A Taste of Riverworks 2026
Join us on June 6, 2025 for Riverworks' signature event!
17617 W Willard Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
The Taste of Riverworks is a free, outdoor festival featuring plein air painters around the Ag Reserve, a wet paint auction of their work, live music and dance performances, art activites for adults and children alike, beer, wine, food, and ice cream! Join us at A Taste of Riverworks and play a vital role in developing this growing new arts center as it transforms our community and becomes a place of creativity for all!
Starting at 11:00 am, visit plein air painters at their painting locations to learn about them and their work, which will be for sale by silent auction at the festival.
Starting at 2:00 pm, music performances will begin outside at Locals Farm Market, before moving to West Willard Road.
Starting at 4:00 pm festivities begin at the site of Riverworks' future performing arts center (17617 W. Willard Rd, Poolesville), with food, drink, wet paint auction, and dance and music performances!
Performers include:
Riverworks' very own Reserve Wind Ensemble, Community Choir and Children's Choir, dancers from Poolesville's Essence Studios and Hope Garden Children's Ballet Theater, and our headliner band, Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers Band!
Corey and the Zydeco Red Peppers Band
Zydeco Legend Corey Arceneaux, a fourth-generation Creole accordionist and International Creole Zydeco Ambassador, is known for his expressive piano accordion skills and impressive versatility in the zydeco scene. Growing up in Carencro, Louisiana, he started his musical journey at eleven, fueled by the constant support and encouragement of his parents, Paul and the late Debra (Melancon) Arceneaux, whose influence ignited his love for music early on.
For the past 35 years, Corey Arceneaux has been at the helm of Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers, performing across diverse venues and earning recognition as a member of the Recording Academy. His deep musical heritage spans more than 90 years, beginning with his great-grandfather Ferdinand Arceneaux, a Creole accordionist born in 1892. Corey takes pride in continuing the legacy of his family, which has played a pivotal role in the evolution of zydeco music.
Corey takes pride in belonging to one of zydeco's first families, continuing a legacy established by his great-uncle, Fernest Arceneaux, “The New Prince of the Accordion” whose substantial impact helped shape the zydeco genre. Influenced by Fernest as well as renowned artists such as Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco, Corey adeptly blends elements of R&B, blues, and country with traditional zydeco. This synthesis reflects his African American Creole heritage and enhances the distinctive and dynamic qualities that characterize his music.
Corey Arceneaux has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally for his engaging performances. He has introduced zydeco music to diverse audiences through appearances at numerous venues and festivals. He brought that energy to the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, exemplifying his dedication and enthusiasm. Beyond his musical contributions, Mr. Arceneaux is an award-winning commercial radio personality. For more than thirty years, he has been an unwavering advocate for zydeco, southern soul, and Creole culture, utilizing his platform to promote the music and traditions central to his heritage.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners:
EVENT SPONSORS
Robin and Sarah Salomon
Cathy and David Pickar
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
HEADLINER BAND SPONSORS
