Happy Vendredi Gras!!!!

Happy Vendredi Gras!!!

The Krewe of Hermes kick off the parades Uptown at 6:00 pm!! The founding fathers of Hermes were local businessmen who formed and incorporated their organization in 1936. The first ball and parade were held in 1937. As per tradition, the Hermes captain leads the procession in full regalia on a white horse.  Often named one of the most beautiful carnival parades of the season....you don't want to miss this one!



Le Krewe d'Etat rolls at 6:30 pm...The highly satirical krewe keeps its theme secret until the parade rolls. The name is a pun on "coup d'etat", which is the takeover of a ruling party by an outside force. The krewe "heeds only edicts from their Dictator, whose identity is never revealed." The organization's most coveted throw is a strand of glow-in-the-dark beads with green eyeballs.

The famed Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the parade up the longer Uptown-to-Downtown route, an idea initiated by the D'Etat captain. Nearly a dozen marching bands (St. Augustine, Brother Martin High School, Citadel's Summerall Guard, Central Lafourche High School, the St. Charles Streetcar Band and others) are also scheduled to provide musical accompaniment as the parade sojourns through town.  The identity of the "Dictator," as the D'Etat monarch is known, is never revealed. He will ride on his own signature float, followed by the Dictator's Banana Wagon, the High Priest float and others.



Established in 2000, the Krewe of Morpheus is named for the god of dreams and follows d'Etat at 7:00 pm! The krewe strives to be both inclusive in membership as well as provide parade goers an 'old-school' parade experience. Morpheus is one of the largest co-ed krewes in the area and kicks off the long weekend leading up to Mardi Gras.



And after the parades you got music!!!

Sorry, folks, I'm feeling lazy...the morning after parades will do that to you...don't forget the free shows at the Howlin' Wolf the next few days - Check out Chickie Wah Wah's (2828 Canal) Endymion party tomorrow (great place for music, food and clean bathrooms!!)

For more fun stuff to do and more music...check out the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!


www.gratisnola.com

Happy Jeudi Gras!!

Happy Jeudi Gras Everybody...the parades keep on rolling along!!

First up this evening are the Knights of Babylon at 5:45 pm....Formed in 1939 by professional men of New Orleans, the Knights of Babylon proudly adhere to traditional float design, which has remain unchanged for over 60 years. Also according to tradition, they continue to light floats with flambeaux and ride on 12-man floats. The king's float is drawn by a team of mules, followed by 12 riding lieutenants. Collectors of Mardi Gras throws are expected to line the route in droves, in quest of Babylon's exclusive jester heads and hats, Knights of Babylon backpacks, Knights of Babylon lighted disc necklaces, soft baseballs, cups and doubloons.



Following right behind is the highly secretive Knights of Chaos, formed by former members of the Knights of Momus, first paraded on the traditional Uptown route in 2000 and does not unveil its theme until the procession takes to the streets.

Baseball-type collectible cards, depicting each float and with a description of that particular title, will be thrown by Chaos members. This tradition began in 2006 and was the first of its kind in the history of Carnival throws.  Plentiful beads and trinkets are also promised, including Chaos Orange Demon lighted beads, plus plush Chaos knights, float-specific cups and more. Also expected to be thrown to spectators will be doubloons and many trinkets signifying the generosity of the riders.



And rounding up the evening the Krewe of Muses rolls on a slightly different parade route (see below), named for the daughters of Zeus and patrons of the arts and sciences, is New Orleans' only all-female night parade. The parade has become one of Mardi Gras' favorites, thanks not only to its humorous and biting parade themes, but also for its sought-after throws....SHOES!!



And AFTER the parades there's free music!!!


At the Howlin' Wolf (828 S. Peters) every night after the parades thru Lundi Gras!!  Check out the line-up! 
Thursday  - The Revivalist
Friday - Rebirth Brass Band plus Jermaine Quiz
Saturday - Rebirth Brass Band plus Papa Grows Funk
Sunday  - Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Monday  - George Porter Jr and the Runnin' Pardners plus Derrick Freeman's Smoker's World

For more fun stuff to do and more music...check out the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!


www.gratisnola.com

Happy Mercredi Gras with Pee-rades, Art and Music!

Happy Mercredi Gras - Hope everyone is having a wonderful week - parades are getting in full swing!!

Wednesday Pee-rades!!

