By Julianna Kropinack; Photo Credits to Lily Papendick
This upcoming Tuesday, Nov.3rd, the music of New Orleans will be coming to SU! Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience will be making their way to Susquehanna as part of the 2026-2027 Artist Series. This Series is meant to inspire a love of music and art in both the academic community of Susquehanna and the local community surrounding the university , and is open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public! The Zydeco Experience was created by Terriance Simien in 1981, but the musical genre of zydeco was created long before that. Drawing from the rich tradition of Creole music in New Orleans, zydeco takes influence from African and Caribbean rhythms and is an integral part of the identity of Louisiana, the American South, and the United States as a whole. Originating from African Americans and mixed-race French Creoles, the music is often sung in both French and English. Each artist has brought their own twist onto the art form, however, one thing that remains consistent throughout its history is the use of the accordion and the washboard (also known as a rubboard or a frottoir) in the creation of zydeco music.
Simien created The Zydeco Experience while still in high school to the surprise of no one – he grew up in Louisiana near Opelousas, “the world capital of zydeco music”, listening to the music of Louisiana with his parents. He began playing music at the age of nine, starting out with the trumpet in his middle school band before teaching himself to play the accordion at thirteen. Learning through community events at his church and zydeco halls, as well as listening to the only black radio channel of the time, Simien learned how to play zydeco from traditional songs and styles while also learning from the popular music of his own childhood, like folk , soul, funk, and R&B.
Bursting onto the professional scene at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, Simien and his bandmates received a warm welcome from the audience, and the incredible reception they received inspired Simien to take his band global, giving performances as far away as Australia. However, the band has never forgotten their roots, continuing to play at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival annually. They also performed with the Queen of Zydeco, Ida Guillory, for her first public performance in over two decades at the Festival in addition to supporting the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation with donations every year for their encouragement and support of the arts.
The band is an incredibly close group of individuals, with many members being part of the ensemble for a decade or more. Simien emphasizes the familial nature of their band, and though the band has shifted members over the years, they will always remain close to his heart.
To enjoy the culture, expression, and tradition brought to SU by Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience, tickets can be bought online or at the Degenstein Theatre Box Office. Students get in free with reservations at the box office, and community pricing may vary. Music lovers should not miss this opportunity to engage in the rich history of this genre and experience the live performance of this incredible group!