WHAT- The first ever performance of the Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra culminates a full day of parading and celebrating the unique culture of New Orleans

WHO- the concert features a who’s who of celebrated New Orleans musicians including players from rock, jazz, funk and the Mardi Gras Indian community

WHEN- Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009- parade begins around 9:30 AM. Concert begins at 3 PM

WHERE- the parade begins at N. Broad and Desoto Streets and the concert is at the Hi Ho Lounge on St. Claude Avenue


New Orleans- Family Fish Productions announced today a full day of Mardi Gras Indian activities culminating in the first-ever performance of the Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra- a super group of New Orleans musicians supporting many of the leading lights of the Mardi Gras Indian community.

The festivities begin early on Mardi Gras morning, February 24, 2009, at N. Broad and Desoto streets for the calling out of David Montana, the second chief of the Yellow Pocahontas. Renowned hoodoo guitarist, Papa Mali, will perform with acclaimed African percussionist Seguenon Kone as the second chief emerges with his queen and Indian princess for the day’s celebration.

A procession will follow as the second chief parades from Mid City to the Seventh Ward neighborhood for the ritual meeting of the tribe. The first scheduled stop will be on N. Villere Street at the home of the late Chief of Chiefs, Allison “Tootie” Montana. Darryl Montana, the Big Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas, will emerge from his father’s house and join in the celebration with his cousin, the Second Chief, and the other members of the tribe.

After parading around the neighborhood, meeting other tribes in the ritual encounters that make up the bulk of the day for the city’s Mardi Gras Indians, the afternoon’s concert will begin at the Hi Ho Lounge on St. Claude Avenue at 3 PM.

The Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra features many of the most stalwart musicians in the city. The rhythm section will be anchored by Kevin O’Day on drums, Reggie Scanlan (the Radiators) on bass, Joe Ashler (Good Enough For Good Times and Otra!) on keyboards and Seguenon Kone and Geechie Johnson (the Wild Magnolias) on percussion. The string section includes Helen Gillet on cello and effects, Harry Hardin on violin (and baritone saxophone) and Marc Paradis on cello. Guitarists committed to the project include Papa Mali, Camile Baudoin (the Radiators), and Sam Hotchkiss (Juice). Horn players scheduled to appear include Evan Christopher on clarinet and “Jumpin’” Johnny Sansone on harmonica and effects.

Several notable Mardi Gras Indians are also scheduled to appear including the aforementioned Montanas of the Yellow Pocahontas, Big Chief Roddy of the Black Eagles, and acclaimed Mardi Gras Indian vocalist Eric “Yeti” Boudreaux. Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, the Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bones, is also scheduled to appear.

For more information contact John Driver of Family Fish Productions at (504) 251-7284