S23-031, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience

Zydeco music evolved among French Creole speakers in southwest Louisiana. It blends blues, rhythm and blues, and music indigenous to the Louisiana Creoles and the Native American people of Louisiana. Participants in this class will meet two-time GRAMMY® award-winning artist Terrance Simien and the members of his group, learning about their backgrounds and how they came to perform zydeco music. Terrance will lead a discussion on the history of this Black roots music genre and will demonstrate some of the instruments that make up the Zydeco Experience band. He will explain the multiculturalism of Louisiana Creoles, while providing an understanding of his dynamic culture and how it has influenced his music.
Performance: Terrence Simien & the Zydeco Experience
Saturday, February 25 at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Presenter: Terrance Simien
Terrence Simien is an eighth generation Creole from one of the earliest Creole families documented to have settled in the Mallet area of St. Landry Parish. He was introduced to music via the piano at home, the Catholic Church choir, and school band programs where he played trumpet. While in his teens, he taught himself to play accordion and formed his first band, Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys, which began to play the regional zydeco club and church hall circuit. Terrance has become one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today. He and his band mates have performed over 10,000 concerts and toured millions of miles to over 45 countries during their eventful career. He has shared studio and stage with the likes of Paul Simon, Dr. John, The Meters, Marcia Ball, Dave Matthews, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer, and the roots rockers Los Lobos.
LLI Coordinator: Valerie Kenyon Gaffney