Mardi Gras Party Music: Bringing New Orleans to Houston
Houston is a short drive from Louisiana, and Galveston throws one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in Texas. Fat Tuesday falls on February 9 in 2027, and the parties start weeks before.
A Mardi Gras party needs music that moves: brass, funk, zydeco and a second line that pulls every guest out of their seat.
Make It a Second Line
Second line guide
When it happens, what guests carry, and the songs.
The highlight of any Mardi Gras party is the second line: guests wave handkerchiefs and parasols and parade behind the music. Build it into the night as the opening, or as the moment the dancing starts.
Our second line wedding guide covers how to plan the parade, the route and the handkerchiefs. It all works for a party, too.
Mardi Gras Songs
- “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Hawketts
The carnival anthem.
- “Iko Iko” by The Dixie Cups
A chant guests pick up on the first chorus.
- “When the Saints Go Marching In” (traditional)
The second line standard.
- “Hey Pocky A-Way” by The Meters
New Orleans funk at its best.
- “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams
A Louisiana singalong every generation knows.
- “Do Whatcha Wanna” by Rebirth Brass Band
Modern brass-band party music.
Avalon Acts With Mardi Gras Songs
These acts list second line, zydeco or Mardi Gras songs in their song lists.
Party Ideas
Hand out masks and beads at the door, and ask guests to wear purple, green and gold, the traditional Mardi Gras colors.
A band with a horn section gives you the brass-band sound. For a big gala, a big band or swing orchestra fits beautifully.
Serve king cake, and let the band know when it comes out: whoever finds the baby is traditionally on the hook for the next party.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mardi Gras in 2027?
Fat Tuesday falls on February 9, 2027. Parties and parades run for the weeks leading up to it.
Do we need a brass band?
Not necessarily. A band with a horn section can play the classic Mardi Gras songs and lead a second line, and several Avalon acts list them.
Can the band learn a specific New Orleans song?
In most cases, yes. Avalon Music asks for requests 4 to 6 weeks before the event, and a custom arrangement may involve a small additional fee.