Are you ready to get your Carnival on? This weekend marks the first of three leading up to the big day on February 21. There’s a lot going on including parades, killer concerts and Mardi Gras Indian performances and practices.
Tonight, head over the Tipitina’s to get yourself into the Carnival spirit if you are not already there yet. The killer Mardi Gras Indian funk band 101 Runners is performing with a legendary special guest—Fred Wesley of James Brown and P-Funk fame will be in the house!
The band features Raymond Webber on drums and June Yamagishi on guitar. War Chief Juan Pardo (pictured above in yellow) will lead the chanting and 3 Piece Spicy opens the show with some Professor Longhair-inspired grooves.
You may have to be living on Mars to not be aware of the big Krewe du Vieux parade rolling through the Faubourg Marigny and the French Quarter on Saturday night. They have been doing it for years with nearly twenty brass bands providing the musical accompaniment.
What you may not be aware of is the fact that a new group, the Krewe Delusion (pictured above), follows the Krewe du Vieux. This upstart organization first paraded two years ago and promptly amazed veteran parade watchers with their energy and costumes. Unlike the Krewe du Vieux, it’s not too late to join, just go here.
Finally, Mardi Gras Indian practices are heating up all over town as the cultural icons are preparing for their big holiday. While most of the practices are in back-of-town neighborhoods and are not publicized, D.B.A. is getting into the act with a practice led by one of the city’s veteran Mardi Gras Indians.
Big Chief Smiley Ricks (pictured above) is best known for his long tenure as a percussionist with Dr. John. He has been off the scene since Katrina, living and working in Nashville. But he is back and will be leading a practice at D.B.A. the next three Sunday nights starting at 10 PM. A band performance follows. See you there!
