The best Mardi Gras concerts in NYC

If it weren’t for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the art of second-line music might have been little more than a museum item at this point. The New Orleans horn-funk powerhouse ushered in the brass-band revival of the ’70s, paving the way for a new generation of blowers. In more recent years, the group has guested with everyone from Widespread Panic to Modest Mouse; here, the DDBB takes top billing.

George Clinton—the one and only Uncle Jam and author of the recent memoir (deep breath) Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You?—lands the mothership for a night of ass-liberating funk. Here the funk innovator hosts what's become an annual Mardi Gras celebration for fifth straight year.

The New Orleans guitarist brings his R&B-flavored funk to Brooklyn Bowl for a special Fat Tuesday gig.

Get down and party New Orleans-style with the Hungry March Band, Jonathan Toubin and Gordon Webster. Hosted by "The Magician" MC Tanya Solomon, you'll feel like you're in the Big Easy without leaving the Big Apple.

The Hall at MP hosts this traditional New Orleans affair with a sick lineup of jazz and R&B performances all month-long. Make sure to check out Milo Z and the Funk Band on Fat Tuesday at 7pm. Before the show grab a crawfish platter served with corn and potatoes ($35). There’s also an amazing happy hour with half-off NOLA beers and craft cocktails from 6 to 7pm.

If you want to keep the Mardi Gras festivities going well-through the weekend, watch bandleader and percussionist Derrick Freeman and his Soul Brass Band tear up DROM with a lively set of tunes on March 1.