Are you ready for Rhythms on the River? The seasonal, six-week concert series is hosted every Thursday evening in River Ranch Town Square, providing Lafayette residents with a FREE musical experience, featuring performances by some of Louisiana’s most popular artists and groups.
Last week kicked off the Rhythms on the River Fall 2015 Series with the Chee Weez, a cover band native to New Orleans, LA. The Chee Weez have been known to perform at nearly every major Louisiana festival, and their shows are quite an experience!
Rhythms on the River continues this evening with Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Born and raised in Churchpoint, LA, Chubby Carrier was destined to play music. He is the third generation of a family of musicians, all regarded as legends of the genre of zydeco music. He joined his father’s band at the age of 12, where he played the drums. By the age of 15, he had picked up the accordion. At 17, he was touring the world with the famous Terrance Siemien.
In 1989, Carrier formed his very own band, The Bayou Swamp Band. Since the group’s inception, they have produced over 10 albums and have toured all over the US and even in Canada, Europe, and North Africa.
In 2011, the Bayou Swamp band received a Grammy award for Best Zydeco or Cajun Album with their then latest album “Zydeco Junkie”, drawing major attention to the Louisiana zydeco scene. Later that year, Carrier was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
The Bayou Swamp Band are advocates for good zydeco music as well as a plethora of other causes, particularly children’s causes and education. The band proudly supports the Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana, for whom they’ve held concert fundraisers to benefit. In an effort to expose the younger generation to zydeco music, the band teamed up with the Acadiana Symphony and Conservatory of Music to launch the Zydeco from A-Z project, where Carrier himself provided instruction on the history of zydeco and even gave lessons on various zydeco and Cajun instruments.
Carrier is also an advocate for the Let’s be Totally Clear Campaign, a movement with the purpose of promoting a smoke-free environment; he has also been featured in two documentaries, “Zydeco Breakfast” and “Hurricane on the Bayou”, both aimed at increasing tourism in Acadiana.
It’s no secret that Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp band are just as dedicated to the advancement of Acadiana as they are to their music.
See Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp band this evening in River Ranch Town Square, from 5:30 to 8:30. Remember, Rhythms on the River is a FREE event with a family friendly atmosphere, and food and drinks are available for purchase on site. We hope to see you there!
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
Leave a Reply