T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers Headline Texas Festival
Downtown Wichita Falls Festival Saturday, May 11, 2013!
May 10, 2013
by Richard Carter
Zydeco is dancing music, not sit-down music, said Bryant T. Broussard, leader of T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers.
“Even if you don’t know how to zydeco (dance), you’re still going to jump up there and pat your feet and bob your head, because it’s that kind of music,” said Broussard.
His five-piece, Louisiana-based zydeco band will headline from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the Downtown Cajun Festival.
Other musical performers will be the Zydeco Stingrays from 1-2:45 p.m. and Jay-B & the Zydeco Posse from 4-5:30 p.m.
Broussard grew up in a family steeped in zydeco and Creole music traditions over several generations. His mother, Mary Jane Ardoin, is recognized as a great regional accordion player.
“Especially with the style she plays, the old traditional style, the original — where the music comes from,” he said. “The zydeco derives from the old Creole music, and it’s got a different twist with the drums and whatnot. You know, more upbeat.”
Growing up, Broussard started playing accordion and other instruments as a child because of her.
“She was the one who taught me accordion. She would play all the time at house parties and family gathering things. Instead of playing guitar, I would play the accordion.”
He also plays drums and bass and can play either instrument when a band member isn’t available to make a show.
In Wichita Falls, Broussard will bring a drummer, bassist, guitarist and washboard player. While his mother often plays accordion for him in the band, he will play accordion on Saturday and also sing.
“Maybe we can get her here next time,” he said.
Broussard didn’t form his first band until age 21, despite having played the music as a child and being surrounded by grandparents and grand-uncles on both sides of the family who were major parts of the musical traditions of zydeco and Creole music.
“I took it for granted growing up, until I realized what was going on with the music and making it my priority,” he said. Since then, Broussard has released five CDs — he is set to release a new CD called “Blindside” — and in 2007, he was nominated for a Grammy.
His band stays busy, performing at least two shows a week around the country. Broussard’s set on Saturday marks the first time he will play in Wichita Falls.
His band will play original songs and a country song here or there, a blues song, depending on the crowd.
“It’s what zydeco consists of. It’s like a gumbo — a little bit of everything. You just mix it up and double pump the drums and make them dance, you know.
“A lot of people use the music for the fun. A lot of people use it for the exercise. It’s definitely a dance music. Do what you want to do. As long as you’re jumping up and having a good time, that’s all that matters, you know.”
Other well-known musicians in his extended family are Creole music pioneer Bois Sec Ardoin, violinist Carlton Frank, pioneer of the Louisiana French blues, Amede Ardoin, and Grammy-winning zydeco performer Queen Ida.
Downtown Wichita Falls Festival Saturday, May 11, 2013!
May 10, 2013
by Richard Carter
 |
| Bryant T. Broussard comes from a family steeped in Cajun and zydeco traditions. He and his band, T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers, will headline Cajun Fest Saturday in downtown Wichita Falls. |
“Even if you don’t know how to zydeco (dance), you’re still going to jump up there and pat your feet and bob your head, because it’s that kind of music,” said Broussard.
His five-piece, Louisiana-based zydeco band will headline from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the Downtown Cajun Festival.
T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Downtown Wichita Falls Festival
(Downtown Farmers Market, Eighth and Ohio)
On Stage from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Admission: $5 in advance and $10 at the gate;
free for children 12 younger
Information: (940) 322-4525
Other musical performers will be the Zydeco Stingrays from 1-2:45 p.m. and Jay-B & the Zydeco Posse from 4-5:30 p.m.
Broussard grew up in a family steeped in zydeco and Creole music traditions over several generations. His mother, Mary Jane Ardoin, is recognized as a great regional accordion player.
“Especially with the style she plays, the old traditional style, the original — where the music comes from,” he said. “The zydeco derives from the old Creole music, and it’s got a different twist with the drums and whatnot. You know, more upbeat.”
Growing up, Broussard started playing accordion and other instruments as a child because of her.
“She was the one who taught me accordion. She would play all the time at house parties and family gathering things. Instead of playing guitar, I would play the accordion.”
He also plays drums and bass and can play either instrument when a band member isn’t available to make a show.
In Wichita Falls, Broussard will bring a drummer, bassist, guitarist and washboard player. While his mother often plays accordion for him in the band, he will play accordion on Saturday and also sing.
“Maybe we can get her here next time,” he said.
Broussard didn’t form his first band until age 21, despite having played the music as a child and being surrounded by grandparents and grand-uncles on both sides of the family who were major parts of the musical traditions of zydeco and Creole music.
“I took it for granted growing up, until I realized what was going on with the music and making it my priority,” he said. Since then, Broussard has released five CDs — he is set to release a new CD called “Blindside” — and in 2007, he was nominated for a Grammy.
His band stays busy, performing at least two shows a week around the country. Broussard’s set on Saturday marks the first time he will play in Wichita Falls.
His band will play original songs and a country song here or there, a blues song, depending on the crowd.
“It’s what zydeco consists of. It’s like a gumbo — a little bit of everything. You just mix it up and double pump the drums and make them dance, you know.
“A lot of people use the music for the fun. A lot of people use it for the exercise. It’s definitely a dance music. Do what you want to do. As long as you’re jumping up and having a good time, that’s all that matters, you know.”
Other well-known musicians in his extended family are Creole music pioneer Bois Sec Ardoin, violinist Carlton Frank, pioneer of the Louisiana French blues, Amede Ardoin, and Grammy-winning zydeco performer Queen Ida.
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