Accordion master Randall Jackson returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, near Opelousas.
Since his last appearance in 2024, Jackson and his band, RJ and Kreole Smoove, have enjoyed a zydeco radio hit, “Kreole Tenderoni.” The band blends traditional zydeco with R&B, gospel and hip hop flavors.
Several songs are in Creole, a language Jackson grew up speaking in rural east Texas. After playing gospel with family, Jackson became interested in zydeco after attending a Keith Frank show.
Jackson toured and recorded with Grammy winner Chubby Carrier before starting his own band. His adept accordion skills earned first place in the 2014 Texas Big Squeeze Accordion Contest in the zydeco category. He served as an instructor at the La. Folk Roots Kids Camp in Opelousas.
Jackson is on the 2020 cover of the St. Landry Parish Visitor Guide, an annual attractions publication from the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission.
The Zydeco Capital Jam has free admission and is open to all musicians and fans. For more information, visit St. Landry Parish Tourism on Facebook or www.cajuntravel.com.
