Jo Vidrine, guitar and accordion
Jane Vidrine, guitar, fiddle, voice
John Vidrine, accordion

John Vidrine is from Mamou, Louisiana, where Cajun music is a lifestyle. He’s played accordion, fiddle and guitar since he was very young and was influenced by legendary figures from the area including Nathan Abshire, Dewey Balfa, and Marc Savoy. Jane Vidrine moved to Louisiana in 1983 after growing up in St. Louis, and she’s a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated Magnolia Sisters Cajun Band. John and Jane have been playing Cajun music together for more than four decades for festivals, gatherings, and concerts around their home region of Acadiana in Louisiana, at music camps, in France and Denmark. Their repertoire ranges from crusty old fiddle duets and unaccompanied French ballads to exciting dancehall favorites. Together they are known for their investment in their community to promote regional traditional music and for supporting young people in their efforts to bring Cajun music, language and cultural traditions into the future.

The tradition that the Vidrines started as a couple has been carried forth by offspring Emilie and Joseph, who make up their family band. Jo says “Growing up in Southwest Louisiana has instilled a sense of pride in my geographic place. I’ve taken the foundations that my parents and elders have created and incorporated the values that my home provides into my everyday life today. I’ve found myself collecting many different hobbies and passions through my years and have always made an effort to share what I do with other people. Through photography, cooking, and performing Cajun music I’ve had the chance to see so many different places and experience culture in many aspects. Through my following of these passions, I’ve been fortunate to meet many people and expand my personal culture while sharing it with others who find themselves interested. Through my music, I’m able to connect with the community in movement and an audible telling of the past and present of our indigenous music here in Cajun country. Through food, I am able to give people a taste of Louisiana’s best fares and educate others on how it’s made and why the food came to be. Through my photography I hope to transport people to a place in time and on the map, to give others a look into the Eyes of the people who make Louisiana such a unique and wonderful place.”