Le Winston Band (Friday)

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 and recorded Winston Express, a new record filled with original material that was released during the 2023 Mardi Gras festivities.

United by their shared passion for Zydeco music, the five musicians intermingle sassy compositions and their own take on well known traditional songs from Quebec and Louisiana. The powerful sound of the diatonic accordion supported by a typical “modern zydeco” lineup, 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 their Mardi Gras celebration in Montreal. Since 2014, hundreds of people flock to this carnaval-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 from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Victoria, British Columbia but they have also traveled to perform in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Czechia and the United States. As of today, the group has performed over 600 concerts.

Le Winston Band is a one-of-a-kind Quebec 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.