Meeting Mojo: A night with Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies

With the temperature dropping lower and lower, audience members were relieved as result of the ‘southern heat-wave’ brought by Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies. A party like no other, fans young and old were out of their seats, dancing and singing in the bands famous, ‘Louisiana style.’

Unlike anything you may have heard before, Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies relay to their audiences original songs, enriched with authentic bayou culture. At the foundation of each song is the happy tune of Mister Mojo’s Cajon accordion. Mojo is also joined by a Zydeco washboard and spoons, a red-hot fiddle famous for bringing ‘Louisiana fire’ to the stage, an electric bass, and drum set.

At the heart of each of their shows, Mojo describes the importance of family values and his Louisiana heritage. Each song is composed with purpose, they tell stories, teach lessons, and paint for us the beauty of the Louisiana bayou.

Mojo, renowned for his storytelling ability, reminds us the importance of family by telling us about his own. He dedicates songs for both his parents, and for his two daughters. His shows are full of sentiment and good humor. Before each song, audience members are encouraged to reflect on their own families and on where they grew up.

Fortunately, I had the pleasure of personally meeting Mister Mojo. With the accomplishments Mojo has, (record deals, film soundtracks, TV-show themes, etc.) I would have never thought to meet someone so genuinely kind. Along with caring for two bayou girls of his own, Mojo has also made it imperative that a portion of all the band’s proceeds go to a charity to help under privileged and handicapped children succeed.

He shared with me the importance of following a dream; so long as the dreamer receives a good education first. A dreamer myself, I take his advice to heart. Walking home that night, I took with me a lesson as to the importance of being good humored and appreciative of what family means to me.

I thank Mojo for the happiness he has continued to spread for over 30 years. I thank him for the wisdom he shares and the memories he helps create. With the overwhelming capabilities of college-life, this one night ‘party’ with Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies, seemed to be exactly what Viterbo students, including myself, needed.