CAJUN MUSIC & DANCING IN TEXAS

Louisiana may be Mecca for Cajun music lovers, but Cajun music is also alive and well in Texas. For those with Cajun roots, this popular music and dance can be found in several locations on a monthly basis, with periodic festivals. For people who love polka first, Cajun music can be a fun alternative when the polka schedule gets thin. Either way, it’s handy to know about the Cajun dance opportunities in Texas.

Like polka, Cajun music is happy music, created and preserved by the hard working Acadians (now “Cajuns”) who settled in the bayous and prairies of Louisiana. Their distinctive music features the small Cajun button box accordion, and usually a fiddle, supported by other instruments. The songs alternate between the waltz and the Cajun two-step, a side-to-side quick two step with a little bounce tossed in to make it more lively. While it might take a little time to learn the Cajun two-step, first-timers who can waltz can already do half the dances at a Cajun dance, so there’s nothing to fear!

So where can a person dance Cajun in Texas?

On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Houston Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) sponsors a dance at the KC#2917 Hall, 607 E. Whitney Drive (near I-45 and Airline). The 7:30-11:30 p.m. dance features authentic Cajun bands from Louisiana or East Texas. It’s a great wood dance floor, and the hall is smoke free! Good Cajun food available. For information, call Ed Miller 832-654-4301 or e-mail houtxholisticdr@aol.com.

The San Antonio Chapter of the CFMA holds a monthly dance on the second Saturday in the Hermann Sons Hall, 525 S. St. Mary’s Street, near Durango St. It’s within walking distance of the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, but also has ample parking behind the Hall. The 7:30-11:30 p.m. dance features good Cajun bands, a wood dance floor and Cajun food in a smoke free environment. For info call 210-667-9070, or see the web at www.defatrascajun.com.

The Golden Triangle CFMA Chapter also has Cajun music and dancing the first Friday of every month. It’s at the American Legion Hall, 922 Nederland Ave, Nederland, TX. The covered dish supper is 6:15, business meeting 7 p.m., and the dance begins at 8 p.m. For information on the Golden Triangle monthly dance, call Jerry Bellott, 409-983-5118.

Larry’s Cajun Cafeteria in Groves (TX) has Cajun music and dancing every Thursday-Friday-Saturday with good Cajun bands. Call 409-962-3381.

Cajun music abounds on the airwaves in Louisiana, but we also have it here in Texas. Pe-Te’s Cajun Bandstand airs every Saturday 6-9 a.m. on KPFT, 90.1 FM, in Houston. Lee Dibala is on the air from 90.1 FM every Saturday morning, 4-6 a.m. Tee Bruce’s Cajun Jamboree is every Sunday, 6-11 a.m. on KLVI, 560 AM in Beaumont. In Austin it’s the Fais-Do Do Show, on KOOP 91.7 FM Wednesday 9-11 a.m. And in Dallas it’s Leo Perron’s Cajun Show, Monday 8-10 p.m., KNON, 89.3 FM.

The Cajun French Music Association (CFMA), with seven Chapters in Louisiana and three in Texas, publishes a monthly newsletter, containing information from each of the Chapters about their dances and activities, as well as information on special Cajun events. Membership is $15 per year. Contact CFMA at P.O. Box 92575, Lafayette, LA 70509-2575.

If you are interested in a trip to Cajun country, consider visiting the CFMA Hall of Fame in Eunice. And don’t forget the legendary Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, just north of Eunice. And then there is Lafayette… and so much more. Too much for this article!

If you are interested in a good guide to Cajun music activities in Louisiana, contact CFMA and ask them for a sample copy of their Newsletter. Also, The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association publishes a great Louisiana Tour Guide. Write them at P.O. Box 3988, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3988 for your free copy.

Meanwhile, consider taking in some Cajun music here in Texas. Like the Cajuns say, “Laissez les bon temps roulez!”

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Remembering Rodair

Sadly, the Rodair Club is now closed. This article remains posted for historical purposes.

Joe Thibodeaux, owner and operator of the Rodair Club near Pert Arthur, died Aug. 12. Joe and the Rodair Club were institutions in the authentic Cajun dance culture of Texas. We would like to say goodbye to Joe by remembering Rodair.

The Rodair Club is located near Port Arthur on Highway 365, which connects I-10 and US 69. Located in low prairie country, the venerable Rodair Club was home to Cajun music every Saturday night, for 45 years.

