The Grandstand
The Grandstand gives Festival-goers a chance to take an intimate look at the vibrant culture, cuisine and art of Louisiana. This year, two photographic exhibits are featured on the 1st Floor. “Backstreet” New Orleans culture is also celebrated (1st Floor West), with demonstrations and exhibits of Folk Art, Mardi Gras Indian, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and Jazz Funeral crafts and traditions. The Grandstand also houses three unique presentation stages: Zatarain’s Food Heritage Stage (1st Floor East), Zatarain’s Cajun Cabin (on the apron outside Food Heritage), and the Allison Miner Music Heritage/ Lagniappe Stage, located in the outdoor paddock.
GRANDSTAND EXHIBITS & DEMONSTRATIONS: Photo Exhibits: This exhibit showcases the diverse cultural traditions of New Orleans, as seen through the lenses of photographers who live and work in the region. (1st Floor West) Celebrate! Louisiana Cooking This exhibit illustrates the central role played by distinctive and colorful foods in Louisiana’s many celebrations and other traditions. (1st Floor East) |
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| Film Previews: All on a Mardi Gras Day & Congo Square, Royce Osborn [plain text] Bury the Hatchet, Aaron Walker Faubourg Tremé (clips), Eric Lolis Elie, Lucie Faulknor, Dawn Logsden Katrina’s Children, Laura Belsey Member of the Club, Phoebe Ferguson Swing Low, Lindsay Fox Tootie’s Last Suit, Lisa Katzman Meet the Filmmakers! Times will be posted in the Grandstand. |
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| BOTH WEEKENDS | ||
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| BOTH WEEKENDS | ||
| Big Chief Charles Taylor began “masking Indian” as a child. In 1984, he became Big Chief of the White Cloud Hunters. For many years, Chief Charles shared his knowledge and skills with school children & others, until poor health slowed him down. This year, he was honored by his peers during their annual Super Sunday parade. His 2008 Suit, called “Sunshine,” will be on display in the Grandstand throughout the Festival, except when Chief Charles is wearing it for his performance on the Jazz & Heritage Stage! |  |
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| WEEKEND 1 | ||
QUEENS RULE!
Says Mardi Gras Indian Queen & community leader Cherise Harrison-Nelson, Curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame. She and Queens from several Tribes will explain the cultural importance of the Queen’s role, as they demonstrate Mardi Gras Indian Crafts and discuss their traditions. |
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| WEEKEND 1 | ||
Big Chief Victor Harris, Spirit of Fi Yi Yi, & the Mandingo Warriors |
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are among the most celebrated Mardi Gras Indian Tribes in New Orleans. They are noted both for their Chief’s African-styled suits, and for their inspired drumming. Here, Big Chief Victor embellishes a design during the 2007 Festival. He and the Warriors also often engage Fest-goers in impromptu drumming sessions. This year’s suit will be on display both weekends of the Festival.
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The Backstreet Cultural Museum - A Powerhouse of Knowledge Mardi Gras Indian Crafts & Traditions |
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| WEEKEND 2 | ||
| Big Chief Darryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas is an internationally renowned artist whose Mardi Gras Indian Suits have been exhibited in shows and museums around the world. His 2008 creation will be on display during the entire Festival. In addition to demonstrating and discussing his art, Chief Darryl occasionally leads Indian practice in the demonstration area. |  |
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The Backstreet Cultural Museum - A Powerhouse of Knowledge Print Material Folk Art The Spirit of the Drum |
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In October 2005, one month after the hurricane, teams of art therapists and volunteers began visits to Renaissance Village, FEMA’s largest trailer village, to assist the children with their trauma. The artwork that emerged out of the chaos and tragedy documents loss, anger and depression as well as the survivors’ hopes and dreams for the future. This exhibit is presented as part of an historical collection to honor and gain insight from the perspective of children.