Celebrate the 4th of July with the Catalina Island Museum and the authentic Louisiana sounds of the Mudbugs Cajun and Zydeco Band on Casino Point. In its third year, the Catalina Island Museum Fourth of July Music Festival has proven to be the best place to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
The Catalina Island Museum recently spoke with Jaime Green, the Mudbugs’ drummer about their upcoming performance for the museum’s Fourth of July Music Festival.
Celebrate the 4th of July with the Catalina Island Museum and the authentic Louisiana sounds of the Mudbugs Cajun and Zydeco Band on Casino Point. In its third year, the Catalina Island Museum Fourth of July Music Festival has proven to be the best place to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
The Catalina Island Museum recently spoke with Jaime Green, the Mudbugs’ drummer about their upcoming performance for the museum’s Fourth of July Music Festival.
For those that may not be familiar with the term, can you describe Zydeco music?
Zydeco is Southern Louisiana music that combines elements of dancehall, Cajun, Blues and a touch of rock and roll.
The prominent instruments are the accordion and washboard (or frottoir as it is called). Southwest Louisiana Cajun music features the fiddle and accordion more prominently. The Mudbugs combine elements of both Cajun and Zydeco to shape their signature brand of up-tempo danceable music.
One of the best things about our band is that we appeal to people of all ages. We commonly hear that you just can’t be in a bad mood while listening to the Mudbugs.
How does a band in Kansas end up playing Cajun and Zydeco music from the swamps of Louisiana anyway?
Here’s a funny story. We’re just coming off of playing Mudbug Madness in Shreveport, Louisiana. The festival is in its 31st year and it’s a real who’s-who in Cajun and Zydeco music performers. People in the crowd kept asking us where we “came up” from and we surprised them by saying we “came down” from Kansas. It was a real kick to hear that.
Our front man Carter Green’s maternal ancestors were Accadians and he is a native French speaker. Green learned how to play fiddle in the Cajun style when he was a young boy. Ever since we formed the band in 2008, one of our aims has been to bring that style of music to people who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to experience it. It’s just fun music to play and listen to.
In 2010, you performed live on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Can you describe what that experience was like?
Being on the show was an all-around amazing experience but we were most impressed with Garrison himself. He is one of the greatest American storytellers and it was a true honor to work with him.
Any other notable performances you want to mention?
Telluride Jazz Festival, Shreveport Mudbug Madness, and Gumbo Ya Ya in Illinois.
Though the band itself has never performed in California, have any of the band members ever visited Catalina Island?
Carter Green is a record producer who works in Los Angeles regularly and we’ve all independently been to California but not Catalina. We’re very excited to experience Catalina together as a band and bring our brand of fun to you.
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and find the best spot at Casino Point. View Avalon’s spectacular fireworks from one of the best vantage points on the island. This event will be one of the most memorable and exciting 4th of July celebrations ever!
The event will take place on Friday, July 4th at Casino Point in Avalon. Doors will open at 3:00 pm, live music begins at 4pm and runs through 10:00 pm with a break for Avalon’s fireworks at 9:00 pm. Refreshments and great barbecue fare will be available for purchase.
Tickets for this year’s Fourth of July Music Festival are on sale now. Tickets are $8 for member of the museum and $10 for general admission. Please call 310-510-2414, visit the museum in person, or go to the events page at www.CatalinaMuseum.org to purchase your tickets.
The Catalina Island Museum is Avalon’s sole institution devoted to art, culture and history. The museum, its digital theater and store are located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino and are open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.
