In the early days of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, established ‘Krewes’ allowed membership by invitation only.

Few in the ghetto felt they could ever participate in the typical New Orleans parade. Historically, slavery and racism were at the root of this cultural separation. The black neighborhoods in New Orleans gradually developed their own style of celebrating Mardi Gras. Their ‘Krewes’ are named for imaginary Indian tribes according to the streets of their ward or gang. (more…)

The  Zion Harmonizers trace their origins to 1939, when Benjamin Maxon founded the quartet among teenaged friends in the Zion City community.

Zion City is one of those lost New Orleans neighborhoods. It runs, loosely, from Broad  Street up Washington Avenue to South Lopez, where it overlaps into  Gert Town, then follows Earhardt back to Broad. It’s not on the tourist route, but it is on the gospel map, marking the birthplace of the most powerful female quartet of gospel’s Golden Era - the Southern Harps.

If these guys can’t show you the way to the Promised Land, you’re obviously not ready to find it.

Photo: Zion Harmonizers - New Orleans, LA - May of 2006