Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association, P. O. Box 14376 Atlanta, GA 30324, Atlanta, GA (2026)

05/27/2026

JUNE ACZA NEWSLETTER:

JUNE ACZA DJ DANCE PARTY:
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Corrected Date!
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM: Free Lesson
5 to 7 PM: Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check)

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends

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ACZA Dances in July

Sunday, July 19: Come to the Mega Event Hall, 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA. for a DJ Dance. Free lesson from 4:15 to 5 pm. Cajun and Zydeco music from 5 to 7 pm. Cost: $10.

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Other Regional Events:

Saturday, June 20 — Asheville, NC — Zydeco Ya Ya. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 8-10:30 pm.$10. See https://www.corkandkegasheville.com for info.

Saturday, September 21 — Thomson, GA — Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie will perform at the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, 965 Stagecoach Road, Thomson, GA. A full day of music: Los Lobos is the headliner act. Tickets go on sale June 1. See https://www.blindwillie.com for info and tickets.

04/30/2026

ACZA MAY NEWSLETTER:

May ACZA Dance Party:

Sunday, May 17, 2026
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092
4:15 to 5 PM: Free Lesson
5 to 7 PM: Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check)

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends

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Upcoming ACZA Dances

In August, the Jambalaya Cajun Band will appear live at the Dorothy Benson Center. 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, GA. Details to be announced soon.
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Check Us Out on Instagram!
click 'follow' with aczadance@instagram
Check out the videos and add your own!

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Other Regional Events

Tuesday, May 5 — Asheville, NC — Jesse Lege Cajun Dance Party. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 7-10 pm. $10. Click here for information.

Friday, May 8 — Durham, NC — Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and The Ils Sont Partis Band and Carolyn Wonderland. Blue Note Grill, 709 Washington St., Durham, NC. Tickets $35 - $47. Click here for information and here for tickets.

Saturday, May 16 — Birmingham, AL — Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys at the Birmingham Folk Festival. Avondale Park, Birmingham, AL. Free. Click here for information.

Saturday, May 23 — Asheville, NC — Zydeco Ya Ya. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 8-10:30 pm. $10. Click here for information.

Saturday, June 20 — Asheville, NC — Zydeco Ya Ya. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 8-10:30 pm.$10. Click here for information.

03/18/2026

Spring Fling with Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp on Saturday, April 11!!

It’s not every day that we book one of the best Creole/Cajun/Zydeco bands in the country for a live performance in Atlanta. It takes a lot of money to bring Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp here. To rent a large hall with an excellent dance floor and tables for all. To provide Cajun food for sale on site.

You can help us out by buying your ticket(s) in advance: only $30 through April 10. Click here for tickets. On the day of the dance the price will increase to $35 (cash or check only).

WHERE:
Dorothy Benson Center
6500 Vernon Woods Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

WHEN:
Saturday, April 11
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Free Dance Lesson
6:30 - 7 pm: Dance Practice with recorded music
7 - 9:45 pm: Concert and Dance

No Partner Necessary
Beginners Welcome
Bring your family and friends!

Authentic Cajun food will be for sale from Fusions Catering.

Led by Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and Zydeco dance tunes. Check out their website here.

02/26/2026

March ACZA Newsletter:

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
and dance with us!!

Sunday, March 15, 2026
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM: Free Lesson with Jim Bird
5 to 7 PM: Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check)

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends

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Spring Fling with Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp on Saturday, April 11!!

Led by Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and Zydeco dance tunes. Check out their website here.

Saturday, April 11
Dorothy Benson Center
6500 Vernon Woods Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

5:30 - 6:30 pm: Free Dance Lesson
6:30 - 7 pm: Dance Practice with recorded music
7 - 9:45 pm: Concert and Dance

Advance Tickets: $30 thru April 10.
https://buy.stripe.com/dRm6oA3nl9jpaPy9Ij2Ji01 for tickets.
At the Door: $35. Cash or check only.
No Partner Necessary
Beginners Welcome
Bring your family and friends!

Authentic Cajun food will be for sale from Fusions Catering.

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In Memory of Martha Smith, Rosalyn Page, and Dick Brainard

Martha Smith, well known to Cajun and Zydeco dancers in Atlanta and Athens, died January 25 at the age of 87. During her years in Rhode Island, she always extended a welcoming hand to Georgia dancers at the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI.

Rosalyn Page, a Cajun and Zydeco dancer for many years, passed away on February 16 at the age of 82. She was known for her cheery smile, kindness, and unwaveringly positive outlook. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 1:30 pm in Glenn Memorial UMC’s Little Chapel at Emory University in Atlanta.

Dick Brainard, a nationally known promoter of Cajun and Zydeco music and dance, passed away February 15 at the age of 87 while enjoying Mardi Gras in Lafayette, LA. A decades-long leader of the dance community in Portland and Seattle, Dick was a familiar face at Cajun and Zydeco festivals in Louisiana and all over the country. He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched.

