Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Bayou Seco to present Cajun, Spanish colonial music

FALLBROOK — Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie will appear in Fallbrook on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fallbrook Woman’s Club.

They have both enjoyed traditional music since early childhood. McLerie plays fiddle and guitar. Keppeler plays accordion and harmonica.

McLerie had the unique experience of playing as a street musician in Paris for more than a year. Keppeler gravitated toward New Orleans and Cajun music.

When she returned to the US, McLerie gravitated there as well on the theory that she liked the music and spoke French.

She and Keppeler met and have been expanding their traditional music base ever since.

Their approach to music is deeper than most people go. They like music of the people, music of the community – which Cajun music certainly is – but a series of asthma attacks caused McLerie’s doctor to say she had her choice of leaving New Orleans on her feet or in a box. She chose her feet.

The doctor pointed out that New Mexico is home to a growing group of asthmatic Cajun musicians. The pair moved to Albuquerque and found their musical home.

It wasn’t long before they met native musicians living near the border who played old Spanish colonial tunes, a kind of Mexican music with a central European base.

Melodies and rhythms are quite different though the sound is still accordion and guitar. Finding and mastering this kind of music has become Bayou Seco’s life work.

For more about the couple, go to http://www.bayouseco.com.

The Fallbrook Woman’s Club is at 238 West Mission Road. Call (760) 723-7255 for information. Tickets are sold at Major Market and at the door.

 

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