Bearcats
Traditional Cajun Music of high quality and distinction
“Infectious dance music as the best Cajun musicians in Britain come together” The Independent
“The ensemble sound is jut right – getting the spirit without sacrificing the essential lift and good times” Blues & Rhythm
“They form a powerful statement and a benchmark for other British Cajun groups” First Hearing
“I love the Bearcats man, they’re cool” Steve Riley
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The Bearcats were formed in the summer of 1991 by a group of musicians who between them had spent more time than anyone else in this country immersing themselves in the music of Southwest Louisiana. It came as no surprise that they rapidly established themselves as one of the few bands outside Louisiana who can capture the unmistakable but elusive sound of Cajun music. “Y’all got a good rhythm” as Cajun musician D L Menard said when they supported him on one of their early gigs. They have played with many other Louisiana musicians including Steve Riley, Eddie Le Jeune, John Delafose, Beau Jocque and Tasso who all commented on their authentic sound and their understanding of that elusive Cajun spirit.
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At the end of 1996, they toured for two weeks in the UK with Steve Riley as a special guest band member and have since then also worked with US artists Courtney Granger, Balfa Toujours Sean Vidrine and Willis Prudhomme.
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They have played festivals all over Europe and are many peoples first choice when looking for a traditional Cajun band that packs a big sound.
Their reputation was confirmed in 2006 when Chris Hall was awarded first prize as best Cajun accordion player in the European Cajun and Zydeco Awards and Mitch Proctor awrded first prize in the Cajun fiddle category. Furthermore their latest album Black Noir was placed second in the awards.
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They are firm favourites at traditional dance venues like File Gumbo and The Cajun Barn in London and are equally at home playing a raucous backroom bar in Belfast or one of the many towns they regularly visit in Ireland. They regularly headline folk and roots festivals here in the UK where they have a reputation for delivering a quality show full of energy, variety and passion.
This is traditional Cajun music with a dangerous edge. Raw, uncluttered and exciting as it gets played with comittment and emotion by some of the best guys in the business!