Friday, September 11, 2026, 6 PM

Patricia Buckley Moss Lawn

Free

This performance will last approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.*

In the case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Street and Davis Performance Hall, Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre.

"…gifted reanimator of Louisiana Creole music."

— The New York Times

As the last of summer lingers in the air, four-time Grammy nominee Cedric Watson leads a high-spirited celebration on the center’s lawn. 

A master fiddler, accordionist, and songwriter based in South Louisiana, Watson brings Cajun and Creole traditions to life, channeling centuries of African, Native American, French, and Spanish influence. With his band, Bijou Creole, he moves seamlessly from ancient contra dance melodies to modern Zydeco grooves, tossing in bluegrass fiddle tunes for good measure. 

Rhythmic, soulful, and irresistibly danceable, this open-air concert invites you to gather, move, and start the season in full swing.

Originally from San Felipe, Texas (population 868), Watson made his first appearance at the Zydeco Jam at the Big Easy in Houston, Texas when he was 19. Just two years later, he moved to south Louisiana, quickly immersing himself in French music and language. Over the next several years, he performed French music in 17 countries and on seven full-length albums with various groups, including the Pine Leaf Boys, Corey Ledet, and Les Amis Creole with Ed Poullard and J.B. Adams, as well as with his own group, Bijou Creole.

Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole resurrect the ancient sounds of the French and Spanish contra dance and bourré alongside the spiritual rhythms of West African Congo tribes, who were sold as slaves in the Caribbean and Louisiana by the French and Spanish.

With an apparently bottomless repertoire of songs at his fingertips, Watson plays everything from forgotten Creole melodies and obscure Dennis McGee reels to more modern Cajun and Zydeco songs. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he is also a prolific songwriter, writing almost all of his songs on his double row Hohner accordion. His songs channel his diverse ancestry (African, French, Native American, and Spanish) to create his own brand of sounds.

Watson’s albums are a tapestry of pulsing rhythms and Creole poetry, and his live performances are unforgettable, all at once progressive and nostalgic.

This is Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole's first performance at the center.

Photos courtesy of Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole

* Run times listed here are based on information provided at this time and are subject to change.

FAQs

About This Event

Absolutely! This free outdoor concert is a great opportunity for music lovers of all ages to enjoy an evening together. Whether you're introducing children to live music or coming with friends and family, everyone is welcome.

Guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to make themselves comfortable during the performance. Seating is on the lawn, so come prepared to relax and enjoy the music.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at this event. Please be considerate of other guests and clean up after your pet so everyone can enjoy the evening.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the center's Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre. Weather-related updates will be posted on our website. 

This performance will last approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

We hope so! Cajun and Zydeco music are made for dancing, and you're welcome to get up and move if the music inspires you. Whether you dance or simply enjoy watching others, expect a lively, festive atmosphere.

Cedric Watson and his band, Bijou Creole, deliver a high-energy concert filled with lively accordion and fiddle tunes, soulful vocals, and irresistible dance rhythms. Together, they celebrate the rich musical traditions of southwest Louisiana while bringing their own contemporary style to the stage. Whether you're discovering Cajun and Zydeco music for the first time or you're already a fan, expect an evening that's both joyful and deeply rooted in Louisiana tradition.

Southwest Louisiana is home to several rich musical traditions, each with its own history and sound. Cajun music grew out of the French-speaking Acadian communities of Louisiana and is known for its lively fiddle and accordion tunes. Creole music reflects a blend of African, French, Spanish, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Zydeco evolved from Creole traditions, combining accordion-driven dance music with blues, rhythm and blues, and other influences. Cedric Watson is celebrated for bringing these traditions together, creating energetic performances that honor Louisiana's rich cultural heritage while adding his own contemporary style.

Attending a Performance at the Center

The most important thing is that you're comfortable. There is no dress code, so do what feels right for you. Do you want to get dressed to the nines for a special night out? You won't be the only one. Do you feel like keeping things casual? You won't be alone there, either.  

All campus parking, including along Alumni Mall, requires a parking permit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted by signage. 

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street at 300 Turner Street NW.

  • For many Center for the Arts performances and large events, this garage will be staffed by an attendant and payment ($10, cash only) must be made at the time of entry. This event parking price is $2 higher than the garage’s daily rate to allow us to provide staffing to make both entering and exiting the garage more efficient for larger numbers of cars. You may exit at the Turner Street gate.
  • All other times, visitors can take a ticket upon entrance and pay the $8 daily rate using Visa or Mastercard when exiting.

Convenient parking is also located in downtown Blacksburg. Town parking is free every day after 5:00 p.m.

Patrons are always welcome to drop off and pick up guests directly at the main doors of the Center for the Arts on Alumni Mall and Turner Street.

Allowing yourself extra time improves the experience for everyone! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance so you have plenty of time for the safety screening and to get settled in your seats. Our lobbies and galleries open 90 minutes before performances, and the theatre doors open 30 minutes before the performance start time. Ushers will direct you to your seat and are happy to answer any questions.

A small or clutch-size purse or clear bag is recommended. Oversized bags, luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the theatre. Coat check will be available to check these items.

Concessions from Blacksburg Wine Lab are available for most performances. Concessions availability and locations will be included in the What to Know email for ticket holders. Concessions are available beginning an hour before the performance, so arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a drink before the show.

Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted inside the theatre during performances. To avoid distracting the artists and those around you, please turn off or silence your cell phone and put away all electronic devices before the performance begins. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted unless otherwise announced.

If you’re late, you may hear the beginning of the performance from the lobby while you wait to take your seat — either until intermission or an appropriate break in the program as requested and advised by the artists. Admitting late arrivals into the theatre is timed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage. In some cases, you may be seated in an alternate location in the theatre.

You will receive a “What to Know” email approximately 48 hours before the performance with helpful information on approximate runtimes, pre- and post-show activities, and any other information you will need to know before you head out the door. 

We are committed to being fully accessible to all patrons and their companions and strive to make our patrons’ experiences convenient and comfortable. In addition to our venue’s universal design features, we offer services and accommodations for parking, seating, listening, sensory support, courtesy wheelchair, elevators, restrooms, service animals, sign language, and visual aids. Find out more.