Watch a preview of WXPN’s Zydeco Crossroads project featuring C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band

In October, WXPN is launching a 14 month long zydeco music project, Zydeco Crossroads.

Zydeco Crossroads will feature live zydeco music concerts, dances, film screenings, panel discussions, and radio specials. There will also be an audio, video, and essay rich website showcasing the history of zydeco music.

The intent of Zydeco Crossroads is to reflect the diverse social and musical influences on the the African-American Creole people of Southwest Louisiana. It will feature the traditional sounds of Zydeco alongside the modern day influences of R&B, soul and hip-hop. Some of the concerts will include performances by Chubby Carrier, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys, Ruben Moreno & His ReEvolution, Creole United, Leon Chavis & The Zydeco Flames, J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco Nubreeds, Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers. Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band and more. Filmmaker Robert Mugge will create an original documentary in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Mugge recently traveled to Philly to produce a preview for the project, featuring a performance by C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band at WXPN’s XPoNential Music Festival. David Dye, host of the World Cafe interviews Chenier during the preview.

Zydeco Crossroads has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Watch the preview below.