The Lyric Presents Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience May 13

Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience May 13th at 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM

What is Zydeco?

Zydeco is the indigenous music of the multi-racial, multi-cultural French speaking Creoles of southwest Louisiana. Its core instrumentation is the accordion and the rub board. The word "Zydeco" comes from the African word "zaico laga laga," meaning "to dance."

For over two decades, Grammy Award-winning artist Terrance Simien, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, has been shattering myths about what indigenous Creole Zydeco music is - and is not. His eclectic fusion of Zydeco will take you on a multi-cultural musical tour of the world.

Simien is one of the most respected and internationally recognized artists in roots music today. Together with his Zydeco Experience Band, he has taken Zydeco to a new level of recognition and popularity, creating a fusion of sound like no other. Simien has continued to raise the standard for the genre by establishing himself as a formidable songwriter and an accomplished singer (frequently evoking comparisons with Aaron Neville and Sam Cooke).

Simien writes from a decidedly different perspective than other Zydeco artists, drawing on a wide range of influences that include not only Zydeco pioneers, but also popular folk and soul artists, such as Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, and Simon and Garfunkel. He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Dr. John, the Dave Matthews Band and Los Lobos, to name a few.

Incorporating diverse music styles, Simien creates a hypnotic blend of Zydeco-roots-New Orleans funk-reggae-Afro-Caribbean music that will force you out of your seat and onto the dance floor. Get ready to become Zydeco Experienced!