Mardi Gras at The Sound Room

Experience a classic Bay Area Fat Tuesday tradition on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM (with music into the evening) at The Sound Room in Oakland (3022 Broadway). The Medicine Ball Band, founded over 50 years ago by Daviid Sturdevant on San Francisco streets, has evolved into a beloved ensemble that honors New Orleans roots while incorporating jazz, funk, and soul influences picked up along the way. This annual celebration nods to Mardi Gras history—from its medieval European origins as a pre-Lenten feast to its arrival in North America in 1699 and enduring traditions in places like Mobile and New Orleans. Expect a night of rich, celebratory music, good food vibes, and the band’s signature lively performances that keep the spirit of “Laissez les bons temps rouler” alive. It’s a longstanding local favorite for those seeking authentic New Orleans–inspired sounds in an intimate venue.