Hailing from New Orleans, the 79rs Gang brought its revolutionary sounds and riveting performance to the Richmond Folk Festival. On Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans, the city’s Black Masking Carnival gangs enact ritualistic musical battles in the streets, decked out in impossibly colorful, intricate costumery. Rivalries were put aside when Jermaine Bossier, Big Chief of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Romeo Bougere, Big Chief of the 9th Ward Hunters, teamed up to form the musical powerhouse 79rs Gang. Folk Festival attendees enjoyed the 79rs and several other musical acts during this year’s festival. Hurry back!
