Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience - Rozsa Presenting Series
Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:30 pm
Event Details
ROZSA PRESENTING SERIES EVENT
Two-time Grammy Award–winning, genre-blending, Terrance Simien brings more than 40 years of powerful, high-energy performances rooted in Black American zydeco music traditions. A seventh-generation multicultural Louisiana Creole, Simien fuses infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and deep cultural storytelling into shows that move audiences across generations and borders.
Simien has music placed in TV shows and product advertisements as well as multiple theatrically released films including The Big Easy. He and his band were the first zydeco band ever seen on the big screen. In 2009 Simien contributed music to a classic animated Disney film, The Princess & The Frog that introduced millions, many for the first time, to zydeco music. Simien also has music on the new Disney ride based on the film, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that opened at both US theme parks in 2024.
He's also has shared studio, stage and toured with Los Lobos, Art Neville, the meters, Robert Palmer, Dave Matthews Band, Dr. John, Marcia Ball, David Hidalgo, Randy Newman and Stevie Wonder once joined the band on stage to play harmonica!
In 2001, Simien created Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco, the only educational program of its kind for student, youth, and family audiences. Since then, it has reached more than 250,000 K–12 students and families, using music, storytelling, and hands-on activities to raise cultural awareness while making learning fun.
Things to know
DATE | Friday, November 13, 2026
TIME | 7:30 p.m.
SEATING BEGINS | 7 p.m.
LOCATION | Rozsa Center
EST. RUN TIME | TBA
SEATING | Reserved
PUBLIC TICKETS | Pay As You're Able ($28 Full Fee) What is Pay As You're Able?
MICHIGAN TECH STUDENT RUSH TICKETS | Login to rozsatickets.com using the MTU Single Sign-on. What is Student Rush?
CONTENT GUIDANCE | Earplugs are available upon request. View all accessibility services.
Get tickets at rozsatickets.com or at the Rozsa Box Office. View Rozsa Box Office Hours.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Support for this 2026/27 Rozsa Presenting Series event is provided in part by:
and the Rozsa Center's Circle of Supporters.
About the Performers
The Zydeco Experience is an intergenerational band that brings together veteran masters and rising Gen Z musicians. For more than four decades, Terrance Simien and his exceptional bandmates have delivered over 8,000 unforgettable live performances. Together, they honor the rich traditions of zydeco while pushing the music forward for new generations. Every performance—across all 50 states and in more than 45 countries—is both a joyful celebration and a powerful cultural statement.
The Zydeco Experience Band:
Danny Williams – keyboards, vocals
Stan Chambers – bass, vocals
Ian Molinaro-Thompson – drums
Noah Boshra – saxophone
Robbie Wallace – trombone
Learn more at terrancesimien.com
About the Presenter
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts cultivates a vibrant and connected community through experiences that bring the Keweenaw together. Located on Michigan Technological University's campus in Houghton, Michigan, the 80,000-square-foot arts center's design is inspired by the inclined look of the local copper mine hoists and shaft houses inside and out. Event spaces include the Rozsa Lobby, James and Margaret Black Performance Hall, Rozsa Backstage, Rozsa Art Galleries, and McArdle Theatre.
As the largest theater in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Rozsa dramatically expands the region’s access to large-scale performing arts events including Broadway tours, ballet, cirque, music, and more.
Related Events
Detroit Metropolitan Dance
Rozsa Center | Sept 12, 2026 | 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Akropolis Reed Quintet "Are we Dreaming the Same Dream?"
Rozsa Backstage | Oct 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Hadestown
Rozsa Center | Oct 18, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience
Rozsa Center | Nov 13, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Filosophy
Rozsa Center | Dec 4, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Winter Carnival Comedian: Ashley Gavin
Rozsa Center | Feb 5, 2027 | 10 p.m.
Cirque Kalabanté
Rozsa Center | March 24, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Puppy Pals LIVE
Rozsa Center | April 26, 2027 | 6:30 p.m.
Explore all upcoming Rozsa Events.
Get Involved
Personal Responsibility Statement
Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event.
Views Expressed Statement
The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.
Social links