What is Cajun & Zydeco Music and Dance?

"In 1600 religious refugees from France settled in the eastern part of Canada and called it Acadia. In 1755 the English expelled them and renamed the area Nova Scotia. A few French Acadians migrated to Louisiana and took their music and language with them. Nowadays only 25% of Louisiana's population are Acadians (or Cajuns as they are now known) but the music is alive and kicking. Its French roots accounts for much of the singing being in French.

Both Cajun and Zydeco have been influenced by the mix of cultures in Louisiana. Cajun music is now up-beat and ideal for Cajun jitterbug (a kind of jive), two step, or just to boogie to.

Zydeco is a syncopated form adapted from Cajun by black Louisianans and has a earthy, raunchy, bluesy feel about it and is guaranteed to get you on the dance floor" (Bristol Cajun Club, 2004).

For more information about cajun and zydeco music, have a look at the following websites:

Cajun Music Radio and Zydeco Music Radio
Free streaming cajun and zydeco music - Online Radio and a Social Network

Cajun & Zydeco Music and Dance
A large collection of links related to Cajun and Zydeco music, dance and culture.

Encyclopedia of Cajun Culture
An online A to Z of all aspects of cajun culture.

Cajun UK
Raises awareness of the UK cajun and zydeco music and dance scene - includes a definitive gig listing to all cajun & zydeco events around UK.

Gloucester Cajun & Zydeco Festival
22nd to 24th January 2010 - weekend of cajun & zydeco music and dance at the fabulous Guildhall

"Cajun Start Pages"
The leading Dutch cajun & zydeco website - lots of links by topic.