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I know, I know — it still seems too early for
Mardi Gras, but we’ve been through this all before. Keep thinking
that way and you’ll miss the big shindig entirely. The ultimate way
to do the Mardi Gras thing is always to get your wild self on down to the
French Quarter in New Orleans proper. If that’s not possible,
remember that the Soulard neighborhood, just south of downtown St. Louis,
hosts one of the biggest Mardi Gras festivals outside of the Big Easy.
Check out MardiGrasInc.com for the extensive schedule. Here’s how we’re doing it in Springfield,
newly known as the New Orleans of the North. It all kicks off on Sunday,
Feb. 2, with a New Orleans Jazz Brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Charles and
Limey’s (620 S. First St., 217-522-6300) with music supplied by the
Beignets. On Monday night, 7-10 p.m., dress up in your finest feathers and
furs for a Lundi Gras Costume Ball at the Inn at 835 (835 S. Second St.,
217-523-4466). Festivities include music by the Debbie Ross Band, more fine
New Orleans cuisine, and the crowning of a Mardi Gras king (what, no
queen?). These two events require the purchase of tickets — and the
best place to find out about that is at Springfield Mardi Gras
headquarters, also known as the Trout Lily Café (218 S. Sixth St.,
217-391-0101).
For more big fun, free for the taking, show up at the
Trout Lily around 5:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 5, to get in the mood for
a 6:30 sidewalk parade designed for revelers of all ages. Frank Parker, our
resident New Orleans trumpeter and goodwill ambassador, leads the costumed
group on a downtown adventure. After the kids are put to bed (or at least
sent home) the Second Line Downtown Pub Crawl begins at 7:30 at
Robbie’s Restaurant (4 S. Old Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901) with Frank
and band once again leading a parade, only this time through the bars with
possible — do ya think? — stops along the way.
Jazz Central Station (Hilton Springfield, 700 E.
Adams St., 217-789-1530) tosses its beads into the ring, too, hosting a Fat
Tuesday party 7-10 p.m. Feb. 5. The celebration features free food (New
Orleans-style, of course), drink specials (get your Hurricane in a glass),
and music by New Orleans transplant Roger Kimball. Saxophonist Kimball, who
actually relocated to Springfield before Hurricane Katrina nearly wiped out
the Crescent City, formed an incredible band using some of our best local
musicians that just plain cuts loose on some funky blues and New Orleans
standards.
Now, let the good times roll and behave yourself
until Easter. • Musicians, your attention please: Performers
of jazz and blues who are interested in playing at the 2008 Washington
Street Jazz & Blues Festival on June 21 should send a demo CD or
cassette tape plus biographical information to the Springfield Area Arts
Council or call 217-753-3519 for more information. The deadline is Feb. 22;
last year’s performers are ineligible. The festival features six
bands on two stages, and proceeds aid the SAAC’s quest to make our
world a better place through support of the local arts.
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com
This article appears in Jan 24-30, 2008.
