“John “Papa” Gros is a bedrock New Orleans artist, a keyboardist, singer and songwriter who draws on funk, rhythm & blues and Americana songcraft; he also knows his way around the Mardi Gras music repertoire about as well as anyone.” – Keith Spera The New Orleans Advocate
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There Is Always Music
You can't escape it here. Birthday parties. Funerals. Family gatherings. Mardi Gras. You name it, there's always music circling around whatever we're doing in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras
When I was writing "Mardi Gras" with my songwriting partner, Mark Carson, I said there are three things I love about Mardi Gras. 1) Catching the parades. 2) Watching Big Chief Monk Boudreaux show his feathers and colors on Mardi Gras day. 3) Parading with the Society...
When Craziness Becomes The Norm
About the song "Cocaine and Chicken Fricassée" - My previous band, Papa Grows Funk, played on Monday nights for 13 years. Over the course of those years, I saw all kinds of crazy things. I saw so much that that type of craziness becomes the norm. So, when something...
A Real Live Show Announcement!
The 17 year Bacchus Sunday, FUNK N CHANT tradition continues! John "Papa" Gros with special guest, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, will play live outside at Southport Hall Hall on Bacchus Sunday, February 14th. In lieu of parades, I've got the tunes and grooves to catapult...
Make People Feel Special
When I was in college, I played at a neighborhood bar called Bonne Terre's Lounge in New Orleans East with Rockin' Jerry & the Spice of Life Band. And we covered everything from Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin, Prince, all the hits of the day, classic New Orleans...