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 political leadership for a place a table. We weren’t entirely surprised when we discovered there was so little information in our schools and libraries dedicated to Creole culture vs. the large body of info available about the Cajun/Acadian history and heritage. The Deep South had a lot to overcome; slavery, oppression, Jim Crow and there is still room to grow to create inclusion and racial equality.
We got busy.
The CD has a lot of content: 20 tracks total, 10 music and 10 narration. Wow, right?! But then again, there was a lot of ground to cover. It was several decades in the making and long overdue. CD cover art was commissioned by renowned Creole artist, Vergie Banks and the narration was compliments of another prominent Creole, but this one in politics, Senator and Mayor, Donald Cravins.
It has gone on to become a serious teaching tool for schools, public libraries and the culturally curious parent who introduced their children to this happy, southern black roots music- all over the country. The Louisiana Creole community and its leaders were overjoyed to have a project like this dedicated to them and their students. We recall KRVS, Lafayette public radio DJ’s setting the CD on auto to play it straight through for their audience to listen and learn. Teachers, cultural leaders, academics and the press all praised it for its content. Simien went on to donate copies of the CD and study guide to all K-12 school libraries in Lafayette.
Creole for Kids and the History of Zydeco became the first of its kind in zydeco music! Terrance also loves to tell the story of how in 1998-99, his long time friend, the legendary Taj Mahal was actually the one who planted the seed – encouraging Simien to explore a project for youth & family. He drilled it down telling T, often speaking to him in French, as Taj is very fluent – “Simien, you got a history, heritage and unique music with stories that you can tell about your (Creole) culture – and you will also build a future audience.” Such wise words from a wise man.
Furthermore, as the timing could have been any better for this project, in the performing arts at that time there was great buzz about multicultural programming.There was also much discussion about “building audience” using professional, main stage touring artists to reach K-12, and beyond! Getting students into their own or free standing performing art centers to 1. get exposed and culturally literate and 2. to ensure they feel comfortable in the environment – so that later as arts patrons, they will naturally gravitate to the venue.
Honestly, this conversation continues in the performing arts. As does that of diversity and inclusion in the arts: patrons, donors, staff and of course the artists. #Inclusionisintentional
Our booking agents at the time Bruce Houghton and Andrea Sabata of Skyline Music, also saw great potential in the program to become vital to performing arts centers school time performance programming all over the country. Well, they were right! In the past 20 years nearly 40% of our performances are school time and residency – it has become a high demand and highly respected program and hence, Terrance a very respected teaching artist. He often likes say that “his students learn something that can only be taught on his stage”. True that, Terrance!
There will be some things rolling out this year to celebrate, so join us center stage for a fun and informative Creole for Kidz! performance for your school or PAC.