The Mardi Gras Party Continues at The Ridgefield Playhouse with the Return of Buckwheat Zydeco

Ridgefield, CT, February 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Buckwheat Zydeco’s powerful and haunting version of the classic, “Cryin’ in the Streets” appears on “Our New Orleans: A Benefit Album for the Gulf Coast” along with songs by Allen Toussaint and Dr. John (both of whom have appeared at The Playhouse). Buckwheat is bringing that New Orleans sound to The Ridgefield Playhouse (after a sold-out performance last year) on Sunday, February 17 at 8 p.m., as part of the Danbury Audi Jazz Series. And February is the perfect month to see a great New Orleans musician as it's Mardi Gras time. Each person who attends will receive Mardi Gras beads as they enter the hall.

Buckwheat, born Stanley Joseph Dural, Jr. and nicknamed for his likeness to the Little Rascals character, always knew music would be his life, but he resisted the old time music of the black French-speaking Creoles of southwestern Louisiana (and certainly his father), “la la” music or zydeco. It was just music—relying on the accordion, a washboard and perhaps drums. Like kids everywhere, he loved contemporary music—rhythm and blues. Then one day, he listened to his father and caught Clifton Chenier, the master and creator of modern zydeco. It was an epiphany. Buck was amazed at the sound the “master’ got from an accordion, and, he loved the way Clifton incorporated the blues into his style. He joined Clifton as a keyboarder and soon quit to spend an entire year “woodshedding,” practicing with the big piano accordion until he felt he had mastered it. At the same time, he taught himself to sing. Next came Buckwheat Zydeco and the Ils Sont Partis Band (French for “they’re off” and the call that starts each race at Evangeline Downs in Louisiana). And, now, once again—The Ridgefield Playhouse.

For tickets ($55/$50) and further information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795; tickets may also be purchased online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street.

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