Galactic Pulls an All-Nighter at Tipitina’s!
Galactic returned home for Mardi Gras and set the stage at Tipitina’s ablaze with a wholehearted, catalog-spanning performance. The crowd danced and sang all night (literally, ALL night), and everyone felt like they were a part of something amazing. Both band and crowd were unstoppable as Lundi Gras bled right into Mardi Gras.
There are a few things I’ve come to expect from a Galactic show. I know I’m going to dance, a lot… for hours. I know I’m going to be mesmerized as Corey Henry destroys that trombone and Stanton Moore beats those drums into submission. And I know that everyone who crosses my path the following day will have to hear an excited run-down of the show from start to finish, whether they want to or not. The band delivers a diverse performance every time without fail. Their show at Tipitina’s on February 27 was by far the most incredible and memorable Galactic show I have had the pleasure of attending.
My initial introduction to the band came years ago when I discovered their first live album, We Love ‘Em Tonight: Live at Tipitina’s, recorded in 2001. It was a privilege to join them in New Orleans for such a special and intimate celebration at the historic venue. I cannot tell you for sure exactly what time the dazed crowd poured out of the club last Monday night (actually, Tuesday morning), but I would venture to say it was about 7 AM. By that time we were all buzzing with excited exhaustion and only had a couple of hours before Mardi Gras would be in full swing.
The show began close to midnight with the fantastic local band, Stoop Kids. If you haven’t heard of them yet, I have a feeling that you will. Their captivating, high-energy performance was exactly what the room needed to get things started. Soul, hip-hop, rock ‘n roll and the occasional pinch of Beach Boys influence came together to create an unpredictable, multi-genre and all-around badass opening performance.
It was likely after 1 AM when Galactic took the stage to the delight of a packed house. They dove right into “Sugar Doosie,” and the crowd dove right into dance mode. From that moment on, an audience of every age, race, gender and walk of life partied together until the sun was high in the sky.
It was wonderful to see the lovely Erica Falls join Galactic once again. The New Orleans native has been touring with the band for many of their shows since the release of Into the Deep in 2015. Ms. Falls made her entrance for song number two, the crowd-pleasing “Hey Na Na.” Her presence brought even more attitude to the stage.
Erica Falls and Galactic have a beautiful chemistry. The band and vocalist seem to have a give-and-take relationship that creates a perfect balance onstage. Falls doesn’t feel like a guest vocalist; she feels like a Galactic vocalist when the group of musicians come together. Set one ended with a ferocious performance of “Dolla Diva,” and both the band and the crowd took five.
The celebration endured for about six hours with four full sets. The tenacity of the band and the dedication of their crowd were impressive and inspiring. Music quite literally breathed life into a room full of people that night.
There is no question of how essential music is to New Orleans culture. From soulful street performers to hometown heroes like Galactic, this is a city that pulsates with sound and rhythm. Nowhere else have I witnessed a performance as authentic and unyielding, supported by a crowd so impassioned. Thanks for an unforgettable experience and an unbelievable kick-off to Mardi Gras’ culminating day, Galactic!
All photos courtesy of Gregory P. Skrocki
