This might seem a weird request, but as has been noted before there's expertise and knowledge on this forum for just about anything, so here goes.

I have a musician hobbyist friend that is taking up the Cajun Fiddle (insert joke here!). Seriously though, he is looking to head south - likely New Orleans area - this July or August to get to experience some Cajun music in person and hopefully even get some Cajun Fiddle lessons if he can find the right contacts. He's already pretty good at violin and guitar and the musical saw. Any help or suggestions out there that I can pass along?

Thanks!

Alternatively, he could also head East and seek out the Acadiens, the Canadian counterparts to the Cajuns. The first weekend in Septemeber is the Acadien Festival here on PEI in the Evangeline Region.

Unfortunately he just missed the now annual PEI Fiddle Camp. where he could have gotten started with the world renowned Richard Wood and famous Acadien fiddler karine Gallant.

Maybe not as much fun as a trip south but might be a good warm up.

if there is one thing we have a LOT of here is fiddlers of all styles.

Cajuns were originally Acadians, weren't they?

According to Wikipedia (and historical record), yes.

"Canajun" receives essentially the same modified pronunciation south of the border as "Acajun"

Thanks for the links Murph - I've passed those along.

He's historically played classical violin so he's trying to adapt his style to the 'fiddling' style of play.

We live near New Orleans and I need to find a fiddle class for my wife as well. She's a classical violinist but wants to give the fiddle a try. Lafayette is about as cajun as it gets around here. I've done a little looking but haven't come up with solid yet...

I know, big help, huh?

Scott

Hi Scott,
I knew there was someone from that area on the forum from profile information, I just couldn't remember who it was! Any info you have even for good bars or places/regions to go to get the musical experience?

My friend's dad once played in a little bar called Fred's Lounge in Mamou, ever heard of that one?

Have not heard of it. tomtuttle went to a bar in New Orleans during a recent visit with some great music. Check with him for specifics. Most bars on Bourbon have some sort of musical entertainment, in addition to the "usual" entertainment on that street. When I get back home, I'll check the links on my home computer...

Scott