When Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr. and the Ils Sont Partis Band (5/9) take the stage at the Hylton Center this spring, it will be with a sense of history in every downbeat.
Zydeco music originated in the early 20th century in Southwest Louisiana, fusing Creole accordion music with Afro-Caribbean beats. According to National Geographic, it’s “the irresistibly toe-tapping music of the Black Creole community in rural Southwest Louisiana, often sung in French. Usually fast-paced but sometimes slow waltzes, this music genre’s heavily percussive sound features the distinctive sound of the accordion and the washboard.”
When the Ils Sont Partis Band originally formed, it was fronted by legendary accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco Sr. His son, Zydeco Jr., joined the band at age 17 playing the rubboard. While his training was largely informal, he gradually blossomed into a multi-instrumentalist, playing the accordion, organ, and more. Following his father’s passing in 2016, Zydeco Jr. carried forward his father’s musical legacy, continuing to lead the Ils Sont Partis Band.
“My father, Buckwheat Zydeco, Sr., was a musician that always put his heart and soul into his music and fans,” Zydeco Jr. shared. “Continuing my father's legacy and beginning one of my own is truly a blessing and means the world to me. Throughout the years, being on stage next to my father I learned so many things, but I will never ever forget him telling me, ‘Son, your fans come first always.’ Being the first father and son in Zydeco history to win Grammys in the same category is truly a blessing and a wonderful beginning for myself. That is why my life goal is to continue our family legacy by spreading our happy music around the world and bringing everyone together. As my father always said, ‘A little peace, love, and happiness go a long way.’”
Tickets to the 5 p.m. performance of Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr. and the Ils Sont Partis Band on May 9 are sold out, but there’s still time to purchase tickets to the 8 p.m. performance. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today!