The Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans are featured as part of a festive evening party and concert celebrating Mardi Gras at the Garfield Park Arts Center Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. This event marks the historic reunion of Big Chief Smiley Ricks and The Indians of the Nation after Hurricane Katrina scattered many of the city’s music legends across the country.

For more than 300 years, the “black Indians” of New Orleans chanted, sung and celebrated the ancient rituals of Africa and the Caribbean, incorporating Native American traditions into a distinctive culture and music.

Second-line master Earl Smith Jr. and 2005 Global Excellence Award winner and African Master drummer Shaka Zulu will give an early performance and hands-on drum clinic at 5 p.m.

The party and concert are free. For more information, call 317-327-7066 or visit www.indyparks.org.