Head on Uptown tonight for a double header of parades this evening!!  The Krewe of Druids, named for the ancient order of Celtic priests, rolls at 6:30.  The theme remains a secret until they roll!!

The Krewe of Nyx, immediately follows Druids.  Get excited for the second annual roll of the all-women parade named for the Greek goddess of the night!  It's another secret theme for this 26 float krewe..so get out there to check the ladies out tonight!

Wednesday Fun Stuff!

Carnival Art Show tonight at Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St.)! Join us for the opening of a carnival art show with FREE great brews and food before heading to parades. Five local artists showcase their work on the Brew House walls including:
Simon of New Orleans - Folk Art
Mark Kirk of UP/Unique Products - luminated wall art and chandeliers
Sontiga Reid Hall - Surrealist Paintings
Sarah Ferguson - Portraiture
Hayley Gabertavage - Fine Art

Experience an Evening of Cultural Indulgences at it's new location in the  Jazz Club at the JW Marriott (614 Canal Street) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tonight's event features Creative Mardi Gras Masks and Headpieces by local artist Cely Pedescleaux- plus music from Tony Seville, a spirit tasting with complimentary hors d’oeuvres....Make a purchase of $1,000 or more by  Artist tonight and the JW Marriott will give you a 1 night complimentary stay in the Presidential Bi-Level Suite a $1,500 value!! (Parking is available at a special event Rate of $5 on Common Street)

Wednesday Evening Music

After your Uptown parades head on over to Dmac's Bar and Grill (542 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy) for a Mid-City Mix Up with Papa John Gros and Lynn Drury at 9:00pm. Lynn and John Gros roll you into that Mardi Gras spirit tonight!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and for more fun shows and events going on click on the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!



www.gratisnola.com

Happy Tuesday w/Pre-Mardi Gras Fun with Veggies and Music!

Happy Tuesday!

Farmer's Market!

You can get your day started off right with a trip to the Farmer's Market!  Visit the Crescent City's Farmer's Market at University Square (200 Broadway) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for the freshest veggies, fruits and seafood. Today for the Green Plate Special Chef Lisa Barbato  will be there the whole month of February to preview her soon to open café, Rivista. Look for it on Magazine Street in March. Until then, enjoy Lisa's themed lunches all month long! This week, Lisa is taking us on a trip to Jerusalem with spiced goat casserole with eggplant and sweet potatoes; chickpea soup with homemade pita; roasted cauliflower and hazelnut salad with pomegranate; spicy beet, leek and walnut salad with arugula; and for dessert, orange almond syrup cake and honey-pecan fingers....yum!

And if you want more fresh veggies head on over to the Hollygrove Market.   You can go by their location at 8301 Olive Street between Noon and 6:00 pm.  They also have home delivery if you can't make it to the Market - Click here to find out how - http://www.hollygrovemarket.com/content/5669

In the "Box" today!

-Strawberries (Johnsdale Farms, Ponchatoula, LA)
-Brussel Sprouts (Fekete Farms, Hungarian Settlement, LA)
-Beets (Fekete Farms, Hungarian Settlement, LA)
-Kale or Chard (Fekete Farms/Garden Guy Produce)
-Navel Oranges (A & K Citrus, Braithwaite, LA)
-Cabbage (Monica’s Okra World, Garyville, LA)
-Beefsteak or Lorenzo Tomatoes (Tomott's, La Rose, LA)
-Pink Grapefruit (A & K Citrus, Braithwaite, LA)
-Turnips (Monica’s Okra World, Garyville, LA)
-Green Onions (Fekete Farms, Hungarian Settlement, LA)
-U-Pick: Lettuce Head, Salad Mix, or Radish (2 Acre Farm/Grow Dat Youth Farm/Monica’s Okra World)

Good Music Tonight!

There's a great musical evening on the Avenue at the The Columns (3811 St. Charles Ave.) at 8:00 p.m. tonight!  Have a fancy cocktail and listen to the guitar sounds of John Rankin.

Head on over to Mid-City and to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) for another great threesome with Tommy Malone (you know him from the Subdudes) with some special surprise guests at 8:00 pm!!

There's some fun on Frenchmen tonight too over at d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) with the The Treme Brass Band at 10:00 pm - there's a $5 cover for the show - but you know you don't want to miss it!

Right down the street the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) has a triple header with no cover - Andy Forest at 4:00 pm, Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns at 6:00 pm, and top off the evening with the Smokin' Time Jazz Club  at 10:00 pm!

