Folkfaces Fest

06/26/2026

FEATURED PERFORMER

Folkfaces Fest & The Big Easy in Buffalo are thrilled to present the amazing Cedric Watson

Four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist, and songwriter Cedric Watson has emerged as
one of the leading ambassadors of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music. Originally from San Felipe, Texas,
Watson discovered Louisiana French music as a teenager and quickly became immersed in the
language, culture, and traditions of South Louisiana. His passion and dedication led him to perform
throughout the world and collaborate with some of the genre’s most respected artists and ensembles,
including the Pine Leaf Boys, Corey Ledet, Les Amis Creole, and his own acclaimed group, Bijou Creole.
With Bijou Creole, Watson draws from a vast musical heritage, weaving together Creole melodies, Cajun
dance tunes, Zydeco grooves, and the enduring influences of African, French, Spanish, and Native
American traditions. His performances honor the deep cultural exchanges that shaped Louisiana’s unique
musical landscape while bringing a fresh, contemporary voice to the music.
Known for his remarkable versatility and seemingly endless repertoire, Watson moves effortlessly
between traditional Creole songs, rare fiddle tunes, classic Zydeco, and original compositions. A prolific
songwriter, he crafts much of his music on his signature double-row accordion, creating songs that reflect
both personal experience and the rich cultural legacy of his ancestry. His work is informed by a deep
interest in the interconnected roots of Louisiana culture and the communities that shaped it.
Whether performing at an intimate concert hall or an international festival, Cedric Watson delivers music
that is at once soulful, danceable, and deeply expressive. His recordings and live performances capture
the spirit of a living tradition—honoring the past while pushing it confidently into the future.
“We don’t want to forget that one of the biggest contributions to our culture, music and heritage was made
by the Native Americans. I find that the old Zydeco rhythms sound like a mix of African and Native
American ceremonial rhythms. This mélange very possibly came about through the intermingling of the
Native American population and the Maroons.
“
— Cedric Watson

06/25/2026

New single “Wanderlust Blues” is now streaming!

06/25/2026

FEATURED PERFORMER

Folkfaces Fest is thrilled to bring back one of our favorite bands of all time DiTrani Brothers

DiTrani Brothers are a southern Vermont based band that combine elements of early jazz, swing, Balkan music, punk and metal, this all coalescing into a series of varying yet consistent songwriting that emphasizes melody, odd meter, and moody passages

Having been an active band since 2016, DiTrani Brothers have toured extensively, bringing their unique sound to nearly every corner of the country and to a few in Canada

06/24/2026

MEET OUR SPONSORS

Jack Rabbit

Jack Rabbit is a full-service restaurant and music venue – boasting a scratch kitchen and full bar, with local and domestic beers, wines, cocktails, daily specials, and constant live music.
Our four unique rooms each offer a very different vibe; a bumping live music room, a cozy piano dining room, a very sexy game room dungeon, and a separate cocktail bar in the back room. On a weekend night, you will hear the band rocking from the time you arrive, and feel the activity bleeding from the seams.
During the weekdays, and on weekend days and evenings – we proudly offer a traditional Buffalo dining experience. Attentive bar and service staff, high-quality food, and a warm inviting atmosphere.

website:
https://jackrabbitbuffalo.com

06/22/2026

FEATURED PERFORMER

Folkfaces Fest is excited to present Wayne Hancock

Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing–that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band.

Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in tradition but never “retro”, bare bones but bone shaking, hardcore but with a swing. Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie.

Little known fact: Wayne is the only Bloodshot artist to have had their CD taken aboard a space shuttle flight.

“Wayne Hancock has more Hank Sr. in him than either I or Hank Jr. He is the real deal.” —Hank III

“Hancock, who tosses out a roots mix of old country, roadhouse blues, western dance swing, boogie bop, and straight-up rockabilly, takes what was once old and makes it seem like it’s always been and always will be.” — allmusic.com

“The country music scene could do with a lot more characters like Wayne, who push the music’s limits while staying truer to its roots than any well-known names associated with the genre today.” — Slug Magazine

Tickets on sale now!
https://theticketing.co/e/folkfacesfest10

06/22/2026