Video: Zydeco Junkie by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band.

On December 31, 2018, Chubby Carrier and his Bayou Swamp Band will perform on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on ABC. Seacrest will host the five and a half-hour broadcast for Times Square in New York. Over 10 million people are expected to watch!

Excerpts from an article by Herman Fuselier of the Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Actress and singer Lucy Hale heads the Central Time Zone celebration from Jackson Square in New Orleans. Carrier will perform there at the Allstate Fan Fest, along with country stars Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris.  

Carrier said tentative plans call for his band to play their hit, “Who Stole the Hot Sauce,” before he and other performers play the New Year’s Eve standard, “Auld Lang Syne,” to bring in 2019.

The “Rockin’ Eve” broadcast is another highlight for Carrier, who is celebrating three decades on stage. He and fellow Grammy winner Steve Riley were honored in October at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles.

In 1987, Carrier started as a drummer with future Grammy winner Terrance Simien.
 Carrier formed his Bayou Swamp Band in 1989 and began a rigorous road schedule of more than 275 dates a year. He has recorded 13 CDs, including “Zydeco Junkie,” winner of the 2010 Grammy for Best Zydeco of Cajun Music Album.

Carrier credits his Grammy for opening the doors to his ABC appearance.“I can put a little something on the map for zydeco music,” said Carrier. “I’m honored they’re going to bring me on as the band to do the dropping of the ball.“I’m flattered. This is another blessing for me, just being me.They looked bands up and saw I’m the Grammy award winner.” Accordionist Chubby Carrier is part of local Grammy history. Carrier’s “Zydeco Junkie” won the Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album Grammy in 2011, the year the category was retired and merged into Regional Roots.

Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history. 

Chubby began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father’s band. He began playing the accordion at the age of 15. By age 17, Chubby had begun to play with Terrance Siemien and toured the world for 2 1/2 years, before forming his own band in 1989. 

Cubby and his band have traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada. North Africa and Europe. Chubby and the band travel 150-175 days a year, taking his act to big festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz Fest, the Chicago Blues Fest. Summerfest (Milwaukee), Memphis in May, and several festivals in Europe. Chubby has also done guest appearances on recordings for Tab Benoit, 6Was9, and Jimmy Thackery. Ann Wilson of the group Heart encourages Chubby to “continue the great sound that you have. This sound will take you places.” 

2019 Upcoming performances include:
Thursday, January 10th, 2019
Mid City Lanes “Rock ‘N’ Bowl”
8:30 until 12:AM
4133 S. Carrollton Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-482-3133 Price:$10

Saturday, January 12th, 2019
Buck-n-Johnny’s
8:30 AM until 11:30 PM
Breaux Bridge, LA Price:$5

Friday, January 25th, 2019
Skippers Smoke House
8:PM until 12:AM
Tampa, Fl

Saturday, January 26th, 2019
Harold’s Place
Gulf Coast Inn – 7:PM until 11:PM
2555 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL

Sunday, January 27th, 2019
Gumbo Festival at The Shell Factory
3:PMuntil 6:PM
N. Ft. Meyers, FL

Saturday, February 2nd, 2019
Buck-n- Johnny’s
8:30 AM until 11:30 PM
Breaux Bridge, LA Price: $5