CJ Chenier
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7:30pm
Location
135 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH
Price
$38
CJ Chenier
Overview
Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. The son of Zydeco pioneer and Grammy winner Clifton Chenier, C.J. was raised in the heart of Louisiana's indigenous Creole culture, steeped in its language, cuisine, and music. A master accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, C.J. delivers soulful vocals and high-energy blends of Zydeco, blues, rock, and jam-band grooves.
He joined his father's band at 21, debuting at the opening of Austin's legendary Antone's. After Clifton's passing in 1987, C.J. assumed leadership of the Red Hot Louisiana Band and recorded his debut for Arhoolie Records. Hand-picked by Paul Simon for The Rhythm of the Saints and its world tour, Chenier has also performed with John Mayall, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more.
A CJ Chenier performance is joyous and transformative "happy music" that leaves no one untouched.
He joined his father's band at 21, debuting at the opening of Austin's legendary Antone's. After Clifton's passing in 1987, C.J. assumed leadership of the Red Hot Louisiana Band and recorded his debut for Arhoolie Records. Hand-picked by Paul Simon for The Rhythm of the Saints and its world tour, Chenier has also performed with John Mayall, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more.
A CJ Chenier performance is joyous and transformative "happy music" that leaves no one untouched.