Mardi Gras Beyond The Beads

In this part two with Carnival historian Errol Laborde, we pick up right were we left off and the start of Carnival in the states. Errol takes us by way of Philadelphia – with a stop in Mobile – through to the celebration of Carnival and Mardi Gras as we know it today. Plus, he shares a few of his favorite Carnival food pairings - champagne and a Moon Pie, anyone?

Jennifer Samuels became one of the go-to people for king cake when her and her husband Will sarted the King Cake Hub. Following Will’s passing in 2021, Jennifer decided to continue the business in his honor and has grown the hub to a must-visit for each Carnival season. This episode of Beyond the Beads Ashley  caught up with Jennifer to talk about the hub, what they have to offer and some new thin...

Errol Laborde is a famed Carnival historian with a knowledge that span thousands of years and countless books. Arguably, very few know more about the beloved celebration outside of Errol. This week, we tapped into his vast knowledge of the subject to start from the very beginning. In this two-part interview, we'll discuss where the concept of Carnival originated and how it ended up in Louisian...

What's Carnival without a little "throw me something, mista?" Those who have experience Carnival parades since they were born probably remember being in a ladder or on someone's shoulders catching beads, stuffed animals and all kinds of trinkets from those riding in the parades. If you're like any normal New Orleanian, you also have a place in your kitchen dedicated to plasti...

Brandan "BMike" Odums is a visual artist here in New Orleans who is behind some of the city’s most iconic murals. One of the most famous is that of the Katrina girl on the front of his StudioBe 36,000 square foot gallery in the Bywater. While Odums has worked with many major brands and famous individuals, he is teaming up this year with Raising Cane's to debut a new Mardi Gras mural...

In our final episode of Season 6, we shine a light on some - in our opinion - extraordinary men with extraordinary dance moves. Brett Patron is a founding member of the 610 Stompers, New Orleans' premier all-male dancing group. From physique to uniform, we get all the info behind these dancing dudes and the badass ladies that walk with them.

Only a handful of men and women each year get to say they are a part of royalty... Carnival royalty that is. This week we have the current reigning queen of the Krewe of Tucks Ellie Platt to share her love for her krewe and the road to becoming their queen.

In the first episode of our new season, we're launching a crossover episode with sister podcast "Louisiana Insider." Producer, and occasional host, Kelly Massicot talks to Vice producer and storyteller Jackson Garrett. Garrett and Vice will release a new documentary this year highlighting the culture and traditions behind Cajun Mardi Gras. Garrett shares his insight into the celebrat...

In the final episode of season 5, Errol and Rich discuss the inception and history of the meeting of Rex and Comus, as well as the ball that is televised each Mardi Gras night. Additionally, they cover the meeting of Rex and Zulu each Lundi Gras, and Errol's new book that covers it all.

In 2024, three Carnival krewes are celebrating big milestone anniversaries. In this week's episode, Errol Laborde and Rich Collins dive into the history of the krewes of Carrollton, Mid-City and Okeanos, as well as an important date for Rex.

What impact does the "Greatest Free Show on Earth" have on the city and state? We talk to Tulane University economics professor Toni Weiss about the economic impact Carnival has on the city and her new study that took a deep dive into the financial side of Carnival and provides all the notable numbers. 

Since the early 20th Century, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club has been a prominent figure in Carnival culture. From the meeting of the Courts every Lundi Gras to throwing their famous coconuts each Mardi Gras day, Errol and Elroy tackle all aspects of the krewe both in and outside of the Carnival season.

In the first episode of Season 5, host Errol Laborde speaks with Barry Kern, CEO and president of Kern Studios. The Kern family has had a long relationship with Carnival in New Orleans since the early 1900's. Barry's father Blaine Kern started Kern Studios in 1947 and quickly became the city’s leading parade designer and builder, working with legendary krewes like Rex and Zulu. With Barry...

From Ash Wednesday to super krewes, old-line parades and cabinets full of plastic Mardi Gras cups, for our final episode of 2023 we are looking at Carnival from A to Z. In this super-sized episode, Errol and Rich cover anything and everything Carnival, including a guest interview with The Historic New Orleans Collection's Lydia Blackmore, curator of Decorative Arts, who discusses the history of Ca...

This episode, we go back generations in Carnival history. Historian Errol Laborde takes us from the start of New Orleans Carnival through the evolution that lead to our modern understanding of Carnival celebration. 

In this episode, Matt Haines, writer of "The Big Book of King Cakes," shares all his knowledge of the Carnival confection, while breaking down the process of compiling and creating the delicious book. 

This episode of Beyond the Beads features Cherice Harrison-Nelson, also known as Queen Reesie, who has been Queen of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society in New Orleans for three decades. She talks about the history of her organization, her famous family and her work to keep the tradition alive for future generations.

The Krewe of Orpheus celebrates its 30th anniversary this Carnival season. In our first episode of 2023, Errol Laborde talks with krewe co-founder and current Captain Sonny Borey about the organization's inception, evolution and future. 

Beads, doubloons, shoes and more! In our final episode of the season, Rich Collins and Errol Laborde discuss the history of Carnival throws.

Who doesn't love "The King" Elvis Presley? This group sure does! This week, Errol chats with David Center, Scott Galante and Cliff Golz of the Krewe of the Rolling Elvi. These "kings" of Carnival share their favorite stories from the parade routes, the inception of the group and how the krewe rolled right into the hearts of all Carnival revelers. 

The officially licensed Mystic Krewe of Barkus is a nonprofit organization and Mardi Gras parade that center's around man's best friend. Since 1993, Barkus has sported themes such as "Wizard of Paws," "Indiana Bones and the Raiders of the Lost Bark" and "Joan of Bark" while parading through the streets of the French Quarter. Gregory Curtis, director of Human Resources for the Windsor Court Hotel a...

Carnival 2022 is ready to roll, but what about the lingering coronavirus pandemic? We talk to New Orleans health director Dr. Jennifer Avegno to get her advice on how to celebrate safely this Carnival season! Hear Dr. Avegno's advice on what to bring in your parade bag to combat COVID and whether the neutral ground side or side walk side is the safest for you and your group of revelers. 

After missing the 2021 Carnival season due to the coronavirus pandemic, is the city of New Orleans ready for Carnival 2022? As the city updates parade routes and COVID mandates seem to be sticking around, Rich and Errol take a look at what Carnival means this year. 

Errol and Rich discuss a few of the top moments in Carnival history - from the 1600s to COVID Carnival 2021. Stay tuned to the end for a new type of Carnival music. 

Take a trip down the Pussyfooter's parade route with Laura Cayouette, actress and long-time member of the dance krewe. We'll dance our way through the importance of the female dance krewes, how they "party with a purpose" and some surprising facts about Laura!