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 Zydeco Flames will highlight the One Root Festival, Sunday, September 23, at Royer Park in Roseville.

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.

The Zydeco Flames began as a duo formed by Bruce Gordon, the accordionist and Lloyd Meadows, the washboard man, 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 ten years ago, and has played together ever since.

The Zydeco Flames band members have gained their reputation throughout Northern California as the Bay Area's premiere Zydeco players. Bruce Gordon, the accordionist and Lloyd Meadows, the washboard man, first teamed up four years ago, both drawn to the infectious sounds of Zydeco.

Zydeco is heavily syncopated dance music that originated among southern Louisiana blacks. It contains elements of blues, traditional white Cajun music and is usually played by a band featuring an accordion and washboard.

For more information visit:  www.zydecoflames.com