand what you're saying.

I for one didn't see anything that said they were speaking for all the Cajun people. I did see a room full of Americans expressing their views, which is their right. I appreciate LePiquant's frustration after Viet nam but to take away American rights because they are not Cajun seems wrong to me. The name calling is something that also shows frustration, especially when behind, and I think is precisely what is wrong with McCain's campaign. It is not what goes into a mouth that defiles one but what comes out of it.
Unfortunately this is why politics probably don't belong on a music forum. The times of polite political discourse are, unfortunately, a thing of the past.

Try being a Democrat in the South for a few years, then you can talk about what it's like to have other people speaking on your behalf.

One of the things you learn from that experience is that you have to live next to and work with people who hold different political beliefs from yours.

You either decide to deal with it or you take your ball and go home.

But if you go home, it's a sure bet that you won't be missed.

I, for one, don't care what anyone on this board does. Boycott Balfa Camp if you want. Heck, boycott all Louisiana Folk Roots events, too. And if you don't like the name change, boycott Festivals Acadiens et Creoles while you're at it.

Don't buy any of the albums from any of the people in that video. But while you're at it, don't buy any of Michael Doucet's albums either. And you'd better boycott the Pine Leaf Boys too, since Wilson Savoy admits to being a Democrat on his Facebook page. And you'd better check on his daddy's political beliefs before you attend another jam at the Savoy Music Center--for all you know, he might be voting for Obama, too.

When you're sitting at home playing with yourself, that'll really show 'em!

Wilson has a facebook? Gonna have to find him

I think, with all the flack going on, my ole pal Peer & my poorself will have to hire body guards and wear sunglasses & bulletproof vests as defense against what might be coming out of the Bush unexpectedly; with the Crooks we got a Demonocratic Party gig at 5 AM on the 5th of November in The Hague; guess they're gonna have some party-ing there to do then. - But maybe we shouldn't play no Cajun & stick to Country Blues, Ragtime and Jazzy stuff in hopes not to offend anyone ..... - Nout

Boy it'll be nice when the election is over and we're all just regular folk again huh?

Hey here is the original message Dirk sent.
Andrea -

Wanted to spread the word about the pro-Obama music video we will be
shooting at the Whirlybird tomorrow afternoon and evening. The song, "Oui,
On Peut," which translates as "Yes We Can," was written by myself and
Christine. The band will feature top local Creole and Cajun musicians. The
idea is to get the video up on youtube and other outlets to show how deeply
Obama's message of unity resonates with the French speaking areas of
Louisiana and to offer our support in the way we know best -- through music
and dance.

We're going to try to film at around 6 p.m. Friday Oct 17.

Thanks,
Dirk

I have plenty of experience and I have worked for some of the people that moved here from out of state and I have enjoyed their company and hope to be able to continue to enjoy their company. I have listened to Rush and Hannity as I worked on their homes and we never once had an issue of it. I have no interest in knowing what their political views are but I know what some of their beliefs are and I therefore am able to guess with a certain high percent of certainty what their political views are. I still like almost all the people I have met in the last few years in the Lafayette area and look forward to listening and playing music with them. Have your beliefs and vote for whom ever but, don't tell me your going to show everyone that you want to show "how deeply Obama's message resonates with the french speaking community in Louisiana". Well it didn't resonate with me and didn't resonate with a lot of other people. I don't care that the Pine Leaf Boys or Marc Savoy or Steve Riley wants to celebrate the song and political message. They didn't send out the e-mail and they have a right to their views I have no issue with that. Finally I won't be home playing by myself because I am not the only one that took issue with this issue.

Le Piquant

I will listen to Rush, I will listen to Hannity, then turn on NPR or Stern or Jim Hightower, etc. I listen to them all. Closing my mind to ANY opinion is not my style. I like to get all the information I can from every viewpoint, then I will make up my mind. Sure, I tend to fall on the "liberal" side, but that is my family culture. My Gr-grandmother was a sufferagette, my gr-grandfather worked in the executive branch under Roosevelt. My Dad was a career Air Force and I know well the despicable treatment many of out uniformed forces received in the 70's. I have friends both conservative and liberal and we get along fine (most of the time). You gotta choose your battles. I don't think this little video is a battle worth fighting over. So Chill out.

After more correspondence I have ended my boycott of Balfa Camp. And to put this issue to rest it was never about the song. It was about the promotion of it.

Le Piquant

WHEW! Good news indeed. Time for a beer or two. Jerry's buying of course.

Kirk Menier

Le piquand or whom ever you are.

Question: Would you have posted your original

message, had you use your real name?, honestly .

I doubt it.

Stir a little polemic hiding behind a pseudonym ,not

nice!


Claude.

OOPS, sorry Gerry, I got confused, actually I was ansering to another forum, Duh!. Sorry. Claude.

I like the song. But, I don't like the lyrics. And I am not for any Party. No side taking for me. Why doesn't everyone just chill and believe in the "Party with a keg of beer".

Hey hey,
awesome video...thanks Gene!
Man, what a sweet mix of musicians. Jeffery is smoking on the accordion. Lord Allmighty.
I thought it was very positive and can't find a thing to complain about. Keeping it positive.
These musicians have every right to speak out about something they feel strongly about.
Even if you are of a different political thinking, the video was chock full of our favorite musicians that represent the genre and was presented with a positive vibe.
Who's playing fiddle?
Kirk

Linzay Young from the Red Stick Ramblers.

He's the singer in this song here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZIbBrV-vs