FEATURE: Buckwheat Zydeco on Mountain Stage

Buckwheat Zydeco returns to Mountain Stage, recorded live at West Virginia’s Culture Center Theater. The artist, born Stanley Dural Jr., has spent more than 30 years as the chief ambassador for one of Louisiana’s most distinctive musical products. Over the course of his career, Zydeco and his band have played with everyone from Eric Clapton and U2 to The Boston Pops. He’s performed at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, as well as at both of Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremonies.

Buckwheat Zydeco began his career playing guitar for zydeco architect Clifton Chenier and has since become his natural successor, putting a Louisiana spin on everything from original bayou and funk tunes to Rolling Stones covers. He became the first zydeco act signed to a major label when he joined Island Records in 1986. After four nominations in three different categories, Buckwheat Zydeco finally won a Grammy in 2010 for “Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album.” He continues to branch out with his own YouTube series, “Buckwheat’s World.”

SET LIST

“Allon De Paris”

“Goin’ To Lafayette”

“Jackpot”

“Peace Love And Happiness”

Listen to the live recording on NPR.org

Buckwheat Zydeco on TKA