Terrance Simien

First we'd like to take just a moment to thank all of our friends, presenters, music programmers and colleagues for another year of memorable experiences. As we go into 2012 and our 29th year of touring full time professionally, we are energized by the possibilities ahead of us and look forward to sharing more music and Louisiana culture with you!

Our 2011 touring ended on a memorable note in Lafayette for the William Gee company Christmas party, and in New Orleans at the World War II Museum (an amazing place!) at a birthday bash for our friend Richard Adkerson, his family, friends and business associates. We were truly honored to celebrate with these two great men.

Me & The Zydeco Experience will launch our annual Mardi Gras tour starting in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan at Central Michigan University http://www.wcmu.org/events.html for their 21st Night of Louisiana concert with Balfa Toujours. We'll then make our way east to Spruce Peak PAC in Stowe, Vermont and looking very forward to seeing all of our old friends from Ben & Jerry's and Burton Snowboards, as well as our new friends who bought out the first 3 rows of the theatre! What?! http://www.sprucepeakarts.org/. As usual there will be many Creole for Kidz! concert performances and educational outreach as well.

We'll headline many new venues and return to some for encore performances at Lake Placid Center for the Arts and Ciccone Theatre in Paramus http://tickets.bergen.edu/. We'll be presenting multiple performances at Berklee College of Music in Boston and finally getting to the Sellersville Theatre in Pennsylvania. We love the historic Infinity Hall in Connecticut and this will be our 5th MG concert at Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville, KY. http://www.kentuckycenter.org/. We'll close it out in Rock Hill, SC and then onto the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater Florida y'all!

As you know the touring never ends and there will be more dates added for spring & summer, however we've got something really exciting happening on April 20th. We have an original song, "Dance Everyday" in one of those monster budget Warner films starring Zac Efron. "The Lucky One" will be in theaters on 4/20/2012! It's 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 boyz will be seen onscreen as well and we just gotta thank Scott and music supervisor JB for their support and faith in us.

Our 27th consecutive New Orleans Jazzfest will find us this year closing the event on May 6th in the Blues Tent. Keep checking in via social media for updates on touring and more exciting projects on the horizon!

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

The Spring will once again find us here at home and in New Orleans for our Our 27th consecutive New Orleans Jazzfest! This year we'll be closing the event on May 6th in the Blues Tent. As always we'll have some special guests. We've never missed one in 27 year and we love to reflect on our history at this festival, because like all live music experiences, they were all different, with a unique vibe. We've been there rain or shine and shared the same stage and audiences with some of the most amazing artists and music legends like Allen Toussaint, Marcia Ball, Cowboy Mouth, Better Than Ezra, the Meters & Phish to name a few. A few years ago we shared the Congo Square stage with our friends Ozomatli: that was truly epic! Last year, we performed on the same stage as the amazing Shawn Colvin. Longtime festival producer and friend, Quint Davis has always mixed genres throughout his stages and in the process introduced 100's of thousands to the eclectic music born right here in Louisiana.

Keep checking in at the website and via social media for updates on touring, and more exciting projects on the horizon!

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 .