Time: 12noon to 2pm
Venue: The cafe/bar at The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR
Price: Free admission











A special visit from the Netherlands - Henk de Kat (accordion/vocals) and the guys, with some red-hot Cajun & Zydeco. For more info, read on below, and visit Henk's website (in Dutch!): http://www.cajunband.nl/

The band’s name is French (meaning: ‘Cajun Cats’), their style is Louisiana-based, but these four guys come from Holland. There, and around Europe countries, they are known as top musicians that have created an extra-ordinary style and an exciting repertoire.

Les Chats Cadiens are inspired by Clifton Chenier (1925-1978), a black accordion player from the swamps of Louisiana, who invented ‘Zydeco’: steaming blues on the squeezebox. The Dutch band pay tribute with self-composed songs in the spirit of Chenier’s heritage. They do so with a rare line-up, because bandleader and songwriter Henk de Kat plays accordion with an amplified bass-side. So in fact, he is also the bass-player of the band, producing a sound that is unique in the blues. He’s twice been officially elected as ‘Best European Zydeco Man’.

The other members of the group are Hans de Vries, a magician on the blues harp (harmonica) and on percussion like rubboard and cajun-triangle, the subtle jazz/blues drummer Jeroen Elfferich and Willem van Dullemen, a superb blues and slide guitarist.

Most of the band’s songs are originals, with lyrics in both English and French, the two common languages in this Louisiana style. Comments from critics have included: “A real treat for those who just want to watch and listen, a real joy for the ones who want to dance”.  An international jury elected their CD ‘French Accordion Blue’ as ‘Best Zydeco CD in Europe’.

Although stalwarts on the European scene, this is the first time that this fantastic Dutch group will be visiting the UK. The guys were invited over by Hereford band Whiskey River from, after they met & made friends on festivals in Holland. ‘We’re really looking forward to playing in Herefordshire”, bandleader Henk de Kat said. “We are gonna ‘Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler’, and we’ll spread the atmosphere of hot Louisiana nights. You bet!’’.
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The Saturday Cafe is an informal series of gigs, promoted by The Music Pool in partnership with The Courtyard, with support from Herefordshire Council. Gigs are on most Saturday lunch times, in the cafe/bar of the Courtyard in Hereford. We feature some of the best talent in Herefordshire and beyond - Jazz, Swing, Blues, Bluegrass, Roots and more - and of course there's the Courtyard's great food & drink too!
It can sometimes get crowded, and tables can be pre-booked at the Courtyard bar, on 01432 346525.