Ryan Thomson and the Crawdad Wranglers
since 1988,
Boston Music Award Nomination Winners
Click here to see a list of over 150 notable past dances and performances including:
Festivals, Dances, Private Functions, and more.
The Crawdad Wranglers are led by Ryan Thomson on fiddle and accordion. The band
performs cajun and zydeco dance music of Louisiana, Tex-Mex, and original tunes.
Ryan Thomson has studied and played informally with nationally known cajun master
musicians. He recognizes the importance of preserving the traditions and roots of cajun
music. He reflects this respect in his own playing while creating a highly danceable mix of
traditional and modern styles.
Other long time band members include Paul Mangion on cajun percussion instruments,
Steve Brown on drums, Jeff Lind on bass, Brian Richardson on guitar, Fred Simmons on
Trombone, and other guest artists from time to time.
Cajun and Zydeco music is a musical gumbo, blending many influences including French,
black, Spanish, and early country music. The accordion and fiddle are the Crawdad's lead
instruments, and the rhythm is strong, inviting, and irresistible to dancers. To cook up the
Wranglers sound; you mix a heaping helping of rural "Cajun" folk music with a dash of
blues, rock 'n' roll, and Caribbean and Latin beats.
In a photo above Ryan teaches cajun 2 step at the Bread and Roses Festival. He is
experienced in teaching traditional cajun dance steps such as the two step, waltz, and
"cajun jitterbug." His entertaining and patient teaching style will get any group of
beginners up and dancing quicker than you can say "Jambalaya!"
We will try to adapt to your budget needs and available performing space. The band is
available in sizes ranging from 3 piece to 6 piece. Current Public Schedule, Buy our CDs!
"A wild evening of food, music, and dancing!" ....Haverhill Gazette
"Cajun music and food set sizzling pace at party" ...Lawrence Eagle-Tribune
"Crawdads get crowd hoppin'"....Foster's Daily Democrat
"Sizzling!" ..."Dancers wrangle with Cajun style" ....Portsmouth Herald
