There’s something pretty special about the day when you get the call to lead the band for the 300th anniversary celebration of New Orleans music. When that phone call comes from the super Krewe of Orpheus….Harry Connick Jr’s own Lundi Gras parade….it makes the day even better.
The Mixed Nuts were the house band for one of the greatest jams in New Orleans history
The Krewe of Orpheus is one of the largest Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans and rides through the streets of the city on “Lundi Gras” night. Lundi Gras (the day BEFORE Mardi Gras), in regard to all of Carnival tradition, is a new event in the way that the city currently celebrates the day. The modern Lundi Gras came into focus 25 years ago during the birth of the Krewe of Orpheus. Besides the night time parade, there is a massive celebration at The Riverwalk shopping center, where the King of Carnival, Rex, meets the King of Zulu … a tradition that dates back almost a century or more. While the tradition had lost popularity over the years, the birth of the Krewe of Orpheus gave Lundi Gras a new focus – the party before the party. Since that day, Orpheus has ruled over Lundi Gras!
Orpheus ends their annual parade at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, which is located on the Mississippi River. Inside the Convention Center, The Orpheuscapade …or the formal ball for the Krewe Of Orpheus … starts jumping shortly after 7pm. Guests in formal ball gowns and tuxedos make their way through the elegant entrance of Hall H and join the party, which for the Krewe of Orpheus, has always been focused on music. Besides the four main acts on stage at the Orpheuscapade, guests are entertainment by the plethora of marching bands that make their way through the convention center as the parade arrives through Hall H for the formal party goers.
I was contacted by Mr. Fred Nuccio, one of the organizers for the Krewe Of Orpheus, to help with his idea for the main act in 2018 – a jam session with the biggest names in New Orleans music. His concept was to assemble these legends on the same stage, singing their classic hits with each other. The show would include the legends, as well as the current New Orleans musicians who are on the road – the young and old alike. The set list would include tributes to those who have gone on to the great second line in the sky – including Fats Domino, Ernie K-Doe, and Earl King. All in all, a New Orleans music love fest.
It’s absolutely important to be surrounded by the right team when a call like this comes in. The Mixed Nuts with Beau St Pierre on keys, Travis Thibodaux on percussion, and The 504 Horns led by Jason Parfait on Sax and Jimmie Reamey on trumpet, along with Alan Maxwell on bass and Eric Bolivar on drums were all ready to bring this show idea to the next level. The talent across this roster for the house band was massive …. which was needed to make sure that these legends were backed up appropriately.
I went to work with The William Credo Agency consigliere Becky Fradella to help assemble the cast that would make up the special guests for the show. Working with the talent in the Orpheus office – we assembled an incredible lineup of special guests that including: Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, Deacon John, Amanda Shaw, The Dixie Cups, Vince Vance, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Bonerama, Big Freedia, Flow tribe, and Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes. (On a personal note, having worked with many of these acts in the past, this show {for me} would be a massive family reunion. To say I was thrilled to see everyone is an understatement).
After weeks of planning, organizing, and rehearsing, our show day began at 10 AM at sound check in The Morial Convention Center. Don Drucker and the staff at Pryamid Audio ran production for the entire event. The Pyramid Audio crew (by the time we saw them) were on day 14 of a two week run that included the majority of the larger New Orleans parade parties. Like the pros they are, Pryamid Audio’s tireless attention to detail allowed us to do our jobs flawlessly. It always helps tremendously to have a group like Pyramid Audio on the team with you! As soundcheck wrapped up around 2pm, The Mixed Nuts were ready to tackle the house band duties for the biggest birthday party New Orleans had ever seen.
As the evening began, and after the Krewe Of Orpheus parade made its way through the convention center, Harry Connick Jr. led off the post-parade concert celebration. With the 504 horns rocking on several of Harry’s original tracks, Harry tore the roof off and set the tone for all of the special guests to come. Following Harry, Amanda Shaw was up, performing a very energetic “Jambalaya On The Bayou.” Amanda is one of the leading ambassadors of the cajun/zydeco genre in the country and has traveled the world showcasing the music of Louisiana. She was joined shortly after on stage by Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, who broke out his accordion for one of his original songs – “Louisiana Saturday Night.” The two artists finished their set with a jam on the classic “Hot Tamale Baby.” Next up – Big Freedia. Freedia’s legend is looming large currently in the city and her reputation of “The Queen Of Bounce” would not be challenged at the Orpheuscapade. Freedia’s two songs energized the audience, giving the older folks a taste of what the New Orleans sound currently is. Next up: Vince Vance. The clown prince of Rock ‘N’ Roll paid tribute to the late Ernie K-Doe with his iconic song “Mother In Law.” Vince was followed by Deacon John – The New Orleans guitarist and band leader who has played on 99% of the classic New Orleans R&B recordings we know today. Deacon’s song choice paid tribute to the influence of the Delta bluesmen with “Statesboro Blues” and “Dust My Broom.” His old friend Irma Thomas joined the fun next, performing two of her classics, “It’s Raining” and “You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don’t Mess With My Man). Bonerama’s tribute to the late Fats Domino (“I’m Walking” and “I’m In Love Again”) was a reminder on how deep the influence of his career IS on New Orleans music. Trombone Shorty followed up with another Ernie K-Doe classic “Here Come The Girls” and The Meters “Fiya On The Bayou.” The familiar beat of “Iko Iko” brought the Dixie cups on stage to do their classic number. For the final number, all of the guests joined Al “Carnival Time” Johnson for his ultimate Mardi Gras classic – Carnival Time. As the clock struck midnight to bring the world to Mardi Gras morning, The Krewe Of Orpheus had a stage-full of New Orleans music legends performing those classic songs that, as New Orleanians, are the soundtrack of our Mardi Gras each year.
The entire performance was a huge success, with the local media calling the show “an official celebration of New Orleans culture.” Assembling the right team of people was a crucial part in making sure this great idea could become a reality on stage. A big thank you to Fred Nuccio, Sonny Borey and Harry Connick Jr. at the Krewe of Orpheus for allowing me and The Mixed Nuts the opportunity to join in this historic celebration of New Orleans music.
Chuck Credo IV
