Terrance Simien

Toast of the Coast is touring in select cities this spring! Our longtime dear friend Marcia Ball pulled some friends together for a handful of very special performances that will be filled with rare and magical moments of music!

Our Annual Mardi Gras tour launches in Lincoln, Nebraska on Feb. 1 with a Creole for Kidz! school time performance and a headline season performance at the Lied Center. It continues throughout the Midwest. Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, Kirkland Fine Arts in Decatur, IL then we'll head over to our good friends at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH for a week of Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco and then good luck keeping up with us after that! There are FIVE performances in the great state of Minnesota y'all!

Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco for 1000 students @ Lied Center, Lincoln NE Feb. 1, 2013 and the visit to Belmont School in Lincoln, NE.

Fast forward to Spring festival season. There are some of our local favorites like Mudbug Madness in Shreveport and it's now official, another year at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival ! April 26th marks our 29th consecutive, but this one is extra special as we have the great honor of having the Queen, Queen Ida as our featured special guest! She is one amazing woman and been around to see some things we haven't that's for sure. Last her Grammy turned 30 and we are pretty sure she is very Zydeco Experienced! http://lineup.nojazzfest.com/?sort=FridayApril26

Queen Ida NEA - 2009 NEA National Heritage Fellow "Queen" Ida Guillory Daly City, CA Zydeco Musician Read Interview by Josephine Reed for the NEA

From April 23-26, the U.S. Embassy sponsored a cultural and education program to celebrate ties with Dnipropetrovsk, featuring Ambassador John Tefft and Zydeco band leader Terrance Simien. Click on the picture below to see the entire flickr thread of photos.

There will be lots more to come, so stay connected and we'll see you soon.

April 20, 2012 brought the international theatre release of "The Lucky One" where the band is seen performing their original song, "Dance Everyday". Our version of the zydeco staple "Uncle Bud". It's a 35 million dollar Warner Bros. studio film starring Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner based on a Nicolas Sparks novel and directed by the remarkable Scott Hicks who won an Oscar for his film "Shine". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1327194/. Me and the boys are very grateful to Scott and music supervisor JB for their support and faith in us.

Talking about Louisiana music!. Terrance was recently invited by Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne to speak at press conference at the Ogden Museum. The Oxford American is doing their annual music issue on Louisiana and Jay wanted Terrance to share a few words. After speaking, Jay humorously referred to Terrance as "Exhibit A": in that he embodied the unique multi racial and multiculturalism of Louisiana as well as the eclectic music mix incubated here in the lower LA! Jay later impressed Simien with his knowledge of LA history including rural Creole culture, even noting that Terrance hailed from one of the first Creole families to settle Louisiana. Warwick Sabin, OA Publisher, Simien and Lt. Governor Dardenne. Jay also proclaimed 2013 The Year of Music in LA!

http://www.offbeat.com/2012/03/29/oxford-americans-2012-music-issue-honors-louisiana/

April 21, 2012 Terrance and the boys will represent their country again as part of "America Days" in Ukraine and Georgia. Come to find out the US Embassy in Kiev has one of the only, unique and ongoing American Music program. WTG, US Embassy Kyiv! http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/americanmusic.html

Game on in Jersey again for Michael Arnone 23rd Crawfish Festival, June 2nd! http://www.crawfishfest.com/ and our first time at Vintage Virginia the next day. http://www.vintagevirginia.com/

Terrance & his Zydeco Experience will join yet another incredible Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise in January 2013! They will have the thrill and honor of performing with some of the most extraordinary artists in blues and roots music. Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Tab Benoit & Otis Taylor, to name a few! and It's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on you and changes you in a powerful way that only a live music experience can. Always recognizing zydeco as an important southern black music tradition, our friend and producer Roger Nabor, has presented our music genre along side blues for decades now. We salute him. http://bluescruise.com/

The Lucky One: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack also available April 17, 2012. Check out the Z song on the track list y'all.

