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Special Guests BALFA TOUJOURS has been making a name for itself not only in the Cajun-music scene of Southwestern Louisiana, but also in the larger realm of all traditional music. Led by Christine Balfa, daughter of legendary fiddler Dewey Balfa, the group, which also includes fiddler/accordionist Dirk Powell, fiddler Kevin Wimmer and bassist Ganey Arsement, has created a distinctive sound filled with the essence of tradition, without feeling a need to modernize. Balfa Toujours plays music straight from the heart, as it has been played in their families for hundreds of years. Recognized as one of the most important Cajun groups in Louisiana, they now have a strong national and international reputation as well. Equally at home with small groups, where the culture can be directly shared, and on festival stages in front of thousands, they inspire audiences with their infectious, celebratory spirit. They have released five albums including Deux Voyages on the Rounder Records label, and à vieille Terre Haute and Pop, tu me parles toujours on Swallow Records. The group can be heard on their most recent Rounder Records CD, La Pointe, as well as complimenting Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin's fiery Creole accordion on Bois Sec Ardoin With Balfa Toujours: Allons Danser. They will perform later tonight at the Medina Ballroom, as part of the ninth annual Upriver Fais Do Do. ROY ROGERS was born in Redding, California, and was raised in Vallejo, 40 miles north of San Francisco. He played in junior high and high school bands, playing R&B and rock 'n' roll at dances, talent shows, and "battles of the bands." In the mid-'60s, he began playing more blues, started with slide playing, delving more into the "Delta style" of guitar. In 1973, Rogers, playing slide guitar and harmonica, joined David Burgin to form the acoustic duet Rogers & Burgin. Their album, A Foot In The Door (Waterhouse Records), was released in 1976 and featured special guests Maria Muldaur and Amos Garrett. In 1980, he formed the band The Delta Rhythm Kings and played local San Francisco venues, including the city's oldest blues bar, The Saloon. In the early 1980s, Rogers joined John Lee Hooker's "Coast to Coast Blues Band" and spent four years touring the U.S., then began touring nationally and internationally with The Delta Rhythm Kings. His first solo LP, Chops Not Chaps, was released on his own label in 1986. It was followed by Slidewinder, which includes duets with John Lee Hooker and Allan Toussaint. The Healer, which Rogers produced, won a 1989 Grammy Award for John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt. He has since produced three more Hooker albums, Mr. Lucky and Boom, Boom, both of which received Grammy nominations, and Chill Out which won a 1994 Grammy. Last year, he began producing Ramblin' Jack Elliott's album, Friends of Mine. He has recorded two CDs with Norton Buffalo, Travelin' Tracks and R&B, and played with John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis, and Taj Mahal on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for Dennis Hopper's film, The Hot Spot. Other recordings include Blues on The Range on Blind Pig Records; Slide of Hand and Slide Zone for Liberty Records; and Rhythm & Groove and his current CD, Pleasure and Pain, both on Pointblank/Virgin Records. Upcoming appearances include performances with Norton Buffalo in Walnut Creek and Santa Cruz, California.
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An Interview with Heather Masse
In a 2009 interview, Heather Masse tells us about her earliest influences, auditioning in a women's bathroom, and a few memorable moments from A Prairie Home Companion.
Old Sweet Songs: A Prairie Home Companion 1974-1976
Lovingly selected from the earliest archives of A Prairie Home Companion, this heirloom collection represents the music from earliest years of the now legendary show: 1974–1976. With songs and tunes from jazz pianist Butch Thompson, mandolin maestro Peter Ostroushko, Dakota Dave Hull and the first house band, The Powdermilk Biscuit Band (Adam Granger, Bob Douglas and Mary DuShane).
