The Wild Magnolias continue a rich tradition of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians. “Mardi Gras Indians” is a concept born out of working class groups, secret clubs and spiritual societies. The Mardi Gras Indians were working class African Americans who celebrated life and met challenges head-on with music and dance; while paying homage to their forefathers, many of whom were born into slavery. initially, Mardi Gras Indians paraded (or Second Lined) on Mardi Gras Day as a tribute to Native Americans, who befriended runaway slaves to a haven of safety. Eventually, this tribute became a Gumbo of culture, going back to the Carribean, Trinidad and a combination of African, Creole, Spanish Roots and the Native culture.

Since adding music to their traditional chants (such as Iko Iko and Jack A Mo) in 1969, the Wild Magnolias have presented their own brand of Mardi Gras Indian funk all over the…