Julie Miller, Author at Zydeco Crossroads

Watch: WURD host Stephanie Renee on zydeco, highlights of Marcus Ardoin and Rockin’ Dopsie in concert

Posted on May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 by Julie Miller

Marcus Ardoin & Da Zydeco Legends traveled to Philadelphia with Rockin’ Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters last month for another outstanding evening of music and dance. For this event, WXPN partnered with local community radio station WURD to bring the music to a larger audience and introduce XPN’s listeners to another perspective of zydeco’s importance. Watch highlights of the concert below, along with interviews with WURD radio host Stephanie Renee and WURD listener Rob Carter. Listen back to the full audio archive of the concert here. Read more

Watch an interview with zydeco dance instructor Harold Guillory

Posted on May 5, 2015May 5, 2015 by Julie Miller

For the first Zydeco Crossroads concert back in December, we thought it would be important to introduce the dance aspect of the experience along with the music. So Harold Guillory, a dance instructor from Lake Charles, LA traveled up to Philadelphia with Curley Taylor to lead the sold-out Kimmel Center crowd in a dance lesson before the show. We interviewed Guillory about the dance’s ability to draw new people to the music, why it sets zydeco apart and how it allows fans to express themselves in a different way. Read more

Terrance Simien will bring Creole for Kidz to Celebrate Brooklyn! next month

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Julie Miller

Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco is a CD and live show created by musician and educator Terrance Simien. He’s taken the show on the road up and down the eastern seaboard, including a special presentation at the Berklee College of Music for its American Roots Music and African Studies visiting arts program, to educate students about creole culture and music.

On June 6th the program will be presented at a free event in conjunction with Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Read more

Soul Creole releases new songs on Delta: Indigo

Posted on April 24, 2015April 23, 2015 by Julie Miller

Soul Creole has released part one of its three-part record Delta. The Indigo installment features four original songs by the band, which you can stream and download via Bandcamp. Read more

Curley Taylor talks creative motivation, evolution of zydeco and more in new interview

Posted on April 13, 2015April 13, 2015 by Julie Miller

In this backstage interview with Curley Taylor, the Zydeco Trouble band leader gives us a glimpse into his own zydeco experience. Read more

J’ai été au Bal explores the history of Louisiana Cajuns and Creoles

Posted on April 11, 2015April 10, 2015 by Julie Miller

A 1989 documentary called J’ai été au Bal (I Went to the Dance) explores the histories and dynamics of Cajuns and Creoles in Louisiana. Read more

Go behind-the-scenes of Martin Accordions in Scott, Louisiana

Posted on April 10, 2015April 9, 2015 by Julie Miller

In October of last year, Zydeco Crossroads toured Martin Accordions in Scott, Louisiana. The family-owned business has been manufacturing and repairing accordions for thirty years, led by “Junior” Martin, his son Anthony and daughter Penny. Read more

Watch Curley Taylor perform “All Night Long” live at the Kimmel Center

Posted on April 9, 2015April 9, 2015 by Julie Miller

Performing in front of a sold-out crowd, Curley Taylor put on a stellar show last December for the Philadelphia launch of Zydeco Crossroads. The Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theatre was packed to the rafters with zydeco fans new and old dancing to the enthusiastic and charismatic music of Taylor’s Zydeco Trouble band. Check out a video of “All Night Long” below. Read more

Buckwheat Zydeco and Lost Bayou Ramblers to play XPoNential Music Festival

Posted on April 7, 2015April 6, 2015 by Julie Miller

Zydeco Crossroads’ parent station WXPN has announced the line-up for this year’s highly anticipated XPoNential Music Festival, taking place across the Delaware River at Wiggins Park from July 24-26. Among the roster of XPN staples and exciting up-and-comers are two Louisiana acts that will bring some Creole and Cajun heat to the breezy waterside venue. Read more

Tune in to a live broadcast of tonight’s SOLD OUT Zydeco Crossroads Dance Party

Posted on April 2, 2015April 2, 2015 by Julie Miller

Tonight’s dance party with Marcus Ardoin and Da Zydeco Legends and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr and the Zydeco Twisters is sold out! But you can still join in the fun; WXPN will air a live broadcast of the concert on the radio at 88.5FM in Philadelphia and worldwide at XPN.org beginning at 7:30 p.m. Read more