Hurricane Gumbo will open the 34th Buttermilk Festival season at Buttermilk Creek Park on Wednesday, June 14 at 7:15 p.m.
Hurricane Gumbo is a Chicago-based band that combines zydeco, rhythm & blues, jazz and funk to produce a sound that can only be called one thing – Louisiana party music, featuring the music of Dr. John, Neville Brothers, Funky Meters, Chubby Carrier, Edgar Winter, Terrence Simien, Bobby Rush, Little Feat, Radiators, and so on..not to mention some tasty originals.
“Hurricane” Bill, an energetic “Mexi-Cajun” born in the steamy swamps of Louisiana’s Bayou country, leads the band with his fiery vocals and rockin’ accordion. Tight riffs and spicy harmonies thrown in the pot, and Hurricane Gumbo becomes one of the tastiest Louisiana-style bands north of the Crescent City.
Since 1994, Hurricane Gumbo has entertained at major music fests from New Orleans to Milwaukee, plus all points in between. The band has released three CD albums (with a fourth in the works) and has performed numerous live television and radio appearances…including the House of Blues, Taste of Chicago, Rock Island’s Gumbo Ya Ya Festival and Summerfest sharing the stage with New Orleans artists Dr. John, the Iguanas and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band.
With Hurricane Gumbo, the party never stops. That is why, one reviewer calls it “without a doubt, one of the best and liveliest party-bands anywhere”… because with Hurricane Gumbo, it’s All Mardi Gras, All of the time.
The concession stand will be hosted by Salem United Methodist Church of Eldorado, offering sandwiches, desserts and beverages beginning at 6:15 p.m. In the event of unsuitable weather, the concert will be moved to the Fond du Lac County fairgrounds.
While all Buttermilk Festival concerts are free of charge, free-will offerings are received to help defray costs.