Music at the McFaddins’ to Feature Swamp Pop Legend Jivin’ Gene Nov. 1
Beaumont, TX; Oct. 22, 2024 – The McFaddin-Ward House grounds will come alive with the sensational sounds of legendary swamp pop musician Jivin’ Gene Bourgeois during the admission-free Music at the McFaddins’ outdoor concert event on Friday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) on the historic home’s lawn at 1906 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont.
Accompanied by the band Eazy, Bourgeois will perform the original songs that catapulted him to the national stage in the 1950s, including the classic hit “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”
“The band and I feel honored to get called back to perform at the McFaddin-Ward House,” Bourgeois said. “We had such a great time last year. They were dancing on the grass.”
As a teenager growing up in Port Arthur in the 1950s, Bourgeois broke onto the national charts with his heartfelt ballads about love. His unique style of sound helped create a new genre of music called “swamp pop,” songs cooked up from a gumbo-like mix of influences: country music, rhythm and blues, Cajun ballads and rock ‘n’ roll. Bourgeois says it all started when he picked up his brother’s guitar at about 13 years old and taught himself to play.
“My friends and I formed a little garage band, and we started learning songs off old 45 records,” Bourgeois said. “The next thing you know, we added some more musicians, and I started playing clubs, and I started recording.”
The 84-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist is still recording and performing at local venues throughout Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana and at the iconic blues venue, Antone’s Nightclub, in Austin. Bourgeois recently recorded a new song, “Evil Woman Blues,” with Kat House Studios and Productions in Beaumont that will be included on a new album featuring local artists and is also working on a tribute album with Antone’s to celebrate the club’s 50-year anniversary next year.
“I was real honored they asked me to do a couple tunes on this tribute album because there’s going to be a lot of well-known artists on it,” Bourgeois said. “For a local guy like me, it means a lot to me. I feel blessed that I’m still able to do a little something at my age. When you get involved as a musician or a singer, you’re just addicted for life to it.”
Event attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and refreshments as they gather to enjoy the Nov. 1 performance on the McFaddin-Ward House lawn. In case of inclement weather, Music at the McFaddins’ will be cancelled.
Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house, and gardens.
For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.