Le Travaillant Cajun Band from Chicago, IL

Le Travaillant Brings the Bayou Down By You! Le Travaillant plays Cajun music, the dance music of French-speaking Louisiana - perfect for Mardi Gras, crawfish boils, or any other occasion that needs authentic Louisiana atmosphere. The phrase "Le Travaillant" is Cajun French for "the working man," and its members have a great time living up to that name, playing long sets of upbeat two-steps and waltzes that keep feet energetically moving on the dance floor. The hard-working men behind the sound are Ethan Sellers (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Dorian Gehring (fiddle, accordion), Stewart Gehring (pedal steel and electric guitars, vocals), Jake Samson (bass), Pat Buzby (drums, triangle), and occasional special guests on second fiddle, washboard, additional vocals, and dance instruction. Band members have backed-up and/or guested with Louisiana music luminaries including Edward Poullard, Sheryl Cormier, Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy, Blake Miller, Gina Forsyth, and Joe Hall. Dorian's study also included trips to Cajun music camps to study with folks like Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet, Cedric Watson, David Greely, Mitch Reed, Balfa Toujours, and more. The band has performed at various Chicago area fests (New Orleans Fest, Oysterfest, Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest), museums (Adler Planetarium, Chicago Botanic Gardens), Cajun restaurants (Maple Tree Inn, Heaven on Seven, Ron's Cajun Connection), legendary music venues (Buddy Guy's Legends, Reggie's), public libraries (Skokie, Warrenville, Barrington, Lansing, Morton Grove), park districts (Chicago, DesPlaines, Villa Park, Wilmette), Kalamazoo College, and private engagements for a wide variety of events held by private and corporate clients that include the Lake Charles, Louisiana tourism board. The band released its international debut EP _Gumbo De Mon Père_ in early 2024.