Two zydeco acts, Black Cat Zydeco featuring Dwight Carrier and Creole Stomp with Dennis Stroughmatt, will present Sunday’s Levitt AMP concert in Galva’s Wiley Park.

Carrier popularly known as, “The Black Cat” has become one of the most exciting Zydeco Accordionist of this era. He is deeply rooted in the “Carrier” family tradition, where music has always been a passion and implemented into much of their families past time. He embraces both his family tradition as well as his Cajun Creole Culture. Dwight has always had a unique style that infuses his zydeco, blues, country and R&B influences.

Growing up in the small town of Church Point, La. in a time where rap music was gaining momentum, Carrier’s friends would laugh when he and his brother Joseph chose not to take that route. Initially, Joseph played the accordion while Carrier played the drums. It was after many relentless hours of practicing with his brother that Carrier grew restless. He yearned to play the accordion. It was with much practice, passion and determination that Carrier not only learned to play the accordion but was he able to play it well. He and Joseph switched instruments and it Dwight Carrier & the Zydeco Rockers was created.

In 1988, at the age of 14, Carrier recorded his ‑R&B 45 LP entitled “My Baby Left Me,” earning him local status, playing frequently on the zydeco circuit at trail rides and dance halls in and around the state of Louisiana. He realized that his friends were no longer laughing, but instead, were asking him to teach them to play.

In 1991, Carrier was asked to become a member of the Creole Zydeco Snap Band headed by Creole & Blues musician Warren Ceaser. He accepted the opportunity and became the groups’ accordionist. Carrier traveled with the band extensively around the world and for several years making appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. On the 1995 CD entitled “The Crowd Pleaser”, Carrier released two more recordings, “Zydeco Coteau (Going Down South)” and “Zydeco Shuffle.”

After taking an extended absence from music, Carrier was able to work his way back into his music, play-ing with his uncle Zydeco Legend, Roy Carrier & the Night Rockers. He is has also had the privilege of playing with cousin Troy “Dikki Du” Carrier & the Zydeco Crew, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Hugh Robertson & Zydematics, Tony Trahan & Blue Krewe just to name a few while still being the front man for the Ro Doggs. Dwight “Black Cat” Carrier and The Ro’Doggs released their debut full length CD titled “It Ain’t My Fault” in early spring of 2009.

Carrier is one of the few zydeco musicians with the ability to travel to a city, pick up a band of local musicians and produce a sound equivalent to that of artists working together for years. The ability to do this allows him the ­flexibility to perform in places that may otherwise not be economically feasible and still share traditional zydeco along with treating people to a great time. 

Carrier is a party band leader and his shows have been rated high energy fun. “The Black Cat” is not the typical zydeco artist as he draws from a wide variety of influences bringing it all home to exciting danceable nights.

He plays “Old Thyme Zydeco” with just an accordion and a rubboard.

Carrier has been able to share his musical talents all over the world including Italy, Sicily, Paris France, Central America and many parts of Canada. His influences include everyone from Clifton Chenier to James Brown with a little old time Zydeco and R&B for good measure. 

The “Black Cat” has recently returned from a nationwide tour with 2013 Grammy Nominated Artist, Andre Thierry. He has also performed with; “The Red Rocker” (Sammy Hagar), former bass/guitarist for James Brown “Robert Watson” and world class musician, Bobbie (Spider) Webb to name a few.

Creole Stomp has captured the ears and the feet of Louisiana music fans across North America. Led by French-speaking Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco dance tunes.

Creole Stomp shows have become legendary for the heart and passion conveyed from the stage — music with emotion and energy that literally jumps from the band. In fact, over the years the band has become informally known as “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music,” for their well-oiled, dancer-driven, crowd-pleasing marathon jams and improvisation. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues and mazurkas.

A favorite on the Cajun-zydeco dance circuit, the band has also become a celebrated fixture at venues around the United States, ranging from park concerts and theaters to folk and blues festivals. No matter the venue, wherever they come from, and wherever they go, Creole Stomp is a band that knows how to throw a Louisiana party.

Drawing on his Louisiana bayou experience, in 2002 Dennis Stroughmatt along with Robert Russell, created the foundation of what has become the premiere Cajun-zydeco band in the Midwest. 

The concert, which is free, will begin at 6 p.m. Food tents will be available. Those attending should bring lawn chairs.