To say that playing music during Mardi Gras is my favorite thing ever is likely an understatement. It seems that every year, my performances around Mardi Gras get wilder and wilder. Well, I am alive and well and made it through another Carnival time (how about you?). I often compare the telling of Mardi Gras stories to the scene in Jaws where Quint, Brody, and Hooper sit around showing their shark bite wounds (“Show me the way to go home” – you know the scene). So, without further ado, let’s take a look back at riding and performing inside the 2011 Endymion Parade, shall we? But, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
All Hands On Deck-The Captain Eddie S.S. Endymion
I have been fortunate to spend the last four years performing for the Super Krewe of Endymion in some form or fashion. One of my bands, The Mixed Nuts, has performed for the Krewe since 2007 when we were thrilled to perform “Don’t Stop Believing” with mega-group Journey in the Superdome for the load-in party on the eve of the parade (talk about an incredible night!)
Chuck Credo IV performing with Journey at the Krewe Of Endymion Beans and Jeans Party in 2007.
The Mixed Nuts have also been honored to ride and perform in the Endymion parade on the deck of the mighty Captain Eddie S.S. Endymion Float – one of the most famous and largest floats in all of Mardi Gras.
This year, The Mixed Nuts were scheduled to perform at both the Endymion Samedi Gras Orleans Avenue block party and on the SS Endymion for the parade. As we all know, Mother Nature had a totally different parade schedule than the rest of us, and rain canceled the events of Saturday.
On Sunday, we got the surprise that the band was moving to the Captain’s float of Endymion to perform on the lead float of the parade for Captain Ed Muniz.
So, after a quick ride through on Saturday night through the Endymion Extravaganza on the SS Endymion, The Mixed Nuts quickly changed floats over to the Captain’s float to ride in the parade.
Floating Through Uptown New Orleans
Endymion took an uptown route following the Krewe of Bacchus in 2011…which put both super krewes rolling back to back on Sunday March 6. Endymion left the convention center and headed down Tchoupitloulas to the start of the parade at Tipitina’s.
The Super Krewe Of Endymion paraded a day later than usual this year on Sunday March 6, 2011. (Photo Credit: kreweofendymion.org)
As we kicked off the Mardi Gras classic “Big Chief,” the Captain’s float turned on to the Napoleon Ave. which was FLOODED with screaming people who were ready to see Endymion after our 24 hour rain delay. Watching thousands of locals and tourists rock out to the sounds of New Orleans music is such an incredible feeling. It’s like the center of the universe is located right in our city, right on that street, right on our float. That’s about as good as I can describe it.
As many musicians will tell you, the hardest thing about playing in a parade is keeping your balance as the float moves. You’re trying to play and sing, keep your balance, NOT get hit by flying beads…all while having the time of your life for the next five hours. Exhausting? You better believe it.
A moment of my life that I will never forget is arriving at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave and introducing the Captain of Endymion to the Mayor of New Orleans from our float. You just don’t get to do that everyday. After our gracious Mayor Mitch Landrieu welcomed Endymion to New Orleans, the grand stands were rockin’ back and forth as The Nuts kicked into “Hey Pocky Way” by The Meters and “Jambalaya on the Bayou” by ol’ Hank Williams (well, Fats Domino for us). We even threw in some Grand Funk Railroad, “I’m Your Captain.” Well, what else would you play on the Captain’s float of Endymion?
Turning Onto Canal Street
The incredible turn from St. Charles Ave onto Canal Street is always a sight to see. The eager crowds are 10 to 15 deep-some are above us on balconies, some are below on the street-but the crowd energy that is given off right there on the route is indescribable.
Performing on the Endymion Captains Float in 2011 was an unbelievable experience.
You have to hand it to New Orleans – there’s no rioting, there’s no large crowd disturbances – just a lot of people having fun. Where else in the world does this happen? A big thank you to the New Orleans Police Department for doing it better than anywhere else!
As our route came to an end on Loyola, the sights…the sounds…the EXPERIENCE…had not sunk in yet. The only thing I could tell you right then and there is how incredible our city is. It takes a party like Mardi Gras and an incredible group of people like the Krewe Of Endymion to show the world what this city is ALL about…and the WORLD was watching! I saw likely a hundred different camera crews from around the world reporting from our Super Sunday route.
I’d like to thank Captain Ed Muniz, The Krewe Of Endymion – especially the members of the Captain’s Float and The MIGHTY S.S. Endymion, and all of those involved for a truly unforgettable evening of playing music through the streets of our great city.
HAIL ENDYMION!
What was your favorite part of Mardi Gras 2011?
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