Buy the Film

J’AI ETE AU BAL - I WENT TO THE DANCE

A Film by Les Blank, Chris Strachwitz and Maureen Gosling

Directed and Photographed by Les Blank

Produced and Sound Recording by Chris Strachwitz

Edited and Sound Recording by Maureen Gosling

“The combination of Strachwitz’s scholarship and Blank’s ever-keen appreciation of regional color and style make J’AI ETE AU BAL a model of its type, a must-see for lovers of roots and traditional music, and an eye-opener for anyone curious about American culture...Witty insightful narration...remarkable archival footage, creatively compiled and edited by Blank’s longtime collaborator Maureen Gosling...manages to capture all the eccentricity, authenticity and electricity that keep Cajun and Zydeco alive and kicking. Despite the abundance of material covered, never once does this fine film resemble a collection of clips and curios for the converted. Strachwitz’s rich research and Blank’s endearingly personal style keep J’AI ETE AU BAL alive and vital, just as Doucet and Rockin’ Doopsie and other Louisiana masters of Cajun and Zydeco do for the music they so love. See this movie and share their passion.”—Terry Lawson, Dayton Daily News

REVIEW OF THE NEW DVD:

"A better in-depth, comprehensive examination of Louisiana's French music and culture doesn't exist—anywhere." — Dan Willging, Off Beat Magazine

"...J'AI ETE AU BAL: ROOTS OF CAJUN AND ZYDECO offers the closest look at the rich musical tradition of French-speaking south Louisiana that most of us will ever have.

"Working with ethnomusicologist Chris Strachwitz, filmmaker Les Blank delved deep into the heartlands of Cajun and zydeco music, interviewing musicians, filming performances and digging up forgotten history. This kind of project sometimes threatens to be a pedantic bore, but the editing by Blank's longtime collaborator, Maureen Gosling, puts sparkle and snap into the film, which moves along like a rousing two-step.

"It covers famous musicians like Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis and Michael Doucet of Beausoleil while giving more obscure, but equally influential players like D. L. Menard, Bois Sec, Iry LeJeune and Amede Ardoin their due. The cameras enter the skirling country dance halls, visit with the musicians in their living rooms and best of all, catch them playing and reminiscing in informal outdoor settings with friends.

"The marvelous sequences with Bois Sec and Dennis McGee, both old but very lively men at the time of the film was made, are alone worth the price of admission. But the footage of Clifton Chenier in concert will revive many a wonderful memory of those fortunate enough to enjoy the late 'King of Zydeco' in his element." —Ben Windham, The Tuscaloosa News