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Coffee Break

9:30 Coffee Break: Mardi Gras and New Orleans

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by Jill Riley and Sean McPherson

February 17, 2015

Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street in New Orleans, La., is known for its festive atmosphere, particularly at night and during the French Quarter's many festivals, including Mardi Gras.
Wally Gobetz - Creative Commons

Today is Mardi Gras — also known as Fat Tuesday. The name reflects the tradition of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

Mardi Gras is a day that's marked by celebrations and festivals in much of Europe as well as in North and South America.

In the United States, the city of New Orleans has become practically synonymous with Mardi Gras, marked by parades, parties, costumes and lots of music.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, we're asking you: What songs having to do with Mardi Gras or with New Orleans do you want to hear?

Songs Played


Fats Domino - "Walking to New Orleans"

Buckwheat Zydeco - "Zydeco Boogaloo"

The Meters - "Hey Pocky A-Way"

Nina Simone - "House of the Rising Sun"

Dr. John - "Junko Partner"

Dirty Dozen Brass Band - "My Feel Can't Fail Me Now"

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? Jill and Steve think you do and want to bring treats from Gigi's Café to your workplace. You'll also be treated to the music of local singer-songwriter Chris Koza! Send us an email: CoffeeBreak@thecurrent.org.