A Good Time At The Gap
by Niki Sepsas (Alabama)

Everyone knows that alligators do not inhabit the ponds, rivers, and mountain
lakes of West Virginia. Still, the big eye of the half-submerged ten-footer glaring
at me from the shady bank of the pond at Buffalo Gap Community Camp caused
me to do a double take before recognizing it as a startlingly lifelike, hand-carved
wooden cousin to the real ones in Florida, south Georgia, and the Gulf Coast
states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The authentic recreation,
however, perfectly set the tone for what proved to be four days of toe-tapping,
hand clapping, can’t-sit-still music and dancing that were the Buffalo Jambalaya
Zydeco and Cajun Weekend held June 14 -17 this year.

Almost 250 people poured into the camp nestled in the mountains of
northeastern West Virginia about two hours west of Washington, D.C. Each year,
the event, held over the Father’s Day weekend, attracts dancers and music
lovers from across the United States who have succumbed to the Siren song of
Cajun and Zydeco music. The 2001 event was no different. A glance at the
automobile license tags in the parking lot showed that people from throughout
the Southeast, the East Coast states, and as far away as Missouri made the
drive, while others flew in from all points North and West.

Registration began on Thursday afternoon, June 14. Participants were assigned
to the cabins on the site or could opt to pitch a tent under the moonless sky of
the Mountaineer State. While those skies leaked periodically during the event,
the showers were light, and never dampened the mood of the dancers.

Following dinner (red beans and rice, naturally) in the centrally located dining
hall, the pulsating sounds of the musical groups wafting over the camp drew the
faithful to the covered pavilion that served as Ground Zero for the dances. The
wooden dance floor, kept clean and "corn-mealed" by the camp’s volunteer staff,
was soon crowded with smiling dancers enjoying themselves with a passion
known only to those who have surrendered to the irresistible lure of Cajun and
Zydeco music.

Headliners at this year’s event were three of the best purveyors of authentic
Louisiana music to be found anywhere. Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas belted
out their Zydeco rhythms. The Lafayette-based group plays to sold-out
audiences when on tour in addition to pursuing a successful recording career
that now numbers seven releases.

Also providing treatment for those afflicted with "ZydE-mania" was Andre
Thierry and Zydeco Magic. One of the youngest and most gifted Zydeco
musicians on today’s musical landscape, Andre and his band were a smashing
success on their first East Coast tour last year.

Checking in on the Cajun side was the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. Born into a
French-speaking household in New Orleans, Bruce has been performing since he
was five years old. The band’s authentic, down-home sound has made them a
crowd pleaser at clubs and festivals since 1980.

Dancing continued each evening until midnight when the legion of foot weary
but relentless dancers again descended on the dining hall for a midnight snack
followed by impromptu jam sessions with the musicians who never seemed to
get enough of the entertainment they were providing.

The bell outside the dining hall called the sleepy-eyed campers each morning to
a buffet line of eggs, grits, fruit, cereal, and coffee to clear the mind of the
previous evening’s Zydeco/Cajun-induced cobwebs. Similar to the smorgasbord
of activities available on cruise ships, the biggest dilemma facing the group at
Buffalo Jambalaya was selecting which scheduled event to attend. Dance
workshops were conducted by some of the best instructors from across the
country.

Debra Seeck made the trip from the West Coast. She brought the same
infectious enthusiasm and irrepressible smile that has made her a hit on
numerous Zydeco cruises and teaching camps. Everyone from first time
beginners to experienced hoofers took home a number of new patterns from her
classes to add to their individual repertoires.

Veteran Cajun dancer Jim Dugas was on hand to provide instruction in Cajun
techniques. Hailing from Louisiana, Jim has built a group of friends over the
years whose annual gathering is a well-known and much-anticipated event. The
only thing more fun than his Cajun dance classes was watching his own grace
and style on the dance floor each evening.

Another instructor who made the long trip from the West Coast was Walter Dill
of Seattle, Washington. Walter, who offers world-class instruction in a variety of
dance genres, taught blues one step dance as well as waltz and lead techniques.
His ready smile and relaxed teaching style had more than a few ladies anxious
to be asked to demo with him.

Another very popular feature at Buffalo Jambalaya were the musical instruction
classes available throughout the day. Musicians from each of the bands
conducted workshops on drums, accordion, guitar, and rubboard. The informal
get-togethers conducted by the actual people who were so skilled in their
individual instruments were as much fun as they were informative.

Filling the few moments between dances, classes, and workshops were a variety
of options that made us wish the camp was going to last more than three days.
A beautiful lake fed by a crystal clear underground spring provided a spot for a
refreshing dip after working up a sweat on the dance floor. A wood-fired sauna
also served as a haven to soothe muscles aching from the frenetic activity.
Following the sauna with a session with one of the massage therapists at the
camp seemed to breathe new life into many who thought they had hit the wall.
And there were quiet, secluded spots perfect for drinking in the unparalleled
mountain vistas for which West Virginia is so well known.

The event was highlighted at midnight on Saturday. Following the last tune at
the dance pavilion, everyone retired to a huge bonfire and beach party beside
the lake. The camp’s staff dished out crawfish, shrimp, and corn to hungry
dancers, while the tireless musicians set up their equipment to provide music to
complete the setting. The rain had stopped and a dazzling canopy of stars
sparkled against the black velvet sky. It was a magic moment.

The bell did not ring until late Sunday morning allowing the revelers to sleep in
after the late night fais-do-do. Following a sumptuous brunch, the music again
signaled the kickoff of the last dance that began at noon and ran until four
o’clock. The camp emptied with a round of farewell hugs, kisses, and the
promise of future meetings between those who came as strangers and left as
friends. Cajun and Zydeco music has a way of doing that.




Article written by Niki Sepsas who is a freelance writer, biogapher,
photographer, and tour guide. Please check out her website.

Article originally published July 10, 2001 in Gary Hayman's ZydE-zine, a Cajun Zydeco Music & Dance Publication with world-wide distribution.
FREE subscription is available at the ZydE-Magic WEB site

Reprinted with permission from Nikki Sepas and Gary Hayman.
Buffalo Jambalaya organizers would like to thank them.