The Rochester Cajun Zydeco Network & Ruben Moreno are hosting a set of “Zydeco Music Workshops” on Sunday May 17, at the Harmony House in Webster, just prior to Ruben’s performance with “The Creole Swamp Krewe”. Here’s a link to Ruben’s show which starts @ 5pm: https://rochesterzydeco.com/event/ruben-moreno-the-creole-swamp-krewe-wsg-kevin-wimmer-sun-may-17/
For the workshop, the instruments in focus: Zydeco Accordion, Scrubboard, and the Zydeco Rhythm Section … Bass, Guitar and Drums. Workshops will be led by Ruben Moreno and members of his band, which rides atop the Zydeco scene in Houston TX, and performs at music festivals coast to coast.
There will be two pairs of 50-minute workshop sessions:
FIRST PAIR – Locking in the Groove: Inside the Zydeco Rhythm Section – Join us for a hands-on, two-part workshop designed for guitarists, bassists, and drummers who want to feel — not just understand — what makes a Zydeco rhythm section come alive. Ever wondered what gives Zydeco its irresistible, dance-driving energy? Zydeco rhythm isn’t complicated — it’s deep. This workshop is about getting out of your head and into the pocket, where the music truly lives. Led by Roger Henderson (guitar), Josh Washington (bass), Cam Ballou (drums).
- 2:00-2:50 – LEARN BASICS – Session 1: Zydeco Rhythm Section – Building the Groove – Participants will learn the core rhythmic patterns for each instrument (bass, guitar, drums); explore the unique feel of Zydeco timing and syncopation; break into instrument groups for hands-on playing; reassemble and start feeling the groove together.
- 3:00-3:50 – PLAY TOGETHER – Session 2: Zydeco Rhythm Section – Bringing It All Together – Participants will lock it in by a) combine guitar, bass, and drums into a unified rhythm section; focus on listening, interaction, and dynamics; Build real zydeco grooves as a group; End with a Zydeco jam session.
SECOND – Led by Ruben Moreno – Ruben is one of top Zydeco Scrubboard and Accordion Players in the world. Ruben will provide cultural history and get folks rolling with the basics. Come to listen, learn, practice and jam.
- 2:00-2:50 – ACCORDION … Voice of the Bayou: Intro to Creole Zydeco Accordion – In zydeco, the accordion isn’t just an instrument—it’s the voice, the driver, and the spark that ignites the groove. Participants will understand what makes zydeco accordion unique, learn the role of accordion in the band, and try basic rhythmic and melodic patterns.
- 3:00-3:50 – SCRUBBOARD … The Engine of the Dance: Intro to Zydeco Scrubboard (Frottoir) – If the accordion is the voice of zydeco, the scrubboard is its heartbeat in motion. The scrubboard turns rhythm into movement. Participants will learn the history and evolution of the scrubboard, understand its central rhythmic role (timekeeper + texture + energy), practice basic patterns and techniques, and experience how it connects the band and audience.
WORKSHOP COST & ENROLLMENT: Participants need to enroll in advance because space is limited, and we need to ensure participants have proper equipment. People can check just prior to the workshop to see if spaces are available. Participants should bring amps as needed.
- Single Session – $25.00
- Two Sessions – $40.00
Options for enrolling and paying for the workshop:
- ONLINE before 5/16 through this link: www.valleyticketing.com
- VIA VENMO by contacting Bruce Handelman via phone or text at (585) 727-4119 or by email at zydjunky@gmail.com
- PRINT AND COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT FORM – (CLICK THIS LINK) & send it with a check payable to “RCZN” to: 760 Penfield Rd, Rochester 14625
·PRESENTED BY
- Rochester Cajun Zydeco Network
LOCATION
- Harmony House, 58 East Main St, Webster, NY 14580
DATE:
- Sunday, May 17
TIME
- 1:30 PM – Doors Open
- 2:00-4:00 – Workshops // Two 50 Minute Sessions
- 2:00-2:50 – Session 1 – A) Zydeco Rhythm Section – Learn Basics // B) Intro to Zydeco Accordion
- 3:00-3:50 – Session 2 – A) Zydeco Rhythm Section – Play Together // B) Intro to Zydeco Scrubboard
MORE INFO
- (585) 727-4119
EMAIL US