Accordionist Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys recently appeared in a poignant Tiny Desk concert marking the end of an era as fiddler David Greely bids farewell to the band after 23 years due to hearing concerns. The Grammy-nominated Cajun band's music, deeply rooted in the French heritage of Louisiana, blends accordion and fiddle to create danceable melodies reminiscent of French-Canadian history dating back to the 1760s. Their latest self-released album, "Grand Isle," features Greely's heartfelt reflections on the place he loved most as a child and the impact of the gulf oil disaster.

The band's lineup consists of Steve Riley on accordion, David Greely on fiddle, along with Sam Broussard on guitar, Burke Riley on drums/guitar, and Philippe Billeaudeaux on bass, with Kevin Wimmer joining on fiddle in 2011. Steve Riley, a native of Mamou, Louisiana, and a cousin of renowned Cajun musician Marc Savoy, has led the band since its formation in 1988. With a discography of 10 albums, including 9 on Rounder Records, the Mamou Playboys have been pivotal in preserving and evolving Cajun music traditions.

This Tiny Desk concert serves as a memorable milestone in the band's storied career and pays tribute to Greely's musical contributions as he embarks on a new chapter.