In its 10th parade, the Krewe of Freret is honoring Juvenile, who will ride on a float with his likeness on it. The 2024 krewe theme is “Back that Float Up.”
In 2023, the rapper, hailing from New Orleans, commemorated the 25th anniversary of his quadruple-platinum album “400 Degreez,” renowned for the breakout bounce anthem “Back That Azz Up.”
Juvenile, also known as Terius Gray, also took center stage in 2023 on the widely acclaimed “Tiny Desk Concert,” featured on National Public Radio. He served as the inspiration for an adult beverage named “Juvie Juice,” crafted by the Urban South brewery. Further expanding his business ventures, Juvenile introduced a novel snack food variety called “400 HOT Degreez CheeWees.”
The Krewe of Freret parade will feature 25 floats, musical themes include Juvenile, Boyfriend, Dr. John, and a two-story Trombone Shorty float with a functional trombone slide. Trombone Shorty will be performing on the street, and the festivities will reach a climax at the Annual Shorty Gras at Mardi Gras World. Throws for the event include fanny packs, sunglasses, cups, and more. Freret’s parade is set to roll on Saturday, February 3, along the Uptown Route after Choctaw.
Juvenile fans lining the New Orleans Uptown parade route during the Freret parade should be on the lookout for float No. 11. This particular float will feature the effigy of Juvie, adorned with a customary camo headband, a diamond-studded dollar sign necklace, and a tattoo bearing the inscription “NOLA BOY,” all accompanied by a cheerful expression.
Keep in mind due to the forecast of inclement weather and rain, Mardi Gras Krewes scheduled to roll Saturday will move up times to begin at 9:30 a.m., with reduced elements. The schedule is now as following:
New Time Schedule:
* Krewe of Pontchartrain (starting at 9:30 a.m.)
* Krewe of Choctaw
* Knights of Sparta (done by 5 p.m.)
Krewe of Freret festivities will reach a climax at the Annual Shorty Gras at Mardi Gras World at the end of the parade in the evening. Shorty Gras, a grand celebration of music, is held at Mardi Gras World along the scenic Mississippi riverfront. The headlining performer for this year’s Shorty Gras is the “Hot in Herre” rapper Nelly.
Shorty Gras 2024 also boasts performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dumpstaphunk, and the Soul Rebels, with special guest Juvenile. The festivities kick off around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and wrap up around 1 a.m. Attendees must be at least 18 years old, with general admission tickets priced at $60 plus fees, and VIP passes available for $199. For more information, visit www.shortygrasnola.com.