Broussard Brings Back The Musical Culture
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Jeffrey Broussard seemed to recognize the emotional lift needed by some of his audience members Saturday afternoon and with the help of his accordion, he delivered a culturally-rooted performance that perhaps provided comfort and promise to those recovering from the emotional scars of sickness.
With the help of an assembled group of Acadiana musicians, Broussard dug deeply into a variety of genres, playing a mixture of Creole, French and Zydeco standards that had many inside the St. Landry Tourist Center actively participating.
Some sat in their seats and played along with their own scrub boards, while others picked up tambourines as Broussard sang primarily in colloquial French, performing songs that he and other musicians have played locally and internationally.
One lady found the music insatiable as she gripped her walking cane and danced in place.
Throughout the two-hour performance, Broussard chewed on his toothpick and produced his easy smile that perhaps testified to his enjoyment of an intimate performance that he was willing to share
“This was all about the culture and the music that we know. But what we did (on Saturday) was something I hope benefitted certain people who came here to enjoy themselves. Some of them needed a boost from what might have once been going on with them and I wanted to get that message across that we are all here for them,” Broussard said.
Several times during the unplugged concert, Broussard stopped and listened to the medical histories affecting some of the people in his audience.
Many were former cancer patients, who told Broussard now they are now thankful to have transitioned into remission.
Their stories, Broussard said, were also his personal story, since he is a colon cancer survivor.
“I think every day that I wouldn’t be in this place without the help of God. I give him all the praise for that,” Broussard said as he prepared to leave.
Broussard said that he readily accepted an invitation from parish tourism director Herman Fuselier to stage the event.
“This happened all because of Herman. He treats everybody equal and he plays their songs (on his show) evenly. I know he believes in helping out everybody,” said Broussard.
Broussard added that on Saturday he wanted to create a venue that blended the type of music that he once heard on the Frilot Cove area farm where he grew up.
In addition to watching his father Delton Broussard play Creole and French music, Broussard said he cherishes the embedded musical influences that for him have become practically indelible.
“For me it’s bringing back the culture and what I lived through and the people there. I like those farm songs I grew up with,” said Broussard.
Broussard, who has formed a couple of bands since the 1980’s, said that on Saturday he wanted to provide a more authentic look.
“A lot of people, they want to hear the real stuff and that’s what I played. I always want to give that to them,” Broussard told the audience.
