Revolutionary Snake Ensemble Brings Mardi Gras Party to Boston

The eclectic jazz band returns to Scullers for its annual Mardi Gras celebration.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, a Boston-based jazz group, is set to perform its annual Mardi Gras show at Scullers on Saturday night. Formed over three decades ago, the band is known for its eclectic sound that blends jazz, funk, and free-form improvisation. This year's show will feature special guest Henri Smith, a singer who has performed with New Orleans legends like Ellis Marsalis and Kermit Ruffins.

Why it matters

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble's Mardi Gras show has become a Boston tradition, offering a unique take on the New Orleans celebration. The band's ability to fuse joy and sadness, as well as its wide appeal across different age groups, has helped it thrive in the local music scene for over 35 years.

The details

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble was formed more than three decades ago by saxophonist Ken Field. The band is known for its eclectic sound that blends jazz, funk, and free-form improvisation. For their annual Mardi Gras show, the Ensemble typically features a New Orleans guest, and this year they have invited singer Henri Smith, who has performed with local legends like Ellis Marsalis and Kermit Ruffins. The show is expected to be a "throwdown" with the full band, including four horns, bass, and drums, as well as several guest saxophonists.

  • The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble's annual Mardi Gras show is scheduled for Saturday night.
  • The band was formed more than 30 years ago.

The players

Revolutionary Snake Ensemble

A Boston-based jazz band known for its eclectic sound that blends jazz, funk, and free-form improvisation.

Ken Field

The saxophonist and founder of the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, who has been the one consistent member through the band's history.

Henri Smith

A singer who has performed with New Orleans legends like Ellis Marsalis and Kermit Ruffins, and will be a special guest at the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble's Mardi Gras show.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to bring the party, but we'll also be recognizing the complex state that the country is in and that the world is in — That's in some of the material we play and some of the comments you might hear in between.”

— Ken Field, Saxophonist and founder of the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble (Boston Herald)

“One thing I've learned from New Orleans is the importance and the ability to express contrary emotions of joy and sadness at the same time; you find that in the New Orleans funeral tradition. There are so many times in one's life when you want to recognize the sadness, but you also want to celebrate.”

— Ken Field, Saxophonist and founder of the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble (Boston Herald)

The takeaway

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble's annual Mardi Gras show in Boston has become a tradition that celebrates the city's musical diversity and the band's ability to fuse joy and sadness, reflecting the complex emotions of the times.