Fan of the Month
LAFAYETTE, LA. — Don’t go hunting for the spa at the Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House. It’s not that sort of place. But if you’re out to marinate in Louisiana music, this is where you want to tuck yourself in. Late.
It’s cheap, too: $75 to $90 for a room (some with shared bath, some with private bath) in the little turn-of-century frame house in downtown.
Or grab a bunk in one of the hostel rooms — the Couche-Couche, its walls festooned with old House & Garden magazine covers, is my favorite — for $18 a bed. The Guest House also offers a private two-bedroom bungalow with bath for about $250, depending on the days and season.
What do you get, besides a cute room? Free Wi-Fi, morning coffee or tea, use of a stocked kitchen, use of the piano, off-street parking and a free drink ticket for the Blue Moon Saloon, when it’s open, which is most Wednesdays through Sundays. You definitely want to be there when it’s open, because that saloon is the top perk to staying at the Blue Moon.
Featuring top Cajun, zydeco and assorted other roots music, the saloon is essentially the porch. A roof and wooden wall partially enclose it, but, unlike the guest house rooms, the bar’s not air-conditioned. A giant fan behind the stage does what it can, but if it’s hot, you’re going to be sweaty, and you’re going to like it.
On a recent night, the Grammy-nominated local Pine Leaf Boys tore it up for about 200 people, many dancing in a delirious frenzy that only Louisianians seem to be able to muster. So spellbinding was the evening that it was well into the next day before I realized that while I was immersed in the music, mosquitoes had made mincemeat of my left shoulder.
Helen Anders is an Austin freelance writer.
When you go
Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House, 215 E. Convent St., Lafayette, La.; 337-234-2422; bluemoonpresents.com. Lafayette is about two hours west of New Orleans and a six-hour drive from Dallas.
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our dear friend, Spider. A long time patron and performer at the Blue Moon, one would always leave a “Spider conversation” with a huge smile (and a slightly confused looked) on their face. Always greeting Mark at the Moon with his notorious one-liner, “Hey Hey! Uh, it’s a hostile environment over here!” Spider had a kind and beautiful soul. His presence will forever be missed. Rest in peace Spidy. “True story”.
The first words Milton “Spider” Guidry ever spoke to me were in a crowd at South by Southwest in 2005. “Hey, Nick, you know what they say about me? I’m a little shakey,” he said as he laughed and shook a shaker egg – an oval percussion instrument similar to a maraca. That’s the way I will always remember Spider: rolling off one liners – some great, others groan inducing – and speaking to you as if he had known you all his life. On Saturday, August 16, Guidry passed away in California after suffering either a stroke or heart attack, according to his sister Jill Guidry.
Guidry, 61, had family in California but was 100 percent a Lafayette character – even called the Cajun Kramer by some for his similarity to the Seinfeld character. Something of a mascot – and sometimes rub board player -for local bands, he could be seen at all kind of local shows and even touring with bands such as Terrance Simien and Lil’ Band O’ Gold. A performer in his own right, Guidry did a Vegas-style lounge act under the name Your Pal Spidey that combined his humor and another love: Frank Sinatra, who he bragged about seeing live on a couple occasions. He also hosted “Saints Line”on AOC, discussing his love for the Black and Gold. It’s fitting that one of his last actions may have been watching the Saints beat the Titans as he is thought to have called his brother to find a place to watch the game.
Jill Guidry notes a memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 30th, but no time or place had been chosen. She and her family wishes to thank the outpouring of sympathy for Spider on social media. “We appreciate their kindness and their stories of Milt’s life. We knew Milt knew a lot of people, but didn’t realize it was to this magnitude. We are reading condolences on Facebook from a number of people that his mom and siblings don’t know. My brother-in-law, Craig, who died of lymphoma 5 years ago, always called him ‘The Mayor’ of Lafayette.”
True story.
Jesse started playing music when he was 15 down in Beaumont TX where I was born. Lot’s of honky tonk music, R&B and of course Cajun music cuz we we’re so close to the Louisiana border. “My Dad went to high school w/ George Jones, seem like there was always music some country music singer from Texas be it Jones, Willie or Lefty Frizzell playing a show in town. 1st concert I ever went to was at a drive-in to the see the Possum and he didn’t show up…No Show Jones! ha ha My brother was also close friends w/ the late great blues promoter Clifford Antone who owned Antones Blues Club in Austin. Cliffords family was from Port Arthur, right next to Beaumont, so of course at a very young age he was bringing old Gulf Coast blues records like Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester…I couldn’t have been more than 15”.
