Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale Of Two Cities

Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale of Two Cities is a compelling documentary produced by Robert Mugge in 2016. Beautifully filmed and expertly crafted, this engrossing 87-minute exploration delves into the rich culture and history of Creole music, and importantly, the Zydeco genre unique to the Louisiana region in the United States.

The film's main narrative is set against the backdrop of two cities - Lafayette and Philadelphia. On one side of this musical journey is Lafayette, Louisiana: the heartland of Zydeco music, a sphere where the lively sound of the piano accordion and a metal washboard act as the rhythmic soul of the Creole community. On the other side is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the niche genre is embraced, appreciated, and celebrated across a series of performances and musical exhibitions at the highly respected educational and radio institution, WXPN.

The title "A Tale of Two Cities" is an apt one, as the purpose of the documentary is to compare and contrast how Zydeco music is rooted in and reverberates within these distinct environments — the place of its origin and a city thousands of miles away that celebrates its unique sound intensively.

With its vibrant rhythms, engaging melodies, and foot-tapping beats, Zydeco is a powerful expression of Creole identity, reflecting its African, Native American, and French influences. However, Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale of Two Cities is more than a film about music. It's an analysis that delves deeper to portray an authentic image of a multifaceted culture on a broader scale, highlighting the socio-cultural context within which this genre thrives.

The film also delves into two major musical events - the '12-night Zydeco Crossroads concert series' held by the Philadelphia station and the 'Annual Zydeco Breakfast' in Lafayette, which serves as a symbolic representation of the culture in Louisiana. These events offer a wide array of perspectives on the music genre, its performers, and the allegiances of those devoted to preserving it.

As audience members, we're introduced to key figures within the genre, such as Rosalie "Lady" Mendola, the owner of a well-known Zydeco club. She provides an insider's view into the music scene that is both informative and fascinating. Moreover, we meet Buckwheat Zydeco, a prominent accordionist and Zydeco musician known worldwide for his energetic performances.

Director Mugge weaves these authentic narratives together with captivating concert footage, intimate personal stories, revealing interviews, and stunning visual aesthetics, providing an intriguing glimpse into this cultural cornerstone.

Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale of Two Cities serves as a tribute to this spirited genre of music while demonstrating how it transitions from the private to the public sphere, from domestic jam sessions to full-fledged music festivals, thereby shaping community spirit and identity.

Not only does this documentary highlight the vitality of contemporary Zydeco music, but it also emphasizes the genre's dynamic capacity to adapt and grow while maintaining its traditional base. It's a film about keeping cultural heritage alive, about maintaining dialogue with the past while constructing a solid foundation for the future.

In conclusion, Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale of Two Cities is an engaging musical journey that explores how distinctive, regional music styles like Zydeco can resonate within a diversifying America. The film is genuinely respectful of its subject and crafted with passion for the music it spotlights. It effectively underlines that the resonance of Zydeco music extends beyond its Louisiana roots, reaching across cultural and geographical barriers to create a universal human connection. For lovers of music, culture, or history, this documentary is a must-watch.