The Bayou Brothers and Sister Zydeco Band

The Bayou Brothers started in 1995 with a shared love of Cajun and Zydeco music by founder John Chambers, on accordion and keyboards, and Ric Lee, laying down Zydeco and Cajun dance grooves on the drums.
Throughout the last 15 years, they have been playing their music at festivals and concerts venues all over the southwest and are well known for their rowdy shows, bluesy Zydeco that drives the band and fans Zydeco dance crazy! Adding to the Bayou Brothers sound is sax and percussionist Thom Pod.

Meet The Band

John Chambers ~ Accordion, keyboards and vocals
John "Squeezebox" Chambers, a California native, started accordion lessons at the tender age of 8. Practicing was not the most favorite for Johnny, but one hour before dinner and one hour after dinner was what Mom wanted or NO DINNER! At age 14, the Beatles came to the US and the accordion was replaced by a VOX organ. Mom was not happy but got used to it and little Johnny (not so little by now) excelled and learned every song on the radio and from records. After time spent in the army, John returned and started playing music, and singing in local bars and clubs any gig that paid a few bucks. John heard of a cool music called Zydeco, from Louisiana, and he never looked back! Searching for that "special accordion" he found one perfect for that kick`n zydeco sound. On a road trip through Louisiana and the Creole states, "Squeezebox" was converted and "THE BAYOU BROTHERS" was born.

Ric Lee ~ Drums and percussion
Ric Lee is a direct descendant of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and is from a very southern musical family steeped in the tradition of Americana and Cajun music. Ric started playing drums at the age 10 years old. He made his own drumsticks out of scrap wood and began learning how to play drums. He began playing in the school band and started playing professionally at the age of 16 for local events. Rics family moved to California from Louisiana and Ric attended college in Los Angeles to study music. He started touring with a band "Rocky Faith", where he revisited his southern roots. While playing a gig in Lake Charles, LA, his band opened for Queen Ida at a local club. Ric was mesmerized and connected with the Zydeco and Cajun beats, which became a hallmark of Ric's style. Ric, along with co-founder John Chambers on accordion, started Bayou Brothers in 1995. Ric's major influences are Boozoo Chavis, Keith Frank, Queen Ida, Brian Jack, Beausoleil and Lisa Haley.

Charles Burton ~ Guitar and vocals
Born in Los Angeles in 1958, "Lake Charles" Burton plays with fire, and when he does, his articulation and phrasing are instantly recognizable. This tall drink of water has been playing Blues, Country, and Americana Roots music for over forty years. He has played lead guitar in Country bands all over the world, and has headlined and played with the late great Hosea Leavy. As a blues guitarist and singer, he has released four CDs and has toured Europe, headlining festivals for many years. In 2007/2008, he toured Scandinavia with Big Jack Johnson and the Oilers, playing over 200 gigs in seven months! In 2009 he won San Diego's International Blues Challenge and also took first place in San Diego's King of the Blues. Widely regarded as one of the best blues guitarist on the West coast, "Lake" Charles Burton, San Diego's Blues Ambassador, brings a down home flavor to the Bayou Brothers Louisiana Zydeco gumbo!

Roger Daschl ~ Bass and vocals
A multitalented instrumentalist, our bassist, Roger, started out playing drums in high school, then moved on to a guitar position in a band called The Romans. He has been a professional musician ever since, playing all styles of music from classical and swing to ethnic Americana. After his service in the Air Force, Roger moved to Slidell, Louisiana. It was during these years in Rogers life that his eyes were opened to the traditional music and culture of the good people of Louisiana.
Upon his return to San Diego, he started working with the Bayou Brothers on electric bass and double bass. Rogers musical influences include BB King, Johnny Guitar Watson, Jimmi Reed, Louis Armstrong, Louie Prima, Boozoo Chavis and Clifton Chenier.

Thomas Podgoretsky ~ Saxophone, rubboard, percussion and vocals
A native Californian and born of Russian immigrants, Thom has been a performer from the age of seven. Being a
multi-instrumentalist, he has been playing music and performing all his life. His introduction to Europe had him learning how to busk in the streets of Paris, playing saxophone and guitar. He had graduated to playing in circus shows, theatre and many types of music groups. Thom has also worked as a disaster inspector for