Bulletins Summary Fees, Schedule, and Registration Talent Lineup Our Chef Accommodations (On- and Off-site) Reviews from Past Years Photos from Past Years Links Contact Information

UPDATE: Click here for information on the Buffalo Jambalaya 2004 LIVE CD

Thanks for another great year of music, food, friends and fun. The Buffalo Jambalaya 2004 Live CD is out. See some photos of BJ2004 by Heather Rabinowitz. See some of the great artwork created by attendees of Buffalo Jambalaya.

Buffalo Jambalaya 2004 -The BEST in Cajun/Zydeco music and dance! Buffalo Jambalaya Ingredients: • Three great bands a day, for four days! • Cajun & Zydeco Dance lessons for all levels • Musical instrument workshops led by our guest artists • Craft artists helping you create Louisiana-style art • Cajun/Creole culture corner • Midnight jam sessions you can join in or relax & enjoy • Scrumptious Cajun cooking

See the Complete Schedule for the day-by-day breakdown of events. Full Time is Thursday 4pm to Sunday 4pm Part Time is Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm Amount (until May 24) $285 Full-time $240 Part-time Amount (after May 24) $325 Full-time $280 Part-time BFMS members receive a $10 discount. See www.bfms.org for for membership information. The fee includes all meals, snacks, dance events, workshops, and a bed. All campers must be preregistered & fully paid at check-in time. Refunds (minus $40 cancellation fee) will be given through June 7. Sorry, no refunds after that date. Registration is not transferable. Your confirmation letter/e-mail includes directions and a packing list. Downhill cabins with indoor showers are assigned to earliest registrants. A limited number of private rooms with one double bed are available for $100. Confirmation is dependent on maintaining a gender balance, so register early with a “dance buddy.” To register online, please use the following link - Online Registration

To register online, please use the following link Online Registration For full details about camp and facilities, please download Complete Flyer (PDF format, 87 KB) For just the application form, please download Application Form only (JPEG fomat, 44 KB) BJ2004 will maintain a gender balance. We expect camp to sell expect camp to fill early, so your best bet is to register early with a "dance buddy".