Jesse goes on to reveal he never thought in a million years he would end up playing w/ some of his heroes. “I was in Nashville, (which I just didn’t fit in at all), doing this TV show called Crook and Chase w/ Kris Kristofferson. All the Highway Men we’re watching Kris so they saw me as well. Next morning I gotta phone call from Waylon saying he’d cut his hand cooking w/ Jesse Colter and he saw me on the show and would I come down and play guitar for him in the studio that day. So I blew off my plane flight back to Austin and went to the studio and Johnny Cash opened the door and said “are you the youngun’ from Texas? Come on in!” My mouth dropped!” After Jesse played guitar on the next Waylon record and went straight to LA and did a record w/ Ray Price. The gigs just kept coming.
It’s been a couple of years since ole JD could return to the Blue Moon because he has been making feature films. “I did 3 films w/ Rob Zombie, then I wrote and directed my new film which was primarily shot in New Orleans. The film went to Cannes, (out of competition), and sold, so we’re all pretty happy about that. Now I can get back to doing my 1st love, music. We always throw in some Cajun country songs anyway, so the Blue Moon audience who usually hears alot of zydeco and Cajun rock and traditional Cajun really digs hearing our Cajun honky tonk songs. We just finished some West Coast shows that we’re awesome and just got back from playing over in Europe as well. I love making films but there’s nothing better than being onstage, making music in front of people, it’s everything to me.”
Jesse also goes on to fill us in saying “2014 my film Zombex comes out w/ the soundtrack that I did. Will be alot of promotion for that I’m sure. Comic Con, film festivals, you name it. I’ll be bringing the band w/ me to play shows as well. Gonna be crazy!” Lots to look forward to!
We were even curious if he had any advice for any people in the Blue Moon Nation thinking of becoming musicians. JD had a lil slice of advice to share with all of us! “If you’re thinking about getting into the music biz you might wanna have a real heart to heart w/ yourself in the mirror. It’s not an easy life. I’ve been lucky. Of course I prepared for all these opportunities since I was a kid. But if you’re into music for the fame, you might wanna stay in school. This business tends to weed out people who aren’t lifers pretty quick. It’s not about the pot of gold, it’s about the journey. If you wanna be a musician, you won’t really have in choice anyway. It’s a higher calling that will not let you give up. Nothing I can say matters anyway, the answers are all inside yourself.”
Well, Jesse, we would like to thank you for your continuous performances at the Blue Moon Saloon and thank you for being our featured artist of the month for November!
Since summer is coming to an end we needed a special fan of the month for you guys. So we gladly present to you our August Fan of the Month Mr. Jon-Erik Joseph Rodrigue! Jon-Erik is from Larose, La. And he works in the oil field. His favorite music comes out of our own beautiful state, these bands include: The Dad Horse Experience, Dax Riggs, Brother Dege, Bipoloroid, King Louis Missing Monuments, Those Poor Bastards, Rachel Brooke, Tess Brunet, Saul Williams, Tom Waits, & Marc Bolan. Just too name a few. Jon-Erik enjoys passing his time by playing around with a lot of different instruments. He currently owns a banjo, acoustic guitar and home made electric diddley bow (WOW). His other hobbies entail trying to juggle life between his wife and two beautiful daughters along with the music he loves is about all he can make time for. Oh and sports! He is a proud member of the Who Dat Nation! Cant forget to show some love to the Pelicans as well. “The first time I went to the blue moon was a few years ago with my friend Jake to see Dax Riggs and I just fell in love with the atmosphere of the place. Love the fact that the bands basically play on your back porch and most of the time stay at the blue moon after playing. My favorite part of the whole experience is that there are so many different types of bands/artists that play there and the people are so friendly.” Well Jon-Erik we want to thank you for such kind words and thank you for all your support over the years. WE LOVE YOU JON-ERIK RODRIGUE!!
