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As a child growing up in southwestern Louisiana, Arbie learned to play the accordion by watching his father and older brothers. He plays a rare old style and has several little known tunes in his repertoire.

Cajun accordion music, which began its development in the late 1800's, is a blend of several musical influences, particularly French, Celtic, Anglo-American, African, Caribbean, and country and western.

Apprentice Mike Stapleton, already an accomplished old-time fiddle and banjo player, will be learning the phrasing, rhythm, and ornaments of Papa Joe's playing style as well as building a repertoire of older tunes.