Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys began thirty years ago with a reputation for excellence. Their stunningly clean and cohesive performance of Cajun French music from the backwaters of Southwest Louisiana propelled them into the world music limelight early on. Their third release, Trace of Time, garnered them a Grammy nomination in the worldwide field of traditional folk music; they received another in 2004 for Bon Reve, another in 2009 for Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and another in 2011 for their latest release, Grand Isle.

Steve Riley of Mamou, Louisiana, is a widely acknowledged master of the Cajun accordion and its singularly powerful sound. There has never been an official competition among Cajun accordionists, but whenever a contest does arise, Steve Riley usually wins it or judges it. Despite the lack of official metrics or quantifying factors, it remains true that most people think Steve is the best there is, and very few would argue the point. His playing is a standard by which timing, phrasing and ingenuity are measured on the royal instrument of South Louisiana. That, combined with his searing, emotional vocals, songwriting, soulful fiddling and onstage front man charisma, have led many to refer to the band simply as “Steve Riley.” For many, that would be enough, but for this band and its devoted fans, there’s much, much more.

The dance floor will be WIDE OPEN to accommodate dancers. If you have accessibility concerns, please contact the box office to reserve seating in the risers: [email protected] / 410-276-1651

SUN JUN 24 | 7:30PM | $23, $20 MEMBERS (+$3 at the door)