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Regional Events

Sunday, March 8 — Birmingham, AL — Bal du Dimanche Sunday Dance. True Story Brewing, 5510 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL. 1-4 pm.

Saturday, March 14 - Decatur - Contra Dance Celebration. Decatur Rec Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA. All dances and workshops are free. There will be a Cajun-Zydeco workshop with Don Baggett as instructor from 4:35 to 5:15 pm. See https://www.contradance.org/celebration/ for information, and register if you plan to attend.

Friday, March 27 — Dirk and Amelia Powell (Cajun father-daughter duo) — Savannah Music Festival. Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E. Broughton St., Savannah, GA. 4:00 and 7:30 pm shows. $48.

Saturday, March 28 — Dirk and Amelia Powell — Savannah Music Festival Noon30 concert. Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E. Broughton St., Savannah, GA. 12:30 pm. $37.

Saturday, April 4 — Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers — Savannah Music Festival Closing Party. Kehoe Iron Works, 660 E. Broughton St., Savannah, GA. 6 pm and 9:30 pm shows. $48.

For tickets to Savannah Music Festival events see:
https://www.savannahmusicfestival.org

01/19/2026

FEBRUARY ACZA NEWSLETTER:

Come celebrate Mardi Gras
and dance with us!!
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM —
Free Lesson with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check)

Just 9 days before Mardi Gras! It’s time to party, it’s time to dance! It’s time to enjoy the Louisiana sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music! Wear your Mardi Gras beads and a costume if you dare! Come early for the lesson to learn the steps or polish your dance moves.

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends

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Upcoming ACZA Dances

Mark your Calendar!

Sunday, March 15, DJ dance
St. Patrick’s Day Dance

The Mega Event Hall
4:15 to 5 PM — Dance Lesson
5 to 7 PM — Dance

Saturday, April 11
Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp - live band!!!
Dorothy Benson Center
6500 Vernon Woods Drive
Sandy Spring, GA 30328

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Regional Events

Saturday, January 17 — Asheville, N.C. —Zydeco Ya Ya The Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC, 8-10:30 pm. $10 cover at door. Click here for more information.

Friday, January 30 — Asheville, NC — Jackomo Cajun Country— The Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC, 8-10:30 pm. $10 cover at door. Click here for more information.

Fri. Jan 30 - Sat. Jan. 31 — Panama City Beach, FL — Mardi Gras and Music Festival. Featuring Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, and Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble. Free. Click here for more information.

Saturday, February 7 — Atlanta, GA — Virginia Highland Mardi Gras Parade and Party. Featuring Wasted Potential Brass Band. Noon-4 pm, free. Click here for more information.

Friday, February 13 — Asheville, NC — Bayou Diesel. Cajun Mardi Gras celebration at the Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC, 8-10:30 pm, $10 cover at the door. Click here for more information.

Sunday, February 22 — Atlanta, GA — Kirkwood Lantagras 2026. Several bands, including Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Noon - 5:30 pm, free. Click here for more information.

Sunday, March 8 — Birmingham, AL — Bal du Dimanche Sunday Dance. True Story Brewing, 5510 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 1-4 pm.

12/26/2025

DECEMBER ACZA NEWSLETTER:

Come dance with us to start the
New Year off right!

Sunday, January 11, 2026
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092
4:15 to 5 PM —
Free Lesson with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check)

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends

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A note from ACZA President Don Baggett
On Sunday, December 14 we had a very happy holiday celebration at Mega Event Hall. The food was yummy, the music was the best, and the dancing was spectacular. This is always a joyous time to be together. We miss all those who cannot join us. Thanks to Jean Guard for providing our holiday decorations. And thanks to those who put cash in the donation box.

If only the world could learn to dance together, we might have peace on earth and goodwill to all. In the immortal words of Tiny Tim: “God bless us every one!”

The Mega Event Hall has a great dance floor with lots of parking. It has been a lifeline for Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association dances. The hall has been nominated for the “Best of Gwinnett Weddings and Events.” Please add your vote for Mega Event Hall under “Meeting Halls and Facilities.” Click here before January 1, 2026. All that is required is your name and an email address.

Dancin' Don
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Upcoming ACZA Dances:

Mark your Calendar!

Sunday, February 8, DJ dance to celebrate Mardi Gras:

Just 9 days to Mardi Gras!!! It’s time to party, it’s time to dance. It’s time to enjoy the Louisiana sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music! Wear your Mardi Gras beads and a costume if you dare!

