NEWS RELEASES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2009
OPELOUSAS SPICE & MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS FIDDLE JAM WITH HADLEY CASTILLE & FRIENDS
WHAT: Fiddle Jam with Hadley Castille and Friends
WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009
WHERE: Old City Market (St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square)
Time: 2:00 p.m.
(Opelousas, LA) – Join international acclaimed fiddler Hadley Castille and a special line-up of friends on Saturday, June 6, for a Fiddle Jam in Opelousas.
Born and raised in Pecaniere, a community near Opelousas, Louisiana, Castille began singing and playing fiddles when he was 11-years old. For over 60 years, Castille has dazzled audiences worldwide with his Cajun melodies.
A special ensemble of musicians are scheduled to accompany Castille including: Al Berard of the Basin Brothers, Mitch Reed of Grammy Winner Beausoleil, John Buckelew of The Noveau String Band, Terry Huval of Jambalaya Cajun Band, Louis Michot of Grammy nominated Lost Bayou Ramblers, and Hadley Castille’s Sharecropper band members Sarah Jayde Williams and Blake Castille.
Fiddle Jam with Hadley Castille & Friends is held in conjunction with the Opelousas Spice & Music Festival, which is scheduled for June 5-7 in downtown Opelousas. This year’s featured performers include Southern Soul artist Lil’ Fallay, Cajun band Lost Bayou Ramblers, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Horace Trahan & the New Ossun Express, Step Rideau, Hotline, Jeffery Broussard, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, J. Paul & Zydeco Nu Breed, Chris Ardoin & Nu Step, Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames are scheduled to perform at 1:00 p.m. followed by Krossfyre, Patrick Henry, and Cajun-Zydeco Grammy winner Terrance Simien.
Historic Trolley Tours will be available from 11 – 2 p.m. where individuals will be able to explore significant landmarks and turn-of-the-century buildings within the downtown historic district. Other activities include arts & crafts, carnival rides, Cajun/Creole cooking demonstrations, an accordion contest, Cajun and Zydeco Dance Contests, a Pepper Eating Contest and Queen’s Spice Cook-Off Contest.
About the musicians for Fiddle Jam with Hadley Castille & Friends:
 Hadley Castille |
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Hadley, Blake and Sarah Jayde Castille |
Hadley Castille is one of the finest exponents of authentic south Louisiana Cajun fiddle music. His incredible gift of expression and musical interpretations of turn of the century songs, along with a swing influenced sound captures both heart and soul, and creates a blend of the traditional and contemporary.
Mitch Reed formed Charivari, a traditional Cajun band in the 1980s. He also currently plays with Grammy winner Beausoleil and Racines. Although proficient in playing over 12 musical instruments, Mitchell is internationally known for his ability and style on the fiddle.
Al Berard, founding member of the band The Basin Brothers, is one of the most respected Cajun fiddle instructors throughout the United States. Al is also noted as one of the top guitar players of the area.
Louis Michot is a young energetic fiddler and vocalist for the Grammy nominated Cajun band Lost Bayou Ramblers.
John Buckelew is fiddler and vocalist of the unique Nouveau String Band. “Buck” was influenced on the fiddle early on by Jimmy Choate, whose band, The Melody Aces, played the Louisiana Hayride in the late 40’s and 50’s.
Terry Huval, leader of the popular Jambalaya Cajun Band, is one of Cajun music's finest fiddlers and songwriters. He is the composer of well-known tunes such as "Huval's Reel" and "Oh Ma Belle." In addition to the fiddle, he plays the guitar, mandolin, dobro, steel guitar, and bass guitar.
Sarah Jayde Castille was initially trained at the age of four as a classical violinist. She soon learned Cajun fiddle from her grandfather, Hadley Castille. Jayde has become a fine vocalist in her own right, singing fluently in both Cajun French and English
Blake Castille began playing in his father Hadley Castille’s band at the age of 19 years old. An accomplished guitar player, he has been a presenter at numerous cultural events and workshops on the Evolution of Cajun Music. He currently plays with Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecroppers, The Lucky Playboys and Dexter Ardoin.Spencer Nezat was born in Louisiana’s Cajun Country but now lives in Birmingham, Alabama. The 14-year old traditional country singer was recently named the North America Country Music Associations Entertainer of the Year
