NEW IBERIA, La. --- David Greely, a traditional French Louisiana musician and founding fiddler of the Mamou Playboys, will present what he calls "an informance," a program of musical excerpts and stories reflecting his personal musical perspective of Shadows-on-the-Teche's history on Feb. 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shadows Visitors Center (320 E. Main St. in New Iberia). 

As one of the site's two artists in residence, Greely has spent the last nine months reading letters and other documents in the Shadows archives and learning about the people who lived and worked there from the 1820s through the 1950s. 

"My goal has always been to search out personalities in the history of the place that would inspire melodies and songs," said Greely. 

From his research, the musician has come to know William F. Weeks who managed the family sugar plantation before the Civil War with slave labor and after the war with recently free workers. He has caught glimpses of Charlotte, an enslaved woman who cooked meals in the kitchen in the backyard, before apparently making a successful escape to freedom. 

Greely followed a ten-year courtship between Lily Weeks and Gilbert Hall and had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Clement Knatt who worked for Weeks Hall in the 1930s-1950s, and was able to share many memories of his years at The Shadows, including stories of Bunk Johnson.
 

Greely has been composing new musical pieces, which will take listeners on a chronological journey where they will meet through his words and music some of these important figures in the site's history.

"I have been delighted with the far-ranging styles that the house has inspired, including an agricultural work song, melodies that sound like Victorian parlor pieces, black string band tunes and traditional jazz melodies.  I have begun to record in the house itself, so the lush and varied sonic ambiance of the different rooms can be heard in the recordings. In that way the house itself will be part of the listening experience."

In this program, David will perform some musical highlights and share insights into his year of discovery and creation, giving guests a preview of the Art and Shadows Celebration that will take place April 11-12, 2015.

The program is free and open to the public. Contact the Shadows for seating reservations at 337-369-6446 or [email protected]