For more than two decades, Terrance Simien, an eighth-generation Louisiana Creole, has been sharing the joy of his indigenous Creole zydeco music. Twin Cities' audiences will have an opportunity to experience his artistry first-hand when Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience performs at the Ordway on Sunday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the Ordway's Target® World Music and Dance Series.
Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. He has performed over 5,000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his 25-plus-year career.
"If you don't know about zydeco, don't miss coming to learn from the master himself, Terrance Simien," says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway president and ceo. "Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience is one of the most engaging performances in zydeco music today."
Born in 1965 into the hippie folk and soul music era, Simien was influenced by the great music that has defined our country's musical legacy. Simien credits
Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel,
Marvin Gaye,
Sam Cooke and the Meters as influential to his musical style. Since his family is documented in the history books as one of the first Creole families to settle St. Landry Parish, Simien was deeply moved by great Creole pioneers such as Chenier, Delafose, Chavis, Ardoin and Fontenot. Simien is the last generation with a direct link to these artists, some of whom mentored him as an emerging talent in zydeco (the form of American roots music that evolved in southwest Louisiana and was created for socializing). He has assumed that same role to a new generation of young zydeco players. He understands how critical mentoring is to the survival of this indigenous music that has become synonymous with the cultural identity of Louisiana, the South and an important part of the musical landscape of this country.
At the young age of 18, Simien began touring professionally and by 20, he was sharing the stage with Fats Domino and Sarah Vaughn at the Bern Jazz Festival. During the past 27 years, Simien has shared studio and stage with Robert Palmer,
Stevie Wonder, Los Lobos,
Taj Mahal,
Dr. John, the Meters, Alan Toussaint,
Paul Simon and
Dave Matthews Band to name a few.
Simien has been featured in dozens of TV movies, commercials and films, including the blockbuster hit "The Big Easy." His seven full-length CDs have been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard, along with adding dozens of compilations and guest appearances to his name. In 2009, Simien was part of making history when zydeco music was featured for the first time ever in a Disney animated film, "The Princess and The Frog." Along with his wife/business partner he helped lead an effort to establish a new Grammy Award category for "Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album" in 2007. In 2008, he opened the Grammy pre-telecast Awards ceremony with a 10-minute performance. Later that day he received his own Grammy Award in the category he helped create.
Simien's multicultural music program named Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco has reached over 500,000 students, teachers and parents at schools, art centers and festivals across the globe. This unique program was designed and created specifically to instill pride of heritage in the youth from his own Creole community, but has grown into a valuable tool to open the discussion about multiculturalism and mixed race people that make our country so unique. The program engages student and family audiences to open their minds to roots music genres that were born right here in our country and are loved worldwide. Simien is currently working on a non-fiction book for students about Creole culture and zydeco music.
When one hears the rhythmic music of Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, it is hard to resist the temptation to dance in the aisles; so the Ordway will have a dance floor directly in front of the main stage allowing everyone to dance the night away and enjoy the best of zydeco.
Prior to Simien's public performance, the Ordway will host an Ordway Extra program in the Ordway's Marzitelli Foyer at 6:30 p.m. The Ordway Extra will feature musicians of the local band New Primitives, including Stanley Kipper, Chico Perez, Matt Stevens and Joel Schaan. They will provide background on musical forms related to zydeco, explaining the roots and origins of the music. They will also share stories about how various musical styles, artists and regions have influences their unique sound. To learn more about pre- and post-show events, visit ordway.org/events.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.
Performance and Ticket Information
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Ordway's Music Theater
Tickets start at $21 including fees.
Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
ordway.org
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