French Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt and his band, L’Esprit Creole, brings the excitement and “joie de vivre” of Louisiana Creole, Cajun, and zydeco music to the stage for the enjoyment of audiences of all ages.
The sound of L’Esprit Creole is an ever-evolving gumbo. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues, mazurkas, and zydecos. Each concert includes some explanation of Cajun and Creole culture as well as some bilingual translation and history of the songs that are performed. The vocals are in authentic Louisiana French, and audiences are invited to get up and dance—or—dared to sit still.
Dennis’ journey into the roots of Creole music and culture began in the small community of Old Mines, Missouri. From there to Quebec, Canada, and on to Southwestern Louisiana, he has studied and learned the language and styles of the Cajuns and Creoles. He has learned from fiddle masters such as Canray Fontenot and Faren Serrette, and accordion under the direction of greats such as Morris and Dexter Ardoin (son and grandson of Alphonse “Bois Sec” Ardoin).
L’Esprit Creole is comprised of Jennifer Stroughmatt on washboard, triangle, and vocals, Jim Wilgoose on bass and vocals, and Robert Russell and lead guitar, steel guitar, and vocals. (Jon Watson, the band’s drummer and mandolinist, will not be present at this performance.) Together, their unique sound and mix of ancient and modern Mississippi River valley musical tradition positions them as the only band to encompass French Creole and folk music from the entirety of the old Louisiana Territory.
