A Night of Accordions in New Orleans
The International Accordion Kings, featuring Steve Riley, will be performing at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center on Saturday, April 20.
The International Accordion Kings features Steve Riley, Josh Baca, Alex Meixner Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, Cedric Watson, and Glenn Hartman. Their performance consists of storytelling that guides the audience through a journey of musical bliss. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the event begins at 8 p.m.; tickets are $10 and available on Eventbrite. The event is general admission with limited seats, so purchase your tickets in advance.
Josh Baca is a Grammy-nominated accordionist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has been playing the accordion since age 5 and moved to Texas as an adult to continue perfecting his musical craft. In 2012, he joined his uncle's Grammy-award winning band, Los Texmaniacs, and has since been dazzling audiences with his signature sound.
Alex Meixner is a Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and advocate for polka music. He formally began piano lessons at age 3 and picked up the accordion at age 6. At age 18, he recorded a song with his father that was featured on Walter Ostanek's "Music and Friends," which went on to win a Grammy.
Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes is a man of many hats. In addition to being a musician, he is a veteran musician, actor, park ranger, former high school biology teacher, former All-American college football player, and a former NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs. Barnes plays his own style of zydeco, blues, and Afro-Louisiana music, which mixes together African and Caribbean influences.
Cedric Watson is a four time Grammy-nominated songwriter and accordionist from San Felipe, Texas. His first performance was at the Zydeco Jam at The Big Easy in Houston at age 19. A couple of years later, he moved to southern Louisiana to learn French music. He draws his inspiration from his African, French, Native American, and Spanish heritages to create his particular sound.
Glenn Hartman is a California native that moved to New Orleans at age 18 to pursue music. He spent the next 30 years honing his craft and establishing himself as an acclaimed accordionist. He and his family moved back to California following Hurricane Katrina; however, his heart called him back home in 2017.
Steve Riley is originally from Mamou, Louisiana and is considered to be a master of the Cajun accordion. He has recorded with legends like Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and more. He is a founding member of Lil Band o' Gold and The Band Courtbouillon, which went on to earn him a Grammy.