The Mega Event Hall
4:15 to 5 PM — Dance Lesson
5 to 7 PM — Dance

Sunday, March 15, DJ dance:

St. Patrick’s Day Dance

The Mega Event Hall
4:15 to 5 PM — Dance Lesson
5 to 7 PM — Dance

Saturday, April 11 or April 18* (TBD)

Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp

Dorothy Benson Center
6500 Vernon Woods Drive
Sandy Spring, GA 30328

*Date to be finalized soon

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In Memory of Steve Chapman
Steve Chapman, a Cajun and Zydeco dancer for many years, passed away December 14, 2025. Steve will be remembered for his kindness and sense of humor. In addition to his love for the music of southwest Louisiana, Steve was passionate about motorcycles and karate. He will be missed. Leave your memories of Steve here.

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Regional Events:
Fri. Jan 30 - Sat. Jan. 31 — Panama City Beach, FL — Mardi Gras and Music Festival. Featuring Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, and Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble. Free. Click here for more information.

Friday, February 13 — Asheville, NC. — Bayou Diesel. Cajun Mardi Gras celebration at the Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, N.C. 8-10:30 pm. $10 cover at the door. Click here for more information.

Sunday, February 22 — Kirkwood neighborhood, Atlanta — Lantagras 2026. Several bands, including Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers. Noon - 5:30 pm. Free. Click here for more information.

Note: The new PO Box for the ACZA is:
PO Box 566601, Atlanta, Ga 3115

11/20/2025

November-December 2025 ACZA Newsletter:

ACZA HOLIDAY PARTY AND DJ DANCE
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM —
Free Lesson with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00 (cash or check only)

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends
Finger foods. Bring snacks.

Come celebrate this holiday season with ACZA, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply that we have a lot of
time off from work!!

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Winter 2026 ACZA Dances

January 11, DJ Dance
4:15 to 5 PM Dance Lesson
5 to 7 PM Dance
The Mega Event Hall

A great way to start the new year is to dance! Instead
of going to the gym, dance! We will have tremendous
Cajun and Zydeco dancers and music!

February 8, DJ dance
4:15 to 5 PM Dance Lesson
5 to 7 PM Dance
The Mega Event Hall

Just 9 days to Mardi Gras!!! It’s time to party, it’s time to dance. It’s time to enjoy the Louisiana sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music! Wear a Mardi Gras costume if you dare!

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Regional Events

Saturday, November 29 —
And Saturday, December 20

Asheville, NC. — Zydeco Ya Ya
at the Cork and Keg,
86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 8-10:30 pm.
$10 at the door. Click here for more information.

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Thank-you from Don and Shirley Baggett:

Shirley and I had a fabulous celebration of
15 years of marriage with the dance on
November 16. We saw great old friends and
new ones. We danced to the great tunes from Louisiana. Many thanks to all who participated.

Also, Bob Braxton reminded us that the ACZA
has been celebrating Louisiana culture and dance for 20 years now. When we come together we enjoy old friends, we meet new ones, we play with the marvelous chemistry that is dance.
Please keep this going!

11/05/2025

NOVEMBER ACZA NEWSLETTER:

Sunday, November 16 Dance Party and Anniversary Celebration

Don and Shirley Baggett are celebrating
15 years of marriage.

“We are inviting everyone to enjoy the day
with dancing to Cajun and Zydeco tunes.
Cake will be provided!!”

Sunday, November 16, 2025
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092
4:15 to 5 PM — Free Introductory Lesson
with Jim Bird
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: Free! (Donations are welcome!)

No Partner Necessary -- Invite Your Friends

Dance your worries away with great
Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco tunes!!

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SUNDAY DECEMBER 14 - ACZA HOLIDAY PARTY

Note change of Date!
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM —
Free Lesson with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00

No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends
Finger foods. Bring snacks.

Come celebrate this season where everyone celebrates, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply
that we have a lot of
time off from work!!

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OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL CAJUN/ZYDECO EVENTS

Saturday, November 8 — Decatur, GA — Cajun/Zydeco workshop and dance party. Lesson by Don Baggett. Atlanta Contra Dance Weekend, Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur GA. 10:45 am - 12:15 pm. $15 at door for workshop/dance party only. See https://www.contradance.org/atlanta-dance-weekend/for more information and the full weekend schedule.

Sunday, November 9 — Avondale Estates — The Squirrelheads (New Orleans funk, Mardi Gras music, and zydeco). Weekend Wind Down at Avondale Town Green, 64 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates. 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Free outdoor concert.

Saturday, November 29 — Asheville, NC. — Zydeco Ya Ya at the Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC. 8-10:30 pm. $10 at the door. See https://www.facebook.com/CorkandKegBar/eventsfor more information.

10/06/2025

OCTOBER ACZA NEWSLETTER

Next ACZA DJ Dance Party:
Sunday, October 19
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092
4:15 to 5 PM — Free Introductory Lesson
with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00
No Partner Necessary -- Invite Your Friends

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A Very Special Celebration!!
Don and Shirley Baggett are celebrating
15 years of marriage.

