Kirk Jones and Mark Stoltz shared a similar upbringing, growing up just a few miles apart in Louisiana. But it wasn’t until both had migrated to Benzie County that they met, eventually teaming up to give voice to the music they grew up with. Today, K Jones and the Benzie Playboys is one of the state’s top Cajun/zydeco bands, playing the unique blend of blues, R&B, rock and folk music of the Louisiana Bayou country. Of French and African origin, it’s heavy on rhythm, and typically features instruments such as button accordion, fiddle and washboard (“frottoir” in French) alongside the likes of electric guitar, bass and drums. The Benzie Playboys have upcoming shows scheduled at Northport Music in the Park on Aug. 9, Leland on Sept. 1, and Leelanau Uncaged in Northport on Sept. 28.
