MEET THE BAND MEMBERS!

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Corey Arceneaux - (Founding Member, Band Leader, Accordion, Lead Vocals, Organ)

Ben Holmes - (Drums and Vocals)

Doug Bell - (Lead Guitar),

Gene Monroe - (Bass)

Pat Clark - (Scrubboard, Drums, and Percussion)

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 (Select Performances and Recordings)

Tyler Arceneaux (Drums, Scrubboard)

Desmond Joseph (Bass and Guitar)

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 (Non-Performing)

Denni Cravins (Publicist)
 

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​​Ben Holmes

Ben is a talented musician with an impressive history of touring and recording alongside artists such as Al Rapone and Grammy winner Queen Ida. His musical journey has spanned from Australia to Africa -- sharing the vibrant essence of Louisiana music with audiences worldwide. In August 2022, Ben joined the Zydeco Hot Peppers band, adding even more depth to his dynamic career. Experience the passion and energy he brings to every performance!

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Doug Bell

With nearly 25 years of experience, this veteran musician has captivated audiences across the eastern U.S. His deep passion for authentic southern American roots music shines through, particularly in the dance styles of south Louisiana. Since joining the Zydeco Hot Peppers band in August 2022, he continues to share his love for lively melodies and infectious rhythms. Get ready to experience a musical that celebrates the heart and soul of southern culture.

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Gene Monroe

With a rich musical heritage, this seasoned bassist has dedicated the past 30 years to his craft. He has graced the stages of clubs and festivals across the DC region, the Atlantic Coast, and even venues in Memphis, Chicago, San Diego and Japan. Since joining the Zydeco Hot Peppers band in August 2022, he continues to share his passion for music. 

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Pat Clark 

Pat is a talented musician from Silver Spring, Maryland. He is a professional drummer, guitarist and dedicated music teacher. His passion for music started at a young age, deeply influenced by annual visits to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, where he developed a love for Zydeco rhythms. In August 2022, he joined the Zydeco Hot Peppers band -- adding a new instrument (scrubboard) to his repertoire.  

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Tyler Arceneaux

Tyler Arceneaux, Corey’s youngest son, represents the fifth generation of Creole musicians in the Arceneaux family. Hailing from Scott, Louisiana, Tyler has been surrounded by zydeco music from birth. His early interest in drumming quickly developed into a passion, and he benefited from the guidance of respected mentors including Johnnie Batiste, Shane Bernard, and Oreun Joubert Jr. Tyler’s commitment to his craft led him to serve as the permanent drummer for the Zydeco Hot Peppers from 2012 to 2022. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the band’s recordings, songwriting, and production. Tyler’s versatility is evident in his proficiency on both drums and scrubboard, earning him recognition through numerous performances and collaborations with established zydeco artists.

 

Desmond (D. Cole) Joseph 

Desmond Joseph, Corey’s eldest son, is a multifaceted musician. Desmond is a talented bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and accordionist. Born in Lewisburg and raised in Scott, Louisiana, Desmond began his musical journey at the age of four, playing the scrubboard alongside his father. He got his start as a backup scrubboard player at weekly restaurant gigs, but his trajectory changed when Russell Benoit, the band’s bassist, gifted him a bass guitar. Desmond taught himself to play, refining his technique by practicing with the 2000 Zydeco Hot Peppers album “Tell Me Why,” which featured renowned bassist Chuck Bush. In 2008, following Russell Benoit’s heart attack and subsequent retirement, Desmond auditioned for his father and proved his abilities, earning his place as one of zydeco’s leading bassists. Since joining the band in June 2000, Desmond has participated in multiple recording projects with the Zydeco Hot Peppers, contributed bass to "Breathe" from Chris Ardoin’s "Zydeco Fever," released tracks under D. Cole and Nu'Gen Zydeco, and collaborated with artists such as Chris Ardoin, Rusty Metoyer, Andre Thierry, Leon Chavis, Sean Ardoin, and Curley Taylor. His accomplishments were recognized with a nomination by Creole Inc. for the 2024/2025 Newcomer/Best New Artist Award at their 2025 ceremony.

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Denni Cravins

Denni has decades of experience in corporate communications at Fortune 500 companies along with being an entrepreneur. With a master’s degree in journalism, she shines as talented writer and editor. Denni has also co-written songs for various projects and lends her writing skills to album liner notes.