The KingBees of the Bayou
Deliver Mardi Gras
365 Days a Year!

We are THE KINGBEES OF THE BAYOU . . .

Come from the deepest swamp--
Rattling & buzzing our way to hoodoo fame
And gris-gris glory . . . climb under the hood & check us out!

Add the Creole Experience to your stylish ways--with
THE KINGBEES OF THE BAYOU

2008 KingBees of the Bayou

Leopold Ballroom , Bellingham, WA
Saturday February 9th 7:00 to 10:00PM

2006 KingBees of the Bayou

Rogue Hero
Saturday, January 7th

Rogue Hero , Bellingham, WA

Coming back to Western for Winter quarter? The School of Zydeco is in session. Learn the ways of hoodoo rhythm and rock and refine your soulful strut into a thing of wondrous beauty and funk. Yes, yes. My, my,

Mardi Gras Weekend
Friday, February 24th

Wild Buffalo House of Music, Bellingham, WA

Welcome to Mardi Gras Weekend. The Bees are back at the Buffalo for incredible bead-throwing, fire-eating, and palm reading Tuesday-Be-Fat-And-Juicy partying of the truly epic kind. Encounter us there and slip into some glad-to-be alive hoodoo magic. Eh Toi!

Fat Tuesday Celebration
Tuesday, February 28th

The Depot Bar & Grill
State Street, Bellingham, WA

A Fat Tuesday Happy Hour Experience at The Depot--with The Kingbees is the grandest (and happiest) way to Start The Party. Join the Bees from 5 onwards at this wonderful club with the comfortable 30's vibe of a train station from days of yore with a great long bar to meet the travellers every party need. All aboard! See you at 5pm sharp on Fat Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday Celebration (Continued)
Tuesday, February 28th

Rogue Hero
State Street, Bellingham, WA

Ain't Nothing But A Party--as Fat Tuesday continues at The Rogue Hero on State Street. Party on into the night with supercharged zydeco and worldbeat music with the Kingbees of the Bayou. It's Fat Tuesday--and sleep is for Wussies, oui? Bien sur! Starts at 10pm.

Rogue Hero
Friday, April 28th

Rogue Hero
State Street, Bellingham, WA

Smoke-free and just right for stompin' and rompin'--The Kingbees return with their full zydeco buzz. This time around we'll have a special appearance of The Steel Brothers. That's right, count 'em, 2 steel guitars, a pedal steel guitar and a lap steel producing some of the absolutely fiery-est roots music you'll hear in this great wide world. Rock with us (steady now) at this State Street watering hole.

New Orleans Restaurant
Saturday, May 13th

Pioneer Square , Seattle, WA

Kingbees return to the New Orleans--where the music and food of the hippest city on the planet is celebrated (and performed) 365 days a year. The gumbo is fine and the etouffe out of this world. Come early, stay late. We're even gonna try to get Gator Boy, Sean Donovan, to come check out The Bees as they preach The Buzz to the faithful in Pioneer Square.

Juan de Fuca Festival
Friday, May 26th

Port Angeles, WA

The Juan de Fuca Festival is one of Spring's great happenings. Bands, food, a street fair. A time to wander around and see the sights and sounds special to the Pacific Northwest. Bring the family and share the vibe of summer-come-soon.

Wild Buffalo Ski to Sea Romp
Sunday, May 28th

Wild Buffalo House of Music , Bellingham, WA

Sunday. Memorial Day Weekend . Win, lose, or draw--celebrate the fact at the After-The-Race-Party at the Wild Buffalo with The Kingbees of the Bayou. Mark will read your palm; Blades will blow your mind; Lord Payne will fill your soul with sweet sounds from the lower octaves. Robbie Montana will help you to a big sky of visions; while Johnny Ms magic beat will move hearts and feet. Share some quality zydeco time with The Kingbees on this extra-long weekend.

