The Blanco Lavender Festival hosts its first street dance on Friday evening (6:00pm to 10:00pm), June 12, to kick off its weekend festivities. Zydeco Blanco will strum up some zydeco tunes, as well as a variety of cover songs to get people dancing! Most of their songs blend the influences of Louisiana music with the feel of life in the Texas Hill Country.

Originally, a duo formed in 1997 when accordion player Leif Oines met rub board player Harvey Trahan. Oines had previously led the successful and energetic band Zydeco Faux Pas. Harvey Trahan, a French Cajun, came to the valley via Houston, where he played harmonica in several blues bands. From early performances in their Hill Country community, they met other musicians and incorporated them into the band. A rhythm section was first added to the band: Steve Lamphier on bass and Brandon Aly on drums. Both had played together in another local band, Jamadillo. Their fellow Jamadillo bandmate, Larry Woods, was soon added on guitar. The addition of saxophone player, Brad Houser, (also of the New Bohemians and Critters Buggin) completed the lineup. The “Zydeco Blanco” CD, released in 2004, can be purchased at the festival or at www.zydecoblanco.com.

Admission is free to the public.