If you organize something, you want visitors to come, you want to reach the fans, right? Many people think that they are making a killing by posting a message on facebook and sending out a digital flyer, but nothing could be further from the truth.
A simple search on Google shows that having your own website is essential and that it should also be updated regularly.
A few weeks ago I received a question from Germany; “Is there no more festival this year in Buxy, I can’t find anything. Yes, if you type in Nuits Cajun (you just have to know that name) you will see the result for 2024, but only further down that of 2025!!
Do a search to see if your band or event is listed and how people would search for it. There is only one website that stands head and shoulders above the rest in the Netherlands, look at what grok shows in the Netherlands.
Cajun and Zydeco music, rooted in the vibrant culture of southwest Louisiana, have found a surprising but enthusiastic following in the Netherlands. Cajun music, born from the French-speaking Acadians who settled in Louisiana after their expulsion from Canada in the 18th century, features a lively mix of accordion, fiddle, and triangle, often with a driving rhythm perfect for dancing. Zydeco, its Creole cousin, evolved from the Black Creole communities of the same region, blending Cajun influences with blues, R&B, and a signature washboard (frottoir) sound, typically led by an accordion as well. Both styles are upbeat, dance-oriented, and steeped in a rich cultural heritage that celebrates life’s joys and struggles.
In the Netherlands, this music has carved out a niche, particularly through dedicated festivals and bands. The International Cajun & Zydeco Festival, held in places like Raamsdonksveer, has been a key event since at least 2011, drawing performers from across Europe and the U.S., including acts like MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies. This festival showcases not just Louisiana artists but also European groups from countries like Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands itself, reflecting a growing local scene. Dutch bands like the Downtown Cajun Band and Des Fais Do-Do have embraced these styles, performing at local venues and contributing to an online magazine by enthusiasts like Willem Versloot, which covers concert schedules, festival reports, and more.
The appeal in the Netherlands likely stems from a broader European fascination with American roots music, combined with the country’s openness to cultural exchange and its history of hosting diverse musical traditions. Fans enjoy the infectious rhythms and the communal, dance-hall vibe that Cajun and Zydeco bring—think two-steps and waltzes for Cajun, or syncopated jitterbugs for Zydeco. It’s a small but passionate community, with weekly radio broadcasts and streaming playlists keeping the spirit alive year-round. If you’re curious about specific events or artists there today, I could dig deeper into what’s current as of February 25, 2025—any interest in that?