Master Musician and bandleader Mario Abney is the founder of the Windy City Ramblers, a Chicago-based brass band keeping the spirit of brass and Second Line culture alive. A gifted multi-instrumentalist from a young age, Abney’s musical beginnings stemmed from the Black church, inspired by a gospel sound that had been baptized in the Mississippi and travelled North with our people during the Great Migration. After honing his chops at Fred Anderson’s legendary Velvet Lounge, he lived in New Orleans for a time and was deeply inspired by the music and Second Line culture there. Upon his return to Chicago, he yearned to bridge what he heard and felt in New Orleans with his hometown, continuing to cultivate and uplift the links between not only the sound, but the history. After a rousing Millennium Park performance by the band that would become the Ramblers in 2022, and with encouragement from Mario’s business partner Dot Jones, the Windy City Ramblers was born, and was officially established as a nonprofit. Blending New Orleans rhythms with Chicago’s jazz, blues, and gospel roots, they bring soulful energy and authenticity to every performance — creating music that celebrates heritage, joy, and unity.

As a nonprofit, the Ramblers also have another focus - educating and inspiring the next generation. Through performances, parades, and free workshops and classes for youth, they help young artists grow in skill and confidence. Ultimately, the goal of the Windy City Ramblers is to transcend and transform youth culture across the Chicagoland area, building a bridge between Chicago and New Orleans that highlights the historical, musical, and communal connections. They’re committed to producing the next generation of professional musicians and cultural leaders - providing a path for personal and professional development through education in the art and cultural expression of Brass Band music and Second Line culture.