2015 Festival Entertainment Linup

ANDRE THIERRY (Alternative Creole)

Andre Thierry is masterful on all accordion types, he effortlessly moves to deliver an energetic, hard-driving show, blending his own electrified sound with a stirring beat attracting any music lover to the dance floor. Although Andre’s instrument of choice
is the accordion, his versatile talents transcend on bass, guitar and keys. He is a gifted composer, singer and song-writer, his music is authentic, rich and comes straight from the soul as can be heard on his last three releases “Bouncin With The Blues” (2015) “Creole United, Non Jamais Fait” (2013) and “Are You Ready To Learn”(2012).

Thierry is widely considered to be among the most influential, multi-dimensional musicians who has a finely honed ability to merge his accordion swagga with Blues, R&B, Latin & Rock, cheap Escape To Margaritaville tickets. Andre’s captivating performances across the U.S. include sharing the stage with music artists such as Elvin Bishop, Sammy Hagar, David Hidalgo and Los Lobos, showcasing the diversity of his repertoire.

Andre Thierry continues to produce recordings that reveal his gifts delivered to music fans of all generations, bringing “accordion magic” to mainstream genres relentlessly taking the music forward, whether leading a band or standing alone with his accordion, pouring his heart into his passion.

Yoshi-taka Nakabayashi (International Zydeco)

Yoshi-take Nakabayashi owns and operates coffee shop CREOLE COFFEE   STAND in Tokyo. Before Yoshi-take began playing Zydeco, he was playing New Orleans R&B and Funk on piano and organ. Yoshi-take discovered Zydeco when he listened to the records of Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco. After listening to various Zydeco artists, he came across Boozoo Chavis and Beau Jocque, and he was especially attracted to their music that was, unlike the music of Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco, more tuned for dancing. He wanted to experience the live Zydeco and visited Lafayette for the first time in 2003, and that kicked off his career in Zydeco. Yoshi-take formed Zydeco Kicks in 2004, and the band has since been performing in Tokyo and Yokohama.

Nathan Plumbar (Louisiana Zydeco):

Nathan “Tyke” Plumbar’s Creole roots started in a small town called Grand Coteau, in Southwest Louisiana. His father’s love for the Creole culture passed on to Nathan when he took him to Zydeco legendary places like Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki, and Richard’s Club. Nathan would just sit on the hood of the car listening to Zydeco legends like Boozoo Chavis, Zydeco Force and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas. Plumbar started playing accordion in 2005, with the help of Zydeco artists Josh Arcenaux and Wayne Singleton, beginning his career as a Zydeco artist. His primary genres such as traditional Zydeco and Cajun music with a twist of today’s style.
Nathan has played behind great bands such as Wayne & Same Ol’ 2 Step, Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames and Josh & The Zydeco Souljas.
In 2014, Nathan started his very own band Tyke and Steady Steppin and is currently working on his first CD release.

K.I. Nicholas (World Music):

K.I. Nicholas is an accomplished singer guitarist who classifies his music as Caribbean Fusion because it blends the sounds of the Caribbean and African Beats that he grew up on in Grenada, West Indies with the R&B, Funk, Blues and Country music that he played during his travels throughout Canada, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the U.S.

K.I. Nicholas is an amazing solo guitarist and singer. K.I., has also toured, played back-up and lead guitar and performed as an opening act for music greats, such as Steele Pulse, Junior Kelley and Glenn Washington.  He has performed in every size venue from intimate restaurants and clubs to national stadiums throughout the Caribbean, Canada and the U.S., including performing as the house musician for seven seasons at world famous Foxy’s in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) .

K.I. is more than a talented guitar player and singer, he is a multi-faceted musician who plays several instruments and arranges his own music.  K.I. launched his recording career in the U.S. with the release of his first CD entitled “2 Worlds Fusion” which includes 10 original songs. His second CD, “Through the Storm” goes back to his Caribbean roots and rocks us with a mix of Caribbean Soul and the Blues, says Nicholas. “Through the Storm” showcases twelve original songs composed by K.I. Nicholas that include Caribbean music styles such as Reggae, Soca and Folk.  According to K.I. fans, this CD takes Caribbean music to a whole new level.