Le Winston Band – 3/14

Le Winston Band is a one-of-a-kind Montreal-based ensemble that blends its French-Canadian roots with Zydeco and Cajun music.

Since 2012, due to a sound that is derived from both the rich musical traditions of Louisiana and their own identity as Montrealers, the group has been sharing their joie de vivre with audiences across North America and Europe.

After many pilgrimages to Louisiana, the group’s album Zig Zag Zydeco Zoo was nominated for best world music album at both the ADISQ and GAMIQ galas in 2019. In 2022, their EP Enwèye à Lafayette won best world music album at the GAMIQ gala. That same year, the five musicians teamed up with producer Erik West-Millette. They recorded Winston Express, a new record filled with original material released during the 2023 Mardi Gras festivities.

United by their shared passion for Zydeco music, the five musicians intermingle sassy compositions and their take on well-known traditional songs from Quebec and Louisiana. The powerful sound of the diatonic accordion supported by a typical “modern zydeco” lineup (electric guitar and bass, rubboard and drums), electrifies audiences and ensures a warm and festive atmosphere that is guaranteed to get you off your feet and dancing.

Le Winston Band is also known for its Mardi Gras celebration in Montreal. Since 2014, hundreds of people flock to this carnival-like event that takes place as winter draws to a close. Every year, costumed fans and musicians alike join together for a wild night filled with food, animation, music, and dancing.

Not only has Le Winston Band shared their music all over Canada, but they have also traveled to perform in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Czechia and the United States.