Cajun-Creole Musicians to Perform at W&L W&L presents Cajun-Creole musicians David Greely and Cedric Watson on Oct. 19.
Washington and Lee University presents Cajun-Creole musicians David Greely and Cedric Watson on Oct. 19, at 8:15 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall, Lenfest Center for Performing Arts.
Admission is free, and no tickets are required.
Born in Louisiana, Greely is of Cajun and Irish ancestry. He learned Cajun music through dance hall stages throughout southern Louisiana, in the archives of Cajun and Creole music at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, and from his apprenticeship to Cajun fiddle master and National Heritage Fellow, Dewey Balfa.
As a founding member of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Greely toured folk festivals worldwide for 23 years and was nominated for four Grammy Awards.
A Texas native, Watson grew up surrounded by blues, old soul, country, hip hop and Zydeco music. He made his first public appearance at the Zydeco Jam in Houston at the age of 19. A Cajun-Creole fiddler and accordion player, he has performed in 17 countries and on seven albums. As a songwriter, Watson channels his own diverse ancestry to create his brand of sounds.
James Leva, visiting professor of French at W&L, knows the duo personally. In addition to their concert, Greely and Watson will guest lecture in Leva’s Francophone Cultures of Canada, Louisiana and the Caribbean class, as well as Gregory Parker’s World of Music class. This event is funded by the Office of the Dean of the College and the Department of Music.
