In Cajun/Creole culture, "lagniappe" generally describes a tip for services rendered or additional items given to a customer in appreciation for a transaction. But the literal translation of the French-derived word is, as drummer/percussionist Yvan Verbesselt notes, "something extra, something special." That's precisely what the local Cajun-and-more sextet Lagniappe delivers on a regular basis.  

It'll be pouring CD release parties this weekend, with five very disparate area bands celebrating the completion of their newest studio offerings: altrockers Seabird, Pop Rock band Lovely Crash, Soul Jazz outfit iolite, Cajun vets Lagniappe and Americana favorites Wild Carrot. Get all the details here.