Operated by Joe and Dioris Thibodeaux, the Rodair Club was a local legend that provided an opportunity to mix with East Texas Cajuns doing their thing on a Saturday night.

Owner Joe Thibodeaux ran the Rodair Club with a firm hand, in later years from his wheel chair as he greeted the patrons every Saturday night. Wife Dioris held things together collecting the $4 admissions. It was a family affair, and most of the guests were regulars.

Dancers took to the wood floor for the waltzes and Cajun two-steps, occasionally starting a “circle” dance where people take turns in the middle doing their best while the circled friends cheer them on.

For a time during the nineties, the Rodair was also open on Sunday afternoons with Cajun music provided by a collection of musicians available for the day. This reporter spent some enjoyable Sunday afternoons at Rodair, being Cajun for the day.

The Cajuns like to say, “Laissez les bon temps roulez!”

And the good times did roll at Rodair. Thanks Joe, for the memories!

(Posted 9/21/04)

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Cory & Lisa McCauley Play Cajun

No doubt about it. Cory and Lisa McCauley play Cajun! This Houston couple and their Evangeline Aces band are beginning to be recognized throughout Texas.

In addition to the recent fun night at the 2^nd Fiddle in Chappell Hill, the Evangeline Aces will play for the Cajun fest at Anhalt Hall May 9. They have recently played for the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) chapter dances in both Houston and San Antonio, and are scheduled back. And they’re also on tap to play at Sweet Home Aug. 9 and Oct. 18 (2009). Let’s learn a little more about this talented duo.

Cory McCauley plays traditional Cajun music going back to an era when musicians would gather together for house dances or just to play. McCauley plays accordion, Lisa plays guitar, and they both do vocals. Musician and friend Brian Marshall has said, “When Lisa sings, the Angels sing.”

The "Evangeline Aces" band name is a combination of the names of two of McCauley's favorite bands, Austin Pitre's Evangeline Playboys and Lawrence Walker's Wandering Aces. McCauley began learning to play the accordion when he was 15 years old, borrowing an instrument from a neighbor for a few days and then purchasing his own accordion. Like almost all Cajun musicians, he plays by ear. And it sounds good to our ears! Cory and Lisa McCauley can be reached at 281-347-7262.

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Pe-Te Taking It Easier

Les “Pe-Te” Johnson is talking it a little easier these days. He’s doing the Saturday Morning “Cajun Bandstand” radio program and playing golf as much as he can. But the little bundle of energy from Eunice Louisiana who built and operated the Houston landmark “Pe-Te’s Cajun BBQ House” turned that operation over to his son on Jan. 31. So Pe-Te and wife Miss Jenny are taking it a little easier now. But here’s how it all began.

In 1979, Les Johnson took a six-month leave of absence from Brown & Root. He and Miss Jenny opened up a small business in a tin shack in far Southeast Houston just across Hwy 3 from Ellington Air Force Base. They began selling good Cajun food and Bar-B-Q, along with beer and Cajun music. They worked hard, and their clientele began to grow. They expanded the shack, or more accurately, it just kinda grew. They began holding Cajun dances, and started Zydeco music on Saturday afternoons (no cover).

Hard work pays off! When Pe-Te (still on leave from Brown & Root) and Miss Jenny left the operation in January this year, they were in their 25^th year! In that time, they built Pe-Te’s into an institution.

For those who have not been in Pe-Te’s, a word picture might help. The hall’s décor is definitely one-of-a-kind! Many of the tabletops are photo collages of past events and partygoers, and the chairs are a collection of anything and everything. Every square inch of wall space is occupied. Personalized license plates are a main theme, with dates spanning the hall’s 24-year history. Road and traffic signs are another common item.

One whole section is devoted to autographed astronaut pictures and other space photos (astronauts and other NASA personnel from Ellington AFB are frequent lunchtime patrons). Pe-Te has seven CDs that have been played in space by his astronaut buddies.

Beer signs are everywhere! Flags, banners and eclectic collectibles hang from the ceiling, blending in with the overhead fans, helping to hide the air-conditioning ducts.

Pe-Te’s Cajun BBQ House is an interesting place to visit, and a great spot to take Houston visitors who want to sample Cajun food and a unique experience. They have a great supply of Cajun music for sale.

Deservedly, Pe-Te has been inducted into the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) Cajun Hall of Fame for his efforts to preserve the Cajun heritage.

