Consulate General Events 2009
Pine Leaf Boys Share Cajun Music with HCT Sharjah Students
April 15, 2009 – Two-time Grammy Award-nominated Cajun musicians “The Pine Leaf Boys" performed a series of three concerts at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology. The concert, sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai in collaboration with the Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, highlights the ongoing partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates to bring world-class American music and cultural experiences to Emirati audiences.
The Pine Leaf Boys were seen by over 1,300 HCT Sharjah students during separate concerts for female and male students. Following these two concerts, they played a private concert for Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain students who participate in the English Access Micro-Scholarship program. The program, sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General and the U.S. Embassy, provides English language scholarships to Emirati high school students. Consul General Paul Sutphin provided opening remarks for the concert series, highlighting the origin of Cajun music and the history of Louisiana.
The Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance. Hailing from southwest Louisiana and known for their engaging shows and thoughtful arrangements, they have breathed new life into Cajun music by reviving traditional songs and bringing them to the modern bandstand. In talking about their visit to the UAE, accordionist Wilson Savoy commented, “We are very honored to have been invited by the State Department to take part in this wonderful program. We never would have thought we would receive the prestigious honor of representing Cajun music in the Middle East.”
Cajun Music is the traditional dance music of Southwest Louisiana. A powerful, energetic music full of soul and blues, it has been passed from grandparents to parents since the 1700s. Described as "... the link that connects the young and the old generations," and, "the best new, energetic, and fun Cajun band in a very long time," The Pine Leaf Boys honor old-fashioned standards by incorporating the rare and less-well-known works of past masters into their repertoire in a new and energetic style. The variety and energy they release evolves through their shows, bringing multi-faceted angles to Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music.