Welcome to Mardi Gras Unmasked, a multi-part series exploring the cultures beneath the culture of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, celebrating the artistic, musical, and culinary heritage of The Big Easy and – most importantly – the people that keep the culture alive. Presented by Rolling Stone in partnership with KOOL, each story showcases facets of the New Orleans community that, together, weave the tapestry of Mardi Gras.
As part of this year’s Mardi Gras week, Rolling Stone and KOOL partnered with New Orleans local and hip-hop icon, Mannie Fresh, to host his annual Lundi Gras celebration at The Maison, right in the heart of the French Quarter. Featuring live performances by Mannie himself, and a bombastic lineup including the Ying Yang Twins and 2 Live Crew, Mannie Fresh’s Lundi Gras Party 2024 brought the house down prior to this year’s Fat Tuesday.
An essential celebration of New Orleans heritage and musical culture, Mannie Fresh’s Lundi Gras parties have become an institution. Speaking to Rolling Stone, he says, “I’ve been doing my Lundi Gras party for maybe 10, 11 years. It got started just out of love for the city and then it grew into something that the city must have – and I gotta have it!”
“It’s tradition. That’s New Orleans heritage,” he adds.
Mannie Fresh’s Lundi Gras Party 2024
Angelo Imbraguglio
The event itself wasn’t just the perfect way to kickstart a week of cultural revelry, but also served as the end of the journey for the Mardi Gras Unmasked initiative. Attendees included locals previously chronicled in the series, including Black Masking Indian Charles DuVernay and sommelier and tastemaker Uznea Bauer.
Charles DuVernary performing in the crowd alongside The Monogram Hunters.
Angelo Imbraguglio
DuVernay himself took to the dancefloor to show attendees how its done while fully garbed in his own handwoven Mardi Gras suit, as well as performing with his tribe, The Monogram Hunters, for a traditional musical performance and chant ceremony on the upper floor of the Maison.
Select handmade pieces from Charles DuVernay’s Mardi Gras suit collection.
Angelo Imbraguglio
For more stories about the cultural tapestry of Mardi Gras, check out previous entries of Mardi Gras Unmasked or visit KOOL online (age restrictions apply).
