Wild Bohemians Mardi Gras Parade on South Street
The next best thing to Bourbon Street
Sun, Feb 15, 2009, 1:30pm - 6:30pm
Start at Fat Tuesday's at 1:30pm
431 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
The WILD BOHEMIANS are celebrating their 25th year of bringing the sounds, dance, and raucous joy of Mardi Gras to Philadelphia.
Founded by Pete Gumbo, who also leads Philly Gumbo and Zydeco-a-Go-Go, the band’s repertoire consists of any and all music from Louisiana, including Cajun, Zydeco, Dixieland, Mardi Gras Street Music, Jazz, R&B, and a specialty the Bohemians called Swamp Stomp.
Each Mardi Gras the Wild Bohemians play to jubilant dancing audiences. The celebration includes a parade held on a Sunday afternoon before Mardi Gras (February 15th this year) featuring the band marching down South Street, trailed by costumed revelers, stopping in every bar along the route for a short set and a tall drink. Then on Mardi Gras night, Fat Tuesday (Feb 24th this year), the band blows the roof off the joint, bringing an uplifting and almost religious experience to their fans.
The band members are professional musicians who play in other bands and venues all year round, but wouldn't miss this date with The Wild Bohemians. The lineup at times, consists of over 20 players on stage.
Mardi Gras with The Wild Bohemians in Philadelphia
The next best thing to being on Bourbon Street!