History of the Mardi Gras Ball

There are probably few 'rock scene' traditions in the Boston area that have had the history of the Mardi Gras Ball.

Wolf's Annual Mardi Gras Ball was often originally known simply as "Slide's Mardi Gras show." One of a series of odd-ball shows the band Slide would concoct, often at Joe Hernan's Kirkland Cafe bar in Somerville, Massachusetts in the 1990s. The scene at the Kirkland might have been considered the underground of the underground of Boston rock of the era.

Slide, as the Kirkland's de facto house band, would often surprise fans with "theme" nights. There were the Christmas shows (each member dressed as a Christmas ghost and Shaun as Scrooge), the July 4th shows (where the set was interrupted by a bingo game; and an anime-styled wrestling match between "Monkey" and "Bear"); the Halloween shows. There were also musical themes (such as when the band played the Clash's London Calling from start to finish). Mardi Gras -- and Bastille Day which just an excuse to throw the same party but in the summer -- were of this ilk, and for whatever reason stuck.

More on Slide

Shaun and fellow Slider Suzi Lee had been regulars visitors of New Orleans; the band was heavily influenced by New Orleans music and itching to play more of it; Joe Hernan, the Kirkland's owner, was very into Mardi Gras history and lore and was willing to have a special New Orleans drink of some kind; and Mickey Bliss was willing to cook a turkey and jambalaya (Shaun and Fane made the biscuits).

The event grew through the band's zenith and eventual demise. Meanwhile Slide would occasionally moonlight as The Crescent Stars, playing New Orleans R&B at weddings and what not.

In 2000 Shaun played the first non-Slide Bastille Day show at the Abbey Lounge with an all-star band of Boston musicians, which was dubbed the "Voodoo Krewe Revue". Mardi Gras Balls from then on would be with the Krewe — from 2000 to 2008 known as "Shaun & Suzi's Annual Mardi Gras Ball", before Suzi retired from performing. Shaun Wolf Wortis continues the tradition by himself.

(Photo: Corinne Schippert)