It's a fun night over at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street...the REBIRTH Brass Band they come on around 10:30ish - there's a cover, but you'll be glad you paid and stayed up late - Get your Mardi Gras week started off right!! 

Have a wonderful Tuesday and for more fun shows and events going on click on the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!



www.gratisnola.com

Carnival Friday w/the Krewe of Cork, Parade Bars, Chewbacca Sighting and More!

TGIF - It's Carnival Time!!!

Startin' it off with the Krewe of Cork - The parade, accompanied by a 12-piece band, and begins around 2:00 p.m.....The Krewe begins on Royal Street between St. Peter Street and Toulouse Street, will follow Royal Street southwestward to Iberville Street, proceed northwest on Iberville for one block to turn northeast on Bourbon Street and proceed to St. Ann Street, where it will turn southeast. From St. Ann, the parade will turn southwest down Chartres Street. At St. Peter Street, the parade will turn northwest and proceed to Royal Street.  Once the parade has turned southwest down Royal Street, it will proceed to Conti Street.  The krewe will turn northwest and finish the parade on Conti between Royal Street and Bourbon Street. For more info  http://www.kreweofcork.com/!!

Tonight's Parades - Click on the Links for Parade Routes!!

• Oshun - Uptown, 6 p.m.

• Cleopatra - Uptown, 6:30 p.m.

Music Along the Parade Route!

Catch the parade and hang out for some Irish food and music at The Irish House (1432 St. Charles) ...stay on for folk musician Jacqui Sandor at 9:30 pm!

The parades pass by Lee's Circle too - and The Circle Bar (1032 St. Charles) has the accordion playing of Norbert Slama and some great drink specials too. The music starts up at 6:00 pm!

More Music!!

Head on over to Chickie Wah Wah on Canal for their happy hour and a triple header of music this evening. First it's Wyndham Baird for Happy Hour at 5:30 pm with no cover! Stay on, because at 8:00 pm it's the soulful sounds of Arsene Delay, and top off the evening with Cranston Clements and his twin sons Austin and Tyler at 10:00 pm!! There's a small cover for the second shows - but you know it's worth the dinero!

You can get started early at the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) with Andy Forest at 4:00 pm, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio at 6:00 pm, top the night off with the Cottonmouth Kings at 10:00 pm.

d.b.a.'s (618 Frenchmen) got Linnzi Zaorski at 6:00 pm it's FREE, but don't forget to tip the band!! And stay on for The Stooges Brass Band at 10:00 pm...there's a cover, but you don't want to miss the show!!

Chewbacca Sighting!

It's Save a Life Day: Peter "Chewbacca" Mayhew Signing and Blood Drive tonight at BSI Comics (3030 Severn) starting at 5:00 pm. The members of the Bast Alpha Garrison will join forces with the mighty Chewbacca! Actor, Peter Mayhew, will be appearing at BSI Comics for a photo op and signing during the blood drive. Peter & Angie Mayhew will be reigning as King and Royal Consort of the 2013 Krewe of Chewbacchus Parade on Saturday 1/26/13.

For all your musical fun this evening  click on the WWOZ Livewire!   Throw me something Mister!!!



www.gratisnola.com

Happy Jeudi Gras!!

Happy Jeudi Gras Everybody...the parades keep on rolling along!!

First up this evening are the Knights of Babylon at 5:45 pm....Formed in 1939 by professional men of New Orleans, the Knights of Babylon proudly adhere to traditional float design, which has remain unchanged for over 60 years. Also according to tradition, they continue to light floats with flambeaux and ride on 12-man floats. The king's float is drawn by a team of mules, followed by 12 riding lieutenants. Collectors of Mardi Gras throws are expected to line the route in droves, in quest of Babylon's exclusive jester heads and hats, Knights of Babylon backpacks, Knights of Babylon lighted disc necklaces, soft baseballs, cups and doubloons.



Following right behind is the highly secretive Knights of Chaos, formed by former members of the Knights of Momus, first paraded on the traditional Uptown route in 2000 and does not unveil its theme until the procession takes to the streets.

Baseball-type collectible cards, depicting each float and with a description of that particular title, will be thrown by Chaos members. This tradition began in 2006 and was the first of its kind in the history of Carnival throws.  Plentiful beads and trinkets are also promised, including Chaos Orange Demon lighted beads, plus plush Chaos knights, float-specific cups and more. Also expected to be thrown to spectators will be doubloons and many trinkets signifying the generosity of the riders.