The United States Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will present 3 concerts to celebrate The Fourth of July. Ambassador Raúl Yzaguirre selected us along with Los Angeles based Los Cenzontles for their "Rhythm of Diversity Tour" to celebrate the rich multiculturalism of the U.S.

We are once again honored to represent our country, state and Creole culture with this rare and wonderful opportunity. We have had so many amazing experiences during our State Dept. tours. The State Dept. has again impressed us with the remarkable women we've been working with at the Embassy. Katherine, Viola and Judith have not missed a detail, and have shown such great respect for the music and our culture www.facebook.com/embajadausasantodomingo

Pick a township, city or country and join us for another (or your first) Zydeco Experience that we promise will be memorable and inspiring. This is American roots music at its most eclectic and energizing!

Terrance & The Zydeco Experience close out yet another incredible Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. We once again had the thrill and honor of performing with some of the most extraordinary artists in blues and roots music. It's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on you and changes you in a powerful way that only a live music experience can. Always recognizing zydeco as an important southern black music tradition, our friend and producer Roger Nabor, has presented our music genre along side blues for decades now. We salute him.

Photo by Michael Weintrob
www.michaelweintrob.com

Our Contribution to the Economic Stimulus Plan: Price drop on several popular CD's!

We've restocked, have a nice inventory on a couple really popular titles including the Grammy award winning CD, "Live! Worldwide", "Creole for Kidz" (and adults) and Jam the Jazzfest 5 song EP with the title track as a tribute to New Orleans Jazzfest. We hope through music and a live performance, that you are able to find a little escape from the challenges we are all enduring together! Makes us feel better.

http://www.terrancesimien.com/worldwide.html CD $10.00
http://www.terrancesimien.com/creole.html CD $10.00
http://www.terrancesimien.com/jamatthejazzfest.html EP $5.00

Oscar Nominated Disney film features Louisiana music

The “The Princess & The Frog” set in the French Quarter of New Orleans has already become a Disney classic. Released in theatres in December 2009 they feature their first ever black princess, the lovely and talented Anika Noni Rose as princess Tiana. Music score by Randy Newman. On screen images of a zydeco band along with the word “zydeco” spoken in the script will allow us (with help from our friends at Disney!) to teach many generations about this indigenous American roots music genre known and loved worldwide. Featuring music from Louisiana favorite sons Terrance Simien, Dr. John & Terence Blanchard with voice talent from Oprah Winfrey, John Goodman and Terence Howard it is now available on DVD. http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/index.html

Terrance Featured in TV commercials and print advertising

The Louisiana State Office of Tourism has been running national TV commercials on multiple cable and network stations for more than a year as part of their "My Louisiana" campaign. Their print ads have been seen in a dozen different magazines. It's been working as friends all over the country have written to us and called after seeing the commercial and print ad. Come visit us and see where this music was born and enjoy one of the most unique culinary experiences on the planet!

Visit http://www.louisianatravel.com/my_louisiana/ CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE COMMERCIAL

The Grammy Awards-February, 10, 2008

What a memorable time this was for the group. They were reeling with their first ever Grammy nomination announced in Dec. 2007. Then as if it could not get any better, they were invited to open the 50th Grammy awards pre-telecast with a 10 minute performance for 1000 or more Grammy nominees in 100 categories. About an hour into the 3 hour awards show, they won the Gold for their state of Louisiana! It was the perfect ending to a 7 year effort to establish a new Grammy category for Zydeco and Cajun music. We thank the voting members, trustees and staff of the Recording Academy, our Memphis Chapter and the state of Louisiana for their ongoing support. His acceptance speech was very gracious and it was a very happy day for him and his band mates, his agents, manager and labels who had all worked so hard alongside him for so many years always believing in him and his artistic vision.

"Ladies and Gentleman we are living in God's world and all things that happen in God's world is God's will. Right now I want to thank God for willing this my way"

"I want to thank my wife Cynthia Simien. Without her hard work these past 6 1/2 years this category wouldn't be here. I love you."

"I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Memphis Chapter, Jon Hornyak, all the Trustees and especially Diane Theriot. And of course I want to thank my band. Without them I wouldn't be here."

