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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2024)
February 07, 2024 Page 7 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Mardi Gras in Portland Mardi Gras Galaxy is Out of this World The Portland Mardi Gras season is well under way with a theme that rais- es the bar for costumes and décor. This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras Galaxy”. It carries through special events through- out January, including window displays on Mississippi Avenue and a fabulous Masquerade Ball on February 10, 2024 where revelers show off outer space re- galia with more than a little bling. The Portland Mardi Gras Ball,is an eveningof live music, dancing, galactic- costumes, pageantry, Mardi Gras royalty, and so muchmore at the Wonder Ball- room on Saturday, February 10, starting at 7:00 p.m. Guests dressupand dance- toTooLoose Cajun Zydeco Band, Out- er Orbit withspecialguest Arietta Ward, plus an All-Star Musical Revue with Kris Deelane. Authentic Cajun foodfromthe Bayou Brothers isavailableforpurchase. Mardi Gras in Portlandisthemostauthen- The Mardi Gras Ball. Photo Courtsey of The Portland Mardi Gras Team tic Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration in the Pacific Northwest. On Fat Tuesday following the Ball, joinPortland’s liveliest outdoor spectacle of the winter season at the Portland Mar- di Gras Parade, February 13, on Missis- sippi Avenue. It’s a free, family-friend- ly event with colorful parading, festive costuming, creative lighting, music, and revelry. Bringcostumedkids to theannual Costume Pageant, startingat 6:00 p.m. at- Luke’sFrameShop. Honorary Parade Marshal this year is acclaimed blues and gospel singer, LaR- honda Steele, known as “The First Lady of Portland Blues”. Parade organizers, the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, have lined up nine marching bands, plus entertain- ing groups such as Weird Portland Unit- ed, White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance Team, the Kangoo Club, and Jewels Bel- ly Dancers in butterfly costumes. Join the parade by following the second line band, The Jesters, at the end of the parade.Boo- gie on down and enjoy it! Shortly after the parade,live music can be enjoyed all over Mississippi Avenue in- cluding the Couch Brass Band at Missis- sippi Pizza Pub. Mississippi Studios hosts a Krewe After Party featuring music from Lucky Beaucoup and the Too Loose Cajun Band. Special thanks to Parade sponsors: Here is Oregon, The Rambler, Neil Kelly Company, Mississippi Pizza & Pub, Mis- sissippi Studios, Miss Delta Restaurant &Bar, Historic Mississippi Business As- sociation,Victoria Bar, NectarMarkets and Interurban Saloon. The Krewe supports the Portland Public Schools Transition Team who participate with a litter pick up following the parade.
