(pronounced “lay zah-mee” and means “the friends”)
Les Amis Zydeco has its roots in the swamps of deep South Louisiana and in the Bay Area Cajun/Zydeco dance scene. We strive for an authentic sound whether we’re playing Cajun, Creole, or Zydeco.
We love playing for dancers and hopefully that shows. Some band members are long-time Cajun/Zydeco dancers. We focus on dancer enjoyment by drawing on our own ingrained knowledge of what makes for an enjoyable dance evening.
We draw mostly from traditional roots, and some more modern, including, but not limited to: Amede Ardoin, Beau Jocque, Boozoo Chavis, Chubby Carrier, Clifton Chenier, Danny Poullard, Geno Delafose, Jeffery Broussard, John Delafose,Pine Leaf Boys, Roy Carrier, Rockin’ Dopsie, etc.
Dwight Shackelford – button accordions, fiddle, vocals, washboard.
Dwight has been a member of Sonoma-based Funk/Zydeco band Gator Beat, DP and the Rhythm Riders, Sauce Piquante, and currently fronts Les Amis Zydeco. Originally from the deep bayou community of Houma, La, Dwight honed his chops on Louisiana music in the vibrant Bay Area Cajun and Zydeco dance scene. He has studied with such musicians as accordionists Paul Daigle, Ed Poullard, Jeffery Broussard, Wilson Savoy, Ray Abshire, and Cedric Watson. Dwight “plays the classics” of Cajun, Creole, and Old School Zydeco, with some originals thrown in. Dwight is also working on a traditional, cajun-only, sideline project band called Bayou Noir.
Kevin Dillon – drums
Born in Napa, California, Kevin studied drums privately for 15 years and began playing professionally|at the age of seventeen. He has been an active member of the Northern California music community for over 40 years.
In his extensive career, he has played everything from Rock and Roll to Jazz with Blues and Zydeco thrown in. Maintaining a busy schedule of clubs, festivals, private and corporate events.
While keeping this busy schedule he has been teaching drums privately for over 35 years in Napa and Marin counties.
Nazar Eljumaily
SF Bay Area scene veteran. Has played with Dino Valenti, Gator Beat, T-Luke and the Tight Suits, Jami Jamison and a host of others. 4th time at the accordion festival.
Linda Hutchinson – bass
Linda Hutchinson is a veteran of the local zydeco scene, having spent 25 years with Gator Beat & then Gator Nation, playing clubs, parties, wineries, & festivals up & down the West Coast & into Canada as well. She currently enjoys playing bass with Les Amis Zydeco, the Rhythm Rangers, & Cheap Date 13 and also sings with the Sonoma-based community choir The Free Spirits.