And rounding up the evening the Krewe of Muses rolls on a slightly different parade route (see below), named for the daughters of Zeus and patrons of the arts and sciences, is New Orleans' only all-female night parade. The parade has become one of Mardi Gras' favorites, thanks not only to its humorous and biting parade themes, but also for its sought-after throws....SHOES!! 



And AFTER the parades there's free music!!!


At the Howlin' Wolf (828 S. Peters) every night at 10:00 pm thru Lundi Gras!!  Check out the line-up! 
Thursday  - Rebirth Brass Band
Friday - Rebirth Brass Band plus The Revivalist
Saturday - Rebirth Brass Band plus Papa Grows Funk
Sunday  - Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Monday  - George Porter Jr and the Runnin' Pardners plus Khris Royal & the Dark Matter

For more fun stuff to do and more music...check out the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!


www.gratisnola.com

Mardi Gras Weekend Part Un - It's Carnival Time!!

It is Carnival Time -This is what Gratis NOLA is all about!!

Saturday Parades, Fun and Music!

Saturday Parades!

The parades kick off this morning at 11:00 am on the best bank with the Krewe of Choctaw running on the Algiers-Terrytown route.  This year's theme is "Listen to the Music"...Be sure holler for the plush tomahawks and spears and the special wooden nickels!

Following Choctaw at 11:45 am are the Mystic Knights of Adonis with the theme "Adonis in Louisiana: 200 Years"

And the parades keep rolling!!  Catch the Krewe of Pontchartrain at 2:00 pm on the traditional Uptown Route - This year's theme is "Where is What Louisiana Festival?"  Look out for the special krewe magnet!

Keep hanging out Uptown for the Krewe of Sparta at 6:00 pm - The theme is " Le Carnaval Des Animaux" and keep your eyes open for the 60th anniversary medallions and a mystery throw!!

Following Sparta is the Krewe of Pygmalion at 6:45 pm - Their theme is "The Name of the Game is"...Look out for the new signature float the Pygmammoth!

Out in Metry you got the Krewe of Ceasar heading down Vets Boulevard at 6:00 pm - The theme is "Festivals of the World".

For more parade info click - http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Beer!

And what's a parade without beer!!

It's a Collaboration Beer Party with Stone and NOLA Brewing Company!! Head on down to the Avenue Pub (1732 St. Charles) right on the parade route for and Pour Me Somethin' Mistah an 8% imperial porter with Steens molasses and local satsuma orange peels. Draft only and small batch.  Parades go by all day and night during the release party.  Drinking NOLA or Stone will get you access to the Balcony to watch the parades.  In addition to the Porter we they're gonna have two casks including a wheat with satsuma peels and grains of paradise and the porter with a twist. Yea for beer!!
 
Music!

Looking for some post parade madness then I've got just the thing for you!  it's the Voodoo Ballerina King Cake Soiree'! Tonight at Michalopoulos Studio (527 Elysian Fields) at 9:00 pm
Entertainment provided by:
* I Tell You What Band
* The Cherry Bombs
* Iris May Tango
* Gris Gris Strut
* White Bitch and his Brass Balls
* Onomatopoeia
Join us to spread the vibe, the creativity, the passion of Voodoo Ballerina.
Advanced tix are $20 - open bar! At door bar tix are $25
Purchase on line: www.voodooballerina.com
(or at door donate what you can / cash bar)
This is a not for profit event, proceeds go to local theater and art orgs.
Sponsored by: Old New Orleans Rum, Abita Beer, Michalopoulos, Whole Foods,
La Boulangerie and Spirit Guides
*Be advised that this is strictly a costume mandatory ball. Our guests go all-out in creating spectacular ensembles. If you arrive in a costume that could also be worn as street clothes you won't be admitted.  www.voodooballerina.com

Frenchmen Street is kickin' with music after the big peerades!  d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) has John Boutte at 7:00 pm and then come on back for the late show with Cedric Burnside Project at 11:00 pm - they're sure to please (there's a small cover - but you don't want to miss the show)

The Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) has a triple header starting early with Jayna Morgan & The Sazerac Sunrise Jazz Band at 3:00 pm, Panorama Jazz Band at 6:00 pm and top off the night with The Jazz Vipers at 10:00 pm!!

