Local schools to partner in hosting Cajun Music from New Orleans

Sugar loaf — On the heels of a highly successful fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Warwick on Sunday, Oct. 16, several Warwick Valley public schools and James O’Neil High School in Highland Falls have partnered to host the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. Daigrepont is one of America’s most esteemed contemporary Cajun and Zydeco artists. Although the band leader did lose his home, two of his band members were left homeless when Louisiana experienced its worse flood ever. The assembly programs will feature American indigenous music and commentary on the history of the Cajun people, and their expulsion from the Nova Scotia region of Canada and move south to Louisiana. Daigrepont’s visit to Warwick will culminate in a 7:30 p.m. gala concert and dance for the community-at-large on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Pavilion at Lyceum Center of Performing Arts on King’s Highway in Sugar Loaf. Band to meet Warwick students The events were initiated by Craig Wachsman, cultural arts chairman of the Warwick Valley Middle School PTA. Two more district schools’ PTA’s, Sanfordville Elementary and Kings Elementary, will join the Middle School for the event. “The enthusiasm and sense of humanity exhibited by these Warwick schools is very compassionate,” said Wachsman. “In a recent conversation I had with Mr. Daigrepont, he was humbled that schools as far away as Warwick and Highland Falls would express such concern.” “‘The music scene has completely evaporated here in New Orleans,” said Daigrepont, an accordion player and vocalist. “There is virtually no employment for performing artists. I’ve been the house band for close to ten years at New Orleans’ most famous venue, Tipitina’s. It will be a year, at least, until it re-opens. About 80 percent of my neighbors have yet to return; businesses are open only two-three hours a day because of lack of help. You don’t know how much I appreciate this. I know that this will be new for the students and teachers, but we will make it enjoyable and fun. That is one thing we can say about Cajun and zydeco music. It brings back the joys and pleasures of life, despite personal hardship.” Wachsman added that Daigrepont will visit French classes to discuss the history of Cajun French, and if time allows, visit social studies classes to discuss the effects of Katrina in New Orleans. Highland Falls students next When fellow educator Tom Cunane, music department head of James O’Neil High School, heard that Daigrepont would be visiting Warwick, he approached his principal, who agreed to host the artist through the school’s Arts-in-Education Program. Cunane, who is also a professional sound technician, said, “I have some of Bruce’s CD’s. Absolutely wonderful! We’re going to make him sound like the Grammy nominee he is. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Warwick schools. We’ll also have him visit our French classes and possibly have him visit Social Studies classes, as Craig has arranged in Warwick’s Middle School.” Local merchants have contributed funding to help pay for airfare. Warwick Country Chevrolet will assist in ground transportation. Several local citizens will house the musicians for their entire week’s stay. Sugarloaf Music is hosting the biggest “fais do do” (Cajun for exuberant gathering) that Orange County has ever experienced in The Pavilion. The Saturday, Dec. 3, event will commence with free Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons at 7:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by the band at 8 p.m. All proceeds will go directly to the musicians of The Bruce Daigrepont Band and their families. “Although nothing else on this planet could duplicate the ambience, the food, the music, the sensuality, the sense of good feeling - the ‘bons temp roulet’ of the festival, and what had been the City of New Orleans - this event will satisfy my craving for good music and a good aerobic workout,” said Sugarloaf Music Series executive director, Russ Layne, who used to live and teach in New Orleans. For more information, visit www.sugarloafmusic.org or call 986-6463.