Time for Zydeco

There’s going to be a whole lotta dancin’ goin’ on at Alexander’s in Ventura when J. Chenier headlines the next Blue Monday gig. He usually comes to California twice a year. It’s time.

Chenier has zydeco in his veins--his father, Clifton Chenier, not only used to wear a crown on stage (he was “The King of Zydeco”), but actually invented the Z-word. The elder Chenier died in 1987, and his son inherited his accordion and his band, the Red Hot Louisiana Band.

“It wasn’t easy learning the accordion, man,” Chenier said last time he came through town. “I’m still trying to figure that thing out. Being that Clifton Chenier was the only accordion player that I ever listened to, there’s no other style that I could have. I never even listened to any of his records. I mostly listened to him live standing next to him. It was onstage experience.”

Chenier’s second album has just been released, “Ain’t No Playboy.” It’ll be worth the drive just to hear them tear it up with their version of the ZZ Top biggie, “Sharp Dressed Man.”

Zydeco dance lessons begin at 7:15 p.m., Chenier will start about 8:30. The admission is $10. Alexander’s is at Spinnaker Drive and Harbor Boulevard. For more information, call 658-2000.