Zydeco and Pirates

Today we’re packing for the big trip. This morning over rice krispies and coffee Chloe and I looked at the internet cams (boring) and checked the calendar for the Rock ‘n Bowl (cool).

Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers are playing next Thursday night, and since we’ve never heard live zydeco, we’re going to check it out. These guys continue the cajun country dance style of Clifton Chenier, and they are hot. Check out one of their new tracks here.

I also found a great story of the gentleman pirate Jean Lafitte here. This privateer was a real patriot who fought with Tennessean General Jackson to save New Orleans and the lower Mississipppi from a British invasion. Despite many attempts by Governor Claiborne to arrest Lafitte, the pirate tricked the Brits and defended his adopted country in her time of peril.

If we get a chance, we’ll lift a pint in Lafitte’s honor at his old blacksmith shop on Bourbon Street. Here are some great photos of the delightfully decrepit place.