Edmonds Arts Festival
Saturday, June 17th
11:30AM

Edmonds, WA

For three June days, over Father's Day weekend, the charming waterfront town of Edmonds will be the site of one of the Northwest's premier arts festivals. This year art-lovers will immerse themselves in a rich array of visual and performing arts. Great food and special activities for children round out this annual event. Join the Kingbees from 11:30 to 12:30. Bring the family. Downhome fun guaranteed.

Taste of Tacoma , Tacoma, WA
Saturday, July 1
2:00pm

Every living, breathing being on the face of this good planet needs more Downhome in their life. Experience true downhome zydeco at the Taste of Tacoma. Food, Music, and the Downhome Experience with The Kingbees of the Bayou. By July it will be high summer in the Pacific Northwest. The Bees will take you there where the blue sky beckons and the smell of crawfish and gumbo cooking will take your breath away. C'est un fantastique!

Opening for BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
Saturday, July 1
10:00pm

Nightlight Nightclub, Bellingham, WA

A true honor and pleasure--the Kingbees of the Bayou open for the reigning king of zydeco, Stanley Dural, Jr, Buckwheat Zydeco, a national treasure and a Creole hero. If you love this music, come see this three-time Emmy winner strut his stuff. This man is the Bob Marley of zydeco, a true statesman for that state of mind called Louisiana. Gumbo up thyself and come on down! L'il Buck Senegal, guitar player for Clifton Chenier, is a featured player in this band.

Wedding in Paulspo
Saturday, July 8th

Paulsbo, WA

Tieing the knot is a sacred and celebratory occasion. The Kingbees of the Bayou will be doing it up special for two super people embarking on a life of bliss and (we hope) barbeque. We wish them centuries of fun and adventure in the downhome style.

Elizabeth Park , Bellingham, WA
Thursday, July 13th
6:00pm

Corner of Madison and Elizabeth streets--Bellingham

Bring your selves and your children. Pack a picnic and be prepared to zydeco with other Bee folk.

The Bees are returning to Bellingham's Elizabeth Park for an afternoon/evening of zydceco and cajun music.

This Music in the Parks Series has become a wonderful summer tradition in Bellingham, hosting great music and attracting large (and friendly) crowds. Vendors sell pasta and ice cream, and the music (we humbly say) is always great. It's not just a concert--it's an experience. Make your summer memorable, celebrate your community at Elizabeth Park in Bellingham

Bite of Seattle
Saturday, July 22nd
3:00pm

Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Mural Stage
3:00pm

Food and Music and Space Needle. Add Zydeco. Stir in one bodacious summer day. Main course: Zydeco. Result: Downhome experience. Bayou meets Seattle Center. Dancing on grass. In trees. Feel good, Man. Feel good, woman.

Come Experience the Downhome Experience--Zydeco-style at the Bite of Seattle.

Fairhaven on the Green
Sunday, July 23rd

Fairhaven Green , Bellingham, WA
5-7pm

Full summer? Time to dance on the rolling green in Bellingham's historic Fairhaven. Kingbees bring the music & the beads. Wise attendees will bring their dancing shoes. Sponsored by the Fiddlin' Fox--there is now where finer to be than The Green for a Summer Sunday happening.

Magnuson Park Concert Series
Friday, July 28th

7110 62nd Ave NE
Seattle, WA
7-8:15 pm

American Roots Music. Invented by us in the U.S.--zydeco comes straight from Louisiana the birthplace of jazz, rock and roll. Where better to groove to this people's music than in the park. Bring the family and leave your cares some other place. Have the Downhome experience. Experience Zydeco with The Kingbees this summer.

Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration
Saturday, August 5th

Philipsberg , Montana

The accordion is sacred. Yes, and the accordion is the secret future of party music in our good ol' U..S. of A. Coming from extreme left field to bring the joy and dancing that every good life needs. Join us in Philipsberg to celebrate this fact. The Kingbees will be hanging with the Awesome Polka Babes and the Smiling Scandinavians. Polish your buckles and get ready to stomp some romp, Sisters and Brothers.

