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.