C.J. Chenier and the Red-Hot Louisiana Band at the Bow

Commentator/Courier Photo Submitted.

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Friday, August 16, GRAMMY^® nominee C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band will be performing at the Blues at the Bow in Bow Island with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 8:30 p.m.

“C.J. Chenier is the Crown Prince of Zydeco,” said Jason Riddell, President of Blues at the Bow. “Creole-born C. J. was raised in an Indigenous American culture with its distinctive language, cuisine and music. These guys are a ready-made party with deep roots in Americana music!”

According to Chenier’s official website, http://www.officialcjchenier.com, Creole-born C.J. Chenier delivers soulful vocals along with masterful accordion-driven Zydeco and Blues. The website also states that Chenier has performed alongside many internationally recognized artists including his GRAMMY® awarded father “The King of Zydeco” Clifton Chenier, as well as Paul Simon, Joe Sample and Ray Parker Jr. Chenier. He has  also appeared on the Daily Show, CNN, was featured on VH1 and Entertainment Weekly, and has exhibited his musicianship at many large festivals and venues such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival and Austin’s SXSW Music Conference. 

Chenier’s website also states that Chenier has received many major awards including the Living Blues Critics’ Poll Award, Indie Award from AFIM for Best Zydeco Album, Coups de Coeur (Blows of Heart), Blues Category Award from l’Académie Charles Cros in France, and Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Best Zydeco Album in addition to his GRAMMY® award nomination in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category.

Riddell says that the local show became a reality because the talent agent for Blues at the Bow, Cam Hayden, who is also the host of Friday night Blues Party on CKUA radio, puts on the infamous Edmonton International Blues Festival every August, and the Blues at the Bow was lucky enough to snag C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band for a show while they are in Alberta for their gig at that festival.

“As with any genre of music, Blues music has many styles,” said Riddell. “In making sure we cover all ends of the Blues music spectrum, it was time we brought in a Zydeco based group, and C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band was the perfect fit at the perfect time with them being in Alberta. There has been a lot of buzz about getting a Zydeco band at the theatre. We are hearing from folks that have never attended a concert here! We figured CJ and his band would be a sold out show and with only a handful of tickets left, the people have confirmed this is going to be a show for the books! This will be the first time they perform at the Bow Theatre. We’re looking forward to them leaving their mark on the infamous walls of the green room. Although there is no bad seat in the theatre, if you have a preferred seat, get there early. At the Bow Theatre, we encourage you to bring a snack or appetizer to enjoy while you listen to the show. We also have a full-service bar, where you can purchase drinks from the best bartenders in town. We’re looking forward to seeing some new faces on, along with our regular season membership holders!”

Riddell says that tickets to the show are $40 each plus fees and can be found on Eventbrite by searching ‘Blues at the Bow’ or by visiting https://www.bluesatthebow.com. 

“There is no theme to the concert but get ready for some soulful vocals with masterful accordion-driven Zydeco and Blues,” said Riddell. “We don’t know which songs will be performed, but you can count on songs that will get you on the dance floor. If you’ve never been to a Blues at the Bow show, this is a venue with a top-of-the-line sound system, with professional sound & lights technicians. You might think you’re not a fan of the Blues but trust us. Once you step in the theatre, the lights go down and the band starts playing, you’ll be swept away by the united love of live music. We guarantee you the vibe at the theatre is like no other! What could be better than an evening out, listening to a GRAMMY^® nominated band all right here in Bow Island?”