Two-time GRAMMY award-winning musician Terrance Simien and his Zydeco Experience band will be in downtown Manteo on Saturday, February 17, thanks to a special partnership between Dare Arts and The Pioneer Theater.

The day will include two unique events, an educational demonstration and a live performance, that will both be held at The Pioneer Theater.

"We have a long history with Dare Arts and treasure the wonderful memories we have made with the fine people of Manteo who embrace diversity, multiculturalism, and us,” said musician Terrance Simien. “This community really supports and understands the importance of live music. The OBX is a very special place and we're honored to be returning, and this time to the Pioneer Theater. Let's gather n groove, y'all!"

The Outer Banks community is invited to attend an educational, engaging demonstration and lecture led by Simien at The Pioneer Theater on Saturday, February 17 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Simien’s humanities lecture is designed to educate audiences about his Louisiana Creole heritage and give an overview of what traditional Zydeco music is and is not. Simien will also discuss and demonstrate his main instruments- the accordion and rubboard. The band’s five intergenerational musicians will be in attendance as well and will demo their instruments and talk about their careers, formal music education, inspirations, and touring.

Simien’s demonstration is free, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. Those interested in participating can register online at DareArts.org/workshops.

“Bringing in artists from outside of our area broadens our minds and forges new connections within our community,” said Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands. “We chose Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience for this event because they are loved by so many around the world, including right here on the Outer Banks. Terrance’s work is lively, wonderful and memorable!”

The day will conclude with a live performance at The Pioneer Theater where Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will take the audience on a multicultural tour of the world with their blend of New Orleans funk-reggae-flavored-world-blues-American zydeco roots music. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm.

Tickets to the evening performance can be purchased online at ThePioneerTheater.com.

“The Pioneer Theater is excited to host Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience,” said co-owner Michael Basnight. “We're expecting high energy and lots of fun from their unique style that's been a crowd pleaser across the globe for over 35 years! To have another GRAMMY Award winner grace our stage is an honor.”

This program is funded, in part, by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is also supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For more information, visit DareArts.org or ThePioneerTheater.com or call Dare Arts at 252 473 5558.

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.