Dark days of December got you down? Gloom is guaranteed to go up in smoke when Henry Clement and the Gumbo Band set the Freight stage sizzling, New Orleans-style! From the moment they enter with a roof-raising, Big Easy-style "second line" march, accordionist and pianist Henry and his swinging combo keep pulses a-pumpin' with their unstoppable groove. Featuring a red-hot mixture of zydeco, blues, New Orleans rhumba boogie, R&B, and funk, Henry's outfit presents classic gems like "Hey Pockaway" and "Mardi Gras Mambo," plus plenty of great originals.

A familiar sight at festivals around the Bay Area, bandleader Henry is also accomplished on the piano accordion, harmonica, and drums. Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana -- the heart of zydeco country -- Henry began playing at dances throughout Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi before the age of 10. He recorded a number of singles while in college in Baton Rouge, starting with "Plea of Love," released in 1958; more recently, he has released several CDs with the Gumbo Band.

When he relocated to Oakland, Henry brought along his music -- as well as his colorful Mardi Gras Indian costume ("Big Chief Takawaka" is sure to put in an appearance at tonight's performance). Their evocations of the sights and sounds of Louisiana make the band's performances an extra-spicy treat. Come on down and be ready to boogie!