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Overview
Let's party like they do down in New Orleans! "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulers!" or "Let The Good Times Roll!" with Zydeco-a-Go-Go, the Mid-Atlantic's #1 Zydeco Band. Old-school Zydeco and vintage New Orleans Rock & Roll combine into a spicy gumbo of irresistible Louisiana dance music---and whether they're playing a smalltown fair or a big regional festival, a performing arts center or a college dance concert, a church carnival or a swanky fundraiser gala, a backyard BBQ or one of those non-stop everybody's-up-and-dancin' wedding receptions, you know it's gonna be a wild & swingin' pitch-a-wang-dang-doodle-all-night-long Zydeco dance party!
12 Reviews
Pete did a great job playing the accordion for my proposal. He drove out an hour and a half to the location and was able to accommodate all of my requests. He also took song requests and suggested additional songs in the same theme.
Accordion Player
We called very last minute and was accommodated. Very communicative. Arrived on time and was reliable in moving from the Grandstand to inside the venue. We requested a traditional accordion and he delivered!!
Accordion Player
Zydeco-a-Go-Go was absolutely perfect. We had a grand opening event, New Orleans themed, for 250 people. They sounds great, were sensitive to volume and were on top of it, and were absolute professionals. Our guests raved about them. Thanks guys!
Accordion Player, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Party Band, Zydeco Band
Response from Zydeco-a-Go-Go:
Thanks for having us Ed, we loved playing your event, great staff and we had an absolute blast, beautiful venue and you had planned out a fantastic party, smiles everywhere!
I would not of made it thru this very hard day without them. My son being no longer with us is devastating. I needed an uplifting celebration and it was very uplifting and everyone could smile and share good memories. Just what we needed. Thank you.
New Orleans Style Entertainment
Photos from this event
Pete Gumbo was easy to book and work with as a musician to play at our farmers market. However, Mother Nature was not cooperative, causing hazardous air quality alert in our area.
Accordion Player
Bandleader, Pete 'Gumbo', was easy to deal with and event went off without a hitch. Music and performance were both great, and you could tell the members of the band meshed well together. If Zydeco/Cajun music is your thing, you won't be disappointed!
Accordion Player, Cajun Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Party Band, Zydeco Band
Response from Zydeco-a-Go-Go:
Thanks John, you all throw a great party, we had a blast!
Pete was a great hit for our backyard Oktoberfest. Everyone enjoyed the mix of songs (including pop classics!). And the interactive songs really livened things up!
Accordion Player
Response from Zydeco-a-Go-Go:
Thanks Sharon, you and Chris were such gracious hosts, and that was a great party!
Our pasta dinner fundraiser for Alzheimer's Association was amazing. Having the accordion player walking the dining room while dinner was being served was what made the event extra special. Pete Gumbo was extremely nice, very accommodating and played the accordion beautifully. Thanks for making our event extra special.
Accordion Player
Response from Zydeco-a-Go-Go:
Thank you Michele, for your kind words. Your party guests and staff were wonderful. So many smiles! (myself included)
Keep the crowd entertained and involved with the event.
Accordion Player
I hired Pete to perform for my 1st anniversary in Philadelphia. I wanted to have an accordion behind my date and I where we had our first kiss by the river. Pete was very accomodating from the beginning and even walked a half mile from where he parked to the location. He was an excellent performer and a great idea-generator. He played la vie en rose and besame mucho to perfection. 5 stars. Would recommend to anyone looking for a cool way to end a date night.
Accordion Player
The event was amazing, the guys were great, very friendly, and very professional. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the music and the experience. Would definitely hire again!
Cajun Band, Zydeco Band
Photos from this event
Booking Info
Price Range: $1800 - $5400
What to Expect
Creole Zydeco and Cajun 2-steps blend with funky New Orleans rhythm & blues into a spicy gumbo of irresistible Louisians dance music guaranteed going to keep the dancefloor smiling all night long.
And whether they're playing a large festival or a smalltown fair, a performing arts center or a block party, a bowling alley or a swanky fundraiser gala, a back-yard BBQ or one of those non-stop everybody’s-up-and-dancin’ wedding receptions: you know it's gonna be a wild and swingin' bayou boogaloo pitch-a-wang-dang-doodle-all-night-long zydeco dance party!
About
At the heart of any Zydeco-A-Go-Go song is the classic zydeco sound of accordion and frattoir (rubboard) augmented by saxophone, electric guitar, electric bass and drums. Their performances feature lyrics sung in English, Spanish, Cajun and Creole French, set to a beat that keeps people dancing all night long.
