Artist description Squeezebox, fiddle, guitar, bass, drums, rubboard/triangle. 3-6 pieces, acoustic or electric.

Music Style Cajun and Zydeco

Musical Influences folk, country, rock, R&B, blues, bluegrass

Artist History About eight years ago, Orlando residents Andy Burr (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Greg Taillon (Cajun squeezebox, fiddle, vocals) formed The Porchdogs in order to perform the kind of music they loved but rarely heard in Central Florida--the rootsy good-time sound of Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco. Two years ago, Andy and Greg recruited fiddler Jessica Daumen, an 18-year-old who was twice named Florida State Bluegrass Champion in the ‘Youth’ category. She plays with energy and attitude, and has added tremendously to the group’s onstage appearance! (check out the photos on our band web page if you don't believe it.) As a full band, the trio adds bassist Larry Dolamore and a drummer Marc Robin and when possible a Cajun percussionist (rubboard and triangle)-- usually either Heather Wingate, a 12-year-old who is a remarkably good percussionist (and singer!) or Doug Appelbaugh, South Florida’s best rubboard man. The Porchdogs are well-known throughout the state, performing regularly at Orlando’s theme parks, at festivals and fairs, at nightclubs, and at numerous corporate and private events. Give us a call or drop a line--we'll come play at your house!

Group Members Greg Taillon--accordions, fiddle, vocals; Andy Burr--guitar, harmonica, vocals; Jessica Daumen--fiddle, vocals; Larry Dolamore--bass; Marc Robin--drums; Heather Wingate--percussion, vocals; Doug Appelbaugh--percussion

Instruments Squeezeboxes, fiddles, guitar, harmonica, bass, drums (sometimes rubboard and triangle; sometimes add piano, sax, pedal steel, other instruments)

Albums “Fido on the Bayou” (1999) CD, "Best of The Porchdogs" (1998) CD, "Live at the Cajun Dance" (1997), "Old Time Melodies" (1996), "Porchdogs Live" (1995) CD, "Greg Taillon & The Porchdogs" (1993) CD

Press Reviews REVIEW EXCERPTS"....'Local' band Porchdogs blew away the competition with high energy and real Zydeco music.....--post to alt.culture.cajun newsgroup<BR>".....Porchdogs - local Florida band plays good Cajun and Zydeco, sort of a greatest hits of SW Louisiana - the best on the stage...."--Steve Hendel in ZydE-zine (email Cajun/Zydeco newsletter)<BR>"....the Porchdogs were a real crowd pleaser...." --Gary Hayman, editor/publisher of the ZydE-zine, sent out bi-weekly to thousands of C/Z fans around the world<BR>"I had a good time listening and dancing to your group's music at the Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish festival. You guys really got into it! I wish you success in all your endeavors and hope to hear you again.--Dion DiMucci ("The Wanderer," "Run Around Sue," "Abraham, Martin, & John")<BR>"Thanks for making our party a huge success. All I hear around town is 'Great Band,' 'Couldn't stop dancing,' 'Where did you get these guys,' etc. Everybody wants to know when the next party is."--Lenny Fortune, owner, Jupiter Crab Co., Tequesta<BR>"Many thanks for coming to our community. Everyone I've spoken with since your concert has given it RAVE REVIEWS."--Karen Bass, Keystone Heights Concert Committee<BR>“....months after Brent and I married in October in Ft. Lauderdale, we are still receiving great reviews about selecting your band, The Porchdogs, for our reception. Most people who attended had never heard of Cajun-Zydeco music in the first place, but from all the dancing and smiles that went around, we're positive that they'll never forget!”--Susan & Brent Marino, Ft. Lauderdale

Additional Info Cajun music is played by the people of French descent who emigrated from Acadia (Canada) to southwest Louisiana in the 18th century. “Acadian” soon became “‘cajun.” Zydeco (from les haricots – French for ‘green beans’) is what developed as the black Creole people of the area adapted Cajun “la-la” music, adding African and Caribbean influences and then incorporating blues and jazz. In both Cajun and Zydeco music, lyrics are often sung in Cajun or Creole French. Accordion is the lead instrument in both. In general, Cajun is country-sounding; Zydeco is more bluesy. Both are meant for dancing and good times.

Location Winter Park, FL - USA

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