The Wild Magnolias August 3, 2009

The Wild Magnolias continue a rich tradition of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians. "Mardi Gras Indians" is a concept borne out of the working vlass groups, secret clubs and spriritual societies. The Mardi Gras Indians were working class African Americans who celebrated lige and met challenges head-on with music and dance; while paying homage to their forefathers, many who were born into slavery. Initially, Mardi Gras Indiands 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 cultrue, going back to the Caribbean, Trinidad and a combination of African, Creole, Spanish Roots and the Native culture.

Since adding music to their traditional chantes (such as Iko Iko and Jock 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 Carnegie Hall in 1974, for President Clinton in 1996 and at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Now representing the birthplace of jazz and world's most musical metropolis, while celebrating life and keeping the traidtion of jazz, funk and the second line backbeat alive, direct from New Orleans we give you The Wild Magnolias!

Official Website: http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artistpopup?showid=787