Chad Huval

Chad Huval puts a whole lot of Creole heritage into his playing. Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, he received his first accordion from his father as a child. As he grew and developed his musical skills, Chad took notice of many of the older players and spent time learning the roots of Cajun and Zydeco music from them. Both styles originated in southern Louisiana and are heavily based on French and African musical traditions. 2017 Chad joined BeauSoleil, a Cajun band formed by violinist Michael Doucet in 1975. The band has toured many of the states and internationally, yet for Chad, each gig is a new and exciting experience. It gives him great joy to share his musical traditions with new audiences, which may be why he jumped at the opportunity to start a traditional music department at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Among the projects Professor Chad has his students accomplish is interviewing older musicians about their musical backgrounds.