Raw, intimate, and full of rhythm, this trio is perfect for small venues, porch jams, or a laid-back brewery vibe. Centered around accordion, acoustic guitar, and bass, Zydeco Trio delivers a lean yet energetic sound that captures the spirit of Louisiana and its Creole dance traditions. A pulsing groove keeps the energy high and dancers ready, with the accordion driving the melody and adding flair. The guitar brings percussive, choppy strums for harmonic support and texture, sometimes with a touch of overdrive, while the bass holds down a steady root-note pulse, locking in with the guitar to create a rhythmic foundation in place of drums.
Corey Arceneaux – Accordion, Vocals Known as “Accordion Man,” zydeco legend Corey Arceneaux has been leading Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers for 36 years, playing at a wide range of venues and earning recognition as a member of the Recording Academy. His rich musical roots stretch back over 90 years to his great-grandfather, Ferdinand Arceneaux, a Creole accordionist born in 1892. Corey proudly carries on his family’s legacy, which has been instrumental in shaping the sound of zydeco music.
Patrick Clark, an acoustic guitarist with the Zydeco Trio from Silver Spring, Maryland, also rocks the drums, scrubboard, and lead guitar in the full band setup. His passion for teaching music runs deep, sparked by annual trips to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, where he fell in love with the infectious rhythms of Zydeco. In August 2022, he joined the Zydeco Hot Peppers, adding the scrubboard to his growing lineup of instruments.
Gene Monroe, bass guitar and background vocals, brings a rich musical heritage and over 30 years of dedication to his craft. He’s played clubs and festivals throughout the DC area, up and down the Atlantic Coast, and in cities like Memphis, Chicago, San Diego, and even in Japan. Since joining the Zydeco Hot Peppers in August 2022, he’s been sharing his passion for music with audiences everywhere.