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Home/Acadiana/Savoy Music

Savoy Music

You can feel the strong Cajun tradition the moment you step inside the Savoy Music Center near the southwest Louisiana city of Eunice. The blend of strong black coffee, the savory aroma of boudin sausage, lively conversations, and the music create an atmosphere that is unmistakably Cajun.

Woman in red shirt plays piano and sings at jam session
Sarah Savoy starts the jam session singing and playing piano with father Marc Savoy on the accordion.

savoy music – a family legacy

The Saturday jam sessions at the Savoy Music Center are a testament to the enduring appeal of Cajun music. The music begins with the strong voice of Sarah Savoy, singing in French and playing the piano. The gatherings feature a mix of fiddles, guitars, and the distinctive sound of the accordion played by Sarah’s father, Marc Savoy. He started these weekly music gatherings back in 1966. “Ever since the first time I heard the music being played by a human being, that’s what really hooked me,” Savoy said. The Savoy family, including Marc’s wife Ann and their two sons, Wilson and Joel, all join the jam session.

man with moustache and red plaid shirt plays accordion next to man playing guitar at Savoy Music Center
Marc Savoy plays his custom-built Acadian accordion.
Marc’s wife Ann Savoy sings and plays fiddle in the Saturday jam session.
man with cap and gray shirt plays piano
Grammy-winning musician Wilson Savoy takes a turn on the piano.
man with dark hair and beard plays fiddle at jam session at Savoy Music Center
Grammy-winning artist Joel Savoy plays fiddle.

worldwide interest in savoy music jam sessions

The Savoy Saturday jam is a magnet for musicians and enthusiasts from around the world. Regulars like John Vidrine from nearby Mamou and international visitors like Simon Martinson from Sweden come to immerse themselves in the traditional Cajun sound. “Just traditional old-time Cajun Music,” Vidrine comments, expressing his love for the gatherings. Martinson, on his journey to experience Cajun music, notes, “I’m just here to learn and get a feel for it.”

The savoy cajun tradition featured on tv

Watch this Heart of Louisiana segment on the Savoy Cajun music tradition.

the strong tradition of cajun music

Marc Savoy believes in the unique sound of traditional Cajun music, saying, “The reason that Cajun music was embraced by so many people all over the world is because it doesn’t sound like modern music.” His commitment to preserving and sharing Cajun culture is evident in his handcrafted Acadian accordions, a tradition now being continued by his son, Joel.

man with dark beard at workbench building accordion at Savoy Music Center
Joel Savoy works on an accordion in his father’s music shop.

cajun music – tradition and innovation

Marc Savoy firmly believes that the interest in Cajun music comes from its traditional sound, “You have to build on its strength”, he says. But that old style contrasts with Joel’s vision for the genre’s future, that the music needs to evolve. That means, “writing stuff which is relevant to today in Cajun French,” Joel says.

savoy music center metal building with vehicles parked in front
Savoy Music Center in Eunice, LA, on a Saturday morning.

a savoy music legacy continues

Marc Savoy hopeful about the future of their cultural legacy. “I’m confident that the day comes when I don’t to show up anymore, It’ll be in good hands,” he says. From the craftsmanship of the accordions to their commitment to nurturing nearly 60 years of music, the Savoy family stands at the forefront of preserving and advancing the rich Cajun tradition.

savoy music center location

Savoy Music Center is located at 4413 Hwy 190-E, Eunice, LA. The traditional Cajun music jam sessions are held every Saturday from 9am-12noon.

4413 U.S. Hwy 190, Eunice, LA 70535

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        Written by:
        Dave McNamara
        Published on:
        December 25, 2024
        Thoughts:
        1 Comment

        Categories: Acadiana, Featured

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Jeannie Lannes

          March 2, 2024 at 9:31 am

          I enjoyed segment thank you

          Reply

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