The Carnival season kicks off with a parade by Funky Uptown Krewe on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m. Legendary hip-hop producer and local DJ, Mannie Fresh will perform a full set on the St. Charles streetcar.

After producing 17 multi-platinum and gold albums for Cash Money from 1998 to 2004, Fresh has become one of the cities’ most respected and successful DJs. He’s a key figure in modern hip-hop who helped make the influential group Hot Boys, composed of Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Turk, a chart-topping act.

The traditional kick-off of Carnival season, Twelfth Night, is upheld by the parade following the original Heralds of Carnival, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, on the St. Charles streetcar line. The Krewe’s signature throws include hand-decorated, bedazzled vinyl records, cups and koozies.

Funky Uptown Krewe will kick off at Bouree (1510 S Carrollton Ave) with a pre-party at 7 p.m. The traditional departure for the streetcar starts at Willow St & Carrollton Ave on the St. Charles Streetcar Line and will roll towards Downtown following the Phuny Phorty Phellows. The parade will turn around at Harmony Circle and finish at Fat Harry’s (4330 St Charles Ave) around 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit Krewe’s website.