2 Valleys Stage presents Stroughmatt & L'Esprit Creole

From 2 Valleys Stage

2 Valleys Stage is bringing back the popular Cajun and Western band Dennis Stroughmatt and L'Esprit Creole will perform at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon.

Join us on an odyssey through the musical history of the French Creoles who founded the Illinois-Missouri Cajun country near the Ozark foothills over 300 years ago. Dennis Stroughmatt and his band, L'Esprit Creole are true ambassadors of authentic Creole music.

Their songs, stories and language remain largely intact and true to traditions that have been passed down through generations. L'Esprit Creole's music bridges the gap between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Mixed into that, Dennis Stroughmatt adds a touch of Western Swing and Honky-tonk country a la Bob Wills and Ray Price.

You don't want to miss this afternoon of great music. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors, available at the door. Students are free. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available by donation.

Originally from southeastern Illinois, Dennis Stroughmatt was taught to play fiddle by Missouri Creole fiddlers Roy Boyer and Charlie Pashia in the tradition of their fathers. He became an adopted son of the French Midwest Creoles who settled near St. Louis, playing at their weekly house parties, or "bouillions". As a result of physical journeys that also include French studies in Louisiana and Quebec, Dennis finds himself in the unique position of someone who can speak knowledgeably and play in a variety of French styles. He has an inate sense of what's needed to keep the audience on it's feet and the band on its toes.

Dennis Stroughmatt is a passionate ambassador of Creole music and traditions, expanding interest and excitement about a region that has long been ignored in the history books. His workshops in our four schools will draw on that history and tradition with his storytelling that will animate our students throughout the valleys. As they say in the hills, "On est tourjours icitte: We are still here!"