For those of you who hadn't heard, Beau Jocque died a week ago today, of a heart attack at his home. He was only 45 years old. He had become a living legend in just seven years. That's how long he had been playing professionally. It really saddened me, and I did something I have never done before. I, like so many fans, felt I had to pay tribute to this giant of a man and drove to Kinder, La. to attend his funeral. I had no idea I was such a groupie, but I just felt like I had to be there to pay my respects. I felt like I was there representing each and every one of you, because his music connected us to one another. Whether it was at the Zydeco Fest, or just having heard the same CD's and sharing the great joy he brought to each of us, I know we all felt something for this man, and his music.

Tonight, at the Downtown Alive in Lafayette, they will be playing a tribute to him. Baton Rouge has a Downtown Alive (dancing in the streets) tonight, and I hope that one of the groups playing will dedicate a few songs to him. I'll go, and request a tune just in case they forget to think of it on their own.

Stacey H.