Skagit County Fair
Saturday, August 12th
Noon and 4:00pm

Skagit County Fair Grounds ,
Mount Vernon, WA

Want to get Truly Down Home? Come visit The Bees at the Skagit County Fair and pass a good time. This is a real county fair, undeniably and unblushingly old-school. You can bring the kids. You can eat fried food. The whole wide summer belongs to you and yours. World without end. Time to drop out and remember what it's like to be what you is and always will be with the rest of us small-town folks.

Oh--but remember to bring your dancing shoes. You will need those, brothers and sisters. Most surely. Eh Toi!


Saturday, August 26th

Private Party
Maple Falls, WA

Summer is coming to end (soon--but not right now!)--and the Kingbees had the time of their lives with the nicest group of folks you can imagine in an end of the summer celebration near the river. Every year the Kingbees are getting just a little bit more well-known, a little more notorious. No matter where we go in the future, we'll never forget celebrations like these with good people like these. This is where zydeco is meant to happen.

Thursday, September 14th

Kingbees of the Bayou--Meeting & Greeting
Semiahmoo Resort
Blaine, WA

Want to wake yourself up before a morning business meeting? The Kingbees of the Bayou wil be there to lively things up--BigTime. This may be the earliest the Bees have ever played. A first-thing-in-the-morning affair that looks to be much fun.

Friday, September 22nd

Wild Buffalo House of Music
Bellingham, WA

The Kingbees of the Bayou were the first band to play at the Wild Buffalo--and we're looking forward to tonight. So should you--we'll be eating fire and reading palms and bringing the fire of zydeco to the land of the buffalo. Be there!

Saturday, September 30th

Benefit for New Orleans Fire Fighters
Mardi Gras Masked Ball
Westin Hotel
Seattle, WA

The Governor will be there--as will be the State Attorney General. Firefighters risk their lives for their community every day of their lives. During Katrina many of these brave folks not only saved lives but also lost everything they had. Time now to show our appreciation.

Saturday, October 14th

Rogue Hero
Bellingham, WA

First Church of Zydeco convenes here to celebrate living & breathing in these early days of the 21st century with your fellow Kingbee Tribe members. Dancing shoes required. Our ways are hot & sweaty. Celebrate the night with us and let a little Rogue into your life.

2005 KingBees of the Bayou

Saturday, February 5th

Wild Buffalo House of Music, Bellingham, WA

Begin your Mardi Gras strut right here, right now. We'll be taking over Bellingham's Wild Buffalo to pull the fortunate ones into the Spirit of Mardi Gras. We're bringing beads--you bring the bodies, Eh Toi!

Saturday, April 16th

Tulip Festival Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair

Did you know the Skagit Valley is responsible for about 90% of the tulips in the U.S.? The Bees will bring super-size-it quantities of la musique Creole to this downtown festival that celebrates both flowers and the unstoppably festive side of human nature. The KingBees will be channeling the spirit of Louisiana--so expect to be amazed and enlightened. I'll read palms--Brett will escape from a regulation straitjacket. We'll both eat fire.

The KingBees will play at 1:45 and 4.

Thursday, July 28th

Elizabeth Park , Bellingham, WA
Corner of Madison and Elizabeth streets--Bellingham

The Bees are coming to Bellingham's Elizabeth Park for an afternoon/evening of zydceco and cajun music on Thursday, July 28th from six to eight.

Bring your selves and your children. Pack a picnic and be prepared to zydeco with other Bee folk. This Music in the Parks Series has become a wonderful summer tradition in Bellingham, hosting great music and attracting large (and friendly) crowds. Vendors sell pasta and ice cream, and the music (we humbly say) is always great. It's not just a concert--it's an experience. Make your summer memorable, celebrate your community at Elizabeth Park in Bellingham

Friday, August 5th

Amphitheater , Bothell, WA

The Bees have played before in summers past in this wonderful venue in Bothell, Washington. Picture 700 + people enjoying a midsummer afternoon with kids, parents, old folks at a great venue--all in the revered name of Zydeco. The spirits of Clifton, Boozoo, and Beau will be there. Join us.

