The move from spectator to participant is a quantum leap. Yet each Mardi Gras in New Orleans, thousands of people make that leap, abandoning inhibition and reveling in the ever-growing creative phenomenon of marching krewes.
To celebrate this untold story, I Wanna Do That! Celebrating the Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes, bursts with over 200 full color photographs that document this important New Orleans-centered cultural movement. As local arts critic Doug McCash says, "At this juncture, marching krewes are one of the best art stories in the city."
Ok...so, what is a marching krewe?
Simply put, a marching krewe is a group of like-minded people who get together for the purpose of marching in parades that take place during the Carnival (Mardi Gras) season.
These krewes come in all shapes, sizes, and variations, yet they all share the attributes of creativity, artistry, quirkiness, humor, inclusiveness, and accessibility. Krewes are composed of people who practice dance moves, sew costumes, and create "throws" to hand out to a covetous public. People for whom participation is a badge of civic identity. People who at one point stood on the curb and said "I wanna do THAT!!"
Realizing that the marching krewe field has expanded exponentially, our team knew it was a story that must be told. Two incredibly talented local photographers worked tirelessly to document the creative energy of the 2020 Mardi Gras season for this book, to tell and share the unique story of the 300+ marching krewes in New Orleans. I Wanna Do That! is perfect gift for anyone who loves New Orleans.
"'I Wanna Do That!: The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes' is a must-have book for Carnival aficionados. Leafing through the 272-page volume, illustrated with lusciously funky photos by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee and Patrick Niddrie, seems especially precious these days, since the coronavirus has put the kibosh on most upcoming Mardi Gras-season events." - Doug MacCash, Staff Writer, The New Orleans Advocate
Goldstein, Yehonathan: - Yoni's Goldstein's first Mardi Gras morning in 1990 was a revelatory reminder that there is still magic in the world. His inquisitive mind has led him through several career incarnations including: travel agent, band manager, banquet chef, poker player and project manager. He is currently way behind schedule on creating his next Mardi Gras costume.
Hodgson-Rigsbee, Ryan: - Ryan' Hodgson-Rigsbee's photographic heart is on the streets of New Orleans. With a wide client list of national and local editorial publications, this Chicago native also has a number of long running personal projects exploring culture, music, and landscape in New Orleans and other unique communities across the nation. He is relentless in his goal of reaching the public with photography that is both compelling and culturally responsible.
Niddrie, Patrick: - Patrick Niddrie found an outlet for his bold, colorful artistic sensibilities when he discovered photography in 2007. Leaving his birthplace of New Orleans with nothing but camera and curiosity, his lens has guided him from the Swiss Alps to the Ganges Delta, with regular returns to document the vibrancy of New Orleans. Patrick likes to keep things loose, leaving space for polished, spontaneous moments; a perfect match for marching krewes.
Olander, Echo: - This Yankee child has found home and heart in the wide bayous, smoky clubs and parade routes of New Orleans. Since the 1970s Echo Olander has been exploring the intricate layers of New Orleans culture and working to build creative capacity in the city. Her current interest is the fertile place where self and community find vibrant connection.
