Click HERE to see a list of over 150 notable past dances and performances including: Festivals, Dances, Private Functions, and more. Videos of our performances can be found on YouTube. Search “Crawdad Wranglers.”

  

The Crawdad Wranglers are led by Ryan Thomson on fiddle and accordion. The band performs cajun and zydeco dance music of Louisiana, Tex-Mex, and original tunes.

 

Ryan Thomson has studied and played informally with nationally known cajun master musicians. He recognizes the importance of preserving the traditions and roots of cajun music. He reflects this respect in his own playing while creating a danceable mix of traditional and modern styles.

 

Other long time band members include Paul Mangion on cajun percussion instruments, Steve Brown on drums, Jeff Lind on bass, Brian Richardson on guitar, Ryan’s son Brennish on electric violin, and occasional guest musicians such as Fred Simmons on Trombone.

 

Cajun and Zydeco music is a musical gumbo, blending many influences including French, black, Spanish, and early country music. The accordion and fiddle are the Crawdad's lead instruments, and the rhythm is strong, inviting, and irresistible to dancers. To cook up the Wranglers sound; you mix a heaping helping of rural "Cajun" folk music with a dash of blues, rock 'n' roll, and Caribbean and Latin beats. 

 

Ryan is experienced in teaching traditional cajun dance steps such as the two step, waltz, and "cajun jitterbug." His entertaining and patient teaching style will get beginners up and dancing quicker than you can say "Jambalaya!" 

 

The band is available in sizes ranging from 3 piece to 6 piece.

 

"A wild evening of food, music, and dancing!" ....Haverhill Gazette

 

"Cajun music and food set sizzling pace at party" ...Lawrence Eagle-Tribune

 

"Crawdads get crowd hoppin'"....Foster's Daily Democrat

 

"Sizzling!" ..."Dancers wrangle with Cajun style" ....Portsmouth Herald

 

"Laissez lez bons temps rouler!" 

(let the good times roll!) 

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