Jeffery Broussard leads next Zydeco Capital Jam
Accordion master shares his skills with the world
Accordion legend Jeffery Broussard leads the next Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. Broussard, whose family goes back to zydeco’s roots in St. Landry Parish, led Zydeco Force, a highly-influential band that ushered in a contemporary sound in the 1980s and ‘90s.
On Sept. 1, Broussard and the Frank Family Band played with surviving members of Zydeco Force for a reunion show at the Creole Renaissance Festival at the Rayne Civic Center. Broussard continues to tour and play traditional music with his Creole Cowboys band.
Herman Fuselier, executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, said Broussard’s diverse accordion skills are perfect to lead the jam.
“On my radio show, I call Jeffery Broussard ‘pound-for-pound the best accordion player around’,” said Fuselier. “He can play zydeco, Cajun, blues, boogie-woogie and more. Give him a minute or two, he could play Lawrence Welk, too.
“Jeffery has shared his accordion talent with the world. Most zydeco artists playing today have been influenced by his style.
“Players from as far as Japan have come to St. Landry Parish to take lessons from him. He truly is a cultural ambassador for the Zydeco Music Capital of the World – Opelousas.”
In the 1990s, Broussard and Zydeco Force were TV stars, often featured on the popular program, “Zydeco Extravaganza.” Fans flocked to dancehalls to hear “Hey Madeline,” “On My Way,” “B-Flat” and other hits.
For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.
