Vermont Business Magazine Kick off your shoes and let the good times roll at Cajun Zydeco Fest 2022 at Kampfires Campground, Inn, & Entertainment in Dummerston, on August 27 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. MANGO JAM headlines the 5th annual single-day festival, set on the grounds’ natural tree-lined outdoor open-air amphitheater. Burlington-based Mango Jam is a six-piece dance band playing straight-up Zydeco as well as New Orleans inspired funk, Reggae and Ska.
Mango Jam accordionist Gus Ziesing caught the Zydeco bug while seeing legendary Louisiana Creole accordionist Ida Lewis "Queen Ida" Guillory at a show in Montpelier in the mid-1980s. “I was blown away by the energy and freshness of the sound,” said Ziesing. “I went out and bought a one row Hohner Cajun accordion, and then later got a Hohner 3 row.” The band has been performing together since 1991 and currently includes Ziesing on accordions, saxophones, and vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone and vocals; Lee Beckwith, bass and vocals; Dennis Willmott, guitar and vocals; Ted Looby, guitar; and Michael Bradshaw on drums.
Also set to perform on the outdoor stage are local New England bands, BACK O’ TOWN CAJUN BAND, and GUMBO JUMBO DIXIELAND BAND – each bringing their own unique spin on French creole inspired music. The French Cajun tunes which traditionally focus on each writer’s life and culture, soulful blues of Zydeco, and joyful Dixieland tunes provide the backdrop to this end-of-summer celebration.
This New Orleans-style event will also feature gumbo, jambalaya, Low Country Boil, dance floor, bar, yard games, and plenty of beads to throw. “I spent over a decade attending New Orleans’ Jazz Fest and fell in love with the food, culture and of course, the music” said Whetstone Brands co-cower David Hiler. “We created this event 6 years ago to honor those traditions, and we haven’t stopped dancing since.”
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/yudm92r3 : $12 general admission in advance, and $15 at the door, or $20 VIP in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. The event is sponsored by TD Bank and Whetstone Brands.
VIP tickets include private VIP only tent with prime viewing, priority bar and beverage access, "backstage" access to bands, complimentary snacks, VIP port-a-potties, and more! General Admission tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. VIP tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Tickets available at Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/yudm92r3. Sponsored by Whetstone Brands and TD Bank.
About Whetstone Beer Co.
Brewing up adventure since 2012, Whetstone Beer Co. is an award-winning Brattleboro waterfront brewery, rooftop bier garten, full bar, music venue, and café in a beautiful location that is open seven days a week, year-round. More information at https://www.whetstonebeer.com/.
About Kampfires Campground, Inn, & Entertainment
Kampfires campground is a modern New England style campground in Southern Vermont set on 29 acres, with 45 campsites, swimming pool, unique mini-golf course, ice cream stand, four acres of open field and a 3000 person tree-lined amphitheater. The campground offers full facility campsites, including WIFI and cable, a four-room Bed and Breakfast, rentable Air Streams, an event pavilion with bar and game room, and Vermont's answer to the Hollywood Bowl, the Campground's amphitheater, which plays host to a summer concert series, food truck festival and numerous corporate and private events. Learn more at https://www.kampfires.com.
BRATTLEBORO – Whetstone Beer Co.
