Thursday, September 13, 2007

Geno Delafose: Everybody's gonna be dancin'


Whether performing at a dancehall in their native Louisiana or at a 4th of July festival on the beach in Southern California, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie has been championing authentic zydeco music since the early 1990s. The talented troupe will perform two special shows in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007.


A native of Eunice, a small town located in the heart of Southwest Louisiana’s bayou country, Delafose has been performing for most of his life. He got his start at the age of seven, playing the rubboard with his father’s ensemble (John Delafose & the Eunice Playboys), later learning how to play drums and then accordion.


So when the then-22-year-old Geno Delafose released his debut solo disc “French Rockin’ Boogie” on Rounder Records in January 1994, he already had 15 years of playing and touring experience. The accordion-playing Creole musician has since cemented his legacy with countless concert appearances and the release of celebrated albums such as 1998’s “La Chanson Perdue” and 2003’s “Everybody’s Dancin’.” His most recent album, “Le Cowboy Creole,” was released Aug. 14 and features 15 wonderful tracks, including a fiery cover of Van Morrison’s “Domino.”
Armed with his strong singing skills (using both Creole French and English) and virtuoso talents playing the accordion, Delafose was awarded Best Zydeco Artist at the 2003 Big Easy Awards in New Orleans. Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie play Creole standards, two-step dance numbers, blues, soul and traditional waltzes with equal authenticity.


Delafose continues to divide his time between touring and operating his Double D Ranch outside of Eunice; there he breeds cattle and raises quarter horses.
Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie will perform at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.
Tickets are $10 ($5 for children under 12).
Information: 949-248-7469.

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