One of the most dynamic bands to grace the stage at the Summer Twilight Concert Series is making their long-awaited return to Historic Folsom. On Thursday, August 14, Tom Rigney and Flambeau will bring their fiery blend of Cajun, zydeco, and roots rock back to the Zittel Family Amphitheater for a night of music as energetic as it is emotionally rich.
With nearly five decades of experience on the San Francisco Bay Area roots music scene, Tom Rigney is a celebrated composer, showman, and fiddle virtuoso whose performances are known for their intensity, passion, and irresistible rhythm. Whether he’s bringing the energy of a Louisiana two-step, the soul of a gypsy ballad, or the swing of a New Orleans second-line groove, Rigney’s violin doesn’t just play—it sings.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Tom is the son of legendary baseball figure Bill Rigney. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from Harvard before returning home to launch what would become a storied musical career. He first gained acclaim as the frontman and fiddler of Back in the Saddle, a Bay Area bluegrass and western swing outfit that earned a Bammie Award in 1981 and charted a local hit with Rigney’s own “Time and Again.”
From there, Rigney joined Queen Ida’s Bon Temps Zydeco Band, touring the globe and falling in love with the danceable, rhythmic sounds of Cajun and zydeco music. That experience shaped the next chapter of his career: leading the acclaimed roots band The Sundogs for fifteen years. Their fiery mix of Cajun, blues, and Americana took them across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, earning radio play and a loyal following with albums like Dancing Room Only, which spent eight weeks on the national Americana charts.
In 2000, Rigney launched his most personal and explosive project yet: Tom Rigney and Flambeau. With this band, he stepped fully into the spotlight—not only as a blazing fiddle player but also as the primary composer. The group quickly became known for their unique fusion of Cajun rhythms, rock energy, soulful blues, Celtic flair, and global melodies. The result is an electrifying and emotional musical journey that gets audiences dancing while also stirring the heart.
Flambeau’s discography reflects that depth and variety. From their rock-leaning Happy to Be Here, to the all-instrumental Metamorphosis, to the triple run of blues chart-toppers like A Blue Thing and Back Porch Blues, Rigney and his band have continued to innovate across genres. Recent projects like Cajun Fandango, featuring Grammy winner Michael Doucet, and Let the Four Winds Blow have further cemented their reputation as one of the most versatile and entertaining acts on today’s roots music circuit.
On stage, Flambeau features a full lineup of seasoned musicians who match Rigney’s energy note for note, including powerhouse rhythm sections, soulful keys, and the occasional horn to push the sound over the top. Their live shows are a whirlwind of sound and spirit, blending technical mastery with good old-fashioned fun.
The music starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Zittel Family Amphitheater, located in the heart of the Historic Folsom Plaza at 200 Wool Street. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and come early to enjoy dinner, drinks, or a treat from nearby restaurants and dessert stops.
The Summer Twilight Concert Series is presented by the Folsom Historic District Association and continues every Thursday through the end of August. For more information on the series and upcoming performances, visit www.historicfolsom.org.
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