The Krewe of Orpheus will roll on Lundi Gras, February 28, along the uptown route with a procession of 38 floats, 1,500 members and 32 marching units led by parade cofounder Harry Connick, Jr. with the theme “Glacial Tomes & Conflagrations.” Connick will also headline Orpheuscapade, a dynamic post-parade party open to the public at the Morial Convention Center.
Keeping with the super krewe’s musical theme, tambourines will debut as a 2022 custom signature throw. Each tambourine will be hand decorated, allowing members to express their creativity and leaving parade goers with a one-of-a-kind, collectable Carnival souvenir.
Nicole Scherzinger, judge of The Masked Singer and former member of the Pussycat Dolls, will join Connick for the festivities as a monarch riding in the parade. Scherzinger and Connick both starred in Annie Live!, broadcast on NBC on December 2, 2021. Schberzinger is also a global ambassador for the Special Olympics.
Finn Jones, who portrays Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of Flowers, on HBO’s Game of Thrones will also serve as monarch.
Krewe captain Sonny Borey said Jones seemed a natural fit for the royal role in Orpheus as the parade is famed for its handmade, blossom-covered floats. An alumnus of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for his role as Danny Rand of the Iron Fist series, Jones’ DJ skills will also be on display at the Orpheuscapade. This marks the first performance of its kind at the event and is slated to be a highlight of the celebration.
National Wrestling Association champion Tyrus will round out the krewe’s 2022 monarchs. “With personality and wit as immense as his colossal stature who better to reign our larger-than-life spectacle?” Borey said. Also known in World Wrestling Entertainment as Brodus Clay “The Funkasaurus” Tyrus, whose birth name is George Murdoch, now calls Louisiana home.
In addition to Connick and Jones, Orpheuscapade performers include perennial favorites Party Crashers, and a lineup of all the most recognizable New Orleans musicians: Jon Cleary, Big Sam, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr., Robin Barnes and the Mixed Nuts.
For more information about the Krewe of Orpheus or to purchase tickets to Orpheuscapade visit kreweoforpheus.com.
