Best Of New Orleans Blog

Like a lot of people last night, I had my plans ruined by a parade that never took place. Or at least that’s what Republic would have me believe.

Sometime Wednesday afternoon, word leaked out that the Warehouse District music venue/dancehall had canceled its Thursday evening rock show, a highly anticipated triple bill featuring the Fiery Furnaces, Super Furry Animals and Holy F**k. Despite being the club’s only notable booking for January — not to mention arguably New Orleans’ top indie-rock concert of the month — the show was canceled because, in their words, a “parade route surrounds Republic and there was concern that people wouldn’t be able to get [here].” (more…)

Photo By: Thom Henkel

Everyone knows Mardi Gras isn’t just about champagne with Rex and beads and boobies on Bourbon; one of the best parts of the greatest free show on Earth is catching up with the city’s Mardi Gras Indian tribes as they hit the streets, guerrilla-style, to show off the pretty they’ve been working on all year. Here’s a partial guide on how to meet the boys on the battlefront this weekend.From noon until 6 p.m. on Lundi Gras, the Mohawk Hunters present Indian practice and a showdown, with the Mohawk Hunters, the Black Eagles, the Creole Wild West and the Wild Magnolias, who’ll also throw down with a funky musical set led by Big Chief Bo Dollis. Located at the Canal Street Ferry landing on the Algiers side, the powwow will also feature a full Indian village with arts and crafts and food and beverage booths. On Mardi Gras morning, the Downtown tribe Young Guardians of the Flame take to the streets in honor of the late Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr., starting at 7 a.m. at 3632 N. Johnson St. in the Ninth Ward, and visiting local music royalty along a route that includes stops at the homes of jazz drummers Bob French and Smokey Johnson (in the Habitat for Humanity Musicians’ Village) and A.F.O. Records founding member Chuck Badie. They’ll also hit Congo Square and St. Louis Cemetery #3 before winding up at Bayou St. John at 9 a.m. (more…)