Although based in Philadelphia, the group has garnered praise for its authentic Louisiana sound. When playing a gig at the legendary Rock & Bowl in New Orleans, they kept the crowded dance-floor busy, with lots of smiling faces everywhere. KBON, a popular radio station in Eunice, Louisiana (the heart of Cajun/Creole country) put the group's debut CD into its daily rotation. Music from that cd was used in the soundtrack for ABC News “Earth Day 2000” that was broadcast worldwide during a segment documenting the effect of global warming in Louisiana. Their latest CD "Let The Good Times Roll" has received rave reviews and is being played on radio stations across the US and in Europe.
Founded in 1992, the all-star group boasts colorful personnel with decades of experience: bandleader Pete Gumbo, on accordion, piano, and vocals, was a founding member of underground cult legends PHILLY GUMBO, backed Jamaican toaster BIG YOUTH, Nigerian Afro-Pop recording sensations THE LIJADU SISTERS, and has played piano with such artists as SLEEPY LaBEEF, BO DIDDLEY, and New Orleans’ own CHARLES “HONEYBOY” OTIS. Guitarist Billy Baltera studied music at Boston’s Berklee School Of Music. He’s gone on to become a seasoned pro, having recorded and toured the USA and overseas for many years with Texas blues icon SONNY RHODES, soul shouter FRANKIE LEE, and Delta bluesman LONNIE SHIELDS.
Saxophonist Bobby Michaels is one of Philadelphia's most in-demand musicians, also plays with The Soul Survivors, Bill Haley's Comets and The Stylistics, just to name a few.
Drummer Bob Holden, a founding member of THE DUKES, has backed local rock heroes like ROBERT HAZARD and QUINCY as well as national recording artists such as soul-singer TERRY EVANS and roots-blues legend OTIS RUSH. Bob got his start in music as a teenager drumming behind James Brown impersonator LEON & THE WORKOUTS.
On bass guitar is Jimmy Pritchard, a skillful and intuitive player who has toured and recorded with many well-known blues artists, including SONNY RHODES, BIG JACK JOHNSON and MIKEY JUNIOR.
Rounding out the group nicely is special-guest on-request Pamela Eshelman on rubboard and vocals.... she brings to the band a sweet & soulful voice, a swinging sense of rhythm and contagious onstage enthusiasm.
FESTIVALS
Bethlehem Musikfest
Philadelphia Folk Festival
Mellon Jazz Festival, Philadelphia PA
Anglesea Blues BBQ Festival, Wildwood NJ
Poconos Garlic Fest, Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA
Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Fest, Latrobe PA
Swamp Romp @Fraze Pavilion, Dayton OH
First Nights: Binghamton NY, Montclair NJ
Moodus CT Cajun/Zydeco Festival
Snapbean Cajun/Zydeco Festival, Escoheag RI
Mardi Gras Madness, West Palm Beach FL...
COLLEGES
Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville VA
Penn State University, State College PA
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore PA
Centenary College, Hackettstown NJ
Dickinson College, Carlisle PA
University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
Tyler School Of Art, Temple U. Elkins Park PA...
FUNDRAISERS
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
New Orleans Musicians Clinic
Bucks-Mont Katrina Project
American Diabetes Association
American Red Cross
Special Olympics...
PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS
Kimmel Center, Philadelphia PA
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Community Life Center, Niceville FL
Randolph County Community Arts Center, Elkins WV
Smyrna Opera House, Smyrna DE...
MUSIC NIGHTCLUBS
World Cafe Live, Philadelphia PA
Mermaid Inn, Philadelphia PA
Electric Factory, Philadelphia PA
Rock 'n' Bowl, New Orleans LA...
