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May 17, 2012

Grammy-nominated Zydeco is on its way to PA

Brandon Janes The Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR — After C.J. Chenier was nominated for a 2012 Grammy, Port Arthur began to take a renewed interest in their native son.

Local fans will get their chance to see the Zydeco star on at 7:30 p.m. May 25 at the Stephen Jackson Academy in Port Arthur.

Although the zydeco accordion player was raised in Port Arthur, he has only played in the city three times since he went out on his own, leaving his legendary father’s band and starting his own band, C. J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, 25 years ago.

The last time he played was three years ago.

Chenier was in line to visit Port Arthur for a private event but was talked into making a public appearance by his family.

“I was doing another gig in the area and it was a shame to not come and play for the public,” said Chenier. “I’m going to come there and just have a good time with my band.”

His nephew Reginald Green helped arrange for the Stephen Jackson academy on short notice for such a high-profile visitor.

“We didn’t have many options out here because the anticipation and the capacity which we are expecting,” said Green. The civic center was already booked.

Green said they expect at least 350 fans to show up next Friday.

“We hope we will be surprised,” he added.

Ever since the announcement that his uncle had been nominated for a Grammy, Green and other family members have been involved in a grass roots effort to spread Chenier’s music around the city.

Out of their own pockets they burned compilation CDs — approved by the artist — compiling 38 of C.J. Chenier’s best songs and handed them out for free hoping to drive the interest in the city.

“With C.J.’s nomination for the Grammy there were a lot of people interested but they didn’t know his music,” said Green. “Hopefully the interest has been generated and they will of the people will be enough to get his band together.”

C.J. said he will appear with his full band.

The concert will cost $15 at the door.

bjanes@panews.com

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