The Cajun Accordion Kings III is coming up at the Historic Liberty Theater in Eunice, Louisiana. The Liberty Theater is a huge building that was renovated in 1924. It has a spacious dance floor and plenty of seating. This is the third installment of this show that shines the spotlight on talented accordionists. Steve Riley Productions has gathered up four legendary musicians, put them on stage, and tells their story. Expect to see performances from Paul Daigle, Donny Broussard, Jason Frey, and Reggie Matte. The entire performance will be backed by Cajun dancehall powerhouse, High Performance. This a chance to get to know the masters of Cajun musicians and appreciated their contribution to Cajun culture.
Paul Daigle grew up in Point Noir, a community outside of Church Point. Paul Daigle was a teenager when he started entering and winning accordion competitions. He later formed the band, Cajun Gold, with guitarist Robert Elkins. This group traveled the world to play Cajun music for huge crowds in places such as Denmark and even China.
Donny Broussard grew up Forked Island and now lives in Kaplan. He learned to play Cajun music from his grandfather, Will Marceaux. In fact, Donny Broussard’s band, the Lousiana Stars, was originally put together in the 1940s by his grandfather. Donny Broussard joined his grandfather’s band at the age of 12. Donny Broussard took over the band when his grandfather passed away. And now Donny Broussard plays in dance halls all over Acadiana, from Breaux Bridge to Lafayette. He was inducted in the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame in Lake Charles and has received numerous awards, including the Pioneer Award. When he is not playing music, Donny Broussard is the Vice President at the Vermilion Bank in Kaplan.
Jason Frey was born and raised in Eunice, Louisiana. He has been performing at the Liberty Theater for years. His father Gene Frey showed him how to play the accordion. He recorded his first album with radio announcer, Fred Charlie. He then formed the award-winning band Lagniappe featuring Travis Matte. Jason Frey has recorded albums with Bee Cormier, Al Berard, Courtney Granger, and Jimmy Higginbothom. Besides playing music, Jason Frey has worked as a milkman for the last 32 reporting to work at 2: oo am.
Reggie Matte is a native of Church Point. His grandfather taught him how to play the accordion when he was 8 years old. He got his first paid gig when he was just 13. He later formed, The Church Point Playboys. The Cajun French Music Association has given him awards for Best Accordionist and Album of the Year.
Steve Riley has been playing music since he was a young kid. He has traveled and performed with the Balfa Brothers. He eventually formed his owned band, the Grammy Award Winning, Steve Riley, and The Mamou Playboys. And now after playing and teaching music for the last thirty years, he is bringing the history of Cajun and Creole culture on stage.
Visit Steve Riley Productions to find out more information.