"I'd like to dedicate this award and share it with all the Louisiana source musicians who entered their CD's and were nominated this year because they deserve it as much as we do. This is ours. I'm just the one taking it home."

"One more thing before I go, I'd like to thank MusiCares for all their hard work and support during the Katrina disaster and all the other times Louisiana musicians were in need. Thank you. Peace."

Terrance Simien, Grammy Awards acceptance speech, Feb. 10, 2008

Visit www.grammy.com for information on membership, advocacy and MusiCares.

Archived News | A 27 year journey

1981 Formed the first incarnation of the Mallet Playboys and began playing regionally as one of only 2 emerging artists performing the indigenous Zydeco music of Louisiana.

1984 Played a 3-week showcase at The World’s Fair in New Orleans. Began performing and touring full time as one of only 2 emerging groups in Zydeco music. Released several 45 vinyl recordings.

1985 Showcased at the Lone Star Café in NYC on the eve of Live Aid. In the audience and on stage were Dylan, Mick Jagger ,Keith Richards and Paul Simon. Recorded a Clifton Chenier single, You Used to Call Me, with Paul Simon singing background vocals. First national tour of the U.S and Canada.

1986 Appeared on screen and on the soundtrack of the movie “The Big Easy”. Co-
wrote movie love ballad “Closer to You” with actor Dennis Quaid . Toured with Los Lobos during the period when La Bamba was a radio hit song. First European tour including the Bern Jazz Fest, opening for Fats Domino and Sarah Vaughn. BillboardMagazine voted him of the Top Ten Live Performance Acts of the year.

1987 Had the rare opportunity of doing a USIA (State Dept. sponsored) tour of North Africa. Joined the Miller Band Network and toured the US and Canada extensively logging over250 dates. Performed at a fundraiser in L.A for Michael Dukakis and The Hollywood Women’s Committee, sharing the stage with Bette Midler, Jesse Jackson, Barbara Streisand and Chevy Chase.

1989 - 1990 Continued with The Miller Band Network tour schedule of over 250 dates in the U.S and Canada. Performed at a private fundraiser hosted by Bianca Jagger at The Brooklyn Academy of Music. Released his debut record, “Zydeco on the Bayou” , (Restless/Capitol) which as a huge critical success. National TV commercial for Chevrolet. Performed on screen and on the soundtrack for Disney’s TV pilot “Blue Bayou”, starring Mario Van Peebles.

1991 Toured with the extraordinary Robert Palmer. Fourth consecutive year with Miller Band Network fulfilling the required 250 dates. Performed with Paul Simon and played a private party for the legendary artist following the concert. 1992 Feature performance on National PBS Television, The Lonesome Pine Special. Received The Big Easy Award for Best Zydeco Band. Fifth and final year with the Miller Band Network. MuchMusic appearance. (Canadian equivalent to VH-1.)

1993 Another critical success with the release of “There’s Room For Us All”, Rolling Stone gave it an unprecedented 3 ½ STAR review. High profile European tour including North Sea Jazz Fest, Nice Jazz Fest and WOMAD. Performed live on CNBC cable, “Live with Roger Rose”. Corporate party for Burton Snowboards, as requested by owner and CEO, Jake Burton Carpenter.

1995 Featured as one of only 6 artist on VH-1 for their coverage of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Played the famous Newport Folk Festival. An original song on the movie “Exit to Eden”, starring Dan Akroyd and Dana Delaney. Second corporate party for Burton Snowboards. House of Blues Live syndicated radio show with Dan Akroyd.

1996 Opened for Phish at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Still in demand for some of the largest festivals in the country as a headline artist. Toured the UK. More high profile touring and corporate dates with Turner Broadcasting and Gateway Computers.

1997 Had the distinct honor of performing at The Presidential Inaugural Ball where he was greeted on stage with a handshake from the President and First Lady and then was joined on stage by Stevie Wonder who played harmonica on a zydeco song. Corporate party for Computer Associates ( world’s 2nd largest software company) Signed with Tone Cool Records.

