The Grandstand
The Grandstand gives Festivalgoers a chance to take a more intimate look at the vibrant culture, cuisine and art of Louisiana through various exhibits. The Grandstand also features : Zatarain’s Food Heritage Stage, Zatarain's Cajun Cabin Stage (immediately outside of 1st floor east) and the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage.
| GRANDSTAND EXHIBITS AND DEMONSTRATIONS | ||
Photo Exhibit: Celebrate! New Orleans Style This exhibit showcases the unique celebratory traditions of America’s
capital of culture, New Orleans, as seen through the lenses of photographers
who live and work in the region. (1st Floor West) |
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| Cultural Demonstrations: Celebrate! Backstreet New Orleans Style Here you can see up close elaborately beaded Mardi Gras Indian suits, Skull & Bones Gang skeleton suits, and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs’ finery; observe dedicated artisans working on their beadwork and other traditional and unique items; watch videotapes of New Orleans’ famous Jazz Funerals and SAPC Parades; groove to the rhythms of African-inspired drums, and chat with leaders of the local African-American Backstreet community as they share their culture. (1st Floor West) |
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| All On A Mardi Gras Day! Royce Osborn is the producer of the documentary “All on a Mardi Gras Day,” about Mardi Gras as it is celebrated by African American New Orleanians. It will be available for viewing in the Grandstand throughout the Festival. |
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Weekend 1 (April 27 - 29) |
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The Backstreet Cultural Museum - A Powerhouse of Knowledge Jazz Funeral photography and memorabilia, second-line mementos and attire, and parade videos Sylvester Francis, a.k.a. Hawk Mini Camera, Director New Orleans, LA |
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| Sylvester Francis, a.k.a. “Hawk Mini-Camera” for
his tireless film and video recording of Jazz Funerals and SAPC Parades,
is Director of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, where he maintains a major
collection of Backstreet Cultural photographs and artifacts, notably
Mardi Gras Indian suits. He has served as a consultant for many films
and documentaries. |
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Mardi Gras Indian Crafts & Traditions Big Chief Monk Boudreaux – Golden Eagles Tribe New Orleans, LA |
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| Big Chief Monk Boudreaux is best known as a dynamic performer, but he is also one of New Orleans’ leading sewers of Mardi Gras Indian and SAPC suits. His suits are known for their comfort, wearability, and craftsmanship, and his beadwork is famous for its fine detail. | ||
Print Material Folk Art Ashton T. Ramsey, Folk Artist New Orleans, LA |
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| Ashton T. Ramsey, who describes himself as a Folk Artist, works with unique media: newspaper clippings and men’s clothing. His art sometimes honors or comments upon important historical figures or events and often makes political statements. Mr. Ramsey is also an outstanding raconteur who holds his audience in thrall as he discusses his work and the issues with which it is concerned. | ||
Carnival Masking Traditions Big Chief Al Morris – North Side Skull & Bones Gang Second Chief Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes - North Side Skull & Bones Gang New Orleans, LA |
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| Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes , in addition to being a noted musician, is Second Chief of the North Side Skull & Bones Gang. Here, he demonstrates how their distinctive skeleton heads are made. There is always energy and excitement around a Skull & Bones demonstration. | ||
Mardi Gras Indian Crafts and Traditions Big Chief Darryl Montana – Yellow Pocahontas Tribe New Orleans, LA |
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| Darryl Montana, son of Chief of Chiefs Allison “Tootie” Montana, is Big Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. He is also an internationally renowned artist, whose work has been exhibited in shows and museums around the world. His Indian suit this year honors his late father, and will be on display in his demonstration area. | ||
Weekend 2 (May 4- 6) |
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The Backstreet Cultural Museum - A Powerhouse of Knowledge Jazz Funeral photography and memorabilia, second-line mementos and attire, and parade videos Sylvester Francis, a.k.a. Hawk Mini Camera, Director New Orleans, LA |
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Social Aid & Pleasure Club Crafts & Traditions Ronald W. Lewis – President, Big 9 Social Aid & Pleasure Club Director, House of Dance & Feathers New Orleans, LA |
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| Ronald W. Lewis has done it all: he has masked Indian,
founded the Big 9 Social Aid & Pleasure Club, run with the North
Side Skull & Bones Gang, and most recently founded the House of Dance
and Feathers in the Lower 9th Ward. In the past year, he has also emerged
as a spokesman for 9th Ward residents. He has frequently been interviewed
on NPR, and appeared at many conferences, representing our community. |
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Mardi Gras Indian
Crafts & Traditions Big Chief Victor Harris – Spirit of FiYiYi Wesley Phillips – Master Drummer, Mandingo Warriors Jack Robertson – Master Designer, Mandingo Warriors New Orleans, LA |
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| Big Chief Victor Harris, Spirit of Fi Yi Yi, & the Mandingo Warriors are among the most celebrated Mardi Gras Indian Tribes in New Orleans. They are noted both for their Chief’s elaborately decorated suits, and for their inspired drumming. Here, Master Drummer Wesley Phillips strings a drum. Observers of their demonstrations often become participant drummers! | ||
Print Material Folk Art Ashton T. Ramsey, Folk Artist New Orleans, LA |
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| Ashton T. Ramsey, who describes himself as a Folk Artist, works with unique media: newspaper clippings and men’s clothing. His art sometimes honors or comments upon important historical figures or events and often makes political statements. Mr. Ramsey is also an outstanding raconteur who holds his audience in thrall as he discusses his work and the issues with which it is concerned. | ||