Fan favorite Geno Delafose leads the monthly Zydeco Capital Jam, set for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. The jam provides a rare opportunity to meet and jam with one of south Louisiana's most popular artists.
"Few musicians, regardless of genre, work more than Geno Delafose," said Herman Fuselier, director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. "Most bands are lucky to have one or two gigs a weekend. Geno averages three or four. During the Christmas and New Year's holidays last year, he had 10 in a little over a week.
"Geno has music skills that make people happy. He's got the personality to match. It's indeed a treat for fans to jam one-on-one with one of the best around."
A native of Eunice and fluent French speaker, Delafose, 48, has been entertaining fans for 41 years with a traditional zydeco style, that also includes Cajun, country and R&B. He started as a rubboard player in his father's legendary band, John Delafose and the Eunice Playboys.
When John passed away in 1994, Geno started his French Rockin' Boogie band, which toured across the country. He eventually became a top draw at home and now attracts loyal followings to his countless gigs at clubs, festivals and fundraisers.
Delafose's 2007 CD, "Le Cowboy Creole," received a Grammy nomination for Best Zydeco and Cajun Music Album in the category's first year. He's been featured in the Oscar-nominated movie, "Passion Fish," which was partially filmed in Opelousas, and on the soundtrack of 1997 film, "Eve's Bayou" starring Samuel L. Jackson.
When he's not entertaining, Delafose is a real-life cowboy who raises cattle and horses on his land in St. Landry and Evangeline parishes.
The Zydeco Capital Jam is open to musicians of all skill levels. For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com [cajuntravel.com].