And curb your parade hunger for food and music over at Three Muses (536 Frenchmen)...Get some  yummy food and listen to the sounds of The Mumbles at 6:30 pm and stay on for the Frenchmen Street Jug Band at 10:00 pm.

Sunday Parades and Fun!

It's another amazing day of Carnival fun and more!

Before Barkus (and after) come celebrate Spaghettibowl!!  It's a block party fundraiser for Cathedral Academy in front of Irene's Cuisine (539 St. Philip) from Noon 'til 4:00 pm...They'll be delicious food from Irene's a jazz conert, and a scond-line by James Andrews and the Crescent City Allstars.

Sunday Parades!

Come on Uptown at Noon for the Krewe of Carrollton - It's 20 floats of fun with the theme "Celebrate Louisiana"!

Following on the tails of Carrolton is the Krewe of King Arthur at 1:15 pm - their theme is "King Arthur Celebrates the Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial"..Look out for the stuffed dragons, spears and daggers!

Head on over to the best bank at noon for the Krewe of Alla on the Algiers-Terrytown route - The krewe depicts "Alla's Astrological Odyssey" with a 24 float parade!

And of course you don't want to miss dogs in costumes!!!  It's the Mysic Krewe of Barkus parading through the Quarter at 2:00 pm!  This year's theme is "Mission Possible: Canine Portocol"...Registration begins at 10:30 am in Armstrong Park - $50 for your pup and free for spectators! 

For more parade info click - http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Costumes!

And if you're looking for that perfect costume on Sunday head on down to the Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen). Threadhead Records Foundation is the nonprofit sponsor for the 21st annual Carnival Costume Bazaar, which rises from the ashes of the Great Blue Nile Costume Bust of Mardi Gras 2011.  A dozen of New Orleans' most creative designers, hatters, costumiers and mask-makers offer a vast array of one-of-a-kind costumes, masks, accessories, props & festive Carnival creations. A don't-miss event for people who take costuming seriously!

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this today and tomorrow...If you're looking for more fun stuff to do...check out the WWOZ Livewire -  http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!!



www.gratisnola.com

TGIF - It's Carnival Time!!!

It's Carnival Time!!!

Startin' it off with the Krewe of Cork - The parade, accompanied by a 12-piece band, and begins around 2:00 p.m.....The Krewe begins on Royal Street between St. Peter Street and Toulouse Street, will follow Royal Street southwestward to Iberville Street, proceed northwest on Iberville for one block to turn northeast on Bourbon Street and proceed to St. Ann Street, where it will turn southeast. From St. Ann, the parade will turn southwest down Chartres Street. At St. Peter Street, the parade will turn northwest and proceed to Royal Street.  Once the parade has turned southwest down Royal Street, it will proceed to Conti Street.  The krewe will turn northwest and finish the parade on Conti between Royal Street and Bourbon Street. For more info  http://www.kreweofcork.com/!!

Tonight's Parades - Click on the Links for Parade Routes!!

Orleans

• Oshun - Uptown, 6 p.m.

Jefferson

• Excalibur - Metairie, 7 p.m.

• Atlas - Metairie, 7:30 p.m.

West Bank

• Cleopatra - West Bank, 6:30 p.m.

St. Tammany

• Eve - Mandeville, 7 p.m.

And if you're not feeling in that parade sort of mood yet...there's plenty of other good stuff going on around town.

Tonight is the big kick-off to Starlight Racing at the New Orleans Fairgrounds (1751 Gentilly Blvd.)! Tonight kick off Mardi Gras season with your best MG outfit (best one wins $100!!) and groove on down to the sounds of on with the The Top Cats and DJ Spin! Gates open at 4:00 pm and the first post is at 5 p.m. The live bands take to the Clubhouse stage at 7 p.m., while the DJs in the Miller Lite Beer Garden spin nonstop until after the last race, about 9 p.m.
Admission and Parking:
*General Admission to Fair Grounds for Starlight Racing is $5. Twin Spires Club VIPs receive free General Admission.
*Admission to the Clubhouse or the Miller Lite Beer Garden is an additional $5.
*General parking at Fair Grounds is free. Valet parking is available for $10 and VIP Valet with priority service is $20.


Check out Friday Night at NOMA with Artfully Aware tonight from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm!

