Zydeco Music Workshop – Inside the Zydeco Groove

Sunday May 17, 2-4 PM

@ Harmony House – 58 East Main St, Webster, NY 14580

Led by: Ruben Moreno & the Creole Swamp Krewe (Houston TX)

Offered by: Rochester Cajun Zydeco Network – www.rochesterzydeco.com

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” (show starts @ 5pm).  Zydeco 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 – Roger Henderson (guitar), Josh Washington (bass), Cam Ballou (drums).

There will be two pairs of 50-minute workshop sessions:

FIRST – The Zydeco Rhythm Section workshop will be led by the rhythm section of Ruben’s Band – The Creole Swamp Krewe … which rides atop the Houston TX Zydeco scene, and performs at music festivals coast to coast.

Locking in the Groove: Inside the Zydeco Rhythm Section

Ever wondered what gives zydeco its irresistible, dance-driving energy?  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.  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.

• 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.

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WORKSHOP COST & ENROLLEMENT – Because of limited space and need to be sure participants have proper equipment; people need to enroll in advance.  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
• ENROLLMENT FORM – CLICK LINK

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS … call/text Bruce Handelman – (585) 727-4119

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Enrollment Form

NAME: __________________________________

PHONE: _________________________________

EMAIL: __________________________________

If you sign up for ONE session the cost is $25.  If you sign up for TWO sessions the cost is $40.  Check the box next to the session(s) you plan to take

▢ – Session 1: Zydeco Rhythm Section – Building the Groove (5/17 – 2:00-2:50)

▢ – Session 1: Intro to Creole Zydeco ACCORDION (5/17 – 2:00-2:50)

▢ – Session 2: Zydeco Rhythm Section – Bringing It All Together (5/17 – 3:00-3:50)

▢ – Session 2: Intro to Zydeco SCRUBBOARD (5/17 – 3:00-3:50)

Musicians taking Zydeco Rhythm Section should bring amps as needed

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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