PORTLAND — BeauSoleil, the first Cajun band to win a Grammy, will perform with Boreal Tordu Friday, Aug. 20, at Port City Music Hall.

Since its inception in 1975, BeauSoleil has helped elevate Cajun music to one of domestic and international acclaim. Along the way, the band has appeared regularly on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and garnered 11 Grammy nominations. The most recent one is this year’s nomination for Alligator Purse (Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album).

In 1998, BeauSoleil became the first Cajun band to win a Grammy for Traditional Folk for “L’Amour Ou La Folie.”

The band offers audiences a blend of zydeco, Tex-Mex, western swing, blues, New Orleans traditional jazz and Caribbean calypso.

Making up BeauSoleil are Michael Doucet, violin, guitar, accordion, mandolin and vocals; David Doucet, guitar and vocals; Jimmy Breaux, accordion; Billy Ware, percussion; Tommy Alesi, drums; and Mitch Reed, fiddle and bass.

Boreal Tordu’s music is a continuation of musical traditions passed down from the Acadians, Quebecois and French-speaking people of Madawaska and mill towns throughout New England.

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Members are Steve Muise, fiddle, vocals, accordion; Robert Sylvain, vocals, dobro, spoons and horseshoes; Pip Walter, guitar and vocals; and Andy Buckland, bass and vocals.

Doors will open at 8 p.m. The concert is for those 21 and older; minors admitted with a parent only. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door; VIP seating, $40.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.portcitymusichall.com or at any Bull Moose music store location.

Cindy Larock of Lewiston, Cajun and traditional dance instructor, will give a free Cajun dance lesson at 8:30 p.m. for interested ticket holders.


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