It’s Carnival Time … Again! at Xavier University. On WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2009 there will be a special event titled AFRICAN AMERICAN MARDI GRAS TRADITIONS OF NEW ORLEANS. This program is designed to provide an inside view into unique local Carnival traditions by featuring discussions with long time participants. These traditions are often widely seen and publicized, but rarely understood or discussed in a collective public setting.

Guests include a host of well known personalities who will discuss the history, characteristics, and meaning of their respective traditions: Darryl Montana (Mardi Gras Indians), Clarence Becknell (Zulu Club), Charmaine Neville (Baby Dolls), and Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes (Skull & Bones Gangs). A special guest will be Al “ Carnival Time” Johnson who will discuss the music of Mardi Gras and his ever popular seasonal anthem It’s Carnival Time, which he wrote and first recorded in 1960.

The program will also include authentic local Carnival music performed by Dr. Michael White and the Mardi Gras Stompers, which will feature Wendell Brunious (trumpet), |Roderick Paulin (saxophone), Herman Lebeaux (drums), Mark Stone (guitar), Kerry Lewis (bass), Steve Pistorius (piano) and Dr. White (clarinet).

The program will be held at the Xavier University Center Ballroom (3rd floor) and will begin at 7:00 pm. ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Second lining welcome!

This event is sponsored by the Keller Endowed Chair in the Humanities