The freshly minted at Â鶹AV received a more than $30,000 boost thanks to the in the name of the new Louisiana Music Museum, community contributions during a sold-out tribute concert at the AcA and a $15,000 matching gift from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Inc.
Established by Valcour Records and the Chenier estate, in conjunction with the release of the album, “Tribute to the King of Zydeco,” the scholarship will provide annual financial support to students studying zydeco accordion in the College of the Arts’ Traditional Music Program.
The Acadiana Center for the Arts’ Sept. 18 concert, “One Hundred Years of Clifton Chenier,” showcased C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band, featuring Sonny Landreth. C.J. Chenier played from his father’s repertoire of hits, including one song on Clifton Chenier’s iconic black-and-white accordion. During the show, Chenier received the keys to the city of Lafayette from City Parish President Monique Boulet.
The concert included a special performance by Dr. Gwendolen von Einsiedel, the second holder of the Dr. Tommy Comeaux Endowed Chair in Traditional Music, following the presentation of the scholarship donation.
“This is truly a community effort,” said von Einsiedel. “The Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship will not only honor Clifton’s sublime legacy but ensures that his musicianship lives on in the next generation and beyond.”
The Traditional Music Program recently announced another significant donation: a Hohner Bravo 72 bass accordion from the acclaimed German instrument maker to support students studying zydeco accordion.
Learn more about the legacy of Clifton Chenier, the new album featuring The Rolling Stones and the Traditional Music Program scholarship in the .
Photo caption: C.J. Chenier leads The Red Hot Louisiana Band, playing his father's accordion, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Photo credit: Paul Kieu