“We are inviting everyone to enjoy the day
with dancing to Cajun and Zydeco tunes.
Cake will be provided!!”

Sunday, November 16, 2025
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092
4:15 to 5 PM — Free Introductory Lesson
with Jim Bird
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: Free! (Donations are welcome!)
No Partner Necessary -- Invite Your Friends
Dance your worries away with great
Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco tunes!!

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ACZA HOLIDAY PARTY
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy,
Norcross, GA 30092

4:15 to 5 PM--
Free Lesson with Don Baggett
5 to 7 PM — Cajun and Zydeco Music
Cost: $10.00
No Partner Necessary
Invite Your Friends
Finger foods. Bring snacks.

Come celebrate this season where everyone celebrates, whether it be Christmas or Hannukah or simply
that we have a lot of
time off from work!!

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REGIONAL EVENTS

Friday, October 17, 8:00 pm — Birmingham, AL —Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble. Woodlawn Theatre, 5503 1st Avenue N, Birmingham. Doors open at 7 pm CDT; music 8-11 CDT. $20 in advance. Click here for "will call" tickets from Birmingham Zydeco Cajun Club. Or click here for E-tickets from Woodlawn Theatre. Tickets at the door will cost more and will not be available if the event sells out in advance. The Woodlawn Theatre offers an open floor plan for general admission seating and room to dance. There is on-site parking and two free municipal parking lots nearby.

Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 — Black Rock, NC — Beausoleil with Michael Doucet. Performing at LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival). For times and ticket prices, click here.

08/25/2025

September ACZA Newsletter:

Dwight Carrier and BlackCat Zydeco are coming to the Dorothy Benson Center on Sunday, September 21

Dwight Carrier, popularly known as “The Black Cat”, is one of the most exciting Zydeco accordionists of this era. He is deeply rooted in the “Carrier” family tradition, where music has always been a passion. Dwight has a unique style that infuses zydeco, blues, country and R&B influences. Click here to hear BlackCat Zydeco in concert!

Sunday, September 21
Dorothy Benson Center
6500 Vernon Woods Drive
Sandy Springs, GA

6 to 6:45 pm: Free dance lesson
6:45 to 9:15 pm: Dance
Advance Tickets: $30. (see www.aczadance.org for ticket link)
$35 at the door (cash or check only)
No Partner Necessary
Beginners Welcome!

Authentic Cajun food will be far sale
from Fusions Catering. Cash only.

Please continue to support live Louisiana bands in Atlanta!
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Upcoming ACZA Dances:

Sunday, October 19
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross, GA
(map)
4:15 to 5 pm: Free Introductory Lesson
5 to 7 pm: Cajun and Zydeco Music
DJ: Don Baggett
Cost $10

Sunday, November 16
Special Celebration
Don and Shirley Baggett are celebrating 15 years of marriage together. We are inviting everyone to enjoy the day with dancing to Cajun and Zydeco tunes. Cake will be provided!!
Mega Event Hall
6025 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross, GA
4:15 to 5 pm: Free Introductory Lesson
5 to 7 pm: Cajun and Zydeco Music
DJ: Jim Bird
FREE (though donations to ACZA are welcome)

Dance your worries away with great Cajun and Zydeco music!

Regional Events:

Tuesday, September 16 - Asheville, NC - Wilson Savoy and Friends Cajun Dance Party. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville. 7 pm. $10 at the door. More info here.

Friday, September 19 - Birmingham, AL - BlackCat Zydeco featuring Dwight Carrier. True Story Brewing, 5510 Crestwood Blvd, B’ham. Lesson 7 pm CDT; show 8-11 pm CDT. Advance tickets $20, available here. Cajun food truck on site.

Friday, September 26 — Asheville, NC — Zydeco Ya Ya. Cork and Keg, 86 Patton Ave., Asheville. 8-10:30 pm. $10 at the door.

Thursday, Oct. 16 - Sunday, Oct. 19 — Black Rock, NC — Beausoleil with Michael Doucet. Performing at LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival). Date and time to be announced. For further information on LEAF, click here.

Friday, October 17, 8:00 pm — Birmingham, AL —Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble. Woodlawn Theatre, 5503 1st Avenue N, Birmingham. Doors open at 7 pm CDT; music 8-11 CDT. $20 in advance. Click here for "will call" tickets from Birmingham Zydeco Cajun Club. Or click here for E-tickets from Woodlawn Theatre. Tickets at the door will cost more and will not be available if the event sells out in advance. The Woodlawn Theatre offers an open floor plan for general admission seating and room to dance. There is on-site parking and two free municipal parking lots nearby.

Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association

05/27/2026

04/30/2026

03/18/2026

02/26/2026

01/19/2026

12/26/2025

11/20/2025

11/05/2025

10/06/2025

08/25/2025

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