‘World’s Best Cajun band’ to play benefit for Spokane Public Radio

With two Grammy Awards and nearly a dozen nominations to its name, it’s no secret the BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet is one of the world’s greatest Cajun bands. With its signature blend of zydeco, Tex-Mex, western swing, calypso, blues and traditional New Orleans jazz, the group has entertained crowds around the world.

BeauSoleil will be in Spokane tonight at the Bing Crosby Theater in a concert to help raise money for the stations of Spokane Public Radio. Of course, BeauSoleil’s connection to public radio is lengthy. The band is a frequent guest on “A Prairie Home Companion” and was dubbed “world’s best Cajun band” by host Garrison Keillor.

Acclaimed fiddler and vocalist Doucet first formed the band in 1975. The current lineup includes his brother, David Doucet, on guitar and vocals, accordionist Jimmy Breaux, percussionist Billy Ware, drummer Tommy Alesi and fiddler/bassist Mitch Reed. Since 1976’s “The Spirit of Cajun Music,” BeauSoleil has released more than two dozen albums, including Grammy winners “L’Amour Ou la Folie” (1997), the first Cajun record to win a Grammy, and “Live at the 2008 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.” (2008). The 2009 record, “Alligator Purse,” earned BeauSoleil Grammy nomination No. 11.

From staff reports