• Music - The evening begins with a performance by Kat Walker.
• Opening exhibition: Folk Art from the Permanent Collection
• Art Activity - Artsy fun for the kids with help from Young Audiences
• Reading at 7:30 pm: New Orleans poet Andy Young, from her new book The People is Singular
• Film at 7:00 pm: MONGA: Presented by NOMA & the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Houston. The film is open to the public and included with regular admission to the Museum.

*The cost of this event is free with regular admissions. Prices range from: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and military members; and $6 for ages 7-17.

You still don't know what to do?

Head on over to Chickie Wah Wah on Canal for their happy hour and a triple header of music this evening.  Come on by 8:00 pm for Paul Sanchez, and top off the evening with The Tangle (Darcy Malone Boye & Chris Boye along with members of the Boondoogles!) at 10:00 pm!! There's a small cover for the shows - but you know it's worth the dinero!  Come hungry too - there's delicious pizza and other yummy items being served up!

Stop by the newly reopened Circle Bar (1032 St. Charles) for some good time music...it's Mike Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts at 10:00 pm (I think it's a $5 cover - but you don't want to miss it!)

Need more music??  Then go to Frenchmen Street!

You can get started early at the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) with Brett Richardson at 4:00 pm, and the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings at 10:00 pm.

d.b.a.'s (618 Frenchmen) got Tuba Skinny at 6:00 pm it's FREE, but don't forget to tip the band!! And stay on for Eric Lindell at 10:00 pm...there's a $10 cover, but you don't want to miss the show!!

For all your musical fun this evening  click on the WWOZ Livewire!   Throw me something Mister!!!

Vendredi Gras!!!

It may be a little damp out there...but that's not gonna slow us down tonight!! Happy Vendredi Gras!!!

The Krewe of Hermes kick off the parades Uptown at 6:00 pm!! The founding fathers of Hermes were local businessmen who formed and incorporated their organization in 1936. The first ball and parade were held in 1937. As per tradition, the Hermes captain leads the procession in full regalia on a white horse.  Often named one of the most beautiful carnival parades of the season....you don't want to miss this one!



Le Krewe d'Etat rolls at 6:30 pm (Nola.com says 6:30 and 6:00...map says 6:00...either way..come out early so you don't miss a thang!!)....The highly satirical krewe keeps its theme secret until the parade rolls. The name is a pun on "coup d'etat", which is the takeover of a ruling party by an outside force. The krewe "heeds only edicts from their Dictator, whose identity is never revealed." The organization's most coveted throw is a strand of glow-in-the-dark beads with green eyeballs.

The famed Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the parade up the longer Uptown-to-Downtown route, an idea initiated by the D'Etat captain. Nearly a dozen marching bands (St. Augustine, Brother Martin High School, Citadel's Summerall Guard, Central Lafourche High School, the St. Charles Streetcar Band and others) are also scheduled to provide musical accompaniment as the parade sojourns through town.  The identity of the "Dictator," as the D'Etat monarch is known, is never revealed. He will ride on his own signature float, followed by the Dictator's Banana Wagon, the High Priest float and others.



Established in 2000, the Krewe of Morpheus is named for the god of dreams and follows d'Etat at 7:00 pm! The krewe strives to be both inclusive in membership as well as provide parade goers an 'old-school' parade experience. Morpheus is one of the largest co-ed krewes in the area and kicks off the long weekend leading up to Mardi Gras.



And after the parades you got music!!!

Sorry, folks, I'm feeling lazy...the morning after parades will do that to you...don't forget the free shows at the Howlin' Wolf the next few days - Check out Chickie Wah Wah's (2828 Canal) Endymion party tomorrow (great place for music, food and clean bathrooms!!)

And for all the fun check click on the WWOZ Livewire!  And tune into 90.7 FM and http://www.wwoz.org/ from 11 am to 2:00 pm for the incredible Louisiana Music Party with my hubby Bill deTurk!!!  See you later!

Happy Jeudi Gras!!!

Happy Jeudi Gras Everybody...the parades keep on rolling along!!

First up this evening are the Knights of Babylon at 5:45 pm....Formed in 1939 by professional men of New Orleans, the Knights of Babylon proudly adhere to traditional float design, which has remain unchanged for over 60 years. Also according to tradition, they continue to light floats with flambeaux and ride on 12-man floats. The king's float is drawn by a team of mules, followed by 12 riding lieutenants. Collectors of Mardi Gras throws are expected to line the route in droves, in quest of Babylon's exclusive jester heads and hats, Knights of Babylon backpacks, Knights of Babylon lighted disc necklaces, soft baseballs, cups and doubloons.