Now the operation of the BBQ House is turned over to son Johnny and his wife Michelle. Great Cajun food and BBQ will continue to be the drawing card, during the week, with Zydeco music on Saturday afternoons.

Pe-Te is continuing the three-hour Saturday morning Cajun Bandstand radio show on KPFT 90.1 FM, 7-9 a.m. It’s a Cajun music show, with a little Zydeco thrown in. Cajun Bandstand might present a little culture shock for the hard core Czech polka fan, but it has a big and growing audience.

At the close of every three-hour Saturday morning show, Pe-Te leaves his listeners with this advice.

“The good Lord giveth life - the good Lord taketh away. He gave us yesterdays to remember, but never promises any tomorrows. Do what you’re gonna do today, because tomorrow may be too late.”

Good advice. And it may be the reason that Pe-Te has accomplished so much!

(Posted 3/22/04)

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Pe-Te’s Cajun Bandstand Celebrates 20!

Saturday morning in the Houston area, and the Polka Express radio program is no longer on the air. What to do?

Well, many listen to “Pe-Te’s Cajun Bandstand” on KPFT 90.1 FM, from 6-9 a.m. Hosted by Pe-Te himself (Les Johnson), Cajun Bandstand recently celebrated 20 years on the air! That’s quite an accomplishment. It deserves a tip of the Texas Polka News’ hat to the wiry little Cajun from Eunice, LA who has built his Cajun BBQ house and his weekly radio program into a Houston legend.

Cajun Bandstand is a Cajun music show, with a little Zydeco thrown in. Pe-Te presents music news and information between songs, and takes many requests. Admittedly, Cajun Bandstand might present a little culture shock for the hard core Czech polka fan, but it has a big and growing audience. Here’s how it started.

In 1979, Les Johnson took a six-month leave of absence from Brown & Root. He and wife Miss Jenny opened up a small business in a tin shack in far Southeast Houston just across Hwy 3 from Ellington Air Force Base. They began selling good Cajun food and Bar-B-Q, along with beer and Cajun music. They worked hard, and their clientele began to grow. They expanded the shack, or more accurately, it just kinda grew. They began holding Cajun dances, and started Zydeco music on Saturday afternoons (no cover).

Hard work pays off, and in 1999 Pe-Te (still on leave from Brown & Root) and Miss Jenny celebrated the 20^th Anniversary of Pe-Te’s Cajun Bar-B-Q House.

For those of you who have not been in Pe-Te’s, a word picture of the event might help. The hall’s décor is definitely one-of-a-kind! Many of the tabletops are photo collages of past events and partygoers, and the chairs are a collection of anything and everything. Every square inch of wall space is occupied. Personalized license plates are a main theme, with dates spanning the hall’s 24-year history. Road and traffic signs are another common item.

Beer signs are everywhere! Flags, banners and eclectic collectibles hang from the ceiling, blending in with the overhead fans, helping to hide the air-conditioning ducts.

Pe-Te’s Cajun BBQ House is an interesting place to visit, and a great spot to take Houston visitors who want to sample Cajun food and a unique experience. He has a great supply of Cajun music for sale.

Deservedly, Pe-Te has been inducted into the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) Cajun Hall of Fame for his efforts to preserve the Cajun heritage.

But we started this article talking about Cajun Bandstand, and we’ll finish that way. At the close of every three-hour Saturday morning show, Pe-Te leaves his listeners with this advice.

Good advice. And it may be the reason that Pe-Te has already accomplished so much!

(posted 4/17/03)

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Rodair Club for Cajun!

Sadly, the Rodair Club is now closed. This article remains posted for historical purposes. (3/03/06)

Like polka, Cajun music is happy music, created and preserved by the hard working Acadians (now “Cajuns”) who settled the bayous and prairies of Louisiana. Their distinctive music features the small Cajun button box accordion, and usually a fiddle.

The music at Cajun dances alternates between the waltz and the Cajun two-step, a side-to-side quick two step with a little bounce tossed in to make it livelier. While it might take a little time to learn the Cajun two-step, first-timers who can waltz can already do half the dances at a Cajun dance. So there’s nothing to fear.

While Cajun music is normally associated with Louisiana, there’s plenty of it available in Texas. See the standing ad in The Texas Polka News about monthly Cajun dancing in Houston and San Antonio, sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association.

Another Texas Cajun dance opportunity is the Rodair Club, located near Port Arthur on Highway 365, which connects I-10 and US 69.

