Mardi Gras Beyond The Beads

The officially licensed Mystic Krewe of Barkus is a nonprofit organization and Mardi Gras parade that center's around man's best friend. Since 1993, Barkus has sported themes such as "Wizard of Paws," "Indiana Bones and the Raiders of the Lost Bark" and "Joan of Bark" while parading through the streets of the French Quarter. Gregory Curtis, director of Human Resources for the Windsor Court Hotel and president of the Krewe of Barkus, tells us about the furry krewe and the 2022 theme of "Barkingham Palace: Barkus Is Going for the Crown," which will ride Feb. 20, 2022. 

Carnival 2022 is ready to roll, but what about the lingering coronavirus pandemic? We talk to New Orleans health director Dr. Jennifer Avegno to get her advice on how to celebrate safely this Carnival season! Hear Dr. Avegno's advice on what to bring in your parade bag to combat COVID and whether the neutral ground side or side walk side is the safest for you and your group of revelers. 

After missing the 2021 Carnival season due to the coronavirus pandemic, is the city of New Orleans ready for Carnival 2022? As the city updates parade routes and COVID mandates seem to be sticking around, Rich and Errol take a look at what Carnival means this year. 

Errol and Rich discuss a few of the top moments in Carnival history - from the 1600s to COVID Carnival 2021. Stay tuned to the end for a new type of Carnival music. 

Take a trip down the Pussyfooter's parade route with Laura Cayouette, actress and long-time member of the dance krewe. We'll dance our way through the importance of the female dance krewes, how they "party with a purpose" and some surprising facts about Laura! 

Krewe du Vieux has been making merry in New Orleans for many years. This year, they have adapted to COVID in typically tasteless fashion. 

In this two-part episode, we discuss the history and current state of LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras in New Orleans. First, Roberts Batson and Errol Laborde discuss the founding of gay Carnival balls in the city and some of the struggles the community had to endure in the 1960s, '70s and '80s. Then, Rich Collins chats with Tony Leggio about all the costumes, events and pageantry that are a big part of the contemporary LGBTQ+ Carnival season.

From the woman who claims to be the first flasher for Mardi Gras beads to Pagan times and practices, this episode we discuss the risqué side of Carnival. 

In episode 4, Rich and Errol interview Bo Dollis Jr. of The Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians Tribe. We chat about the history of Mardi Gras Indians, the impact of The Wild Magnolias and Bo Dollis Sr. in music and what we're all hopeful for with Mardi Gras 2022. 

This episode, Rich acts as "Mardi Gras Beyond The Beads" musical director, and with Errol explores the music behind the greatest free show on Earth.