Dancing during music jams?

Question

My husband I met while cajun and zydeco dancing in Washington, D.C. We are going to be traveling to Lafayette in September, and hope to do some dancing. Looking through the Lafayette Travel calendar, I saw lots of cajun music jams, but was unsure if there was any dancing at these sessions. We know about Blue Moon Saloon, La Poussiere, El Sido's and Fred's Lounge.

Thank you.

Answer

It’s great that you and your husband are planning to dive into the lively world of Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing while in Lafayette! These genres are at the heart of Lafayette’s culture, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the music and the dancing, including at the Cajun jams you mentioned. While the Lafayette Travel calendar can be a bit unclear on specifics, here’s a breakdown of the venues and events you can check out for dancing:

1. Blue Moon Saloon

Blue Moon Saloon is one of the top spots in Lafayette for Cajun and Zydeco music. They often host live jams and performances, and yes, there is definitely dancing! They have a spacious dance floor where you’ll find locals and visitors alike dancing to the beat of the music. While it may vary from night to night, dancing is definitely encouraged here, especially when the music jams are in full swing.

2. La Poussière

Located in nearby Breaux Bridge, La Poussière is another legendary Cajun venue known for its amazing live music and dancing. Although the place is smaller than Blue Moon, it offers an authentic, intimate experience, and dancing is definitely part of the experience here. If you're attending a music jam or performance, expect plenty of dancing, often including couples and dancers of all ages, so it’s a great place to join in the fun.

3. El Sido's

El Sido's is more of a Zydeco-focused venue. It’s a bit less well-known than Blue Moon and La Poussière, but they still offer great live music. If you’re into Zydeco, you can expect lively crowds and room to dance. It may not be as much of a big-name place as the others, but it’s a great venue to experience the local scene and jump in on a jam.

4. Fred’s Lounge

Fred’s Lounge in Mamou is an iconic venue in Cajun country, especially for its Sunday morning Cajun music broadcasts. This spot is a must-visit for anyone interested in the traditional Cajun experience, and yes, you can dance during the jams here! It’s a laid-back, very welcoming venue with a mix of local dancers, and you’ll be sure to find people to dance with. If you’re lucky, you may even get to participate in the Sunday morning "live" radio show where the music is broadcasted to the community.

5. Cajun Music Jams

Many of the Cajun music jams held around Lafayette do include dancing, although it's best to check the specific event details to be sure. While some jams are more focused on the music and playing instruments, others (especially the ones at Blue Moon and La Poussière) are more dance-friendly and offer the chance to move to the music. It’s always good to call ahead or check the calendar to confirm if dancing is expected at the particular jam you're interested in attending.

Recommendations:

For the best chances of dancing, head to Blue Moon Saloon and La Poussière—they are top spots for both music and dancing.
If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, check out Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, especially on Sundays when the community gathers for the radio broadcast.
El Sido’s is a good choice if you're specifically looking for Zydeco dancing and want a smaller, local vibe.

Overall, you’ll find that Lafayette is a great place to enjoy live music, and the locals are always welcoming to dancers! Whether it’s a large music event or a more intimate jam, you’re sure to find plenty of opportunities to dance while enjoying the authentic Cajun and Zydeco music.