July is an explosive month and with that being said we needed an explosive fan of the month! And without further delay we present to you Mr. Edward Cutrer Watson! Ed was born and raised here in Lafayette on what used to be the south side but is now mid city. He has been living walking distance from The Moon for years though making skipping out on events at the Blue Moon near impossible. Edward enjoys a wide variety of music and jams music like ABBA to Zappa, although he says old traditional Cajun music is nice, so is the Grateful Dead! Let it be known that Edward is also a pretty kick ass cook! He loves to travel as much as possible with MLS and catch Furthur shows in Colorado and San Francisco area. For those of you that don’t know Furthur is made up of the surviving Grateful Dead members and a few of their friends just doing their thing! But according to him “everyone needs a little Black Sabbath in their lives!” Ed has worked offshore since 1990 and loves it! Any water sports like wake skating or wake boarding. There is also no better way to pass the time than Duck hunting in Gueydan at the Honey Hole or waiting for a fish to bite. Cold local beer, good food, and close friends are necessities for a good time. The first show he ever saw at the Blue Moon was the Weary Boys back when The Moon first opened. “I love the fact I live close but so there are no DUI to worry about!;)) Close nit and personal is the best part if the moon!” “Get outside people and do something! Love to travel too!! Peace and love brah!” We also cant forget to mention that “Grateful Ed” likes to run the roads of the Blue Moon with his trusty partner in crime and mutt, Stella, who is probably more recognizable than he is! Well Mr. Ed we are honored to have you in our hall of fame with all the other stellar Fans of the Month and we cant wait to have you back inside our doors. WE LOVE YOU EDWARD WATSON!
This is Leslie Parker Bienvenu! Leslie is from the greatest place in the world she says, Lafayette!
Leslie taught second grade for two years and is currently Rusted Rooster’s “Mrs. Fix-It” while pursuing her passion in repurposing/building furniture, painting, and making jewelry.
She is an avid bike rider, loves thrifting, listening to live music, crafting, hanging in her hammock, and having meaningful conversations (probably on a porch).
Favorite bands include Dr. Dog, Little Dragon, Alt-J, Phoenix, Modest Mouse, Bon Iver, Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, and locals such as Givers, Carbon Poppies, Vagabond Swing, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Brass Bed, and Feufollet.
“My first time at Blue Moon was my second year of college during Mardi Gras. I can’t recall who played that night, but I’ll never forget the cool, creative energy that surrounded me. After my first experience at the Moon, I immediately became a fan and supporter. Whether I’m listening to a great band with people lost in dance or having an intimate conversation on the front porch, the all-encompassing good vibes are there.”
“A place like the Moon doesn’t just happen. I admire Mark and Nicole for all that they have done and continue to do to make the Blue Moon a staple of Lafayette culture. After opening the Rusted Rooster, I know the love and dedication that goes into creating a special place for Lafayette locals and visitors alike. The Moon provides a perfect atmosphere for letting the good times roll!” – Leslie
Well, Leslie we want to thank you for your support and love over the years! we are proud and honored to have you as our fan of the month for June!
May is a pretty special month since it starts off Summer time so we needed a pretty special individual to highlight for our May Fan of the Month. And we present to you Bobby Davidson! His favorite bands include The Flaming Lips, Daft Punk, Primus, & anything Jack White has a part of. On a local level his favorites include Lost Bayou Ramblers, Brass Bed, Feofullet, Royal Teeth, & the Givers.
Bobby is from Carencro, Louisiana but pretty much says he grew up in Lafayette considering that’s where he always hung out. His favorite past times include attending as many live music events as possible, frequently riding his bike, & EATING. He also loves helping people who deserve it and spending time with the people he cares about.
Bobby first experienced the Blue Moon in 2009 during Festival International and instantly fell in love. He admits that even though he was 19 therefore making it illegal for him to drink he still had a blast. He claims what he loves most about the Blue Moon is its charm. He goes on to say, “There is just something so naturally comfortable about it. The people, the atmosphere, the employees, it all meshes to form my favorite watering-hole/live music venue in Lafayette…People fall in love instantly and this place helps refresh my love for our culture every time I walk past the Bienvenue sign.”
Bobby is always sure to bring all his out of town visitors to the Blue Moon Saloon as one of their first stops on the tour. We love you Bobby Davidson and want to thank you for all your love and support over the years and are honored to have you as our May Fan of the Month!
Here in Blue Moon World we are blessed with some of the most unique and amazing guests. They are so special that we felt the need to do special segments each month so you can get to know them just as well! The month of April is claimed by Mr. Ray Patrick!
Ray was born in Youngstown Ohio, went to De Vry Tech in Chicago after high school, and moved to Albuquerque to start his technical career. After that he ended up staying in New Mexico for 40 years minus one that was spent in Washington Missouri teaching high school mathematics. As a retiree he still calls Albuquerque home, even being there only 3 months a year. He will be staying in Lafayette for 3 1/2 months.