Located in of low prairie country, the venerable Rodair Club has Cajun music every Saturday night, 8:30-12:30. It’s a local institution.

On a recent Saturday night, the hall was filled with a typical crowd of mixed age. The music was by Gary Bertrand and The Touch of Cajun! Gary and band were looking forward to their return to the Southwest Polka Party in Las Vegas Feb. 9-11. But this night they were in the familiar territory of the Rodair, where they play every four weeks. The forward schedule for Gary is Mar. 1, Mar 29. April 26 and May 24. But other bands do as well on the other Saturday night.

Operated by Joe and Dioris Thibodeaux, the Rodair Club is a legend that deserves a visit if you want to mix with East Texas Cajuns doing their thing on a Saturday night.

Owner Joe Thibodeaux, who greets guests as they enter, is smiling from his wheelchair but getting around the hall as needed to help seat new guests or for the announcements during the very brief band break. Wife Dioris holds things together collecting the $4 admissions, while the two waitresses work their respective sides of the hall.

Dancers take to the wood floor for the waltzes and two-steps, occasionally starting a “circle” dance where people take turns in the middle doing their best while the circled friends cheer them on.

To find the Rodair Club from I-10 between Winnie and Beaumont, take Highway 365 east for 13.5 miles. You will find it sitting by itself, several miles from the intersection of 365 and US 69. For information, call (409) 736-9001 or (409) 736-1721.

Did you know that you could leave Houston and be in the Rodair Club drinking a cool one in about 80 minutes? Like the Cajuns say, “Laissez les bon temps roulez!”

(posted 1/30/03)

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Cajun Adventure

Part of the fun of dancing is experiencing the unexpected. That’s why we ended up in rural Louisiana dancing on a Sunday afternoon in a local joint known as Mr. T’s, and enjoying every minute of the Cajun adventure.

It all started on Saturday in Lafayette (LA) while having a good time at “Le Cajun” Music Awards (see separate story). We ran into Jerry Flanagan, who despite his Irish-sounding name is a very good Cajun fiddler who regularly plays in several Cajun bands. Jerry (and wife Gerry) were taking in the music awards, a big event for any Cajun musician.

Gerry said, “Jerry will be playing with Bubba Brown’s band tomorrow in Hathaway, north of Jennings, at a little place called Mr. T’s. Why don’t you join us there? It’s on the way home!”

Why not indeed? Who knows where Hathaway is? What’s it like? Does it have a dance floor? Are “outsiders” welcome? All these questions and more. But what the heck – dancing should be an adventure!

So Sunday begins with breakfast in a unique little Lafayette restaurant called “Mel’s Diner” near the Coliseum. “Mel’s” served good food in a classic “diner” atmosphere and was a great start for the day. Then off to “Le Cajun” celebration for several hours of dancing, before setting out at 1 p.m. for Hathaway.

We find Hathaway right where it’s supposed to be on 26 north of Jennings. But where is Mr. T’s? A stop at the only convenience store let’s us know we are close when we see a flyer for Mr. T’s in the store window. “Just two miles down the road,” is the cheerful answer to our query.

From the outside, Mr. T’s is a dump. But about 30 cars suggest that it just might be a good place to be. We open the door into the darkness of a typical country joint, and to the sound of Cajun music already underway. As our eyes adjust, we see a typical country bar, doing a good business on a Sunday afternoon. Patrons line the bar. Blue collar Cajuns, comfortable in their element. Questioning looks, then smiles as we walk in, say hello, and order beer. Cajun folk are friendly.

The dance floor is small, but very danceable. The music is great. We set with Gerry Flanagan, who is sitting with her brother while Jerry plays. We learn that Hathaway is “home for Gerry, who was raised about a mile from where we are sitting and graduated from Hathaway schools. We are joined later by Pe-Te, stopping in on his way back from Lafayette. Hathaway is not far from Pe-Te’s home town of Eunice, so this is almost home for him.

We strike up conversations with those around, and meet some interesting people. We dance until about 5 p.m., when prudence suggests we should start the return to Houston.

Just a Sunday afternoon in rural Louisiana, off the tourist routes, with real people doing their thing. A Cajun adventure, and another memory.

(posted 9/26/02)

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Cajun Sites:

· Cajun French Music Association

· San Antonio CFMA Chapter

· Cajun/Zydeco Music & Dance

· Gotta Dance - Cajun Style

· Gary Hayman's ZydE-Magic

· Vermilionville

· Mulate's

· Prejean's