Celebrate Fat Tuesday with the Hot 8

The Hot 8 Brass Band recently celebrated 20 years of making music.

They’ve found fame through their covers, which take the tradition of New Orleans second line and apply it to hip hop, soul, and ska favorites, from Marvin Gaye’s” Sexual Healing” to The Specials’ “Ghost Town”

They treated us to those covers, as well as two originals from their forthcoming album “The Spot” out on March 31, when they visited the station last week in advance of Mardi Gras.

While the lineup has changed many times over the years, founding member (and tuba player) Bennie Pete was here leading the newest incarnation of incredible players.

While they walked in sleepy-eyed and seemingly not too exciting about being awake early in the morning, by 11am they brought a party to our airwaves and everyone — including me and MBE Guest Host Garth Trinidad — was dancing.

Trust me when I tell you, you need this music in your life. It will liven up any mood, room or situation.

Also, take a listen to the beginning of the session to learn the fascinating history behind the second line.

Set List

Can’t Nobody Get Down

Sexual Healing

Ghost Town

Fine Tuner

Keepin’ It Funky