Winnipeg Mardi Gras is proud to present one of the greatest living practitioners of Zydeco music. Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters present Zydeco with the conviction and authenticity of its rich heritage. His earliest musical memories are of his father, Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr. (pronounced Doop' see) playing accordion. At the age of nine, he received a gift from his father of a basic accordion and taught himself to play, as his father did, by listening to and playing along with the radio.

Dopsie, Jr. played in several bands in his early teens, but it wasn’t until he was given his first rub board at the age of 21 that he found his calling. The rub board was his ticket to joining his father's band. Finally he was able to play music that he loved, dance like the psychedelic stars of the time, and gain international notoriety as part of the father-and-son team. Today, Dopsie, Jr. leads the Zydeco Twisters, while his brother Tiger Dopsie is the band's drum virtuoso. Anthony Dopsie, a great accordion player, replaced Dopsie, Sr. after he unexpectedly passed away in 1993.

Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters have continued to develop in their own right. Considered the best rub board player in the world, Dopsie, Jr. is a charismatic and electrifying stage performer. His dancing, splits, and audience participation antics make the band's performances exciting, and keep the listeners involved and dancing to the highly infectious Zydeco beat.

Visit the website at www.rockindopsie.com

You won’t miss The Colossal Canadian Couple when they enter the room. The ultimate in big fun, this amazing duo entertains crowds across North America. Standing nine feet tall and six feet wide, they turn heads while turning their surroundings into joyous mayhem.

Up above, The Aerial Dancers perform acrobatics and synchronized moves upon silk scarves. They convey grace and beauty while captivating audiences with daring drops, powerful climbs, and elegant poses while suspended in the air.