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Horace Trahan, Zydeco great from Ossun, Louisiana, backed by Heavy Bone Zydeco, next gen-Zydeco from Ithaca

  • Abilene Bar & Lounge 153 Liberty Pole Way Rochester, NY, 14604 United States (map)

Doors 6pm, Music 7pm

Horace Trahan

Horace Trahan - One of SW Louisiana’s most revered Zydeco artists both for the depth of his lyrics and power of his performances.  A native of Ossun, Louisiana, Horace is one of Zydeco's most beloved performers and songwriters. His driving accordion, soulful voice, and unstoppable Louisiana groove have filled dance floors for decades.  His high-energy performances, riveting Zydeco sound, and infectious spirit have made Horace a favorite among dancers throughout Louisiana and beyond. If you've never experienced Horace Trahan, you're in for something special.

Horace has a rare gift for connecting with people. He doesn't just play songs—he creates a shared experience, feeding off the energy of the crowd while inspiring everyone in the room to lose themselves in the rhythm, the joy, and the rich traditions of Louisiana Creole culture. Every show is filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and the kind of musical chemistry that turns strangers into friends.

But Horace's impact reaches beyond the dance floor.

Horace has long been known for the authentic voice he brings to his lyrics.  Many longtime Horace Trahan fans point to his self-released Keep Walking not simply because it's filled with great dance music, but because it feels deeply personal. While the album has the infectious rhythms people expect from Horace, its greatest strength is that his songs come across as reflections on real life rather than manufactured lyrics. Listeners often feel that Horace is singing with them rather than at them. 

Themes of Keep Walking resonate deeply with audiences:  perseverance through hardship; hope without denying reality; strength through community; the power of faith and gratitude; value of joy as resilience; humbling respect for ordinary people; importance of speaking truth to power … as found in songs like: Funny Things Change, Sad But True, Guilty Till Proven Innocent, When Love Takes Over.

In recent years, Horace has become an outspoken voice for compassion, justice, inclusion, and democracy. Through his Facebook posts, music, and conversations with fans, Horace has spoken passionately against racism, authoritarianism, and policies of the Trump administration—including immigration enforcement practices that he believes have harmed families and communities. He has chosen to speak even when doing so has come with personal and professional costs, because he believes that silence in the face of injustice is not an option.

Horace reminds us that music can be more than entertainment—it can build community, celebrate our shared humanity, and inspire us to care for one another.

 https://www.horacetrahan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/redemptiveprocess

Heavy Bone Zydeco

Heavy Bone and the Good Time Zydeco Band is a five piece group based out of Ithaca, NY. Zydeco has been in the background of these gentlemen’s lives since the beginning. Having attended the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance since early childhood, every member has a foundational appreciation for the genre. The distinctive melodies and irresistible grooves attracted the attention of this group, leading them to usher in the next generation of dance music in Ithaca.

This group comes from an intriguing blend of musical backgrounds. The members of this project have a collective resume spanning multiple decades, playing in countless musical projects ranging from country, folk, rock, and even punk rock. They’ve simultaneously come together to learn, study, and perform Creole Dance music, a rich tradition that is coveted and honored in Louisiana.

Heavy Bone has been setting its roots in Ithaca since March of 2024, but is expanding far and wide as time goes on. Members Jonas Puryear (Accordion and Vocals), Joe Hayward (Bass and Vocals), Sam Schmidt (Guitar), Cole Stearns (Washboard) and Zeb Whitford (Drums) are excited to display Upstate New York’s newest excuse to dance. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram at hvybone_goodtimezydeco for updates on upcoming shows and exciting merch alerts. Put on your Friday night getup, grab your partner, and get ready for a certifiably Good Time with Heavy Bone.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61565373495817

https://www.instagram.com/hvybone_goodtimezydeco/

Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of show and on sale now online at https://abilene.showare.com and at the bar