Featured Photograph: Mark Ardoin, Adleigh Ardoin
Elton native reflects the deep pool of local talent
Accordion ace Mark Ardoin leads the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 13 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. Since February 2019, the jam has welcomed seasoned zydeco musicians and newcomers to play in St. Landry Parish, the cradle of Grammy winners Clifton Chenier, Rockin’ Sidney and Terrance Simien.
Raised in Elton, La. in a family of self-taught, accordion players, Ardoin has been playing since the age of 3. Mark and his brothers learned on their father’s Acadian accordion, made by pioneer builder Marc Savoy of Eunice.
Ardoin, who works as a truck driver, has been a welcomed participant in the jam, according to Herman Fuselier, director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. Fuselier said Ardoin has “head-turning talent.”
“I never knew Mark until last year, when he wandered into the jam,“ said Fuselier. “He starts playing old Creole and zydeco songs and sounds better than the records.
“Then he starts singing with ease and I’m like, ‘Who is this guy and why isn’t he performing professionally?
“Discovering new talent, like Mark Ardoin, Ryan Perkins, and M. J. Fontenot, has been a fun part of the jam. There are so many talented accordion players already on stage. But it’s gratifying to know even more are waiting in the wings. Some don’t want the spotlight. They play because they love it.”
The Zydeco Capital Jam has free admission and is open to all musicians and fans. For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission website at cajuntravel.com.
Mary Hawkins – Communications Manager
