C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band

C.J. Chenier, a Creole born and raised in an indigenous American culture with its distinct language, cuisine and music, delivers a soulful vocal and accordion! Chenier, a GRAMMY® nominated world renowned musician and recording artist, has performed alongside many internationally recognized artists including his GRAMMY® awarded father, Clifton Chenier “The King of Zydeco”, Paul Simon, Joe Sample and Ray Parker, Jr., The Gin Blossoms, and John Mayall. He has appeared on the Jon Stewart Show, CNN and was featured on VH1 and Entertainment Weekly.  C.J. has exhibited his musicianship at many large festival venues such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival and Austin’s SxSW Music Conference. In addition to a GRAMMY® award nomination in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category, C.J. has received many major awards inclusive of the Living Blues Critics’ Poll Award, Indie Award (from AFIM) for Best Zydeco Album, Coups de Coeur (Blows of Heart) Blues Category Award from l'Académie Charles Cros (France) and Best of the Beat Best Zydeco Album (Offbeat Magazine).

Since 2007 The Big Easy in Buffalo has brought New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture to the Western New York region several times a year for free and low cost live performance, as well as music education and mentoring for local musicians, students, and the community. Through The Big Easy in Buffalo thousands of students, dozens of local bands, and countless audience members in Western New York have been exposed to this unique American culture.  The Big Easy in Buffalo is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, Erie County, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Sportsmen's Tavern, and National Fuel Gas Co.