2019 Best of the Beat Positive Vibrations HeartBeat Award Recipients
Congratulations to this year's Best of the Beat Positive Vibrations HeartBeat Award Recipients- Margie Perez (musician) and Clarence "Delco" Dalcour (culture bearer)!
Marige Perez contributes in many ways to the NOLA music community. She is a multitalented and multifaceted singer- songwriter specializing in a versatile blend of Blues, Pop, New Orleans Funk, and Latin music. In addition to leading her on bands, she is co-leader of a band, Muevelo, a Latin Big Band, that showcases her Cuban roots and hosts monthly shows that include free dance lessons before the performance at Ace Hotel.
She is the featured singer in the house band for "Spotlight New Orleans with John Calhoun". She also lends her vocal talents to the Afro-Cuban Sacred music band Moyuba and with West African percussionist Seguenon Kone in Ensemble Fatien.
In addition to her own projects she performs with other artists including several all-female bands locally as well as powerhouse side projects by multiple artists such as the M&M's, a Supergroup made up of Stanton Moore & Robert Mercurio of Galactic, John Medeski of MMW and Papa Mali.
Big Chief Clarence “Delco” Dalcour, first masked as Trail Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Black Masking Indian tribe in 1973 under the leadership of Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana. He originated a style which was the first full body suit construction – this style incorporates the vest and aprons into one overarching design. He is dedicated to continuing the culture of Black Masking Indians and the Creole Osceolas through mentorship, visits to academic institutions, and masking. Additionally, Chief Delco was declared the Peace Chief by the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame. A title conferred on him because of his tendency to act as a peace maker and his frequent peace dove releases at community events, educational functions, funerals, and memorials. Dalcour is known for being a gifted song stylist and lyricist. He receives many requests to perform, but accepts only those that resonate in his soul as the good for the positive perpetuation of the tradition and him personally as the Big Chief and founder of the Creole Osceolas. Dalcour is a respected member of the arts community who has shared the traditions of the Black Masking Indians with audiences locally, nationally and internationally. The US Senate, US House of Representatives, Louisiana House of Representatives, New Orleans City Council, Mayor of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame and numerous schools and institutions have recognized him. Additionally, Chief Delco has been the subject of numerous documentaries and print media articles. He is a true New Orleans original. Positive Vibrations Foundation is honored to have him on Faculty in our Congo Kids program.
Pick up your copy of Offbeat around New Orleans or head to the links below to learn more!
Positive Vibrations HeartBeat Award (Culture Bearer): Clarence “Delco” Dalcour
by Geraldine Wyckoff | Offbeat Magazine