Louisiana’s Cajun Country is one of the most unique areas of the United States. It’s officially called Acadiana, after the French-speaking Acadians (or Cajuns) who settled there after being exiled from Canada by the British in the 18th century.

Our monthly series, Acadiana Music Showcase, is produced by our friends at Lafayette, La., affiliate station KRVS, and it explores this vibrant cultural melting pot through music.

In this installment, we’re putting the spotlight on Marcella Simien. If her surname rings a bell, it’s because she practically grew up on stage with her dad, Grammy Award-winning Zydeco master Terrance Simien.

A ninth-generation Louisiana Creole, Marcella’s music takes the swamp roots of her upbringing and mixes it with some sweet Memphis soul. Now a Memphian herself, she’s shared the stage with Taj Mahal and Trombone Shorty. Today, we’ll hear songs from her latest album, To Bend to the Will of a Dream That’s Being Fulfilled.

Production Credits:

• Audio Engineer: Tony Daigle
• Artist Coordinator: Cathryn Hanks
• Media Coordinator and copy writer: KRVS General Manager Cheryl Devall
• Series co-producers: Assistant General Manager Megan Constantin and volunteers Sami Parbhoo and Glenn Fields

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.