MARDI GRAS | 02.17 - 02.20 | NEW ORLEANS

Words & Photos by Dino Perrucci

It's Carnival time again in New Orleans. The second Mardi Gras celebration since Hurricane Katrina destroyed so much of this great city and of course, her presence is still felt everywhere you go. Local papers had good news to report as both the number of returnees and visitors increased from last year. As we arrived on Saturday the party was in full swing.

Saturday 2/17/07

Stanton Moore - Galactic :: 02.17 :: Tip's

Uptown to Tipitina's for Eric Lindell and Galactic. After a great opening set from Lindell and his band, Galactic dumped two hot sets of steaming funk with plenty of special guests.

First set "Buck-it Like a Horse" with Coolbone was a highlight as well as "Goin' Down" with Eric Lindell on guitar. Zep's "Immigrant Song" to end the set had the balcony rocking before a special guest-packed second set floored the Tip's faithful.

Coolbone joined in again for part of the second set, this time with Ivan Neville on keys. Midway through, Big Sam Williams came strolling through the side door and without missing a beat joined Galactic with a huge trombone solo. Things in New Orleans are really heating up and this is only the first night!

Galactic 2/17/2007 | Tipitina's | New Orleans, LA
Set I: Moil, Lickity Split, Spiderbite, Buck-it Like a Horse (Coolbone), Blacktalk, Goin Down (Lindell), Lady Day (Lindell), Groove Holmes, Immigrant Song
Set II: Little Miss Lover, Linthead, Crazyhorse, Bottle Up and Go (Papa Mali), Jump Into the Fire (Papa Mali), Chicken Pox > 2 Dots, Hercules (Ivan), Big Chief (Ivan, Big Sam, Coolbone), Sunday Araq (Glen), Bongo The Dog, Bakers Dozen (Big Sam)