……….require extraordinary measures, and an extraordinary amount of love, respect and patience. And did I mention patience?! Some days are harder than others. Truth. We are all doing the very best we can to process this strange time in our lives and in our history. One morning I watched the news – like most, but …
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Twenty years ago this year, 2020 – we recorded Creole For Kidz & The History of Zydeco CD. It was very unique at the time, pre-widespread Creole awareness and pride of heritage. The Cajun, or Acadian heritage organizations had a strong presence in the community, so they were already in schools, at festivals and lobbying …
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Terrance and Princess, Tiana, actress Elizabeth Dampier at the world premiere of the film in November 2009. It all started with a call fromTom MacDougall, now VP of Music Disney Animation inviting us onto the project! It only got more amazing from there: working with the fine people at Disney, recording with the legendary Randy …
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On September 22, 2019 we lost a giant – my daddy, Mathew (Mathias) Simien entered the spirit world and rejoined with my mom, his beautiful bride, Ethel Rene Simien and his parents Lila & George Simien. His service was befitting a man who was loved fiercely by his family, church and community. It was officiated …
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NOTE from Terrance and the team: This article addresses only staff and board. The problem is as grave on the arts programming and performance side of the equation – as there is an egregious lack of representation of BIPOC performers/artists. Most venues fall way short in attracting and building racially diverse audiences as well. We …
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April 16, 2019 A world of thanks to Paul Simon for keeping zydeco music and Creole culture on his set list and on TV! Wow, how perfect is his timing, right before #jazzfest50 where zydeco has been ft. since 1070! Terrance had the privilege of working with him during this “Graceland” project. It was March …
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From New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: “Zydeco music has been a key part of Jazz Fest since 1970. All the great zydeco performers have graced the Festival’s stages.” #jazzfest50 Everyone is def bummed that The Stones and Fleetwood Mac could not make it for JF50- not as bummed as FPI – the event producer – …
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In early 2017 Cynthia Simien was doing some reading and came upon an interesting article that inspired an idea. After reading about the 40 million dollar National Museum of African American Music being built in Nashville, she decided to get to work. She made a couple modest donations to the museum to get dialed in. …
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Always love unearthing nice quality audience generated content. This one compliments of Jim’s Live Roots & Culture Music. Thanks for this Jim! We are def liking this – a lot. Big thanks to the amazing MN audience who was so responsive and into the music, making it a truly memorable experience for us as well. …
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Boogie From The Bayou Tour BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience A performance and collaboration like this comes along only once in a lifetime. The pairing of two multiple GRAMMY award winning groups whose distinct Americana or American roots music – has thrilled and fascinated audiences around the globe! That means there is …
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