Corey Arceneaux & Zydeco Hot Peppers

Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers bring the heat of Southwest Louisiana straight to the DMV with an electrifying mix of authentic zydeco, Creole rhythms, and dance-floor energy. A Louisiana native, Corey Arceneaux is a powerhouse accordionist and bandleader whose sound is rooted in tradition and shaped by legends like Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco—who also served as a mentor and friend. With five studio albums and decades of international touring, Corey delivers a show that’s as genuine as it is high-energy.

Now based in Virginia, Corey has assembled a seasoned all-star lineup of regional players who live and breathe roots music. The Zydeco Hot Peppers feature Ben Holmes (drums), a veteran of global zydeco tours and DC favorites; Doug Bell (guitar), a staple of the East Coast roots scene; Gene Monroe (bass), whose credits span blues, rock, and beyond; and Pat Clark (frottoir), a multi-instrumentalist with deep ties to New Orleans traditions. Together, they create a groove that’s equal parts bayou party and dancehall throwdown.

Whether it’s a festival stage, club night, or Mardi Gras celebration, Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers turn every performance into a full-on Louisiana experience—accordion-driven, rhythm-heavy, and impossible to sit still for.