The idea for the Mudbugs Cajun & Zydeco band grew out of a bunch of friends' love of music, zany antics, irresistible rhythms, good times and spicy food. One evening 4 years ago while devouring a platter of étouffeé, jambalaya & boiled crawfish (mudbugs, in the vernacular) at Red Bean's Bayou Grill in Wichita, Violinist & singer Carter Green, Accordionist Greg Ewing, Guitarist Brian Cochran, Bassist Adam Ewing, and Percussionist 'Big Dan' Brookshire realized that these longtime friends had the makings of an upbeat, danceable and distinctly American sound in the form of an authentic Louisiana-style dancehall band. Elements of Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Swamp Pop, Bluegrass & Rockabilly immediately jumped to mind as the men savored their cayenne-laden dishes. Green, whose french-speaking ancestors hailed from Acadia, Nova Scotia, the original settling place of the people today known as Cajuns, describes the idea's flash in simple terms. 'I mean, we had accordion, fiddle, bass, guitar, and a washboard! You don't need much more than that to get folks up to their feet and onto the dance floor!' Years later, that idea would emerge as an inevitable reality when the boys met up with the girls--French-speaking singer, pianist, and triangle player Erin Mills and trap-set drummer Jaime Oppenheimer. Erin's sweet and raucous vocal stylings and effervescent triangle merged with Jaime's exuberant drumming and electrifying stage presence to provide the over-the-top energy which pushed the band's sound to the heights of excitement, harmony & rhythm, danceability, and pure fun. The Mudbugs Cajun & Zydeco band is a sure-fire bet to add a kicked-up spice and unique variety to any musical palette. As they say in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras celebrations, 'Laissez les bons temps rouler!' (Let the good times roll!)
Read more...