To be born and bred into the Zydeco musical tradition is a rich gift. But the introduction at any age evokes pure delight, music that shakes the dust off the floor as feet dance of their own accord.

The unrivaled front man and Louisiana native Jeffery Broussard of Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys had just such an experience playing music at the age of eight with his father, accordion player Delton Broussard of the Lawtell Playboys. On his latest album “Return of the Creole” as well as in live performances, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys deliver great, pack-the-floor renditions of Creole classics as well as their own brand of contemporary Zydeco. They are taking the next generation’s perspective of this music and presenting it with contemporary flair and expertise.

Accolades include being named “Accordionist of the Year” at the Zydeco Music & Creole Heritage Awards 2007, being a Louisiana Division of the Arts grant recipient, and stellar reviews of his performances as he tours around the globe.

Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys take the stage at the 16th Annual Sugar Maple Music Festival on Saturday August 3, 2019.

–written by Pam Lockstein and Peggy Lewis

Three of the most influential and dynamic acoustic musicians in modern American music join forces as the Barnes, Gordy, Walsh Trio.  Banjo legend Danny Barnes, winner of the 2015 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo, has been a creative force in modern bluegrass and related genres since his days as a founding member and frontman of the Bad Livers in the 1990s. Through his innovative collaborations with Bill Frisell, Dave Matthews and many others, his infectiously good-humored songwriting, and his distinctive solo work, he has cemented his place as one of the groundbreaking artists of his generation.

Here he teams up with guitarist Grant Gordy and mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, acclaimed masters emerging out of the newer blossoming of American roots music.  Gordy has performed worldwide as a member of the David Grisman Quintet, and has appeared in settings as diverse as Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and Bonnaroo. Walsh, a founder of progressive string band Joy Kills Sorrow and a member of the Gibson Brothers and (with Gordy) Mr. Sun, draws on deep rural roots in his singing, playing and songwriting. 

Together, the Barnes, Gordy, Walsh Trio creates the kind of energy and inspiration that can only come from the happy confluence of three groundbreaking artists exploring musical possibilities and pushing each other to new heights. Catch the trio at the Sugar Maple Music Festival on Saturday, August 3, 2019.

–written by Brad Wolbert

Larry Sparks is as close to Bluegrass royalty as it’s possible to get. With a pedigree that includes a stint as the guitarist for the Stanley Brothers and the lead vocalist for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, many appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, a place in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and a even a line of guitar strings that bear his name, Larry, along with his band, the Lonesome Ramblers, is one of the leading exemplars of the true bluegrass sound and tradition. It doesn’t get any more authentic than Larry Sparks. His straight-ahead, soulful vocal style, inspired songwriting and impeccable musicianship has won him a bumper crop of awards and secured his place as a living musical legend.

—written by Brad Wolbert

If you are looking for some hot music to get you through the cold days of winter, look no further! The Sugar Maple folks are supporting, sponsoring and featuring a number of artists and events in the coming weeks.

Nickel&Rose, Carl Nichols (guitar) and Johanna Rose (upright bass) playing Folk, Blues, Jazz and Country with world music influence, kick things off January 24th at the North Street Cabaret. Details here.

The Cajun tunes of T’Monde will spice things up when they take the stage at the North Street Cabaret on January 31. T’Monde is the Acadian phenomenon that Offbeat Magazine has called “a creative fusion of classic country and out-of-the-way Cajun.” With a combined 10 GRAMMY nominations between members Drew Simon, Megan Brown, and Kelli Jones, T’Monde brings influences ranging from early Country music to ancient French and Creole ballads to present day Cajun music. Details here.

The music keeps coming when The Tillers hit the town! The Tillers will be heating up the Rathskellar February 2 as part of the UW Winter Carnival. Details here.

Bring the whole family to the 18th annual United Way Bluegrass Fundraiser on February 10 and dance away your winter blues. Band line-up and ticket info here.

And finally, join us as we welcome Lula Wiles back to town on February 28! details here.

For these events and more, check out the our Facebook page.

Sugar Maple Music Festival would like to give a special thanks to all who helped us pull off our 15th annual festival. We can’t thank everyone enough for contributing to another successful year at Sugar Maple! A big thanks goes out to our 2018 food and beverage vendors: El Grito Taqueria,  Cress Springs Bakery, Underground Butcher, Wadizzit Traveling Food, Justveggies Vegetarian and Vegan Food, Let it Ride Coffee , Tyranena Brewing Company  and Bos Meadery.

As we prepare for our 16th annual festival, we would like to thank our current sponsors:

Wisconsin Public Radio, Tyranena Brewing Company, Tack Video Production, Willy Street Co-op, Creative Tent Solutions, Wort 89.9 FM, Dane County Parks, Ward Brodt, Bos Meadery, Saris, Sooper Dooper Print & Digital Media, Boulders Climbing Gym, Stone Fence, Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown, Barrymore Theatre, Spruce Tree Music & Repair, Wisconsin Union, Gandy Dancer Festival, WVMO 98.7 FM, The Harmony Bar & Grill, Celebrations Entertainment, The Rumpus Room, Big Rentz, Redfin, Madison Arts Commission and Dane Arts.

photo credit: Kent Sweitzer Photography

–written by Caroline Martin