Singer-songwriter, poet, cultural activist and environmentalist,
It was during his early days in New York that Zachary made a discovery that would influence his art and effect the rest of his life. With the advance money from the record company, he purchased a Cajun accordion. From that moment on, he was swept up by the French language culture of his native Louisiana. Delving into the Cajun tradition, Zachary formed the first new generation Cajun/Rock band. It would be years, however, before Cajun music became popular outside of rural Louisiana. In the meantime, Zachary’s career led him to Canada and France. From 1976 until 1981, Zachary lived in Montreal, recording seven French language albums including two gold albums, "Mardi Gras" and "Migration."
Despite critical and commercial success in the French-speaking world, Zachary returned to Louisiana in the early 1980s and began another phase of his career, this time recording in English. Zachary is an extreme philanthropist for his native state, having created numerous organizations to support culture, language, community and coastlines in Louisiana. In 2015, Zachary Richard was named Humanist of the Year by the Louisiana Endowment of the Arts.
Tonight he performs with special guest David Torkanowsky and many more.