Geno Delafose returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam
Popular musician opens the jam’s sixth year at St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
For the first time since 2023, Geno Delafose leads the monthly Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3
p.m. Jan. 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. Admission is free to the
jam, open to musicians of all skill levels and fans.
Delafose kicks off the sixth year of the jam, which started Feb. 9, 2019. The event celebrates zydeco in
its cradle, home of Grammy Hall of Famer Clifton Chenier, Grammy winners Terrance Simien and Rockin’
Sidney and a long list of pioneers and newcomers.
Born in 1971, Geno follows in the footsteps of his father, John Delafose, and his legendary Eunice
Playboys band. When John passed away in 1994, Geno started French Rockin’ Boogie, a band that
toured across the country.
The group now reigns as one of the region’s most popular entertainers, averaging three to four gigs
every weekend. During holiday weekends, the band’s shows often double.
A fluent French speaker, Delafose specializes in a traditional zydeco style, that also includes Cajun,
country and R&B. At the age of 8, he started as a rubboard player in his father’s band.
Delafose’s 2007 CD, “Le Cowboy Creole,” received a Grammy nomination for Best Zydeco and Cajun
Music Album in the category’s first year. Geno and his father’s band performed in the Oscar-nominated
movie, “Passion Fish,” which was partially filmed at Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki dancehall in Opelousas. Geno’s song,
“C’est Pas La Piene Brailer” is on the soundtrack of 1997 film, “Eve’s Bayou” starring Samuel L. Jackson.
When he’s not entertaining, Delafose is a real-life cowboy who raises cattle and horses on his land in
St. Landry and Evangeline parishes.
For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.
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