When Zachary Smith and The Mardi Gras Kings return to The Mainstay on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 PM, it will be much more than just another concert. For many longtime Mainstay supporters, it will feel like the return of old friends and a celebration of a musical tradition that has been part of The Mainstay's story for decades.
Known to many audience members by their former name, The Dixie Power Trio, the group was one of Mainstay founder Tom McHugh's favorite bands and appeared on The Mainstay stage numerous times throughout the venue's thirty year history. Their performances helped define the kind of energetic, high quality, roots based music that became a hallmark of The Mainstay's programming. Time and again, they packed the room with audiences eager to dance, laugh, and immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of Louisiana music.
Led by multi instrumentalist Zachary Smith, The Mardi Gras Kings bring an authentic blend of zydeco, Cajun music, New Orleans jazz, second line street parade rhythms, blues, and Louisiana funk. Smith, a University of North Texas trained musician, composer, arranger, and performer, has spent more than thirty years bringing the sounds of New Orleans to audiences throughout the East Coast. Whether playing trumpet, accordion, harmonica, rubboard, or vocals, he leads the band with a contagious enthusiasm that quickly turns every performance into a celebration.
Originally formed in 1992, the group developed a reputation as one of the East Coast's premier Louisiana style bands. Over the years, they have shared stages with legendary artists including The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Wynton Marsalis, Beausoleil, Chubby Carrier, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Their performances capture the rich musical traditions of New Orleans while adding their own unique personality and energy.
What makes The Mardi Gras Kings so special is their ability to blend musical authenticity with pure entertainment. One moment audiences may be transported to a French Quarter jazz club, the next to a Mardi Gras street parade, and then into a high energy zydeco dance party. Their repertoire draws from the music of Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Neville Brothers, and countless other Louisiana legends while also showcasing original material and inventive arrangements.
For those who remember their earlier appearances at The Mainstay, this concert offers a chance to relive some of the excitement that made them such a beloved part of the venue's musical history. For newer audience members, it is an opportunity to experience one of the most entertaining and accomplished Louisiana inspired bands performing today.
Most importantly, it is a chance to celebrate a group that helped shape The Mainstay's identity over the years and one that Tom McHugh himself always welcomed back with enthusiasm. As The Mainstay continues to honor its musical roots while looking toward the future, the return of Zachary Smith and The Mardi Gras Kings feels very much like coming home.
Come ready to dance, clap along, and enjoy an evening filled with the sounds, spirit, and soul of New Orleans. The party starts at 7:30 PM on Saturday, June 6. Tickets are on sale http://www.maistayrockhall.org 410-639-9133
