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Mardi Gras comes early to Houston!
In a performance by The New Zulu Mardi Gras Indians, Houstonians will have a rare opportunity to experience the unique rhythms, chants and elaborate costumes on New Orleans' Black Indians during Martin Luther King weekend.
Mardi Gras Indian traditions combine African pictorials with Native American stylized carnival costumes. The multilayered "Indian Suits", decorated with beads, sequins and exotic feathers, can weigh more than 100 pounds. The suits are worn in parades during Mardi Gras and Super Sunday (near St Joseph's Day, March 19).
Their percussion, derived from Africa and the West Indies, was passed down to modern generations through gatherings at New Orleans' historic Congo Square. Mardi Gras Indian chants are a mysterious language rooted in the history of slavery and oppression.
Join us for two unique opportunities to discover the Mardi Gras Indians right here in Houston. The events are part of a Houston Institute for Culture educational series on African American Traditions, Connections and Migrations, supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts. The programs are sponsored by KPFT's Music Beyond Borders, Voz de la Tierra, and KTRU's World Music Show, and graciously hosted by The Artery and Bohemeo's.
Above photo of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans by Mark Lacy. Additional documentary images by Ben DeSoto and Mark Lacy will be displayed. Learn more about Mardi Gras Indian traditions:
When and Where
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Artery will be video recording the event, please join us:
Sunday, January 20, 2008
7:00pm performance, followed by reception
The Artery
5401 Jackson St. (at Prospect)
Houston, Texas 77004
In the Museum District
Donation: $10; $5 students
Sunday, January 20, 2008
5:00pm performance, followed by reception
Bohemeo's
708 Telephone Rd.
Houston, Texas 77023
In the East End, Tlaquepaque Plaza
Donation: $10; $5 students
For More Information
Phone: 713-521-3686
Email: info@houstonculture.org
 
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Stay tuned for the broadcast of author Roger Wood and musician Ed Poullard discussing the Creole roots of Zydeco music on KTRU, 91.7FM, Monday, February 25, 8-9pm.
Please join us for A Gulf Coast Juneteenth - June 19, 2008, at Miller Outdoor Theatre.