
DATE: Sunday, November 16, 1997             TAG: 9711140238

SECTION: CAROLINA COAST          PAGE: 14   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: AFTER DARK 

                                            LENGTH:   70 lines

BARTENDER'S BALL TO SERVE UP A MIX OF MUSIC TERRANCE SIMIEN, JANET MARTIN AND HOOK ON THE BILL

THE CAROLINIAN HOTEL is reclaiming its distinction as the formal hub of the Outer Banks with the first-ever Bartender's Ball on Sunday.

The diverse bill will feature Zydeco master Terrance Simien, Richmond rockabilly artist Janet Martin and the local jump-blues outfit, Hook.

Event organizer Michael Desroches says the idea for the ball was hatched after he attended a similar event in Richmond.

``I think the whole concept started in D.C.,'' says Desroches, who lives in Kill Devil Hills. ``It's a way to have entertainment and a contest.''

The contest is to choose the Outer Banks' favorite bartender. Desroches says ballot boxes have been distributed to restaurants and bars up and down the Outer Banks. Votes will be tallied Saturday, and the winner will be announced during the ball. The winning bartender receives a ski trip.

One of the highlights of Sunday night's showcase promises to be Simien. The native of Mallet, La., has rocked the South for more than a decade, with his accordion and his sextet, the Mallet Playboys.

Possessing a near-falsetto voice that at times sounds like Aaron Neville, the 29-year-old accordionist spices up Cajun classics with Motown and Stax-like riffs. With spiritual overtones absorbed through a Catholic upbringing in southwest Louisiana, Simien brings reverence to to the low-down, party music from Cajun country.

``Zydeco is the music of my people,'' Simien says. ``It's the music I love the most. It's from the heart, not from the head.''

Also appearing on the bill is Richmond artist Janet Martin. Outer Banks barhoppers might remember Martin from her work in the 1980s acoustic duo, The Rare.

``She's an old friend from Richmond,'' Desroches says. ``She does some rockabilly. Gary Fralin from the Bopcats is in her band now. He plays some accordion, so there's some of that Cajun flavor.''

Martin just released ``Cloud Cover,'' her third album as a solo artist.

Local favorite Hook rounds out the bill. Harmonica virtuoso Chip Sellarole powers the band that includes Dan Martier on drums, Mick Vaughan on bass and Joe Mapp on guitar. Expect a whole lot of shaking and strutting from Sellarole who commands center stage with his soulful vocal style.

Part of the proceeds from the ball benefit the Eastern Surfing Association.

``It's for a good cause,'' Desroches says. ``And it's good entertainment. Not to mention all the great food that many of the Outer Banks restaurants are providing.''

And is Desroches nervous about his first-ever black tie optional Bartender's Ball?

``You better believe it,'' he says. ``But it's going to be a blast.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Terrance Simien says: ``Zydeco is the music of my people. It's from

the heart, not from the head.''

Graphic

WANT TO GO?

What: Bartender's Ball

Who: Terrance Simien, Janet Martin, Hook

When: Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight

Where: Carolinian Hotel, milepost 10.5 on the beach road, Nags

Head

Tickets: $45 in advance, $55 at the door (includes heavy hors