The Zydeco Flames

The Zydeco Flames have rightfully gained a reputation as the West Coast's premiere Zydeco band. Their fourth CD release, "Smokin' at The Plant" appeared in stores in 1998, providing fans with hot Zydeco in the tradition of such masters as Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, and Queen Ida.

The Flames consistently pack the house in venues ranging from contemporary clubs to major festivals to traditional dance halls. Their infectious rhythms and soulful lyrics have recently ignited crowds at such clubs as John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom Room, The Velvet Lounge in San Francisco, and Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Festival appearances include Bill Graham's New Orleans by the Bay, Bumbershoot: The Seattle Arts Festival, and The Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. The Flames have played to SRO crowds at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee for six years in a row.

Major companies such as Oracle, USAA and Fortune Magazine have had the Flames entertain at corporate parties and celebrations. Bill Clinton, Barbara Boxer and Willie Brown have all enjoyed the Flames' music at Democratic Party campaign fundraisers.

The Zydeco Flames began as a duo formed by Bruce Gordon and Lloyd Meadows, performing for events such as Les Blank's documentary release party for "J'ai Ete au Bal" (I Went to the Dance), held at Arhoolie Records. The current quintet formed some ten years ago, and has played together ever since.

Courtesy of The Zydeco Flames.