Philly Gumbo Mardi Gras Party

Philly Gumboʼs distinctive blend of New Orleans R & B, funk, reggae, blues and soul has made it a unique and popular presence on the Philadelphia music scene for more thirty years. Over the years, the band has been a “Best Of” selection by Philadelphia Magazine in their annual “Best Of Philadelphia” issues as well as having played most of the top venues in the area such as The Kimmel Center, City Winery, The Sellersville Theater and World Cafe Live and such major events as the Atlantic City Summer Jazz Festival, Musikfest, Jambalaya Jam, Jam On The River, WRTI-FMʼs Groovinʼ In The Park, the Media Blues Stroll, The West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival and many more. Philly Gumbo has opened for such greats as Dr. John, Buddy Guy & Jr. Wells, Rick Danko & Levon Helm of The Band and The Mighty Diamonds. Having pioneered the live music scene at the legendary South Street venue Bacchanal, Philly Gumbo was often joined by such special guests as Todd Rundgren, David Lindley, Teddy Royal of Fats Dominoʼs band, members of Harold Melvin & The Blues Notesʼ band and others. In addition, members of Philly Gumbo have played with such legends as Little Milton, Wilson Pickett, Bo Diddley and Big Youth.

Dianne Thompson is an accomplished keyboardist, and composer, best known as band-leader and funk artist, Badd Kitti – Philadelphiaʼs Queen of Funk. Badd Kittiʼs music combines the live and electronic music elements of psychedelic funk,electro-funk and jazz fusion. With her signature Keytar in hand, she integrates 70s and 80s funk classics as well as original compositions into a high energy, crowd pleasing show, performing at many area venues and festivals.