Download Instrumental    If you’re not performing the song “Zoot Suit Riot”, well, you should be. I never have more fun than when we break out this jitterbug tune about halfway through the third set.  It’s got a beat that is just infectious.

Funny thing is, there actually were riots in Los Angeles in 1943 where zoot suits were the focal point.  We were in the middle of World War II and the government had put restrictions on wool and zoot suits in particular.   Mexican workers in and around L.A. ignored the rationing primarily because they knew American women loved the look of those suits.  U.S. servicemen considered this un-American and actual riots sprang up in the city.  I suspect our boys were also just a bit resentful of the attention the Mexican men were getting – but that’s just a theory.

In 1997, the “Cherry Poppin’ Daddies” decided to write a song about those riots (only in America).  The backing tracks are on the “Jazz” list.  Do this one – it’s a riot to sing (no pun intended)…