AtD and the Wild West

[Ray Easton]

Much of the art of the Mardi Gras Indians was lost forever in the flood  
waters.  And they are now in serious danger of extinction -- the  
neighborhoods in which they lived are among the most storm-damaged  
parts of the city.

On Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006, at 09:06 US/Central, David Morris wrote:

> Many MG Indian tribes still exist and are sources of great art (their
> costumes) and music (drums and chants).   The Wild magnolias with Big
> Cheif Bo Dollis are the very best and have numerous recordings, often
> joining up with the best modern jazz musicians in New Orleans.  Here
> is an intro write-up for their performance at Kennedy Center in 2001
> (click on the video clip at the bottom):
>
> http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/ 
> artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=WILDMAGNOS
>
> The violent aspect of confrontations between the competing tribes as
> they march free-form through the poorer neighborhoods has, thankfully,
> mostly gone away - largely because of the leadership of Big Chief
> Tootie Montana (deceased last year) of the Yellow Pocahontas tribe
> (the MOST beautifully costumed tribe).  He advocated competing for the
> most beautiful costumes instead, and his advice has been followed
>
> http://www.whatchusay.com/archives/2005/07/chiefs_greatest.html