For the first time, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet will bring their Cajun and zydeco sounds to Don Quixote’s in Felton. They will play an evening show on June 29.
The band, formed in 1975, is renowned for their chops, having been nominated for a Grammy more than 10 times and winning twice, once for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1997 and once for Best Zydeco and Cajun Music Album in 2008.
Michael Doucet’s vocals and fiddle playing drive the band’s sound. He was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2005. In 2013, the band released its 25th album, “From Bamako to Carenco.” Much of the material for the June 29th concert will come off that album, said the band’s manager Michael Pillot. Their music has been appeared on soundtracks to films “The Big Easy,” “Passion Fish,” and “Belizaire the Cajun,” and was more recently featured on the HBO show “Treme.”
According to Pillot, the gig at Don Quixote’s is due to Beausoleil being booked for the Kate Wolf Festival in Laytonville just two days prior.
“We were looking for some other places to play and have not played Don Quixote’s before, so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
Reached via email, Doucet said he enjoys small venues with good acoustics. The band played in Santa Cruz five years ago at the Rio Theatre in Capitola.
“I love Santa Cruz! Great downtown and ocean views. Not a bad restaurant there. The people are friendly and enthusiastic,” he wrote.
Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, go to www.donquixotesmusic.info
