A few hundred revelers danced their way through the streets of downtown Oakland last night to celebrate Fat Tuesday, New Orleans-style.
Horns blaring and drums pounding out the rhythm, M.J.’s Brass Boppers — led by New Orleans native Michael “M.J.” Jones on snare drum — made their way from Snow Park to the New Parish club, where the party continued with several sets by the band. Joining them this year was saxophonist Erion Williams of the Grammy-nominated Soul Rebels.
Though a long way from the Crescent City, the spirit was infectious as a diverse local crowd took part in the parade, which included the Daring Arts Movement stilt walkers. Arion Chapman, decked out in a white suit and carrying a festive umbrella, was once again the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Opening up for the Boppers in the courtyard of the New Parish was the crowd pleaser and bluesman Alabama Mike, D.J. Platurn, Alex Wise and Loco Bloco.
Mama T’s served red beans and rice, while Sazeracs and rum punches similar to the signature Hurricane cocktail flowed. Kaloy’s BBQ served up heaping plates outside the venue.
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the culmination of a festive season in New Orleans which begins on Jan. 6. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world, especially those with large Roman Catholic populations, on the day before the religious season of Lent begins.
Grand Marshall Arion Chapman leads the way as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
M.J.’s Brass Boppers saxophonist Al Lazard, right, greets trumpet player Joey Archie at the start of the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Azuri Senolia dances as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
M.J.’s Brass Boppers trumpet player Joey Archie plays during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Loren Farese and her daughter Cypress, 5, of Oakland, take part in the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade, led by M.J.’s Brass Boppers, culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Daring Arts Movement stiltwalker Aimee Rose dances as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Revelers dance to the tunes of M.J.’s Brass Boppers during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grand Marshall Arion Chapman leads the way as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
M.J.’s Brass Boppers lead the way during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Joshua Sirotiak plays with M.J.’s Brass Boppers during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Jose Carrasco dances as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Michael “M.J.” Jones, center, plays the snare drum with M.J.’s Brass Boppers during the annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Jeff Rosier and Jo Carson dance as M.J.’s Brass Boppers play in the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Saxophonists Al Lazard and Michael Waters, from left, play with M.J.’s Brass Boppers during the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Deborah Brooks, of Oakland, takes part in the annual Mardi Gras parade in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, March 3, 2025. The parade culminated in a show at the New Parish club. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
