Three remarkably accomplished young musicians come together in T’Monde, the Louisiana phenomenon that Offbeat Magazine has called “a creative fusion of classic country and out-of-the-way Cajun.” With a combined 10 Grammy nominations between members Drew Simon, Megan Constantin, and Kelli Jones, T’Monde brings influences ranging from early Country music to ancient French and Creole ballads to present day Cajun music. Coming together in 2011, T’Monde has traveled all over the United States and the world showing that this small band can produce a big sound. This is made very clear in their latest album, “Lights in the Harbor”. Whether it be with their instruments or their voices, these three continue to showcase their unique sound that is unmatched in Cajun music today.
KELLI JONES | FIDDLE AND VOCALS
Kelli has been playing fiddle since the age of fifteen and started out playing old time music in North Carolina, where she is from. In 2006 she moved to Lafayette, Louisiana to study dance at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and learn Cajun fiddle as well. She has been living in Lafayette since, soaking up the culture and touring the world with Lafayette’s own powerhouse psychedelic Cajun band, Feufollet and her fellow band mates Drew Simon and Megan Constantin. She has also traveled beyond Louisiana to perform and teach at festivals throughout the United States and Canada, including Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camp, Augusta Heritage Center Cajun & Creole week, the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, and Centrum’s Voiceworks.
DREW SIMON | ACCORDION AND VOCALS
Drew was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana and developed an interest in Cajun music in his late teens. At 20, he began playing the accordion and started learning the words to many of the songs in his huge Cajun music repertoire. For more than 15 years, Drew has been regarded as one of the best of the “New Generation” of Cajun dancehall musicians being heavily influenced by legends Belton Richard, Aldus Roger, Walter Mouton, Jesse Lege’, and Lawrence Walker just to name a few. With bands, the Pine Leaf Boys ( 4x Grammy Nominated) and T’Monde, he has brought Cajun music and Cajun culture to 24 countries and all but of a few states.
MEGAN CONSTANTIN | GUITAR AND VOCALS
Megan, originally from Tepetate, LA, grew up to the sound of Cajun music at her grandparent’s Cajun restaurant. Singing all her life, Megan took to Cajun music and with it the French language at the age of 18. Joining first with her accordionist brother, Briggs Brown. Megan then went on to play with many different groups, performing at many cultural events, including Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, Louisiana Folk Roots Balfa Camp, Festival International, and many more. She is now teaching adult music classes at her Alma-mater, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.