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| April 19, 2025 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
| October 20, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| September 24, 2024 • 11:00am - 3:00pm | Corporate Event |
| October 12, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| October 06, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Retirement Community Event |
| October 04, 2023 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
| July 15, 2023 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 16, 2022 • 11:30am - 1:00pm | Christmas Party |
| October 15, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| October 08, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Holiday Party |
| October 05, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Fundraiser |
| September 29, 2022 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
| September 24, 2022 • 11:00am - 3:00pm | Festival |
| October 15, 2021 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 14, 2021 • 11:00pm - 11:15pm | Anniversary Party |
| September 18, 2021–September 19, 2021 • 8:00pm - 12:00am | Personal Occasion |
| June 12, 2021 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Baby Shower |
| July 08, 2017 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Bachelor Party |
Set List
Hot Tamale Baby
Bon Ton Roulé
Dance All Night
Jalapena Lena
Down By The Bayou
Jambalaya
Motordude Special
Mamou Two Step
Morning Train
Goin' To The Rock & Bowl
Marina
Reno Waltz
Allons a Lafayette
Zydeco Groove
Since I Met You Baby
You Ain’t Nothin’ But Fine, Fine, Fine
Jolie Blon
Let The Good Times Roll
Zydeco Sont Pas Salé
I'm Leavin It All Up To You
Uncle Bud
Tu Les Ton Son Ton
Pine Point Trail Ride
Gimme Cornbread
Les Flammes D’Enfer
Ma ‘Tite Fille Est Gone
J’ai Passe Devant Ta Porte
Goin’ Back To Big Mamou
This Joint Is Jumpin’
Caledonia
Country Girl
Big Chief
In The Night
Iko Iko
Walking To New Orleans
Pitch A Wang Dang Doodle
See Ya Later Alligator
What’d I Say
Barefootin’
Land Of 1000 Dances
La Bamba
WoolyBully
Nunca Se Acaba
Cumbia del Amor
and lots more...
Team
| Pete Eshelman | Accordian, Piano, Vocals |
| Bob Holden | Drums, Vocals |
| Billy Baltera | Electric Guitar |
| Bobby Michaels | Tenor Sax |
| Pamela Eshelman | Rubboard and Vocals |
| Randy Lippincott | electric bass guitar |
Influences & Inspiration
Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis, John Delafose, Beau Jocque, Nathan Williams, Keith Frank, Curley Taylor, Thomas "Big Hat" Fields, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Stax/Volt, Motown, Hank Williams, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Little Feat, Marvin Gaye, Flaco Jimenez, Bob Marley...
Testimonials
Zydeco-a-Go-Go was absolutely fantastic. They made our wedding day. They are worth every penny as they created a fun and lively atmosphere. At several points in the night they had ALL 200 guests on the dance floor - no easy feat. I have recommended and will continue to recommend them to every bride and groom. For a guaranteed good time, and a band that is in a different league from your average wedding music, you can't go wrong with Zydeco-a-Go-Go. You and your guests will love them!
– Emily Duncan
“...Our audiences loved the program, and literally were dancing in the aisles by the end of your first rousing set. And that in itself was quite a feat for our normally more subdued subscribers! As this was also our ‘Audience Survey’ time, I can share this enthusiastic response from one of our patrons with you: “This concert was really wonderful. Let’s get Zydeco-A-Go-Go back again!”
– Catherine Rust, Associate Producer
“...My grandmother, who has been dancing for most of her 85 years, said she hadn’t heard a band like yours since the 20’s -- you impressed us all!”
– Tina & Chad Carnahan
“...We couldn’t have chosen a better band to play the reception, it was a real treat to see all of our guests up and dancing (even our grandparents)...”
– Peter & Sarah Scarola
“ a fairly beefy sound....accordion playing that recalls zydeco’s old-school...Besides staples such as Boozoo’s “Motordude Special” and Leo Thomas’ “Why You Wanna Make Me Cry,” there’s a rollicking rendition of Major Handy’s “Down On The Bayou.”
Saxophonist Troy Corley let’s it scream on “What’d I Say,” Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Since I Met You Baby” seduces, and overall, the playing is top-notch throughout...”
– Dan Willging, DIRTY LINEN
“...if you didn’t read the brief liner notes on the inside cover of this CD you would think that Zydeco-A-Go-Go were native sons of the state of Louisiana and not a damn good zydeco band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...”
– Paule Pachter, ZydecoRoad.com
“...done with craft and danceable vitality...sound overall is tight and rhythmic...”
“...upbeat dance tune appeal...sure to get everyone out on the floor...”
“Peter Eshelman’s down home vocals give the songs an amazing appeal, along with his marvelous accordion work...the entire package is very entertaining...”
– Larry Belanger AMG (American Music Guide) from Allouette Gazette
“...Just wanted to let you know, I’ve got your CD and we’re adding some of your music to our regular playlist, on rotation...it’s good stuff, I’m really, really very proud of it, good work!”
– Paul Marx, Owner/General Manager/DJ at KBON radio in Eunice, LA
“Zydeco-A-Go-Go keeps the energy levels high through a ripping set of Cajun rhythm & blues, 60’s soul, boogie-woogie and jump-blues.”
– THE READING EAGLE