The Bands The Savoy Family Band Buffalo Jambalaya's salute to Cajun Culture features the Savoy Family Band with Mark and Ann Savoy and their sons Wilson and Joel. Joining the Savoys will be Kenny Alleman on drums. Marc Savoy has said, "I've always thought of Cajun music as a social thing, something which best belonged in the intimacy of a home where it was a natural and enjoyable part of the family environment." This dedication to family and heritage is exemplified in the Savoy Family Band. The Savoys are a leading force in the promotion and preservation of Cajun Music: Marc Savoy (accordion & fiddle) is credited with the title of Folk Master having been granted the 1992 NEA Heritage Fellowship. In addition to playing, he also builds and repairs accordions in his shop, the Savoy Music Center just outside of Eunice, LA. Open jam sessions are held there every Saturday to encourage local talent and fans from around the world to play and enjoy Cajun music. Ann Savoy (guitar & vocals) is author of "Cajun Music: A Reflection of A People - Volume 1", which compiles histories and songs from Cajun heritage. She also performs with the Magnolia Sisters. Their sons, Wilson (vocals, keyboard/piano & accordion) and Joel (fiddle), formed the band, The Red Stick Ramblers. "Being a part of this scene, as it gradually developed into what it has become, has made me feel that I am the richest man in the universe." - Marc Savoy Not only are they accomplished musicians, but are wonderful teachers of Cajun Music. We are in for a rare treat this year as this talented family will keep you two-stepping and waltzing around the dance floor -you'll think you are in the heart of Cajun country. Websites: Savoy Family Band from LSU's Acadian Gate Savoy Music Center Carrier Family Band Buffalo Jambalaya's salute to Zydeco traditions begins with the Carrier Family. The Carriers will present patriarch, Roy Carrier, who received The Zydeco Living Legend Award in Lafayette Louisiana for 2003; son, Troy (Dikki Du) Carrier; nephews, Dwight Carrier, Kevin Carrier and Kevin Broussard (Hot Dog). Roy Carrier who is one of Zydeco's great figures, began his musical endeavors at the age of 14 when he started his band, Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers. Roy's roots grow deep in the musical traditions of the Creole clans of the Atchafalaya Basin. Roy's family tree includes connections to greats such as Uncle BeBe Carriere and cousin Clifton Chenier as well as the musical talents of his father, Warren. Roy's unique blend of Zydeco combines traditional Creole melodies, gusty blues, and classic R & B. Troy Carrier has followed in his father's stead, leading his own band; Dikki Du and the Zydeco Crew. Playing with him are Dwight Carrier and Hot Dog. They put forth a more contemporary sound, incorporating reggae grooves and high energy rhythms. Not only has the Carrier family spread the "gospel" of Zydeco around the world, but Roy's club, The Offshore Lounge, is a center which, promotes the talents of young musicians and preserves the sound of authentic Zydeco music. The weekly jams present special opportunities for young and old to come together to learn and teach and pass along the traditions which have survived generations. Websites: Roy Carrier from LSU's Acadian Gate Roy Carrier from Right on Rhythm T Broussard Buffalo Jambalaya's salute to Zydeco traditions continues with the introduction of T Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers, led by Bryant "T" Keith Broussard on accordion, who descends from another of Louisiana's grand families of Zydeco. T learned Zydeco from his mother, Mary Jane Ardoin-Broussard, one of the only women to master the traditional style of Creole accordion. She taught him, what she learned from her uncles Bois Sec Ardoin and Carlton Frank. Growing up,music was always in his home. T played his first shows at age 7, backing his mother on scrubboard and later on drums. He picked up the accordion at the age of 11, but didn't get serious about playing until his 20's. It was then he started his band the Zydeco Steppers. T is able to infuse contemporary sounds without loosing the essence of this musical tradition. When he takes the stage, T offers a solid heartfelt performance, which will get your hips grooving to the infectious zydeco beat. T Broussard has one of the hottest sounds emerging from Louisiana today. He was recognized at the 2003 Zydeco Music and Creole Heritage Awards with three nominations for: Best Accordion, Best Entertainer and Best Singer. Website: T Broussard and the Zydeco Stepper's Website The Dance Instructors Anthony Lewis and Cheri Mullinex Anthony Lewis and Cheri Mullinex began teaching Zydeco dance in 1997. Their emphasis is on presenting the Creole culture as authentically as possible to honor the people who created this music and dance. "We are simply people who find a great deal of joy and peace in Zydeco Music and dance and want to share it with as many people as possible." They are largely responsible for the strong and growing Zydeco scene in the Atlanta area. They have accomplished this through dance demonstrations,teaching regular classes and workshops, and hosting Creole instructors for local workshops. As founders of Lost in the Rhythm they also arrange tours to SWLA and since 1999 have been promoting dances by bringing bands from Louisiana and Texas to Atlanta. Website: Lost in the Rhythm Eddie Bourque & Joan Toder Eddie Bourque & Joan Toder are returning to teach Cajun dancing after a long absence from Buffalo Jambalaya. Originally from Lafayette, Eddie has been teaching with Joan for over 10 years. They were both instrumental in starting the Cajun dance scene in Atlanta. We’re very excited to have them back!

Michael Richard, formerly the head chef for Cafe Vermilionville in Lafayette, LA brings 13 years of Cajun culinary talent to BJ2003. He has been named Louisiana chef of the year and has been guest chef at events such as the 2002 Saulieu, France C/Z festival. He’ll provide dinner at 6pm on Thursday, three meals a day Friday and Saturday, brunch Sunday and snacks after the evening dances.

