Upcoming: CJ CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND (Free)

BRING THE FUNK

CJ Chenier was born into the musical traditions of southwest Louisiana and Texas, his father was the legendary Zydeco king Clifton Chenier, a Grammy Award winning artist in his own right. The music he creates with the Red Hot Louisiana Band is some of the most purely infectious Zydeco and swamp funk being played today. Your pulse will get racing, your feet will get moving and you WILL be wrapped up in magic that is a Nawlinz wake.

Gates open at 5:00pm, music starts at 5:15pm with a beer, wine and soft-drink service from City Winery and food prepared by Great Performances. We are also welcoming our friends from QOOL, Quality Of Our Lives,who will be showcasing hand rolled Costa Rica Cigars. An expert roller will be on hand, demonstrating the artistry required to handcraft high quality cigars. There will be cigar lounge for those who wish to enjoy a complimentary cigar while sipping on some handcrafted wines and enjoying the magic of CJ Chenier.

Like all of the FREE weekly shows, tonight is open to everyone - locals, visitors, friends and family are welcome to get familiar with the beautiful slice of Soho we're all working hard to enrich. Entrance is from Vandam or Spring Street, mid way between Hudson and Varick. No tickets are needed. All we ask is that you spread the word to colleagues, friends and family - to come down and make the most of this great opportunity to connect with the neighborhood and your neighbors. Get out from behind your desk and come out and enjoy the afternoon.

RIP: Zydeco Master Roy Carrier

c/o Scott Barretta

Roy Carrier, whose music always included a heavy dose of blues, died yesterday in Opelousas after suffering a heart attack. He was 63, and had been suffering from cancer over the past year. An obituary from the local newspaper is here, and a complete biography is available at his website.

Born in 1947, Carrier came from a family of Creole musicians and was of the second generation of zydeco performers (the music had its first big in 1954 with Boozoo Chavis’ “Paper In My Shoe).” He was mentored by Clifton Chenier, and served as a mentor himself to a younger generation of musicians, including his son Chubby, a prominent performer in the zydeco scene.

He was the owner/operator since 1981 of the Offshore Lounge in his home of Lawtell, whose Thursday jam sessions provided an important venue for up-and-coming artists. The club, which I’ve had the fortune of visiting, derived its name from Roy’s work as a roughneck in the oil industry.

In Pictures: Buckwheat Zydeco @ BB King's

By Dino Perrucci Photography

Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/6/10


Lil' Buck Sinegal - BB King's, NYC 2/6/10


Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/6/10


Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/6/10

On This Date (December 12, 1987): Clifton Chenier

c/o themusicsover.com

Clifton Chenier
June 25, 1925 – December 12, 1987

Clifton Chenier was an accordion player, singer, and songwriter who was considered the undisputed king of zydeco music. The Louisiana native began his music career in 1954, releasing his debut album on a small label that same year. Thanks to regional touring and local airplay, the album became a minor hit, helping him land a deal with the legendary label, Chess Records. By the mid ’70s, he was appearing on national television, which expanded his following even more. In 1983, he won a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Album for I’m Here. Clifton Chenier was 62 when he died of diabetes related kidney failure on December 12, 1987.

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On This Date (September 10, 1999) Beau Jocque / Acclaimed Zydeco Performer

c/o themusicsover

Beau Jocque (Born Andrus Espree)
November 1, 1953 – September 10, 1999

Beau Jocque was a Zydeco singer and accordion player who came to prominence in Louisiana during the ’90s. With his band, the Zydeco Hi-Rollers, Jocque injected rock and funk into the Zydeco sound, endearing him to fans throughout the local clubs. A big man, standing 6′ 6″ and weighing in at nearly 275 pounds, Jocque died of a fatal heart attack at the age of 46.

Upcoming: Nathan & Zydeco Cha Cha's @ Rockin' The River Cruise

NYC ROCKIN' THE RIVER CRUISES 42nd St. & the Hudson River at Circle Line Pier 83 212.630.8888 www.rtrcruises.com

Zydeco Explosion: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas + CJ Chenier Wednesday July 22 @ 7pm tickets $37.50 in advance/$40 day of "A dance king equipped with a gripping groove", Nathan Williams plays zydeco, the fast and furious accordion-driven dance music of the Creole people of Southern Louisiana. "The Cha Chas takes the audience not only to another region, but to another time - emphasizing that the spirit of zydeco still burns hot." (Blues Revue) Son of the great King of Zydeco, C.J. Chenier's interest in the music of his ancestors grew until he joined his father's legendary Red Hot Louisiana Band on the road. After his father's death in 1987, C.J. assumed leadership of the band and has continued to develop his own personal accordion style.

In Pictures: Buckwheat Zydeco @ BB King's

By Dino Perrucci Photography

Lil Buck Sinegal - BB King's, NYC 2/28/09


Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/28/09


Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/28/09


Buckwheat Zydeco - BB King's, NYC 2/28/09

Zydeco Dance Troupe @ Joyce Theatre

1/21-25 The ELISA MONTE Dance Troupe presents ZYDECO/ZARE @ Joyce Theatre

with Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys playing the score (live music)

Elisa Monte Dance is having its New York premiere of Zydeco, Zare at the Joyce Theater Jan 21^st to the 25^th. The piece incorporates the syncopated sounds and movements of Zydeco music, which is a derivative of Creole culture and a cousin of Cajun music, while exploring Louisiana’s rich and diverse landscape. Featuring music by a six-piece Zydeco band, Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, and Monte’s innovative choreography, Zydeco, Zaré is a unique addition to the company’s repertoire.

Tix: www.joyce.org or call 212-242-0800

Jan 21–25

Intensely energetic, this virtuosic company returns to The Joyce with dance The New York Times calls "captivating, both surprising and urgent." The NY premiere of Zydeco, Zare anchors the program which will also include The Joyce commission Slope of Enlightenment, showcasing Monte's dramatic intensity at its best. Additional performances include Audentity with its dynamic fluidity and the world premiere of a romantic duet featuring renowned modern composer, Kevin Keller.

Performance Schedule
Wed 7:30pm; Thu–Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm

NolaFunk's Song of the Day: Clifton Chenier's "Alligator Stomp"