DWAYNE DOPSIE & THE ZYDECO HELLRAISERS

“America’s Hottest Accordion” winner, Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin, plays a unique, high energy style of zydeco. Although inspired by tradition, he has developed his own high energy style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st century Zydeco music. This singer/songwriter and accordionist has performed all over the world since debuting his band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, at age 19. Dwayne, born March 3, 1979 in Lafayette, Louisiana, hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world, and attributes his musical abilities to his father, Rockin' Dopise, Sr., a pioneer of Zydeco music. "This is my calling - Zydeco music is in my blood and it is my heart and soul."

 

Since 2007 The Big Easy in Buffalo has brought New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture to the Western New York region several times a year for free and low cost live performance, as well as music education and mentoring for local musicians, students, and the community. Through The Big Easy in Buffalo thousands of students, dozens of local bands, and countless audience members in Western New York have been exposed to this unique American culture. The Big Easy in Buffalo is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, Erie County, buffalo.fm, Dick & Jenny’s, Sportsmens Tavern, and National Fuel Gas Co.