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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula March 31, 2005   Press Release and photo © 2005 Michigan Technological University. Reprinted with permission.

Geno Delafose, French Rockin' Boogie bring zydeco to Rozsa Apr. 2

HOUGHTON -- If you're nostalgic for some warm rays as this U.P. winter drags on, you'll find them at the Rozsa on Saturday, April 2, when Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie bring to the Copper Country real hot stuff zydeco, the true "four-pepper" feel-good kind of music straight from southwest Louisiana's bayou country. 

The group will perform at a 2 p.m. matinee and also at 7:30 p.m. The show is a late addition to the Great Events Season, and tickets are still available (but going fast!) from the Rozsa Center Box Office (487-3200, open  Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) or online at www.tickets.mtu.edu.

Geno Delafose, zydeco musician,  plays the single-row and triple-row diatonic button accordions for more traditional "French style" tunes and changes to piano accordion for pounding out contemporary zydeco. (Photo courtesy Michigan Technological University)

These masters of traditional zydeco -- the popular music of the Creoles, or black Francophones, who have lived alongside the Cajuns for centuries -- blend this energetic, rhythmic music with R and B, Cajun, country and blues. Geno sings in both French and English. He plays the single-row and triple-row diatonic button accordions for more traditional "French style" tunes and changes to piano accordion for pounding out contemporary zydeco.

The band includes Geno's cousin Germaine Jack on drums, rhythm guitarist Charles Prudhomme, rubboard or frittoir phenomenon Steven Nash, bassist Pops Espre and Bobby Brouscard on lead guitar. The sound is infectious; the energetic rhythms of zydeco and Cajun music make it hard to keep your feet still!

The visit of Geno Delafose is sponsored by the James and Margaret Black Endowment and coordinated by the MTU Great Events Series Office (487-2844). This event is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. 

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