Here’s a pure slice of the vibrant southwest Louisiana cultural scene that has given rise to, among others, the Grammy-winning Cajun Renaissance group, Beau Soleil. Recorded mainly at a live fundraiser in the local capitol of Lafayette held to benefit the memory of Beau Soleil guitarist Tommy Comeaux (an avid cyclist killed while bicycling), Medicine Show offers the full spectrum of roots-based performances found in that verdant region, from folk to Cajun to country to blues to rock.

Along with some excellent country and Cajun tunes from bands Comeaux also played with, this first volume of Medicine Show offers a spirited live rendition of the little cut from Beau Soleil’s Grammy-winner “L’Amour ou La Folie,” a darkly resonant performance by young bayou bluesman Sonny Landreth on “I’ve Had My Fun (Goin’ Down Slow),” and two smoking jams by a reunion of the electric band that preceded Beau Soleil by almost 20 years, Coteau, on “Arc de Triomphe Two-Step” and “La Chanson de Mardi Gras.”

Throughout, the program is marked by exquisite musicianship and the passion of those playing solely for the love of, the music a warm and distinctly uncommercial production.

Available by mail order for $17.50 postpaid, from The Dr. Tommy Comeaux Endowed Fund for Traditional Music, Acadiana Arts Council, P.O.Box 53762, Lafayette, LA 70505, 318-233-7060. Proceeds support the study of traditional music at the University of Southwestern Louisiana.