Wednesday, February 18th 2009 was tragic day for the New Orleans Music Community.  This day, native New Orleanian and urban blues legend, Snooks Eaglin passed away.  Truly gifted and incomparably talented, the blind bluesman’s magnetic presence and endless repertoire made him one of the most beloved musicians in this city’s long, storied history.  His legacy is sure to live on in the city he loved so dearly.

Thus, it was in a rather somber mood that I approached the final week of the Mardi Gras season.  I sought solace in a sound that Snooks helped to create: Indian Funk – a sound rooted in tribal rhythms, call-and-response chants, and New Orleans funk.  Initially developed by The Wild Magnolias in the early 70s, today, the 101 Runners uphold and enrich this authentic and invigorating tradition.  This night joined by another seminal pioneer of the Mardi Gras Indian sound (former member of The Wild Magnolias and current member of the Golden Eagles) Big Chief Monk Boudreax (who also played a significant role in The Wild Magnolias’ recordings), the 101 Runners kicked off the biggest celebration in the United States at the Maple Leaf.