Zachary Richard - Canadian Star, Louisiana Native - on Music, Cajun Culture, and Heritage - Behind The Scenes at JazzFest (Part 3)
In this episode of 'Tales from the Green Room,' the hosts engage in an enlightening conversation - and history lesson - with singer-songwriter, Cajun culture activists, and International recording artist, Zachary Richard. Richard first reflects on his deep ties with Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA - playing and hanging with Huey Lewis and Bob Weir - before musing on his touring experiences and unique cross-cultural identity as both an American and French Canadian artist. The interview was recorded in the green room at Chickie Wah Wah, a premier New Orleans music venue, just after Richards's set on the last day of JazzFest 2025, moments before his after-show at the club that evening.
The discussion delves into the historical and cultural impacts of the Acadian deportation and the preservation of French culture in Louisiana; while Richard recounts his career in music, his prolific work in both French and English, and his passion for children's literature and poetry. The episode offers a heartwarming look at Richard’s collaboration with his neuro-motor handicapped grandson on a musical project - his latest album Handicap Bonheur - and his hopes for cultural and linguistic preservation through nonprofit endeavors. Richard’s reflection on his performance at Jazz Fest and his thoughts on American and French cultural intersections add depth to this rich dialogue on music, heritage, and identity.
Highlights
I'm the most American of the French Canadians and the most French of the Americans because I've been going across the border of Quebec, singing in French for 50 years. So, it's a little disheartening to see the tension between the United States and our friends to the north, especially since I've spent most of my professional career singing in French and working in Quebec. But so goes it, and I’m still part of that culture…I'll be playing in Quebec this summer, which, which I really enjoy doing, 'cause it gets so hot in Louisiana.
-Zachary Richard on being part of both American and French-Canadian Cultures
To become a Canadian citizen, I have to swear an oath of allegiance to the king now. It just struck me as something that I couldn't possibly imagine doing. Swearing an oath of allegiance to a British monarch when my ancestors had suffered so terribly from the fact that they had refused to sign such an allegiance.
-Zachary Richard on loyalty to his ancestors.
I was torn the United States, back in the nineties and Sweetwater was our home, away from home, in the Bay Area. Sweetwater was so cool! Jeanie Patterson…. she was a real firecracker and we had a lot of fun with Jeanie and she was so welcoming. And the club was really a lot of fun to play because it was easy to pack. And Huey Lewis would come out, Bob Weir came out, and then we'd go and party at Bob's place. I can't remember too much about that, but I know it was good.
-Zachary Richard on his memories playing at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA
Links
Music In Episode
Zachary Richard - Who Stole My Monkey (Live on Letterman 1990)/Rare Tracks II - YouTube
Crawfish by Zachary Richard
Creators and Guests
Host
Dennis Strazulo
Dennis Strazulo & Tami Larson host backstage conversations with artists in the exclusive confines of green rooms at popular music venues and festivals.🎧
Host
Tami Larson
Dennis Strazulo & Tami Larson host backstage conversations with artists in the exclusive confines of green rooms at popular music venues and festivals.🎧
