From the swamps of Cotati, the levees of Penngrove, and the prairies of Petaluma comes the East Cotati Bayou Band, Sonoma County’s newest Cajun and Zydeco musical group. Fiddler Gus Garelick is a veteran of the original Sonoma Swamp Dogs, with the late Jim Boggio, co-founder of the Cotati Accordion Festival. Gus also played with Queen Ida and the Bon Ton Zydeco Band, and currently plays in the Italian trio, The Hot Frittatas. He is joined by accordion maestro Dennis Hadley, formerly of the Cajun Coyotes, and also member of the Hot Frittatas.

Joining Gus and Dennis are Allegra Broughton and Sam Page, vocals, guitar, and bass, members of the popular group Solid Air. Finally, on the drums, Don Connolly, a true resident of East Cotati, and one of the area’s busiest drummers. Together, this band is going to have everyone dancing in the aisles, rocking out on Zydeco and New Orleans R&B, along with the sweet Cajun waltzes and two-steps, and other surprises as well.

Check out this new band at the Cotati Accordion Festival, Saturday August 28 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Spanky’s, across from the Plaza. For more information, telephone (707) 526-7763.