Playing bass for Acadien Cajun Band is the original guitarist, dwyane Michaud. Dwayne hails from Ossun, La and has been playing music professionally for over twenty years. Ryan and Dwayne first started Acadien in 2000 after working together at vermilionville, a living history museum of Cajun/creole culture in Lafayette, la. Actually better known for as a bassist, Dwayne has played with numerous musicians over the years including howard noel, jr., Ulyesses Poirrier, and the late great Aldus Roger. He fills in the rhythm section with jay and joe, adding not only syncopated guitar rhythms, but his own unique vocal ability.
Brandon Moreau
Born and raised in Basile, LA, Brandon is Acadien's premier fiddler of five years. Brandon love of the Balfa style runs deep in his own style. Learning Cajun music from both his father Kim and grandfather Vorrance Moreau, Brandon has been influenced by the prairie style from day one. His love of the fiddle came from one of his best friends and premier fiddler, Courtney Granger. Brandon's smoothing timing and unique fiddling add the ideal second line to the music that is Acadien. In addition, he is Acadien's alternate vocal. His high, soulful voice captures the purest sound of Cajun music, calling upon memories of the past. He also works in tandem with Ryan on many songs adding harmony vocals deuling instrumentals.
From the age of fourteen, Ryan's fascination and passion for his culture has culminated in the present day flare for the band's beginnings and evolution. Born and raised in Judice, LA, Ryan started learning the Cajun French language as a teenager from his family. As time progressed, this love begot another, Cajun music. His musical influence helped him strengthen his linguistic ability, and he soon found that the opposite would be true. He started learning accordion on his own at age 18, and by 22 learned to play 5 different instruments. In 2000, Ryan, along with then guitarist Dwayne Michaud, created a band that would be the same yet different. A band that would be traditional yet contemporary. He started Acadien in order to write original Cajun songs, give style to the music by revitalizing old songs, and just having a great time playing, living and breathing his culture. His influences, including people such as Steve Riley, Marc Savoy, Dewey Balfa, and his grandfather Nolan David, have helped to mold his distinct and original approach to Cajun music and to Acadien Cajun Band.
