Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars
Joe Ruicci 
Back in the 90’s when Joe’s Place was known for bringing some of the very best Blues and Jazz performers to Niagara, I received a call from someone representing Roddie Romero.
They were in Ontario doing some shows, and had a couple of dates between scheduled gigs that they wanted to fill. Awesome. Unfortunately they were weekdays when normally we did not feature any Live Music. We made a deal that they would perform two shows for accommodations and meals. I could not refuse.
So glad I made the decision to host them for the two shows. Sadly the audience was small due to weekday performances, and short notice for advertising the unscheduled event. (it was the early days of the Internet, no social media, so it was difficult to get the word out with short notice). But the word did get out to some of Joe’s Place regulars and what we got were two (2) fantastic performances.
We were totally blown away.
Roddie and his band put on shows that to this day stands as 2 of the greatest performances ever at Joe’s Place.
Here’s a vibrant look at Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars
showcasing live performance stills, videos, and the band’s energetic dynamism both on stage and in the studio.
Roddie Romero, born and raised in Lafayette’s rural Southside, Louisiana, developed a deep connection to music early on—most notably through family gatherings where his grandfather played the accordion and young Romero would imitate him (Solo Songwriters, Lafayette Travel).
He taught himself accordion and, despite being underage, began touring professionally during high school. His mother helped pass legislation—known as the “Roddie Romero Bill”—to allow minors to perform in adult venues if accompanied by a guardian (Solo Songwriters, Lafayette Travel)
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A pivotal moment in his teens occurred at the Montreal Jazz Festival, where Romero discovered slide guitar during a soundcheck with slide-guitar legend Sonny Landreth—an encounter that would shape his signature sound (Solo Songwriters, Lafayette Travel).
He formed The Hub City All Stars over 20–25 years ago (estimates vary) alongside pianist and songwriter Eric Adcock, whom he met through his brother. Adcock replaced an earlier keyboardist and remains a mainstay. The lineup also includes guitarist Chad Viator, bassist Chris French, and drummer Jermaine Prejean (often also Gary Usie) (Solo Songwriters, Lafayette Travel, OffBeat Magazine, Music Junkie Press).
Musical Direction & Influences
Rooted in the spirit of Acadiana – the Cajun and Creole soul of Lafayette – the band delivers a fusion of Cajun, zydeco, blues, swamp pop, soul, and rock. Romero’s accordion, soulful vocals, and slide guitar anchor the sound, while Adcock brings boogie-woogie, piano funk, and R&B traditions to the mix (BroadwayWorld, Music Junkie Press, Lafayette Travel).
Their songwriting nods to legends like Clifton Chenier, Fats Domino, Otis Redding, and Allen Toussaint, along with paying tribute to local icons such as Buckwheat Zydeco and Bobby Charles. Their songs are vivid, storytelling pieces exploring personal and communal experiences—from dance-hall grooves to tales of heartbreak and community (BroadwayWorld).
Discography Highlights
The La Louisianne Sessions (Double CD, 2008)
A 23-track homage to traditional Cajun and zydeco styles.
Includes powerful renditions like “Tes Yeaux Bleu” and homages to ’50s icon Aldus Roger.
Earned a Grammy nomination for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album in 2008 (OffBeat Magazine, Wikipedia).
Gulfstream (2016)
Produced by acclaimed British producer John Porter.
Rich in originals and reinterpretations—features songs like “My Baby Is the Real Thing,” “Gulfstream,” “I Hope,” and “No Need for a Crown.”
Also Grammy-nominated (twice) (BroadwayWorld, LA Phil, OffBeat Magazine, Viberate, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles).
Other Notable Songs
Fan favorites include “Ma Jolie,” “By Your Side,” “Good Hearted Man,” “I Say It Out Loud,” “Hang My Head,” “Zydeco Sont Pas Salé,” “Mama’s Fried Chicken,” and “Viens Avec Moi” (Viberate).
Live Album
Live at 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – captures the electrifying energy of their live show ****.
Tours & Performances Worldwide
For more than two decades, the band has performed internationally at major festivals and venues, earning acclaim for their energetic, authentic Louisiana-roots shows (Rhythm & Roots Festival, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, SXSW 2025 Schedule).
They’ve shared stages with artists like Los Lobos, Jimmy Buffett, and have even graced major festivals such as SXSW—highlighting their mixture of genre-defining roots and contemporary flair (BroadwayWorld, SXSW 2025 Schedule).
Awards & Accolades
Three Grammy Nominations, including:
The La Louisianne Sessions (2008 nomination) (Wikipedia).
Gulfstream (2016 nomination(s)) (BroadwayWorld, OffBeat Magazine).
While they have yet to take home the trophy, their recurring recognition cements their stature within the Cajun/zydeco and world-music communities.
Live Performance Style of Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars
One of the most compelling traits of The Hub City All Stars is their improvisational and dynamic live presence. There are no setlists – songs can be played twice as fast one night and as slow blues the next. Romero relishes keeping his band and audience on their toes, likening it to playing spontaneously like James Brown. Adcock describes Romero as someone who “lights the match…then lets it burn” (Solo Songwriters, Lafayette Travel).
My Final Thoughts on Roddie Romero
Roddie Romero & The Hub City All Stars stand as stalwarts of Louisiana music – carrying forward Cajun, zydeco, blues, and soul with innovation and authenticity. Their journey, from backyard jam sessions to Grammy-nominated recordings and global stages, is one of deep roots, fearless creativity, and boundless energy. Whether through heartfelt originals or dance-floor grooves, they remain true ambassadors of Acadiana and its musical legacy.