Photograph: M.J. Fontenot returns to jam in St. Landry Parish. (Photograph courtesy of St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission.)
M. J. Fontenot, a 21-year-old accordionist from Chataignier, leads the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. An accordionist since the age of 5, Fontenot unveiled his first band, MJ and the Zydeco Countryboyz, last month.
At a 2022 jam, Fontenot displayed his broad repertoire, which stretched from Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis classics to contemporary hits. He credits his cousins, musicians Jeremy Fruge and Tank Delafoisse, as influences, along with 1990s zydeco sensation Beau Jocque.
But Fontenot said his zydeco roots began, “before I was born.”
“It was bred into me,” said Fontenot. “My grandfather always had zydeco music playing at his house growing up and my dad as well.
“People used to laugh at me all the time because all I listen to this old zydeco. Zydeco is in my heart, and it pumps through my veins. And to me, there’s no better feeling when I’m around it.”
The Zydeco Capital Jam is open to musicians of all skill levels. Seating is available for zydeco fans to sit and tap their toes.
For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.
