Joe “Pony Dancer” Perez was beloved in New Orleans for his festival enthusiasm, notably as founder of the Pet de Kat Krewe, a ” loosely disorganized group of music fans who seek out great festivals, support live music and have been dubbed a professional audience,” according to the group. He was an active member of the Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club, where the costumes he handcrafted for months are amongst the most beautiful and detailed-oriented that one would see as they danced their way down St Charles on Mardi Gras Day. Perez was also the last reigning King of the Monkeykrewe, a krewe in South Florida where he was a huge part of making the Monkeyball the spectacular yearly event that it was.
Perez, of Miami, Florida, passed away September 29, 2020 at the age of 59. He is remembered by many New Orleans music fans and festival-goers as a lover of music and a fantastic human being. He was a staple in the festival scene, especially for attending Jazz Fest, and known for his love of local bands like the Radiators.
Most known for his intros to countless Radiator shows with his boisterous exclamation of “Kung Pow!”—being the introductory cry to kick off many a shows at Tip’s and also throughout the country as he traveled with his favorite band. Often known as the “6th” Radiator, the band is honoring him in with a vinyl release called Kung Pow!” and will be dedicating their upcoming November 13 livestream at Tip’s in Joe’s honor. His loving soul will live on in the hearts of so many that he touched.
Photos of Joe in his handmade costumes. Click to see larger images.
Friends designed a t-shirt in his honor that reads: “Fest in peace.” Friends dubbed him the “Ultimate Worldwide Festivalist.” Proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age – related problems.
Friend Craig Young said Perez was “the most reliable compass that pointed me in the right direction of fast times, kind people, the tastiest food, the greatest art and the funkiest music. It is said that before you can love anyone you have to love yourself. Well, if you knew Joe, then you know, nobody was more in love with Joe, than Joe!”
To honor his memory, friends of Joe Perez paraded down Oak Street on Sunday, October 25, 2020.
All photos by Kim Welsh
