Video: “California Creole” A walk through Richmond, CA with Andre Thierry, Grammy nominated Zydeco and Soul artist. Andre talks about his family migration from Louisiana to the Bay Area, and how Zydeco shaped his life in California.This short documentary was produced for the Roots of Fire project, an exploration of modern Cajun and Creole music and the artists shaping those genres.

Accordionist Andre Thierry presented a special children’s event celebrating Black History Month which explored the vibrant Creole culture and Zydeco music of Southwest Louisiana with Grammy-nominated Andre Thierry leading the “Are You Ready to Learn” youth music program on Saturday, February 3, 2024 This free and interactive experience introduced kids and families to a mix of African and Native American Blues and French Creole dance melodies with elements of Afro-Caribbean music. Everyone enjoyed the time to sing, dance, and discover popular Zydeco instruments like the vest rub boards, drums, and accordion.

The city held the event at the Margaret Todd Senior Center as part of its Black History Month program. The music, which originated among Black players in southern Louisiana, involves instruments such as accordions, guitars and washboards.

Photos: Grammy-nominated musician Andre Thierry of Richmond plays accordion.

Although born and raised in Richmond, California, Andre’s French-Kreole heritage is deeply rooted in Louisiana. He embarked on a path with specific knowledge and extraordinary talents at a very young age. True to his culture and love of music, he has crafted a career well beyond his years as an artist. 

Andre grew up experiencing the French Creole (La-La) dances his grandparents held at their church parish, St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Excerpts fromm his bio. The best Zydeco musicians Louisiana had to offer traveled to California to play at these dances. The exposure allowed him to develop his love for traditional French Creole music. Andre regularly played with visiting bands, such as the late John Delafose and many local Zydeco and Cajun bands, including the late Danny Poullard (California Cajun Orchestra). By age twelve, Andre formed his own band, “Zydeco Magic.” Andre is self-taught and constantly increases his repertoire.

In his 30’s, he had already been deemed a legend. There is widespread agreement that he is an exceptional, multi-dimensional musician with a finely honed ability to merge his accordions with musical mastery. The Washington Post called Andre “A master at pumping out fast, funky rhythms on an instrument not usually associated with earthy syncopation. A versatile student of the music, Thierry can’t be lumped into Zydeco’s old-school R&B-influenced camp or its nouveau, rap-inspired one: He and his band lay down both soulful, traditional slow-dances and bottom-end-booming kinetic groovers.”

Upcoming 2024 Shows:

07 Feb • 4pm                            “Are you ready to learn” Zydeco & Creole music history, Richmond, CA
10 Feb • 12pm                          “Are you ready to learn music program for children & families”, Richmond, CA
11 Feb • 2pm                            “Are you ready to learn?”San Mateo Main library, San Mateo, CA
12 Feb • 4:30pm                       “Are you ready to learn art & soul for children”, Oakland, CA
13 Feb • 7pm                            Mardi Gras Night, Murphy, CA
17 Feb • 8pm                            The Iron Gate, Belmont, CA
18 Feb • 3pm                            East Brother’s Anniversary Party, Richmond, CA
21 Feb • 2:30pm                      “Are you ready to learn” Garfield Park Branch Library, Santa Cruz, CA
28 Feb • 11Am                          “Are you ready to learn” Sjpl – Tully Library, San Jose, CA
09 Mar • 8pm                            San Mateo Elks Crab Feed, San Mateo, CA

For further information: andre@andrethierry.com