- The Sound of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou -
Great food may be what brings you to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, but chances are that our unique music will set your toes to tapping and make you linger a little longer. From lively festivals to dance halls to neighborhood gatherings, an unmistakable sound of Cajun music is woven into our culture here. But what gives our music that signature sound? It all starts with a handful of iconic instruments …
Accordion: The accordion is the heartbeat of Cajun music. Introduced by German immigrants, its rich, bold sound is the perfect companion for dances in which a single instrument takes the stage. With its push-and-pull rhythm and unmistakable tone, the accordion is instantly recognizable from the very first note played.
Fiddle: Long before the accordion took center stage, though, the fiddle was the star of Cajun music. Brought to Louisiana by the Acadians, it was one of the earliest and most important instruments in shaping Cajun music. It adds emotion and energy to every song, capable of carrying a slow and soulful waltz just as easily as it can drive a foot-stomping two-step on a dance floor.
Washboard: This isn’t just your grandma’s laundry tool! The Cajun washboard, known as the frottoir, is worn like a vest and typically played with other handy household objects, including bottle openers, thimbles or spoons. This method creates the scraping sound that’s the underlying rhythm in most great Cajun songs. The washboard was created by a Cajun metal craftsman in the 1940s and has been a staple of Louisiana’s music scene ever since.
Triangle: The triangle – or “‘tit fer” – is small but mighty. Early Cajun craftsmen upcycled discarded pieces of farm equipment to create this simple percussion piece. It’s proof that sometimes the most basic instrument (when combined with a little bit of creativity and vision) can make the biggest impact.
Guitar: Though it often plays a supporting role, the humble guitar ties everything together in Cajun music. It adds harmony, rhythm and just the right amount of support to complement the accordion and fiddle.
Together, these five instruments create the distinctive soundtrack of Lafourche Parish … a sound that’s been passed down through generations and is still very much alive today.
Want to hear it for yourself? Join the fun at Cajun Music Jams at Gina’s at the Legion, held on the third Wednesday of each month. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor experiencing our music for the first time, Gina’s hosts an evening filled with talented musicians and plenty of our famous Cajun hospitality.
Come tap your toes and experience the music of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou!
