Melisande Charles Media Collection Care Project.

Minnesota Music History

Wain McFarlane and Zydeco Blue in a live performance

Recorded live in the late 90's at the legendary Biscuits & Blues night club in St. Paul, MN. Wain captures the essence of Blues, Rock, Country, Zydeco and Reggie .  He blends these forms into his unique musical expression

Ipso Facto & the Dreadlock Cowboy

With deep With his family roots in Jamaica, Wain was drawn to Reggie music and formed his own successful Band Ipso Facto. The band was widely recorded and toured the world. As he expanded his  repertoire  he also adopted new performance personas. And so we now get to meet the Dreadlock Cowboy.

Wain and the community

Wain has always been an active participant in the Minnesota arts scene.  His work with established and developing artists has contributed to the thriving Minnesota arts community.  Here we see Rick O'Dell who for over 20 years was a member of the Lamont Cranston Band Orvin Thompson a developing keyboard player.

Zydeco, Zydeco, Zydeco!

After spending some time in New Orleans

with his friend Terrance Simein Wain became immersed in Cajun culture and Zydeco music. Wain blends Zydeco with Reggie, Blues, Rock and Country Western Music to form his unique musical style

Watch the rediscovered Zydeco Blues performance from 1991