The KingBees will play from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Saturday, August 6th

Wild Buffalo House of Music, Bellingham, WA

Back to The Source. We'll be taking over Bellingham's Wild Buffalo to pull the fortunate ones into the Creole Musique--a deep-fried, mystic barbecue that you deserve for the sake of spiritual health and the deep fitness that only comes from mastering the inner funk that makes life worth living. We're bringing the beads--you bring the bodies, Eh Toi!

Thursday, September 1st through the 19th

KingBees Visit Louisiana

Eh Toi!--indeed! The Kingbees are leaving our beautiful and beloved Pacific Northwest for the hot and steamy world of Louisiana. Lafayette, Lake Charles, Eunice, Opelousas--look out. Accordion in hand, rubboard at the ready, we'll be making ourselves known at the hottest zydeco festivals in the land and spreading the word about (who else?) The Kingbees of the Bayou. Check out the website for the up-close-and-personal accounts of the cradle (and kingdom) of zydeco.

Sunday, October 30th

Louisianathon II, Mercer Island VFW

Louisianathon II is coming to the Mercer Island VFW Organizer Ted Granger says tentative plans include: "Kickoff dance Saturday night by Cajun accordion master Ray Abshire and fiddle and vocal phenomenon, Courtney Granger backed by a select crew of local musicians. Sunday will be a solid 10 hours of fun, with the Gator Boy as MC! NW bands starting at noon, an hour or so of open jammming around suppertime, and Ray and Courtney back for the final set ending at 10pm. Snacks and drinks all day, full meal somewhere around 6pm...music workshops with Ray and Courtney Saturday afternoon.

Friday, December 30th
Creole New Years

Wild Buffalo House of Music, Bellingham, WA

Want to get your Creole Mardi Gras New Years kicks a day early. Bring the buzz down to the Wild Buffalo and experience the thrills and good times of roots and rock with The Bees. We'll be sharing the night with The Kooks, Pacific Northwest reggae roots masters. Natty dread and Swamp roots on the day before New Year's Eve.

2004 KingBees of the Bayou

Gone but not forgotten--here are the gigs the KingBees played last year. If you were there last year, we thank you for your kind participation. If you didn't make it last year, we hope to share the hot sauce with you in 2005.

Saturday, February 7th

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts,
Mardi Gras Celebration--featuring The KingBees of the Bayou singing the "Porgie Tirebiter" Theme with David Ossman of The Firesign Theater

Mardi Gras 2004
Tuesday, February 24th

Tulalip Casino, 9-1
Tulalip Casino is just a short drive north of Seattle. Take the I-5 freeway and get off on exit #202 and head west to Quil Ceda Boulevard. Join the KingBess for non-stop Mardi Gras action!

Mardi Gras Weekend 2004
Saturday, February 28th

Rogue Hero, 9:30-1:30
W ant to extend the Mardi Gras Lifestyle into your weekend?
Come down to this major Bellingham nite spot and let the Bon Temps Roulet!

March 27th, Saturday
Watertown Pub, Anacortes, WA

One Cover--Many Clubs 9-1

May 21st, Saturday
Wild Buffalo , Bellingham, WA

One of the West Coast's Premier Blues Clubs
celebrates Five Years of Lively, Rootsy Adventures with The Bees! Bring the Bar-B-Que Attitude--we'll bring the Beads.

June 17th Shilshole Bay--Seattle

A Zydeco Cruise with the KingBees of the Bayou. Creole Bees can float and buzz and sting. Check it out!

June 24th Spokane

Zydeco roams east of the mountains--sharing the Creole Thing with those in the beautiful city.

