FREE show: Zydeco music from Andre Thierry

Acclaimed accordionist Andre Thierry heads up a band known for its fast, funky interpretations of zydeco, in the kick-off of this year's popular Music and Market series of free outdoor concerts in Concord's lovely Todos Santos Plaza, located a short walk from BART.

Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom of Zydeco, (considered the definitive book on the history of zydeco music), writes, ""In America, great migrations produce great music. Just as Delta musicians took Highway 61 to Chicago and electrified their blues, so did the Kreoles and Cajuns migrate to California and establish vital dance communities. ... Thierry is among the best of both the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, and he combines youthful vigor with a mature appreciation for his inherited tradition."

EVENT COST: The 90-minute concert (going from 6:30 p.m. to 8pm) is FREE. I request $1.00 donation from each attendee to offset the $180 per year that Meetup charges me as head organizer.

The concert takes place in an attractive grassy plaza with a choice of sunny and shady areas for relaxing and listening to the music. Attendees should bring their own beach towels, blankets, or low-backed chairs to sit on, as there is no pre-provided seating. You can also bring your own food & drink to enjoy during the concert, or buy something on-site from vendors or nearby restaurants located around Todos Santos Plaza.

HOW TO FIND ME: I'm WF, about 5 feet tall, with short, salt-and-pepper hair and glasses. (See photo with my Meetup profile.) I'll send my mobile number to RSVPers before the event date.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET: Meet at the Starbucks at 2118 Willow Pass Road (on the edge of Todos Santos Plaza) between 6:00 pm and 6:15 p.m. If you miss me there, look for me in the plaza's concert seating area. If I'm missing anyone when I get seated, I'll post a Comment on the Meetup Event Page saying where I'm located. PLEASE TEXT ME IF YOU DON'T SPOT ME.

MASS TRANSIT: The approximately 10-minute walk from Concord BART station to Todos Santos Plaza is essentially a straight shot down Grant Street.

PARKING: There is metered street parking nearby. There are also two parking structures near the plaza: Salvio Street Garage and Grant Street Parking Garage.

RUSH HOUR NOTICE: If you're coming a considerable distance from points to the west, I strongly recommend taking BART for at least part of your trip, so as to avoid being delayed by heavy traffic.

PRE-CONCERT OPTION: Early arrivals have the option of checking out the vendors in Todos Santos Plaza before the concert. (The farmers' market opens at 4pm)

POST-SHOW DINNER OPTION: At a Burmese restaurant on the edge of Todos Santos Plaza. (If interested in dining with the Meetup group, please bring cash in case of one bill for the table.)

MORE INFO on Andre Thierry and AUDIO:
https://www.andrethierry.com/