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Everything But the Squeak

7962938Everything But The Squeak

Directed by Alan Govenar

This DVD is now out of print but you can watch the entire video below.

Caution: Contains graphic video of hog butchering.

The Arhoolie Foundation produced the video documentary entitled “Everything But The Squeak” in conjunction with Documentary Arts Inc. of Dallas, TX. The film documents a Cajun Country “boucherie” (butchering of a hog and eating it!) and other Cajun/Creole traditions in the Eunice, La. area. The DVD features a jam session at the Savoy Music Store, music by Aldus Roger, Ken Smith, Donald Thibodeaux & Cajun Fever at Fred’s Lounge in Mamou with Tante Sue, the Huval brothers, and more. Arhoolie Foundation (AF DVD 201)
In these hurried days, with shopping centers everywhere, even Cajuns in southwest Louisiana will stop at a fast food chain to grab a quick fat-filled burger or hot dog, instead of going home to prepare a nourishing traditional meal. Most have forgotten how families used to get together for a ‘boucherie’ in the days before everything could be found in the refrigerator. A few families, however, are trying to continue the old traditions. This video documents one such lively event where friends and neighbors gather and bring side dishes and desserts to compliment all the meat dishes obtained from the newly butchered hog and celebrate the feast with music and dancing.

The film also shows how traditional Cajun music is passed on from one generation to the next, not only via ‘live’ radio broadcasts from beer joints like Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, LA, but also at jam sessions where old timers share their skills with the younger musicians.

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Statement on the passing of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023

We celebrate the life of our founder, friend, and great record man Chris Strachwitz. He died peacefully at home in Marin County, CA, surrounded in his last days by dear friends and family. Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer.

He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. He had the foresight to save music that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and played a role in strengthening cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He cared for those around him, fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, film makers, and academics.

Plans for a public celebration of his life will be announced in the coming weeks. Today we’re thinking of all that Chris brought to our lives and the lives of the musicians and fans with whom he shared his passion.