Grammy Nominees to Headline Mardi Gras Party in RI
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Grammy-nominated CJ Chenier will take the stage at Rhode Island's own Mardi Gras celebration this month.
Rhode Island's annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball has pulled out all the stops for its 20th anniversary with an extended lineup of four bands and an earlier start time of 5pm on Saturday, February 18, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.
Featured bands this year include two 2012 Grammy nominees: CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band and Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. Also on the lineup is four-time Grammy-nominated band, The Pine Leaf Boys plus Preston Frank, Ed Poullard & the Big Daddy Zydeco Band. The Hot Tamale Brass Band will also be on hand to lead the costume judging parade and add even more festive atmosphere.
One of the only authentic Mardi Gras celebrations in New England, the event will run until midnight and features a costume contest with prizes in a variety of categories including best group, best couple and best individual and a grand cash prize for best overall costume.
Cajun and Creole food served up by Russell Morin Catering emulates a classic New Orleans bistro with a menu including Shrimp Etouffe over Rice, Creole Style Chicken & Jambalaya, Caesar Salad with New Orleans Fried Shrimp and Homemade Cornbread, Pecan Bourbon Pie, gourmet coffee and assorted teas. (The Rhodes provides a cash bar… and no to-go cups--let's remember this is not New Orleans.)
About the bands
CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band are in the running for a Grammy for their new CD, "Can't Sit Down," the perfect title to describe their rockin' funky brand of zydeco. CJ has been described as "attacking the accordion with the tension and drive of James Brown...creating contemporary turbo charged dance music."
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys are Grammy nominated for their latest release, "Grand Isle." A staple at the Rhythm & Roots Festival, they keep the dance floor filled with their pumpin' hybrid of Zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop.
The four-time Grammy nominated Pine Leaf Boys, known for their wild shows have breathed new life into Cajun music with their rock influences and were described by the New York Times as "...the best new, energetic and fun Cajun band in a very long time." They have toured the world bringing multi-faceted angles to Cajun, Creole and Zydeco.
Preston Frank, Ed Poullard & the Big Daddy Zydeco Band have been playing festivals around the country to delighted crowds. This will be their first appearance at the Mardi Gras Ball.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door and may be purchased on the Web site at www.mardigrasri.com or in the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope and check made out to Lagniappe Productions, 51 White Oak Ct, Wakefield, RI 02879. A limited number of Tables of 10 are available with advance purchase. For more info, see the Web site or call 401-783-3926. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston.
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