News - #4 AUGUST, 1996

Web Page Correction We misprinted the address for our web page in the last issue. The correct address is http://harp.rounder.com/mamouplayboys.html. Of course Boisy Pitre has continued to upgrade the site with new photos, layout and sound clips. If he keeps this up, he may challenge Evelina Broussard (who manages the mailing list) for this year's superfan award. Because of their help, lots of people are responding from the web and our mailing list has grown to over 1,500 names! It follows that for financial reasons, we've begun to mail the newsletter only to areas with upcoming gigs. Southern Crossroads Festival at the Olympics We performed for 4 days at Centennial Olympic Park, which overflowed with great spirit despite the overbearing corporate presence and bombing (the night after we left). The huge crowds were difficult for us to capture with all the distractions (the heat didn't help either). But what a scene! It was a real privilege to represent Southern culture to the visitors and worldwide media covering the Games. Here in Lafayette you might have caught Steve's interview on TV-3 about the experience. Opelousas man on the road! Yes, the Mamou Playboys have finally found a soundman who will travel. Geoffrey Thistlethwaite has begun to tour with us on a part-time basis, enhancing our sound with his years of technical expertise. So, if you notice that we sound better, it's probably thanks to Geoff! But now the big question is why he spells his name this way. The Mamou Playboys at Cowboy's Yes, we're trying out Cowboy's in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Bring your dancing boots and check out the scene! Awards and Soundtrack Our Rounder release La Toussaint continues to capture major attention, this time from NAIRD (National Association of Independent Record Distributors) as best of the year in the Cajun-zydeco category. Peter and David have re-recorded their song La Toussaint for a key scene in an exciting independent feature film directed by Pat Mire (of Dance for a Chicken fame). Its title is Dirty Rice and the story, acting, music and production are all refreshingly south Louisianan. We'll let you know when it comes out. Speaking of La Toussaint, you may have heard it on a recent NPR All Things Considered report. Other Side Projects Steve recently added accordion to an upcoming Johnnie Allen release. Steve also has been jamming Monday nights with the Cowboy Stew Blues Revue. The band highlights former Clifton Chenier band-greats Paul "Lil Buck" Senegal and John Hart, as well as CC Adcock and others. Peter will be missing some Playboys gigs in August to help out Balfa Toujours in Tonder, Denmark. Steve will tour England and Ireland with the Bearcats November 19-28. Gig of the Month? Winnipeg Folk Fest evening concert. 15,000 crazy dancers and an encore! -Sincerely, The Mamou Playboys back to news