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 world. They performed for the Queen in 1972, at Canegie Hall in 1974, for President Bill Clinton in 1996 and at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Now, representing the birthplace of Jazz and the world’s most musical metropolis, while celebrating life and keeping the tradition of Jazz, Funk and the Second Line backbeat lived, direct from New Orleans, we give you the Wild Magnolias!

http://www.wildmagnolias.net/