Following right behind is the highly secretive Knights of Chaos, formed by former members of the Knights of Momus, first paraded on the traditional Uptown route in 2000 and does not unveil its theme until the procession takes to the streets.

Baseball-type collectible cards, depicting each float and with a description of that particular title, will be thrown by Chaos members. This tradition began in 2006 and was the first of its kind in the history of Carnival throws.  Plentiful beads and trinkets are also promised, including Chaos Orange Demon lighted beads, plus plush Chaos knights, float-specific cups and more. Also expected to be thrown to spectators will be doubloons and many trinkets signifying the generosity of the riders.



And rounding up the evening the Krewe of Muses rolls on a slightly different parade route (see below), named for the daughters of Zeus and patrons of the arts and sciences, is New Orleans' only all-female night parade. The parade has become one of Mardi Gras' favorites, thanks not only to its humorous and biting parade themes, but also for its sought-after throws....SHOES!!  Muses began parading in 2000 and is the only all-female krewe to roll at night.



And AFTER the parades there's much more!!!

Head on down to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) tonight - for Tuba Skinny and Erika Lewis at 8:00 pm....they're gonna show you how to get in that Carnival spirit!!

There's a triple header over at the Spotted Cat (623  Frenchmen) with Brett Richardson at  4:00 pm, a Miss Sophie Lee at 6:00 pm and close out the night with the The New Orleans Moonshiners at 10:00 pm!!!

And it's free shows at the Howlin' Wolf (828 S. Peters) every night at 10:00 pm thru Lundi Gras!!  Check out the line-up! 
Thursday March 3 - Rebirth Brass Band
Friday March 4 - Anders Osborne plus Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers
Saturday March 5 - Rebirth Brass Band plus Papa Grows Funk
Sunday March 6 - Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk plus Hot 8 Brass Band in the Den
Monday March 7 - George Porter Jr and the Runnin' Pardners plus The Revivalists

And for more musical fun this evening be sure to click on the WWOZ Livewire!

Mercredi Gras!!

Happy Mercredi Gras!

Parades get in gear tonight with the Krewe of Druids Uptown at 6:30 pm.  The krewe’s parade theme is kept secret until the actual parade, and the identity of the parade-only krewe’s King, the Archdruid, is never revealed!




And there's more!!

There's another special show over at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta!!  Irvin Mayfield's NOJO Jam this evening at 8:00 pm!

Hang out on Frenchmen tonight!!

Check out Three Muses (536 Frenchmen) and Support Sweet Home New Orleans as they bring you a show by the amazing Steven Walker at 7:00 pm....Sweet Home N.O. has been helping to revitalize the damage suffered by musicians and other contributors to New Orleans’ cultural heritage since 2005.

There's another great evening full of music at the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) with free swing dance lessons at 5:00 p.m.!!  Brett Richardson at 4:00 p.m., The Orleans 6 at 6:00 p.m., and to top off the night St. Louis Slim & The Frenchmen Street Jug Band at 10:00 p.m.!

d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) has two fun show tonight with The Tin Men at 7:00 and Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters at 10:00 pm!!

If you're looking for more fun stuff to do...check out the WWOZ Livewire!

Parades, Parades, Parades!!

It's Carnival Time!!!

Startin' it off with the Krewe of Cork - The parade, accompanied by a 12-piece band, begins around 2:00 p.m. in front of The Court of Two Sisters and takes in the French Quarter's key streets - Royal, Bourbon and Dauphine - ending at The Royal Sonesta for the King and Queens party http://www.kreweofcork.com/!!

Tonight's Parades - Click on the Links for Parade Routes!!

Orleans

• Oshun - Uptown, 6 p.m.

Jefferson

• Excalibur - Metairie, 7 p.m.

• Atlas - Metairie, 7:30 p.m.

St. Tammany

• Krewe de Paws - Slidell, 6 p.m.

• Eve - Mandeville, 7 p.m.

• Mona Lisa and Moon Pie - Slidell, 7 p.m.

West Bank

• Cleopatra - West Bank, 6:30 p.m.

And of course after the parades you got music!! For all your musical fun this evening  click on the WWOZ Livewire!   Throw me something Mister!!!