Bonerama: New Orleans is never small time

When I moved to New Orleans in 1998, little did I know one of the most influential and fun bands around town had formed. Flash-forward some 18 years later and Bonerama has transformed any notions of New Orleans brass and funk, infusing them with straight up rock-n-roll.

Mark Mullins and Craig Klein started the band while being part of Harry Connick Jr’s big band. The band has collaborated with OK Go and performed the national anthem at the Sugar Bowl as well as had an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, all of which came at a pivotal point in the band’s history and helped them out what could have easily been their demise.

Instead of just sticking the forms of brass and funk, Bonerama have ventured out and embraced the all mighty power of rock and roll. This past Saturday, the band took their take on Led Zeppelin to Tipitina’s with their “Gets the Led Out” show.

When approaching the songs of Zeppelin, the band could have easily just done straight up covers of all the greatest hits. The band is amazing enough to pull off something like, but much to my surprise and the audience’s surprise too, Mullins and company choose to put together a set with few “hits” and nearly completely re-imagined the bulk of the material. Highlights of the night included “The Ocean,” “Good Time Bad Times,” Black Dog,” and the encore that was headed off with “Moby Dick.” The guys relished in the fact they were playing in front of the local crowd, and the fact they could play longer. Bonerama is constantly playing in and around town (they will be back in New Orleans for FQF and for a show on April 22). You can get their tour dates here.

Also, for a full set list for Tipitina’s show, check it out here as well as the extended gallery of photos.