Is a Louisiana born and bred master zydeco accordionist and band leader. He learned the accordion at a young age and formed his first band while still in high school. He is a member of one of zydeco's first families, led by his Late Great-Uncle Fernest Arceneaux. Fernest performed and recorded worldwide as the Prince of the Accordion for more than 50 years. His great-uncles, musicians Rodney Bernard and Fernest Arceneaux, were his inspirations. As he found his style, Clifton Chenier and Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, became his favorites, and Buckwheat also became a mentor and friend. Zydeco music originated in the Creole community of Southwest Louisiana and is characterized by its use of accordion and washboard.
Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers performed internationally and domestically – wowing dignitaries and crowds at special events, festivals, clubs and Mardi Gras balls through the years. They also recorded six studio albums. Simultaneously, Corey has been a radio DJ for about 30 years, which has allowed him to promote Zydeco and the Creole culture of Southwest Louisiana to a larger audience.
The Band:
Corey Arceneaux (Accordion, Vocals)
Ben Holmes (drums)
Doug Bell (guitar),
Gene Monroe (bass)
Pat Clark (scubboard)
Ben Holmes
Started playing Zydeco in the 1980s. He’s toured and recorded with Al Rapone and the Zydeco Express and the Grammy-winning Queen Ida and the Bon Temps Zydeco band. He’s taken Zydeco on the road from Australia to Africa. Ben plays various genres, but he has a genuine love for Louisiana music styles.
Doug Bell
Is a veteran musician in the DC area and has performed across the eastern U.S. for nearly 25 years. His passion is for authentic southern American roots music, especially the dance styles of south Louisiana.
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Gene Monroe
Comes from a musical family and has been a working bassist for the past 30 years. He has played well-known clubs and festivals both in the DC region and up and down the Atlantic Coast, Memphis, Chicago, San Diego and Japan.
Pat Clark
Is a professional drummer, guitarist, and professional music teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland. As a kid, he went to New Orleans, Louisiana every year for Jazz Fest so Zydeco is in his bones.
