LA GRANDE — The Depot Street Syncopators don’t rehearse.

It’s hard, with band members living in different towns.

And, with the 13th year quickly approaching for their once-a-year appearance, the band is well-versed for this concert that celebrates Mardi Gras.

“It’s very familiar music — we just kind of improvise,” said Luke McKern, who brought the style of New Orleans back to Eastern Oregon and helped form the Depot Street Syncopators.

The one chance in 2024 to hear the band is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at HQ, 112 Depot St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

This is the 13th annual Mardi Gras event presented by the band, which formed after McKern spent a year in New Orleans to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

“I really fell in love with the music and the culture,” he said. “It’s a wonderful town.”

The Mardi Gras tradition, dating back to the 18th century, celebrates Fat Tuesday, which marks the last opportunity for feasting and revelry before a period of “Lent,” a time of prayer and fasting.

“It’s party music,” McKern said of the upcoming show. “It’s a fun little bright spot in the winter.”

The band gathers before the concert and then marches to HQ.

“We keep the Second Line parade tradition,” he said.

The idea for the band formed, he said, during a Christmas party for the Eastern Oregon University faculty. McKern had just returned from New Orleans.

“We had a lot of players stylistically that made it work,” he said.

Vocalists are Holly Sorensen, Renee Wells, Luke McKern and Brent Smith.

The rhythm section includes Matt Cooper (piano/accordion), Mark Emerson (drums), Scott McConnell (percussion) and Roger Barnes (bass).

The horn section is Greg Johnson (tenor sax), Jeff Sizer (trombone) and Peter Wordelman (trumpet).

The band missed two years during the COVID pandemic but returned in 2023.

With the 13th performance coming right up, McKern said the musicians are ready — rehearsal or not.

“We’re somewhat familiar with the material now,” McKern said with a laugh. “We have fun — it’s a good group of people.”