On-site: Buffalo Gap is a 200-acre camp, nestled in the mountains near Capon Bridge, WV, is about 2 hours west of Washington, D.C. and 2 hours east of Pittsburgh, PA. The grounds include wooded hills with hiking trails, a lake with a sandy beach, sauna, dining hall, an open-air dance pavilion, and a large dance hall. Housing is in rustic dormitory-style cabins which sleep 8 to 12 people. All male, all female and couples cabins are available. Cabins have plumbing and electricity, but some do not have indoor showers. Dancers must bring their own towels, toiletries, bed linen, pillows, blankets or sleeping bag. Tenting sites are available, but there are no RV hookups. For photos of the camp and facilities, please see - Buffalo Gap photos For directions and a map, please see - Buffalo Gap directions Off-site Campers who are not really campers will be glad to know that in our motel-barren location in West Virginia there are actually two Bed and Breakfast locations within 20 miles of Buffalo Gap Camp (see below). Both are located south of Capon Bridge,WV and their proprietors assure us the drive to "town" is 12-14 minutes. Add to that another 5-6 minutes to come up the hill to camp and it's not a bad drive. Many other accomodations are located off Rt 50 near Winchester and can be accessed with any search engine.   Two local Bed and Breakfasts (These are not associated with Buffalo Jambayala). Asa Cline House in Yellow Springs, WV -  304-874-4115 The Menagerie at Delray, Delray, WV  -  304-496-8942 Two local budget motels (These are not associated with Buffalo Jambayala). Hayfield Motel in Gore, Va - 540-877-1019 (closest to camp) Mohawk Motel in Winchester, Va - 540-667-1410 (owned by a Harley motorcycle owner) Many other accomodations are located off Rt 50 near Winchester and can be accessed with any search engine.

Read review of this year - Review of 2004 Buffalo Jambalaya Read review two years ago - Review of 2002 Buffalo Jambalaya Read review three years ago - Review of 2001 Buffalo Jambalaya

Photos from Buffalo Jam 2004 by Heather Rabinowitz Photos from Buffalo Jam 2003 by Heather Rabinowitz Photos from Buffalo Jam 2001 by Marty Katz.

Buffalo Jambalaya Websites from Years Past Buffalo Jambalaya 2003 Buffalo Jambalaya 2002 Buffalo Jambalaya 2001 Buffalo Jambalaya 2000 Buffalo Jambalaya 1998 Buffalo Jambalaya 1997 Some Performers from Years Past Bois Sec Ardoin Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin' Lawrence Ardoin and Traditional Creole Balfa Toujours Basin Brothers Lee Benoit and the Bayou Stompers Roy Carrier & the Night Rockers Com An Cayenne The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band Gina Forsyth J. Paul Jr. & Zydeco Newbreedz Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas Willis Prudhomme Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic Leroy Thomas and Zydeco Roadrunners Zydeco Crayz Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band, Charivari Cajun Band Lil' Malcolm and the House Rockers Some Dance Instructors from Years Past Ben Pagac and Debbie Shaw Chris Trahan and Janine Dugas "Crazy John" Sowizel Harold Bernard and Jodie Hebbert Miriam Fontenot and Don Brasseaux Christine Balfa Pam Ardoin Willie Bushnell and Keisha Roberts Jim Dugas Debra Seeck Walter Dill Michael Seider Michael Hart and Sharon Schiliro Other great camps for Cajun/Creole music and culture Augusta Heritage Center's Cajun/Creole Week   August in Elkins, WV Dance Vortex   October in Mentone, AL Miscellaneous Links Alex Poliakoff Local Zydeco Photos Le Bon Temps Relay Local Schedule CajunZydeco.Net Gary Hayman's Zyd-e-zine

Questions? General: Mike Baker at 410-662-1336 or dancingMike@verizon.net Registration: Robert Janku 301-762-3151 or reg@buffalojam.org Contact for website issues: webmaster@buffalojam.org Graphic Design for Buffalo Jambalaya copyright 2003 by Deane Nettles. To see more of Deane's work, go to his website or e-mail him at DeanNet@aol.com. Last Update: