The Riverside Cajun Combo delights audiences with a groove that is pure Louisiana Cajun. Their infectious music is steeped in the traditions of Cajun culture enriched with old-style fiddle tunes, spirited two-steps, soulful waltzes, and bluesy Country sounds. An acoustic trio with Cajun accordion, fiddle, rhythm guitar and French vocals forms the band’s core lineup, and they win over dancers and get audiences of all sizes on their feet with their energized Cajun melodies.
Eric Mohring
Eric Mohring has earned a reputation as one of the leading fiddlers in Cajun music. He was one of the first musicians in the 1980’s to adopt Cajun music outside Louisiana as a founding member of the well-known Bone Tones. Not only has he fronted the New Riverside Ramblers for more than 35 years, he is a widely recognized Cajun fiddler who is called on to tour nationally. He was nominated by the Cajun French Music Association as Cajun Fiddler of the Year and is a four-time winner of their Prix Dehors. The combination of his fluency in Cajun French and expressive fiddle style brings authenticity to his music, and he is often called upon to teach Cajun fiddle and vocals.
A multifaceted musician whose roots are in Bluegrass and Old-Time music, he can also be found playing early Jazz, French musette, and other global roots music on the mandolin and fiddle with the Café Accordion Orchestra.
Shawn Glidden
Shawn Glidden has gained a large following as a stellar Cajun accordion player. Since 2015, she has been the principal lead of the band, Cajun Crawfish Hot Dish, as well as performed with the New Riverside Ramblers. In the early 1990’s, Shawn fell in love with Cajun fiddling after hearing it at a Cajun dance. When further immersed in Cajun music and culture on a subsequent trip to Louisiana, she became intrigued by the sounds of the Cajun accordion. She since mastered the accordion as her primary instrument, and both musicians and dancers are inspired by her artistry. Her joy and passion for Cajun music radiates from every note.
Shawn is a multi-talented musician who spent her youth studying classical piano. In the 1980’s, she was drawn to Southern Old-time fiddle music at a weekly square dance and began her lifelong journey studying fiddle and guitar. She ultimately played fiddle and/or guitar in several Southern string bands before moving on to Cajun music.
Karen Kleinspehn
The distinctive rhythm of Cajun music is key to its appeal, and Karen Kleinspehn’s rhythm guitar drives the band’s captivating pulse. She has over three decades of experience playing with the New Riverside Ramblers and Cajun Crawfish Hotdish and was twice awarded the Prix Dehors from Louisiana’s Cajun French Music Association. She is well versed in Cajun culture and has been sought out to teach Cajun guitar and dance at multiple music venues, workshops and festivals. Her gusto and steadfast cadence propel the band’s upbeat Cajun sounds.