Acadien Cajun Band

Sun. Mar 8, 2015 at 4:00pm EDT
21 and Over
Price: $10.00
21 and Over
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Price: $10.00
21 and Over
Event Description
Acadien Cajun Band


 


Sunday March 8 @ 4pm

Acadien Cajun Band

$10

www,acadiencajunband.com


South Louisiana has forever been marked with a rich history of music, from blues, rhthym and blues, soul, swamp pop, rock and roll, and, of course, cajun and zydeco music. Within the realm of cajun, creole, and zydeco music, however, there lies an emergence of contemporary yet traditional sound and style of the typical musician. With additions such as electric guitars, slide guitars, twin fiddles, triple row accordions, etc. and along with the influences of the fore-mentioned genres, the music itself continues to grow in an ever-dynamic fashion.

In the spring of 2000, Acadien Cajun Band was created with the intention and the will to carry the tradition one step further. Unlike the typical cajun and zydeco band, relying on standard sounds was not one of the band's primary objectives. Ryan Simon, the band's founder and guitarist/accordionist, states that "we are, and have always been for that matter, a band that relies on each other for our initiave and our sound. We are fundamentally traditional in what we play, whether it be standard tunes or not, yet we aspire to be 'originally challenged'" "Originally Challenged" as Ryan puts it, is the ever-present aspect that defines the band. Since the band first started playing venues and festivals, the main objective has been originality. The culmination of that can be seen on their latest release All Night Long, which is described in more detail on the discography page.

In addition to their orginality, Acadien Cajun Band can also be most noted for their versatility. "One thing we really pride ourselves on, " says Ryan, "is our versatility. Vary rarely when we play will we finish playing the same instruments we started out playing. I'll switch to accordion, or we'll just finish off with an acoustic set with two fiddles, etc." "We are a band of musicians, and our music defines the band, not the other way around."

Another measure the band takes in their approach to performing is the songs themselves. Despite the original tunes the band plays, the majority of its repertoire is tradition music. Ryan states, "We sound the best when we learn from each other. What really drives us is when we don't have to listen to records or cd's. That's when we become original, even if it is with standard tunes." "For example, we might play a traditional two fiddle two-step. We might just play it accoustically if one of us thinks its sounds better." "Each of us, moreover, is an encyclopedia of Cajun music in his own right. We each have different influences that we teach the others, whether it be songs or styles that help contribute to our sound.

Whatever the case, Acadien Cajun Band is an aspiring young band, full of exuberance and a true love for what they do. You will find them at jam sessions, clubs, dancehalls, recording studios and other venues through the music scene of south Louisiana carrying on what they were taught, teaching what they know, and loving every minute of it.

Ryan Simon
- accordion, fiddle, vocals
From the age of fourteen, Ryan's fascination and passion for his culture has culminated in the present day flare for the band's beginnings and evolution. Born and raised in Judice, LA, Ryan started learning the Cajun French language as a teenager from his family. As time progressed, this love begot another, Cajun music. His musical influence helped him strengthen his linguistic ability, and he soon found that the opposite would be true. He started learning accordion on his own at age 18, and by 22 learned to play 5 different instruments.  In 2000, Ryan, along with then guitarist Dwayne Michaud, created a band that would be the same yet different. A band that would be traditional yet contemporary. He started Acadien in order to write original Cajun songs, give style to the music by revitalizing old songs, and just having a great time playing, living and breathing his culture. His influences, including people such as Steve Riley, Marc Savoy, Dewey Balfa, and his grandfather Nolan David, have helped to mold his distinct and original approach to Cajun music and to Acadien.

Dwayne Michaud
- guitar, vocals
Hailing from Ossun, LA, Dwayne has been playing music professionally for over twenty years. Ryan and Dwayne first started Acadien in 2000 after working together at Vermilionville, a living history museum of Cajun/Creole culture in Lafayette, LA. Actually better known for as a bassist, Dwayne has played with numerous musicians over the years including Howard Noel, Jr., Ulyesses Poirrier, and the late great Aldus Roger. He fills in the rhythm section with Jay and Joe, adding not only syncopated guitar rhythms, but his own unique vocal ability.

Joe Romero - bassist
A native of Iota, LA, Joe is one of the newest members to Acadien Cajun Band, since the spring of 2006. Joe's precise and expert knowledge and understanding of Cajun bass and rhythm, as well as his overall awareness of Cajun music adds an excellent bass line to Acadien's truly unique rhythm section. He adds his own unique personality to Acadien, and his dancehall style complements the driving sound of both the rhythm and drum sections of the band. Besides a bassist, Joe is an accomplished guitarist as well. He is also an employee full time at Bon Petite Cajun Accordions in Iota, run by famed accordion maker Larry Miller.

Jay Miller - drummer
Hailing from downtown Iota, LA, Jay Miller rounds out the all-too-critical drum section of Acadien. Jay has been around Cajun music nearly all of his life, thanks to related to Larry, Blake, and the rest of the Miller family. Jay is a talented drummer, taking his liking to Cajun drums from people like Kevin Dugas, Todd Aucoin, and, of course, Drew Simon. His sharp timing, studious rhythms, and detailed understanding of the Cajun repertoire make him the ideal Acadien drummer. As well as a musician, Jay is also very involved in the French culture of south Louisiana, having made numerous trips to Nova Scotia to study at St. Anne's University, as well as a number of trips to Augusta West Virginia to play music.

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Sportsmens Tavern 326 Amherst Street
Buffalo, NY 14207