Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Here’s an event that foodies and Louisiana music-loving enthusiasts (we identify as both) have long awaited: the Jersey Gumbo Cook Off (and) Louisiana Music Festival, happening Monday, July 8, at The Point Tiki Bar and Restaurant in Somers Point (3 p.m. start time).
Some of the world’s most famous chefs will compete to be crowned Mardi Gras King Chef. This year features new competitors Dan Luber (Greate Bay Country Club) and Tyson Merriman (Tuckahoe Inn), the latter also hails from Baton Rouge (‘home court’ advantage? Lol).
Immediately following the cook off, revelers will be treated to a show by “Louisiana’s Rockin’ Fiddler,” Cajun musician Waylon Thibodeaux, who’s been performing since the age of 13 and won the Louisiana state fiddle championship at the age of 16.
Tune In Turn On got to chat with the amicable Thibodeaux about a variety of topics, here’s how it went.
DD: What’s the latest goings-on with Waylon Thibodeaux?
Waylon: After playing Bourbon Street for 35 years, I’m currently performing on the river boats for American Cruise Lines. It’s a beautiful change and I’m still promoting our Louisiana culture. I’m also still touring America and loving it.
DD: Why did you decide to take up the fiddle?
Waylon: I saw Johnny Gimble and Pete Fountain perform together on “Austin City Limits” and Johnny Gimble’s fiddle was talking to me. I asked my parents to get me a fiddle. They managed to get me one and I started to play Louisiana music.
DD: Someone asks you to describe your ‘Swamp Pop’ sound. What do you tell them?
Waylon: I describe Swamp Pop as music left over from the ’50s. Great jitterbug, music and slow belt buckle polishing music. I integrate Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp Pop music into what I do. High energy and lots of fun.
DD: What’s your favorite thing about touring, and your least favorite thing about touring?
Waylon: My favorite thing about touring is the same thing that I did on Bourbon Street, and what I am doing now on the river boats. Meeting new people and telling them and showing them the music of our people. Being in a new place, in a new town, meeting new people is an awesome experience. My least favorite thing about being on the road? It costs so much damn money to be on the road. Lol It’s hard to bring a band with you to stay on the road for weeks at a time. Sometimes clubs can’t or don’t want to pay money to accommodate all of this.
DD: You’re from Houma, Louisiana, which is also home to famed blues guitarist Tab Benoit, and you were part of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. Want to tell us about that experience?
Waylon: The Voice of the Wetlands is a group that was put together prior to Hurricane Katrina to bring awareness of the wetlands problems to the nation. Unfortunately, the hurricane showed up and showed everyone the problems. The music we play is awesome and I am proud to be a part of that group. It is awesome to share the stage with some of my heroes.
DD: You’re coming to the South Jersey area on July 8 to headline Tony Mart’s Jersey Gumbo Cook Off and Louisiana Music Festival. What can our area’s music fans expect to hear, musically speaking, from you and your band?
Waylon: I can’t wait to be in New Jersey. Gotta bring some South to our wonderful fans in the North. Tons of people have been to Jazz Fest in New Orleans and love what we do. So, it’s coming their way. It’ll be electrifying. Don’t miss it.
For more info on Jersey Gumbo Cook Off and Music Festival, visit www.tonymarts.com.
Billy Walton and Destinee Monroe also perform that day. Cook Off tasting tickets are $20. The concert is free.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
