2009 Press Releases
U.S. Consulate Partners with Local Groups to Bring World-Class American Cajun Music to West Bank Audiences
Press Release
April 21, 2009
Jerusalem
The Pine Leaf Boys, an American Cajun and Zydeco music band concluded their Palestinian concert tour, playing to capacity crowds across the West Bank during their four-day program that ended in Jenin on April 21. The band played for audiences and conducted workshops in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and Jenin thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Consulate General, Jerusalem and local Palestinian partners. The band is made up of five young Americans who play traditional Cajun instruments like the fiddle and accordion along with the modern sounds of drums, guitar and bass.
Speaking after the last workshop at the Arab-American University in Jenin, band accordionist Wilson Savoy commented, “We are very honored to have been invited by the Consulate to take part in this wonderful program. We never would have thought we would receive the prestigious honor of representing Cajun music in the Middle East.”
U.S. Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs, Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm explained at the opening concert in Jerusalem on April 18, that she was pleased to acquaint Palestinian audiences with yet another aspect of American music. “Palestinians know about jazz and hip hop, but the lively rhythms of Cajun and Zydeco music are largely unknown here,” she continued. Cajun-Americans originally immigrated to Canada from France, were exiled in the 1700s, and made their way down to the southern state of Louisiana in present-day U.S. They are known for their spicy food and spirited music which reflect their French roots and the traditions of Native American, African, Spanish and other American cultures they encountered on their journey. Zydeco, a newer music form, is a kind of Creole-Cajun folk rock music. Today there are 300,000 Cajuns living near cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
U.S. Cultural Attaché Stacy Barrios worked with local partners to organize the concerts and workshops. She has a special connection to the music, as a Cajun from New Orleans. Speaking at the concert for students of Al Najah University in Nablus, Ms. Barrios commented, “When I see everyone clapping their hands and laughing, I remember when I was a little girl listening and dancing to Cajun music with family and friends. The joy of Cajun and Zydeco music reaches across all cultures.”
Ms. Barrios thanked all local partners for their hard work in making arrangements for the Pine Leaf Boy’s visit. For their part, the partners thanked the Consulate for funding the tour and hoped that the band would return soon.
For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Assistant Information Officer Christina Higgins at 054-678-8501 or Hassna Dajani at 054-678-8455.
###
