Crawfish Festival makes a comeback, showcasing Louisiana music in NJ
The Crawfish Fest made a celebrated comeback this year after a two-year hiatus, reviving the vibrant Louisiana music scene in New Jersey. Drummer Stanton Moore made a remarkable record by performing in all four main stage sets at the festival held on May 31 at The Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. His band, Galactic, headlined the event at 5 p.m., following his earlier performance with The Stanton Moore Trio at 1 p.m. Moore also made guest appearances during Bonerama’s set and joined show-opener Maggie Koerner for an impromptu song.
Familiar faces filled the stage at the festival, as many of the performers were touring musicians from New Orleans who shared close connections, fostering a warm and familial atmosphere. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, who lent her vocals to Galactic, described the members of Bonerama as “family,” underscoring the strong bonds between the musicians in the Louisiana music community.
Founded by Louisiana native Michael Arnone in 1989, the Crawfish Fest in New Jersey showcases not only the soulful music but also the delectable cuisine of Louisiana. Despite less-than-ideal weather on the first day of the festival, the event remained a significant cultural experience for New Jerseyans over the years, drawing crowds with its distinctive blend of music and food.
The festival boasts two stages, which allowed attendees to enjoy a diverse lineup of artists. Galactic, a band with over 30 years of history, gave a spirited performance, with Joseph’s commanding vocals adding depth to anthems like “Making It Better” and a toe-tapping rendition of the Pointer Sisters hit “Yes We Can Can.” Bonerama, known for their innovative interpretations of classic rock hits, wowed the audience with fresh arrangements of songs like The Allman Brothers Band’s “Whipping Post” and Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.”
On the smaller stage, festival-goers were treated to a range of musical styles, from the blues-infused rock of Eddie 9V to the lively Cajun dance tunes by Amis du Teche. However, the standout act was Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, who delivered a high-energy set blending zydeco and New Orleans R&B classics. The band, led by Alton Jay “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin’s son, David “Rockin’ Dopsie Jr.” Rubin, kept the crowd on their feet with infectious tracks like “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” and “Blue Monday.”
Festival-goers were reminded of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage as Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters brought new life to old favorites, including a rendition of “That Was Your Mother” from Paul Simon’s Graceland album. The performance was a fitting tribute to the festival’s mission of preserving and celebrating the spirit of Louisiana’s vibrant music scene.