July 3rd Boulevard Park--Bellingham

Day before the 4th? Get the Creole Experience early--and prepare to celebrate Independence Day!

July 9th "Democracy Rocks"

Free concert starting at six p.m. at Bellingham's Maritime Heritage Park--featuring those monarchs of zydeco--The Kingbees of the Bayou. We'll be joined by the acapella group The Raging Grannies. This is a family event--with voter registration, kids' crafts, face painting and more. Zydeco means community, y'all. Come participate.

July 10th Redmond

Gumbo Up Your Self--and let Summer speak in your mind. Make it-- Creole-style--with The KingBees of the Bayou.

July 29th Port Orchard

Zydeco is the Creole spice that turns the hottest summer day into a burning torch of churning goodtime fun. Come Fry with Us. Experience a summer dream of Mardi Gras as we eat fire and throw our beads. Clifton Lives!

August 1st Mercer Island

Mostly Music in the Parks in Mercer Island. Celebrate the music of Boozoo Chavis, Louisiana, and The Kingdom of Zydeco. Experience deep B-B-Q delight and follow that little lame balloon man far and wee as the Summer rages on. He toi!

August 5th Langley

We celebrated Mardi Gras with our friends at WICA this year. We return now to thank this community for its wonderful support for our spice-and-honey groove.

August 7th Wedding

Who's the King of Zydeco? Zydeco loves a celebration--and we're there to wish this couple a long, happy, and wild run as the knot-tie-ers of the new century.

August 8th Anacortes Arts & Crafts

Still going strong--The Bees of Zydeco keep on keeping on with their Nouveau Thing, spreading the joy of letting it all hang down, up, and through. Dancing in the streets? I'm there--with my Cajun accordion blazing. Too hot (and spicy) to handle, y'all.

August 13th Skagit County Fair

Catch us if you can, y'all. In Mount Vernon they prefer it ultra-spicy. Dip your ears in Creole--and get the happy in your heart. Nothing can stop a good time when its time has come!

August 21st Chalk Walk Bellevue

Second year @ this great event. The Northwest dancing a high-summer two step to our Nouveau Zydeco beat. Are you experienced? Creole-style, that is?

2003 Events
Events Past--but not forgotten!

Saturday, June 21st, 2003
The Fremont Street Fair, mainstage, 6-8pm, Seattle

Friday, June 14th, 2003
THE ROGUE HERO, 9-1, State Street, Bellingham

Friday, July 4th, 2003
Federal Way July 4th Celebration 5-6PM in the Park

Wednesday--July 16th--6:30 p.m, 2003
Maritime Festival, Maritime Heritage Park

Saturday and Sunday, July 26th and 27th, 2003
Palm Reading at the Microsoft Picnic

Saturday, August 2nd, 2003
Alligator Soul Restaurant in Everett, KingBees Unplugged

Wednesday, August 6th, 2003
Red Lion Hotel Terrace, Seattle

Saturday, August 23rd, 2003
Chalk Walk, Bellevue Square. Bellevue

Saturday, August 29th, 2003
Alligator Soul Restaurant in Everett, KingBees Unplugged

Saturday, September 6th, 2003
Fiery Foods Festival, Tri-City

Saturday, September 27th, 2003
Alligator Soul Restaurant in Everett,
KingBees Unplugged

Friday, October 31st, 2003:
Special Halloween Event
The KingBees of the Bayou do the National Houdini Seance
(7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
WILLOWS LODGE
14580 NE 145TH ST
WOODINVILLE WA 98072

Thursday, December 11th, 2003:
THE ROGUE HERO, 9-1, State Street, Bellingham, WA
Come celebrate the End of WWU's Fall Quarter with Fire, Beads, and
a straitjacket escape.

If you want the Spirit of Mardi Gras to your event, call us at 360-920-4172 today. Our calendar is filling fast.

You can see The KingBees of the Bayou at places like

Stay tuned to this web-site for updates to our event calendar. And--as always--thanks for Hanging With The Hive.