Most people who haven’t had the pleasure of attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans tend to think it’s all about boobs, beads and booze. To some extent, this is definitely true, but only if you’re doing it wrong. Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, libations and New Orleans heritage involving traditions that date back to the 1800s. It’s the pinnacle of Nawlins culture in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Naturally, the city is fueled by the music that it helped flourish, from jazz to brass bands to funk and everything in between. We were fortunate enough to experience some truly spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime musical events this Mardi Gras. Here are some of our favorites.
Photos by Jeffrey Dupuis and Michelle C.Stancil
1. Galactic’s annual Lundi Gras (night before Mardi Gras) show at the iconic Tipitina’s is always one of the most highly anticipated. The three-set marathon show goes from 1 AM until around 7 AM and the energy from the band and throughout the room only increases as the night (morning?) goes on. A plethora of special guests are guaranteed, and this year featured Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Rob Ingrahm (The Revivalists), Eric McFadden and Mike Dillon, as well as new-ish lead singer Erica Falls and staple guest trombonist Corey Henry of Rebirth Brass Band. It’s the last big hurrah to deliver you into Mardi Gras day and brings out all the weird, beautiful and funky energy of the city. Photos by Jeffrey Dupuis
2. Mardi Gras Indians are one of the coolest things about New Orleans in general and perfectly exemplify the city’s rich cultural history. Their roots date back to the 1700s! African slaves would gather weekly to sing and dance, and letting loose to traditional African song and dance is a value that helped form the Indians some decades later. They spend all year creating elaborate costumes that can weigh up to 100 pounds, and parade around during Mardi Gras and certain other ceremonies. On Friday the 13th during Mardi Gras, three major Chiefs – Monk Boudreaux, Roderick Sylvas, and Gerard “Bo Jr.” Dollis – got together at the Joy Theatre to celebrate the life of the recently passed Big Chief Bo Dollis. Ivan Neville sat in on keys. Photos by Jeffrey Dupuis
3. It was a family affair with Cha Dooky Doo, a collective honoring the music and legacy of New Orleans legend Art Neville (Neville Brothers/The Meters) at the Howlin Wolf on Lundi Gras. Art performed with brother Cyril Neville, children Ian (Dumpstaphunk) and Amelia, Funky Meters bandmate Brian Stoltz and more. They brought the funk hard with Meters classics and other NOLA staples, making for a truly special evening and perfect way to ring in Mardi Gras day. Photos by Jeffrey Dupuis
4. In the calm before the Mardi Gras storm, Earphunk brought a hurricane of funk to Tipitina’s. The kickass show kicked off the rage weekend properly (you know, because in New Orleans weekends begin on a Wednesday). The progressive funk outfit played to an intimate yet rowdy crowd who was ready to get the party started! Photos by Jeffrey Dupuis
5. The Revivalists gave a hometown throwdown of epic proportions at the House of Blues the Friday of Mardi Gras weekend. Lead singer Dave Shaw’s energy is always contagious, the band was clearly psyched to be there and the packed house was pumped to the max. Photos by Michelle C.Stancil
Laissez le bon temps roulez!