1998 Released 5 song EP, Jam the JazzFest as a tribute to one of his favorite festivals, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Continues playing exclusive festivals, theaters, and showcase clubs.

1999 Released “Positively Beadhead “ on Tone Cool Records to more rave reviews. Second corporate party for Computer Associates. More top shelf touring at some of the very best festivals, city events and theaters. Featured guest on the eclectic World Café radio show. Awarded the Creole Heritage Male Vocalist of the Year. House of Blues Live webcast. Filmed for NHK, Japanese Public Television.

2001 Featured on CNN Worldbeat as well as House of Blues Radio Hour w/ Dan Aykroyd. Featured on Mountain Stage w/BR549 and E-town, (radio shows) Boulder CO. w/ Joe Ely. Opened shows for Robert Cray in Australia. Recorded a song for a compilation of John Hiatt songs, "Rollin into Memphis" Released “The Tribute Sessions”. Toured with Dave Matthews Band. E-town radio guest. (3rd visit) w/ Del McCoury Band.

2002 Continued to tour exclusively at select festivals, art centers and outdoor concert events throughout the country. Released Creole for Kidz& The History of Zydeco. The first zydeco artist to play the nationally syndicated “Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour”, Louisville, KY. He remains at the forefront of a national initiative to have a new Zydeco and Cajun Music Grammy voting category established. Elected Board of Governor to the Memphis Chapter of The Recording Academy.

2003 Headlined a rare four island tour of Hawaii including the remote village of Hana. Toured Australia for a 3rd time. Recognized by the Board of Education of Lafayette, LA, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and The LA Division of the Arts with grants to support his work to elevate the Creole culture and his indigenous zydeco music with the only multicultural arts in education program of its type “Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco”. National promotion with House of Blues, Bruce Foods and the Louisiana State Office of Tourism. Official Louisiana Purchase national ad & cruise.

2004-2005 Simien continues his mission to elevate his indigenous music and raise the bar as a highly respected Cultural Ambassador of LA. The first Zydeco artist to perform in Cuba with the US State Dept. Performed in Brazil. Presented educational outreach residencies around the country.

2006-2007 Extensive national and international touring. Jan 2006 Simien and his bandmates headlined the Sydneyfestival.com (Australia) with Dirty Dozen Brass Band for an audience of 100,000 people, a record for the event. Traveled to South America, Paraguay and a 5th trip to Brazil. Released “Across the Parish Line”, featuring Paul Simon, David Hidalgo and Marcia Ball. Appears in the HBO documentary film, “The Music in Me: Children’s Recitals from Classical to Latin, Jazz to Zydeco” Nominated for a prestigious United States Artists $50,000 Fellowship Award for artistic achievement. Featured on a Sylvania E-Logic Light Bulb Commercial singing “This Little Light of Mine” playing accordion. 2 week 5 city tour of Australia.

Appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show with Aaron Neville. Was victorious in his effort to establish a new dedicated Grammy voting category for “Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album”. Tour of Mail with Carnegie Hall/Weill Institute Distance Learning Program-Global Encounters: integrating multicultural music traditions with high school social studies. Stimmen Voice Festival in Germany. A unique 2 week Cultural Exchange with The US State Dept to connect Louisiana Creole culture with the indigenous Creole/Kreol populations in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Seychelles, 3 island countries in the Indian Ocean. 2007 “Creole People’s Award” from Northwestern State University Creole Heritage Center. Simien receives his first Grammy nomination. Offbeat Best of the Beat Award.

2008 Simien and his band mates win Grammy for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album, “Live! Worldwide”. Opens Grammy pretelecast awards with a 10 minute performance. Featured in a national television commercial and print ad campaign for Louisiana State Tourism. Guest vocalist on Marcia Ball Grammy nominated and Dr. John’s Grammy winning CD’s. Presented Creole for Kidz& The History of Zydeco for more than 20,000 students at 5 major International Children’s Festivals in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton in Canada. Big Easy Entertainment Award .