C.J. Chenier knows all about Kauai’s warm, tropical climate. But on Sunday, he and The Red Hot Louisiana Band plan on heating the island up. “Get ready to get real hot over there,” he said. C.J. Chenier and The Red
C.J. Chenier knows all about Kauai’s warm, tropical climate. But on Sunday, he and The Red Hot Louisiana Band plan on heating the island up.
“Get ready to get real hot over there,” he said.
C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band performs Sunday along with Stanley Dural Jr., also known as Buckwheat Zydeco, and Ils Sont Partis Band.
The event, part of a four-island Mardi Gras Hawaii 2014 tour, begins at 6 p.m. in the Kauai Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom, complete with Cajun food, jambalaya and Mardi Gras beads.
These bands, considered two of the hottest zydeco bands to come out of Louisiana, promise Kauai a spicy, funky and high-energy evening.
“Our main goal when we’re performing is to make people real happy and get them to dance,” Chenier said. “This is dance music.”
In fact, Chenier said, as long as the audience is grooving, he’s happy.
“It’s come to dance, not to watch,” he said. “You don’t have to watch us.”
“Buckwheat,” an American musical legend and the preeminent ambassador of Louisiana zydeco music, and Chenier both grew up under the influence of Chenier’s father and legendary zydeco icon Clifton Chenier.
Both of their incredible careers are a tribute to Clifton, according to a release for the event.
Les Hershhorn of Lazar Bear Productions said people can expect a good sampling of danceable, high-energy music, driven by the sounds of guitar, accordion and washboard.
“It’s a real rare treat to bring both these bands to Hawaii,” he said. “They put on a fantastic show. Even if you’re not familiar with the music, you will not be able to sit down.”
Hershhorn is encouraging people to come dressed in costume and ready to party.
“I’m happy to report that all the Mardi Gras beads have arrived safely,” he said. “We’ll have lots and lots of throw beads for people that come to the show.”
The event will benefit the 36th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk and feature signed instrument auctions and other prizes.
Chenier said his last performance in Hawaii was in the 1990s and that he is excited to make a return trip.
“It’s been a long time, so glad to be making it back,” he said.
Tickets cost $45 or $60 for Gold Circle Tables. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lazarbear.com or call (808) 896-4845.
